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Want to explore Siem Reap, Cambodia, the home of Angkor Wat? I recently visited for a second time and decided to spend a few extra days after work was done because Siem Reap is just so lovely!
There are plenty of things to do at Siem Reap beyond Angkor Wat so I recommend you take a few extra days to see what the city and the surroundings have to offer. In this little Siem Reap travel guide, I also share my favorite places to eat in Siem Reap and a hotel for every budget.
Things to do In Siem Reap
Yes, Angkor Wat is probably the main draw for visitors coming to Siem Reap but there is more to the town by now and it is worth staying a few days and exploring. Here are some Siem Reap activities you shouldn’t miss.
See Angkor Wat
When you ask most people what to do in Siem Reap, they will mention Angkor Wat. In fact, it seems like Siem Reap only exists to cater to excited tourists wanting to see Angkor Wat as this is often the first and sometimes the only thing people will do here.
Mind you, with good reason because the temples at Siem Reap that make up the Angkor Archaeological Park are world-renowned. Summarized as Angkor Wat, it is a site with over 400 km2 and many different temples (only one of them actually named Angkor Wat), gardens, walls, arts, and artifacts, making it the largest religious site in the world.
If you are truly keen to make the most of your visit you should get a 3-day ticket to Angkor Wat. This way you can visit different temples for sunrise at Angkor Wat and truly take your time at each without getting ‘templed out’ too quickly.
Street Food Tour in Siem Reap
I think Cambodian food and the Khmer cuisine are hugely underrated. Besides Amok, there are so many fantastic dishes, and if you are not into spicy food, you have come to the right place – many Cambodian dishes are more sour than spicy.
As you may know, I am a huge fan of street food tours with A Chef’s Tour, and they have been in Siem Reap for a while. You can choose between a midday and late afternoon/evening tour. I chose the latter, the Khmer Kitchens tour, and met my wonderful guide Joey, who was taking me around in a remorque.
If the only Cambodian dish you know is Amok, these tours are for you! We started our trip with famous mee kola noodles and the Cambodian version of a banh xeo. This crepe is usually well known in Vietnam (though one of my favorite stalls in Bangkok makes an amazing rendition too!), but thanks to the countries’ proximity, Cambodia has made its own version. And as much as I love Vietnamese food, I think it is better!
We also watched how traditional noodles are made and mixed with fermented catfish, and had a Cambodian banh mie with sizzling meat at an all-women’s restaurant. What makes the evening tour extra special is a trip out of town where you will eat overlooking the lotus paddies at a not-so-everyday restaurant.
Apopo
If you only see one place in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat, make it the Herorats at APOPO. Yes, you read this correctly – Herorats! After decades of wars and civil wars, Cambodia is unfortunately left with millions of hidden landmines. Getting them out is labor-intensive and very expensive (a landmine can cost up to $75, but getting it out can cost as much as $1000).
This is why APOPO started in Cambodia: a Belgian enterprise using Giant African Pouch Rats to sniff TNT (or tuberculosis in some African countries). Rats are trained to search for TNT through a click-and-reward system and can alert their handlers when they find a hidden landmine. They can search a tennis court-sized area in 30 minutes, while regular metal detectors need 4 days!
At the center, you see how they are trained and work. They have a very cushy life as they can only work up to 3 hours per day, get a ton of snacks, and live in an air-conditioned room for the rest of the time – while from Africa, they are not big fans of the hot temperatures in Cambodia. If you want, you can also meet and hold one of the Herorats later – trust me, they are very friendly and cute!
APOPO also has a nice little gift shop, and tickets are only $10 online or at the door. You can also book your visit with a round-trip transfer. And if you want to support their work further, you can even adopt a rat!
Cooking class Siem Reap
One of my favorite Siem Reap activities was a Khmer cooking class Kroya Restaurant at Shinta Mani. First up a tuk-tuk ride to the market in town where the chef explained various ingredients to us that are used in Cambodian cuisine.
After we went to the hotel’s very own training kitchen and set to work. We learned how to make green mango salad with prawns, sour kang kong soup with beef, fish amok, and sweet rice dumplings for dessert. And of course, we got to eat it all after!
Even if you are not staying at Shinta Mani you can still book a cooking class at Kroya for $45 per person (two-person minimum). This includes a market visit, a 4-course meal, and a booklet with the recipes. Alternatively, you can book a Siem Reap cooking class here:
Tonlé Sap Lake Tour
The Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and part of the Mekong River system. The lake is a UNESCO biosphere reserve thanks to its biodiversity above and below the surface and also home to many people, who live on the lake in floating villages.
From Siem Reap it is a quick trip to Tonlé Sap where you can board a boat and visit some of these floating villages. Most villages even have a church and a school built on the water.
