
Siem Reap, Cambodia – A Traveling Soul’s Paradise
There’s not that many places in the world that could make you travel back in time and witness the wonders of culture, nature and history all at the same time. Siem Reap is one of those places.
I’ve been to Siem Reap twice now, and I still find myself wanting to go back. Although a fairly small province, it has everything any kind of traveler would look for. It’s been able to preserve its culture and tradition while allowing modern comforts to settle in – trendy hostels with the paddy fields as the backdrop. The currency used in Siem Reap is the US dollar which is convenient for most travelers. Getting around the city is also easy – Tuk Tuks can be seen along every corner, bike and motorcycle rentals as well. The locals are some of the friendliest and most accommodating people in the world, always smiling and eager to help.
Most important of all, the sights of Siem Reap are so breathtaking and the selection of activities you can do is so vast that you’ll have a hard time deciding which ones to see and do first. Hopefully, this guide will help you make that decision.
What to see in Siem Reap Cambodia
#1: Angkor Archaeological Park
The picture-perfect scenery on postcards, the beautiful sunsets shown in travel magazines and websites – everyone who travels to Siem Reap does so to see Angkor Wat. But what often gets left out is that Angkor Wat is just one of the many temples in Angkor Archaeological Park that are just as picturesque.
Admission fees for the park are relatively cheap and so worth it. It costs $20 for a 1-day pass, $40 for a 3-day pass and $60 for a 7-day pass. Transportation and tour around the Park can often be arranged through the accommodation you’re staying in and, if not, the Park itself offers tour guides. It’s also important to keep in mind that all the temples you’re about to see are deemed holy and sacred by the Cambodian people, so be mindful of the clothes you’re going to wear. Some temples – the top tier of Angkor Wat, for example – do not allow visitors wearing shorts and sleeveless tops to enter.
Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat truly is the epitome of splendor. There is no postcard or photograph in the world that can do it justice, so believe me when I tell you that waking up at 5 a.m. is so totally worth it.
Angkor Thom is a temple complex that is also a must-see. The Bayon Temple, with its huge stone faces, is one of my favorite temples. Walking among its ruins leaves you in awe with the wonders of the hands of man. The other temples in the complex – Baphuon and The Elephant Terrace, to name a few – are just as impressive. Book your day tour here.
From Angkor Thom, you can choose to take either of two routes – the Little Circuit and the Big Circuit. We chose to take the Little Circuit because we wanted to see the famous Ta Prohm. Famous for being one of the locations in Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm always sees a big number of tourists. Don’t be discouraged by it though; the magnificent sight of trees intertwining with the stone ruins and large doorways makes walking in the crowd worth it. It’s a perfect combination of nature and man-made creation.
If you have more time to spare or if you purchased a 3 or 7-day pass, be sure to check out the temples that are further away from Angkor Wat and central Siem Reap. One such temple is Banteay Srei, also known as the Pink Temple. This is also one of my favorites. The drive is quite long but relaxing, with a wonderful view of the countryside. It’s rather small compared to the other temples, but what make it stand out are the gorgeous and intricate carvings all over the temple. Everything was so detailed and well-preserved that it’s mind-boggling how man was able to achieve such artistic beauty.
If Ta Prohm is too crowded for you and you’re a path-less-traveled kind of person, then Beng Mealea is the perfect place for you. I personally feel it can rival the beauty of Ta Prohm. Unlike the popular temples, Beng Mealea is practically a ruin left in the hands of the jungle, which adds to its stunning mystery.
For those determined to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the world’s most beautiful places and are willing to shell out the money to do so, there is a hot air balloon tour inside the Angkor Park. Viewing the sunrise while on a hot air balloon? That’s got to be on anyone’s bucket list.
#2: Phnom Kulen National Park
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Another lesser known destination for tourists, Phnom Kulen is a long drive from Siem Reap but the few people who do make time for it have never regretted it. It’s a relatively easy hike through the jungle to the waterfall where you can swim and have a small picnic. It’s definitely a nice change from the temple-hopping in Angkor Park. I found the entire experience fun and refreshing.
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#3: Tonle Sap Lake
It’s not the prettiest lake in the world, sure, but you don’t go there to see ‘pretty’. You go there to immerse yourself in the Cambodian culture. We were able to book a tour around the lake to see the houses on stilts. The tour was very informative and it gave us an interesting idea of how the floating villages work with the ever-changing water levels. It’s a nice way to see the locals and their lifestyle up close and personal. There are also tours that allow you to have lunch at one of the stilted houses.
