Siem Reap

Top 10 things to do in Siem Reap

1. Angkor Wat is, of course, the main tourist draw to Siam Reap, a sprawling, ancient complex of temples. A World Heritage Site for good reason, the sights of Angkor are unforgettable. The site is navigable on foot, but an even better option is a bicycle. Many hostels and hotels rent or loan bikes, a great way to travel in Siem Reap in general.

2. Ride a hot air balloon over Angkor Wat for a stunning view of the Angkor Archaeological Site at large. This is bit pricey for those on a budget, but several friends can ride together.

3. Sing karaoke at one of the many back-alley karaoke bars. These are great places to get some authentic Khmer food. Your moto or tuk-tuk driver will undoubtedly have a suggestion of where to go if you ask, and they’ll typically be happy to join you if you invite them!

4. Party on Pub Street, a stretch of bars and restaurants, some of them very nice. Pub Street is crawling with foreign tourists using Siem Reap as their basecamp for Angkor excursions, but the atmosphere is fun and the prices can’t be beat.

5. Hit the Night Market for a distinctive, chaotic, beautiful, and weird shopping experience. Stalls sell virtually everything, from clothing, to trinkets, to food, and the lively atmosphere is a great deal of fun.

6. Visit the Angkor National Museum and get a pleasant education in Khmer culture and history. The museum is surprisingly high-tech and modern, and at 12 USD is well worth the visit.

7. Shooting ranges are popular tourist destinations both here and in Phnom Penh, as well as other Southeast Asian cities. The variety of weapons available to visitors is virtually unlimited, as long as you’ve got the coin to pay for it – from machineguns to hand grenades. Pull the pin at your own risk.

8. Enlisting the services of a blind masseuse/masseur is a great way to unwind. Khmer people claim that Thai massage is actually derived from the gentler Khmer variety, and blind massage therapists are well-trained and legitimate.

9. See a show at Apsara Theatre, which offers an eclectic mix of modern and traditional dances. This is a great way to relax and take in a bit more of the local Khmer culture.

10. Kompong Phluk Floating Village is a ways outside of town, but arguably better than other floating villages. Be prepared to haggle heavily on the price for a boat ride, but it’s worth the trouble. This village on stilts is highly memorable.

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