While tours to those villages are all part of the tourism economy of the area, it can feel a little invasive to cruise by people’s houses. Make sure not to snap intrusive pictures and spend some money at the local restaurant in addition to your tour so people who live here have a direct benefit of the tourists coming into their floating backyards.
Sunset in the fields
Just outside Siem Reap on your way from Tonlé Sap you will find plenty of rice paddies and lotus fields. This is where the locals go for a sunset picnic – either on a date or with the family. Take your own or go to one of the vendors on the roadside where you can buy snacks and drinks, it doesn’t get any more local than that!
Siem Reap Pub Street
One of the places to visit in Siem Reap is Pub Street, for better or for worse. It’s almost a rite of passage just like visiting Khao San Road in Bangkok. Luckily you can just take a quick stroll as Pub Street isn’t long if you don’t think fish spas and cheap beers for backpackers are your scene.
When in doubt, have a classic Tomb Raider cocktail at the Red Piano and you can add it to your ‘been there, done that’ list. And of course, you can get a t-shirt too!
Apsara Theatre
Dinner theatre at its best awaits at the Apsara Restaurant-Theatre. While you are feasting on a Khmer meal you are watching traditional Cambodian dances on stage.
The theatre employs 40 dancers, musicians, and singers that perform various dances throughout the evening. Especially cool: every guest gets a little booklet that explains the story behind each dance as well as particular hand gestures and props used throughout.
For dinner, you will get your a tray with various dishes like amok, spring rolls, and chicken pineapple as well as an extra tray for desserts. Vegetarian options are available too.
You have the choice to sit in the main room level with the stage or upstairs. I’d recommend the latter as sitting here is way more comfortable and you have a better overview of the stage.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
If you are a circus fan (minus the animal abuse, of course), I recommend visiting Phare. Artists come from Phare Ponleu Selpak, a training center in Battambang founded after the war to support and train impoverished young Cambodians.
Today Phare offers a modern circus performance that I got to see during our GX Summit. Of course, the whole show is much more magical, and if you want something a bit more modern than an Apsara performance, I highly recommend an evening at Phare.
Stroll through the market
There are plenty of markets all around Siem Reap to stroll and shop. If you are not into livestock and fruit avoid the produce market in the center but rather head to the Pshar Chas, the Old Market, or the various night markets where you can buy everything and anything – from cheesy tourist t-shirts to artisan ceramics and scarves.
One of my favorites was the Made in Cambodia Market which is close to the Shinta Mani hotel. The market is tiny but you at least get the feeling that you are buying true artisanal products and best of all (perfect for shoppers like myself who get easily overwhelmed) there is only one stall of each: one for scarves, one for pottery, one for cosmetics…
Get a Massage
Can you go to Asia and not get a massage? There are plenty of inexpensive spas all around Siem Reap where you can get a massage for as little as $1 for 30 minutes. I went for the pricier option of $3 for a foot massage after dinner one night and let’s just say that it was a clear case of you get what you pay for. Then again it may have just been bad luck as I am sure there are plenty of places where even the cheap massages will be decent.
However, mine left me wanting and so I booked myself for a 3-hour spa package at the Khmer Tonics Spa at Shinta Mani which was heavenly. If you wanted a medium splurge, check out the Sokkhak Spa Riverside which also has great offers for spa packages.
Siem reap restaurants that I tried & liked
I love Cambodian food and Siem Reap has no shortcomings of some amazing restaurants. Here are some of my favorites.
Jomno
Jomno – Modern Khmer Cuisine is the perfect restaurant in Siem Reap if you want to try a modern take on traditional Khmer food. The setting is lovely with a light and airy house set in a cute garden just on the other side of the river. Either take a leisurely stroll or simply take a tuk-tuk for a few dollars to get there.
Classics like amok are turned into ‘Crispy Chicken Amok Salad’ or try their famous ‘Battambang Sausage’. They also have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options like the ‘Vegan Brohok Ktes’, a well-known country dish with tofu, mushrooms, and coconut gravy.
They also make some good innovative cocktails if you are not keen on the classic Tomb Raider from Pub Street…
Embassy by Chef Kimsan
Kimsan Pol, better known as Chef Kimsan, is one of Cambodia’s premier chefs. That she runs an all-female restaurant only makes her more interesting to me. If you are looking for a fine-dining restaurant in Siem Reap with Khmer flavors, Embassy is the place for you.
You can go for lunch or dinner, and Embassy offers various menus including vegetarian options. And yes, wine pairing is available too! I recommend coming in the evening, as the restaurant is quite magical and romantic at night. The food offers authentic flavors with elegant touches, like smoked grouper with green mango, a trio of cockles from Koh Rong, and sweet & sour duck soup.