#4: Pub Street
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After a whole day of culture, history, and nature, Pub Street is the place to chill out, let loose and just have a good time. Lined with quaint and artsy stalls as well as hip restaurants and eateries, it’s where people go to mingle with fellow travelers and share a beer or two. You can also find a lot of shops here that sell a wide array of things from Alibaba pants to local souvenirs to bring home to your loved ones. There are also establishments that offer some really good massage and fish spa – an absolute luxury after a day of walking and exploring.
What to wear in Siem Reap, Cambodia
For first-time travelers to Siem Reap, or to any new place for that matter, the questions that always come to mind first are where to stay or what to do. It’s when the packing begins that they think about the clothes they should wear and what other necessities to bring.
Siem Reap isn’t a place of fancy or elegance. It’s a place of nature and mystery. And in order to enjoy it, you have to go prepared and well-suited.
#1: Clothes
The hot weather in Siem Reap usually compels its visitors to wear tank tops, dresses and shorts. We were no exception. However, we knew that some temples in Angkor Park wouldn’t let visitors in if they did not meet the dress code. We solved this dilemma by wearing a malong and bringing a scarf instead. We used the malong to cover up when wearing shorts and we used the scarves to conceal our shoulders. It was the most convenient option for us especially since both were made of pretty light material.
Read about the uses of a Malong Here :Â 13 ways to use a malong while Traveling
#2: Shoes
Most of the activities in Siem Reap will be outdoors. Touring the temples alone will mean an entire day of walking. That said, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers or trainers like Sanuk, Keds or Skechers. Trekking sandals or any comfy sandals with straps on them are also good. A lot of the steps on the temples are very steep and narrow so you need to wear footwear that won’t keep falling off.
What to bring in Siem Reap, Cambodia
#3: Accessories
The sun’s almost always out the entire day so make sure to bring a sun hat to keep your head cool and a pair of sunglasses for your eyes.

#4: Other necessities
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of bringing sunblock and a bottle of water especially when touring Angkor Park. The weather can reach extremely high temperatures and the heat can be intense so the absence of sunblock and water can very well lead to dehydration. A fan can also be useful in keeping yourself cool.
And of course, you can’t go to one of the world’s most historical places without bringing a camera. I suggest you put your camera (or your smartphone) in a sturdy case. I dropped my phone twice while I was in Angkor Wat and I’m pretty sure it would’ve broke had it not been for my hardcase.
 For Next Time
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For those who are looking for more adventurous things to do, Flight of the Gibbon is a zip line canopy tour of Angkor Park. It’s the first of its kind in Cambodia and has been getting rave reviews from its customers. There are also dozens of quad tours in the city center that offers half-day or whole-day countryside and temple tours. I haven’t tried these yet, but based on what I’ve heard from those who have, these are definitely a must-try.
So is Siem Reap a perfect destination for tourists? History buffs? Adventure lovers? Culture enthusiasts? Yes, yes, yes and yes. No one goes to Siem Reap and leaves it feeling unfulfilled and unchanged. When you experience firsthand everything Siem Reap has to offer to the traveling soul, there’s no other option than to feel the desire to go back.

Ready to go to Cambodia? Â Read What I wish I knew Before I went to Cambodia
Agree with all of this – but must must also add a visit to Phare the Cambodian circus. That was THE best thing we did in Cambodia aside from Angkor Wat of course. Really touching experience and brought a tear in our eye to all of us!
Thanks for that. I wasn’t able to go. Perhaps I shall consider it for next time. 😀
Cambodia is so on top of my bucket list. Your photos are gorgeous, and I can’t wait to see some of these places myself.
Absolutely loved my time in Siem Reap. I went to Tonle Sap as well which was awesome. I didn’t know about the National Park. Looks lovely.
Great recommendations! And what beautiful photos. Yes, you guessed, this is on my travel list.
This is the fifth article I read about Cambodia today and I wasn’t even searching for it. I think it’s a sign it’s time to visit.
Go 😀 It’s interesting 😀
It looks like you had so much fun. An ancient temple that I’d love to visit.
My favorite was Ta Prohm and Bayon for sure! I did like Bantei Srei too. Phnom Kulen was fun but the drk skin sucker fish were huge!!
