5 Must-See Attractions in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Humble Traveller
- May 5
- 5 min read
Updated: May 8
Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a destination brimming with captivating experiences and cultural wonders that entice travellers from across the globe. Below is a list of my top 8 things you must see and do on your next visit.
1. Explore the Temples of Angkor
Visiting Siem Reap almost always means one thing—exploring the world-famous Angkor Wat Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top things to do in Cambodia. Dating from the 9th to 15th centuries, the Angkor temples are among the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Spanning over 400 square kilometres, the complex includes must-see landmarks like the majestic Angkor Wat, the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the mysterious Bayon Temple with its iconic stone faces, and Phnom Bakheng, known for its panoramic sunset views. This awe-inspiring site is a must-visit for history lovers, photographers, and cultural travellers alike.
Adding to this impressive array is my personal favourite, Ta Prohm temple, distinguished by its stunning fusion of ancient ruins and colossal trees, with roots intricately intertwined with the temple structures. Each of these temples not only serves as a testament to Cambodia’s rich history and cultural heritage but also beckons visitors to embark on a journey through time, marvelling at the architectural prowess and artistic ingenuity of the Khmer civilisation.
Depending on your duration of stay and level of interest, there’s a range of ticket options to choose from. As of 2025, a one-day pass costs $37 USD, a three-day pass is priced at $62 USD, and a seven-day pass is available for $72 USD. These passes grant access to all temples within the Angkor region. It’s important to note that the temples are open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. For further information or ticket purchase please visit the Angkor Enterprise website.
2. Visit the Angkor National Museum
This should be number 1! I highly recommend going to the Museum prior to visiting the temples. This will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the temples when you go to see them first-hand.
Price: $12 USD for Adults / $6 USD for Children (6-11yrs)
Audio Guides: $5 USD.
Opening Hours: 1 Apr – 30 Sep 08.30 – 18.00 and 1 Oct – 31 Mar 08.30 – 18.30
Address: No.968 Vithei Charles De Gaulle, Khrum 6, Phoum Salakanseng, Khom Sveydangum, Siem Reap Province.
Tickets can be purchased through the Angkor National Museum website or upon entry.
The Angkor National Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through time. By utilising a blend of immersive and interactive exhibits, the museum provides an enriching exploration of the religious and cultural beliefs that defined the ancient Khmer empire. You will ultimately learn about the evolution of Khmer society from its humble beginnings to its glorious peak and further, discover the intricate connections between religion, society, and governance of the Angkor temples and monuments.
3. Enjoy a Night Out on Pub Street
Your trip to Siem Reap is not complete without a late-night stroll down Pub Street, it is the nightlife hub of the town. Renowned as the vibrant epicentre of the city’s nocturnal activities, Pub Street stands as a testament to Siem Reap’s dynamic nightlife.
As a party strip, Pub Street provides a great setting for mingling with both locals and fellow travellers and gives you a chance to cut some shapes on the dance floor (if you feel like that’s something that’s been missing from your holiday so far). I would have to say Temple Club (with the open roof top) was probably my favourite, with X–Bar coming in a close second.
4. Check Out the HERO RATS at APOPO
Entry Prices (2024): $10 USD for adults (consider the fee a donation to a great cause)
Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 AM – 5PM (last tour is from 4.30PM)
Address: APOPO Siem Reap: Koumai Road Siem Reap, 17253, Cambodia
Decades after the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia still grapples with the remnants of conflict: an estimated 4-6 million unexploded landmines are still littered across the country. Tragically, new victims are reported daily, adding to the toll of over 63,000 maimed or killed by these hidden dangers.
In Siem Reap, Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development (APOPO), an NGO, offers a beacon of hope. APOPO dedicates itself to training giant pouched African rats to detect and disarm landmines, a remarkable effort saving countless lives.
This place will make you think twice about the humble rat!
Visitors are welcomed to the centre where English-speaking guides educate the public on APOPO’s vital work. The tour encompasses insights into Cambodia’s landmine crisis, followed by first-hand demonstrations of rats and handlers in action, showcasing the remarkable partnership that helps reclaim unaccessible land that remains contaminated with landmines, AND if you feel inclined, you are permitted to get a photo opportunity holding one of these giants pouched rats.
For further information about the good work at APOPO or if you would like to make a donation or sponsor a Hero Rat, please click the link here.
5. Visit a Floating Village on the Tonlé Sap Lake
To get to any of the floating villages, you can usually arrange a tour from one of the many tour agencies in town. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could just hire a motorbike and drive there yourself. I visited Kampong Phluk via motorbike. Upon arrival, I was stopped at a boom gate and told to park the motorbike before purchasing a ticket at the ticket office. Tickets were priced based on group sizes, with the minimum being $18 USD for up to 4 persons. I happened to meet a French couple that arrived at the same time as myself, and we split the boat cost four ways. I recommend taking some small change with you (a tip for the boatman is always nice) and being assertive with what you would like to do. They will likely want to take you to see extras like a “mangrove tour.” If you’re feeling up for it, go for it, but otherwise, don’t be afraid to say no.
The floating villages are known for their distinctive stilt houses.
Several floating villages near Siem Reap offer fascinating experiences, including Phnom Krom (located directly to the south), Kampong Phluk (southeast), and Kompong Khleang (further southeast). Perched atop wooden stilts, approximately 8-9 meters high, these houses present a unique sight, especially when water levels are low. Situated on the expansive Tonle Sap, meaning “fresh water,” which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, these villages are part of one of the world’s most diverse and productive ecosystems.
Kampong Phluk village is inhabited by over 3,500 residents, predominantly Cambodian and Vietnamese, many of whom rely on fishing as their primary livelihood. Exploring the village by boat allows visitors to navigate through the narrow waterways, observing the daily activities unfolding among the stilt houses. Adjacent to the village lies a mangrove forest, offering opportunities for ecological tours and birdwatching. Kampong Phluk provides a captivating insight into the distinctive lifestyle of some of Cambodia’s less affluent communities, making it a unique destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural and environmental heritage.
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