If you want to treat yourself or celebrate a special occasion, this is the place. Also, don’t you dare refuse the mignardises – their petit fours are amazing!
Amok by Chef Kimsan
Coming to Cambodia, you’ll probably eat an amok or two. Cambodia’s national dish, a savory custard steamed in a banana leaf parcel, is a beloved staple. It’s so popular that Chef Kimsan has dedicated an entire restaurant to it.
Amok by Chef Kimsan features a variety of Khmer dishes and various amoks with fish, veggies, or meats. A novel concept: you can order an amok flight with 4, 5, or 6 varieties and different proteins.
The restaurant is right at the beginning of Pub Street and it can be quite noisy; however, that shouldn’t deter you – it is a lovely, little place, and the amok is great (as far as I can tell).
SPOONS Café Restaurant
Yet another thoughtful organization is SPOONS Café Restaurant, a local social enterprise restaurant in Siem Reap. The SPOONS Cambodia Organization offers holistic vocational training programs for underprivileged young adults, and they get hands-on training at the restaurant.
Eating at the restaurant is a great way to support this enterprise while enjoying delicious food. I went as part of our G Adventures trip and got spoiled with a whole food market: from baby frog to grilled beef, banana flower salads, and fermented brown rice popsicles, there was something for everyone.
But of course, you don’t have to travel with G Adventures to go there; you can simply make your own reservation.
HAVEN
HAVEN is a social enterprise and training restaurant from Swiss couple Sara and Paul Wallimann. They offer a program for underprivileged young Cambodians that teaches them various skills in the hospitality industry over a course of 16 months. Upon graduation, they also help their students with job placement.
Eating at HAVEN finances this enterprise and of course, students get a hands-on experience at the restaurant. On the menu are Asian and international classics like chicken satay, an innovative version of fish ’n chips, and some Khmer favorites.
Il Forno
Sometimes all you crave is a good pizza and I was a good week into my Vietnam/Cambodia adventure when I hit that spot. I found Il Forno on Google and it looked lovely with great reviews so I gave it a go.
It is a little tricky to find as you basically enter from Pub Street and walk through the open seating area of the Khmer Family Restaurant before you are hitting an alley of sorts where you will see it immediately.
If you are looking for a great, woodfire pizza in Siem Reap this is the place – my Napoli pizza was awesome. Be warned, the medium size is more than generous for the average eater!
Jungle Burger
Same as pizza, sometimes all you want is a good burger. While Jungle Burger is a bit small and hot, they have an awesome burger menu. Most importantly for my very specific craving: they have a smash burger. While it wasn’t as good as my favorite one in Phuket Old Town, it still hit the mark.
Washed down with a $1 draft it is a good place for a quick bite in Siem Reap.
Gelato Lab
Okay, technically Gelato Lab is not a restaurant in Siem Reap however it is the perfect place to go after a meal and have some ice cream for dessert. All their ice cream is homemade with local ingredients and just so yummy.
The little shop is just around the corner from Pub Street so you and your ice cream can take a stroll afterward.
Where to stay in Siem Reap
There are plenty of hostels, guesthouses, and hotels in Siem Reap with something for every budget. Here are some of my tried and tested favorites depending on your budget and what you are in the mood for.
Shinta Mani Angkor
If you are looking for the boutique hotel in Siem Reap look no further than Shinta Mani Angkor. The resort offers beautiful rooms and private pool villas, adding local touches to Bill Bensley’s signature style. If you can definitely splurge on a private villa that offers many perks including butler service.
The property is split into two main buildings and offers multiple restaurants, two pools, its very own kitchen for cooking classes, a beautiful spa, and a prime location in the heart of the Royal District. The interior is incredibly cool and definitely something both Wednesday and Willy Wonka would like.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
I have stayed at my fair share of stunning hotels all over the world, but I never stayed at the Raffles in Singapore, or at least not yet. So I was even more excited to stay at the Raffles in Siem Reap. The hotel was formerly known as the Grand Hotel d’Angkor and has an illustrious history (hello, Jackie Kennedy!).
Today, it seamlessly merges old-world charm with modern-day amenities and incredible service. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and while the phone may look old-fashioned, it works, as do the Nespresso maker and the really hot shower in the bathroom.
Breakfast is the most elaborate affair with French pastries, Khmer noodle soups, and any eggs your heart may desire. Of course, there are bubbles too.
They also offer a stunning pool, a bar, shops, and an unbeatable location right in the heart of Siem Reap.
Angkor Village Hotel
For something a bit more traditional, you should stay at the Angkor Village Hotel. The property resembles a Khmer village with beautiful rooms in small wooden houses set around a large pond in the middle of the property.