We went to Beng Malea the 2nd time I visited. It’s worth the travel too plus no crowd. It was just us and another couple.
Haven’t been to Cambodia yet but have been researching. Of Course, Angkor Archaeological Park is on the list and I’d love to visit the rest of your suggestions too.
Your kids would love it here too Brenda. Our guide did a good job of explaining history in a way that even kids would appreciate. Plus, he was a good photographer. Extra bonus ?
I totally agree with you! I visited these places and they are all great!
We LOVED Siem Reap and the surrounding temples. While we NEVER pay for tours and guides, I’m glad that we had a guide for the temples, which not only was a treat to not have to find places on our own, but we also got a great glimpse into both current and past Khmer culture with him! Here is our 5 Day Suggested Itinerary http://www.economicalexcursionists.com/siem-reap-angkor-wat/#.VjXJdberS00
Siem Reap is stunning. These temples are so unique. I’ve seen images from there so many times, but it always impress me.
Wow, I would definitely love to visit Siem Reap one day – and the options you have described look great. While I love seeing the major sites I always enjoy finding some lesser known places to visits so the ones you have suggested look like great options.
This is useful stuff! BTW, I love your jumping picture 😀
I absolutely Loved Cambodia. Your pics are awesome thanks for sharing.
This is such a great list! I was just there last winter and I can’t believe I missed the waterfall
I loved my time in Siem Reap and visiting the Angkor complex of temples! I loved the temples that were further away, like Beng Mealea. I would also add that following the temple circuits in reverse is a great way to avoid the large tour buses that systematically go from one temple to the next.
I only visited the archeological park of Angkor Wat, you made me want to go back!
I am already preparing some plans for tomorrow, I was thinking about Cambodia many times, after posts like this one I am just more sure I want to go there! Thank you for some tips about Siem Reap area 🙂
I am already preparing some plans for next year, I was thinking about Cambodia many times, after posts like this one I am just more sure I want to go there! Thank you for some tips about Siem Reap area 🙂
Very nice list Karla. I saw too many beautiful pictures from Cambodia that I would have to visit to see it myself 😉 Top would be to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Once, we woke up at 4am to drive up the volcano on Maui to see the sunrise and it was worth it!
What a gorgeous place. Siem Reap looks amazing! Waterfalls, temples and so much more–it all looks great. I would really love to visit Angkor Wat and the Angkor Archeological Park!
Cambodia is high on travel list. It offeres so much to every travelers. Really a travel Paradise.
Cambodia is one of the few South-East Asian countries I’ve not yet visited! Angkor is obviously on the top of its list, however I have recently read that the mass tourism has caused untold damage to the complex…
I absolutely love the intricate beauty of those tangled tree routes – it’s just amazing. Looks like an incredible trip.
Oh yes, I absolutely enjoy Siem Reap too. I’d love to be back soon, this time with my kids too.
Thanks Karla! This is gonna be a great guide for me when I move to SeAsia 🙂
Is it actually called Pub Street? Amazing! We missed out, we’ll need to go back!
One just can never get enough of Siem Reap and angkor. I have been three times and would happily go a fourth 🙂
Fantastic photos as usual, Karla! Glad you had fun! Xx
definitely adding this on my bucket list!
Waaah I’ve been to Cambodia last year but I missed the lake! Maybe next time haha
It is still a shame I got so sick from Bangkok when I visit Siem Reap and it stripped me off all the opportunities to roam around this beautiful place!
We really enjoyed Cambodia. I agree with you the people are lovely. We did a cooking class in Siem Reap and it was fantastic. Well organised and we learned some stuff to make at home. Now whenever we cook it the its an opportunity to remember this trip.
Siem Reap Is definitely a travelers paradise! Lots of interesting places to visit and explore! Loved the photos!
I have never been to Cambodia and Im bookmarking this post for future reference. I love it! Cant wait to visit there
I’m looking forward to visiting Cambodia soon. I received a free stay invitation so this post just made me more excited about it. Hopefully, I can also take a photo in the places you’ve been in also. 🙂
Have fun Louise, lucky you get a free stay. You will enjoy. Did I mention November is also a good month? Not too hot and not too rainy. It was really hot and humid in June but November was good ( still hot, but bearable)
I’m heading out to Cambodia for the first time in May and I can’t wait to see all of these 🙂 the Phnom Kulen National Park looks so cool
You will love Cambodia, might be hot in May though so be prepared. All else, have fun! 🙂