Things To Do in Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a city rich in culture and history. It is a city still trying to heal from its past but is also moving forward with the lessons learned from it. Siem Reap is a wonderful place to visit, especially for the history buffs. If you didn’t have Siem Reap on your list, you should definitely pencil it in now. Explore the top things to do in Siem Reap and places you can go!
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1. Visit the Angkor Archaeological Park
The Angkor Archaeological Park houses a number of temples in its yard such as Angkor Watt, Ta Prohm and Bayon. Angkor Watt is the biggest Buddhist Temple in the world. It took 30 years to build.
Live out your Lara Croft dream when you visit Ta Prohm. It is one of the sites where Tomb Raider was filmed. Bayon, on the other hand, is famous for its unique architecture which features a lot of smiling faces. You can either spend a day in the park or even a wee. There is much to see and learn. It is best to go with a guide who can explain the histories of the temples and their architecture.
2. Visit The Markets
The markets are the heart of the city. The market is where the locals get everything that they need from groceries, meat, clothing and so on. You can even make market hopping one of the things to do. You can try local food, buy locally made crafts as souvenirs and even get gem stones.
Put the Angkor Night Market, Phsar Chas or the Old Market and the Noon Night Market. The markets are also a great place to bargain so you can get your souvenirs at a good price. However, Cambodia is a developing country and the locals rely heavily on the income that comes for the tourists to make a living so mindful when you bargain for your goods.
Check out: 2-Day Discover Angkor, Local Market & Village
3. Go On A Cycling Tour
One of the best ways to explore Siem Reap is by going on a bike tour in the countryside. Ride past villages and farms and observe the locals living their day to day lives. You can also do a bike tour around the temples if that is more of your cup of tea.
Get a local tour guide that can bring you to the best spots in their town. Other than being able to squeeze in a quick workout, you can stay at one location longer if you wish to. Maybe join a cooking class and learn how to make a local dish while you’re doing the tour. It will surely be an authentic experience.
Check out: Cooking Class in Herb Garden
4. Treat Yo Self
After all the walking, cycling, learning and exploring, it is time to take some time to relax. It is a vacation after all. Go and get a massage for a cheap price. It is a deal like no other! Even though they are cheap, these massages are worth it. As is at any massage parlours, there are different types of massages to choose from. If you get one with oils, the massages tend to be more expensive. Traditional massages may get your body twisted in ways you never thought your body can twist but they will surely feel so cracking good.
Once you’re done with that, get yourself a nice dinner and watch a traditional dance show. Watching an apsara dance show is something that should be in your mut do list. Apsaras mean beautiful ladies and traditionally only dance for the royalties. But no, even you can have a royally good time.
5. Tour the Floating Villages
Go on a tour to the unique floating villages in Siem Reap. These villages are where the locals mostly live. You can go on a tour of the floating villages in Tonle Sap lake – which is the most important lake in Cambodia. Observe how the locals live, houses stand on stilts and the creative ways the locals decorate their houses. However, be aware that the tours don’t really help the locals. But, you can buy merchandise or food from the local vendors directly to support them.
Check out: Sunset Boat and Cycling Tour in Floating Village