Definitely choose one of the upstairs rooms for more privacy and a great view over that pond. Rooms come with a four-poster bed (or two if you have a twin room), a small seating area, and a separate bathroom – all decorated and tiled in a classic Cambodian style.
Onederz
For my last couple of days in Siem Reap, I moved over to Onederz hostel which had great reviews and is within walking distance from Pub Street. They have two buildings separated by a small road. Each building has a pool and various dorms and single rooms. The main building with reception also has a large lounge area, bar, and restaurant.
While the rooms are more than simple, the bed was comfy and the wifi good. A big plus is the very social restaurant where you can get some good and inexpensive food and cocktails. Onederz also organizes various tours in Siem Reap.
How to get around Siem Reap & Other Tips
- Siem Reap is a proper city (about 250,000 people live there), and it shows: huge, clean sidewalks and riverfront paths for walking. On the other hand, most of the action is confined to the city center, at least for visitors, and for better or worse, you will miss the typical traffic chaos of other Asian cities here.
- You can easily walk from A to B without worrying about crossing the street or getting hit by a bike. Alternatively, tuk-tuks and remorques (slightly bigger carriages with a motorbike) are the way to go. Most distances within the city will cost you $1-2. Riding a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap is nothing like riding one in Bangkok traffic, and it’s actually quite fun!
- Drivers will approach you anywhere and everywhere, especially in front of the big hotels and at tourist areas like Pub Street. Just negotiate your fare and hop in.
- Alternatively, you can use Uber or PassApp. You can order a regular taxi, a tuk-tuk, or a remorque through the apps.
- For a trip to Angkor or other excursions, I recommend booking a ride with the Tuk Tuk Lady Drivers. It is an awesome initiative brought to life by Kim, a single mother who came up with the concept and became Siem Reap’s first female tuk-tuk driver. She now works with many women, providing them a good way to support themselves.
Money & Wifi
- Everywhere in Cambodia, you can usually pay in both, US dollars and Cambodian riel. If you pay in dollars, you’ll usually get change in riel, or a combination of both, depending on what vendors have available. The exchange rate currently used is usually 1 dollar = 4000 riel.
- Luckily, most ATMs let you choose between dollars and riel. Make sure to check their fees beforehand: I found out the hard way that fees vary quite a bit. Sacombank charges only $4, and Cathay United charges $6!
- Many places will take credit card payment. For smaller places, you will need cash or a QR payment app. I use the Moreta app, which lets me transfer money with Wise (or a credit card if you are from the US). Once I have money in my account, I can pay via scan. This app is super convenient as most vendors use it, and you can pay even small amounts cashless.
- Wifi was really good in most hotels I stayed in, and on the go, I used my Holafly Asia eSIM that includes Cambodia.
Buy a Holafly Asia eSIM and get 5% off on eSIMs and 10% off on Holafly Plans (for the first 12 months) with code MIDNIGHTBLUE
How to get to Siem Reap
To be honest, your options are somewhat limited as there is no train station in Siem Reap and boat traffic is also sparse. At the moment, the land border between Thailand and Cambodia is still closed, so if you’re arriving in Siem Reap from abroad, you most likely will have to fly.
If you are already in the country, you can also take a bus or a private transport. When I traveled to Cambodia with G Adventures, we were transported in a private bus convoy from Phnom Penh, and while the trip was long, the roads were quite comfortable.
Most visitors opt to fly, especially since Siem Reap has a beautiful, relatively new airport.
The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is now located about 45 kilometers from town. Compared to the former airport, this is quite far, and a taxi ride can take a good hour. Don’t try to get a tuk-tuk or remorque; the drive isn’t comfortable in an open vehicle.
You can book most kinds of vehicles through Grab. Taxi prices are about $25, a minivan $35, and a remorque about $18. Drivers must pay a $2 highway toll, which isn’t always included in the price, so please reimburse them for that amount.
I, however, recommend you contact my favorite driver, Kung Reap, on WhatsApp – he is a great driver and a wonderful storyteller. Your drive will go by in no time!
When arriving in Cambodia, you will probably need a visa. Most international arrivals can apply for a 30-day tourist visa. You can either get an e-visa online before your visit or get a visa on arrival when you get to the airport. Either way, the visa is $30 – make sure to bring cash if you are getting your visa on arrival.
The new airport is modern and still very chilled because of the limited number of flights. Most check-in counters open only 2 hours before departure. When you leave, some countries can use an eGate for immigration. These countries currently include the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, as well as ASEAN members and a few others.
Airside, you will find some nice shops and duty-free, the Angkor Lounge with amazing cake (I used my Priority Pass to get in), and of course Starbucks & Co.
