Siem Reap Cambodia: Go Beyond the Temple Tours

Angkor National Museum

Dive into the rich history and art of the Khmer Empire at the Angkor National Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing artifacts, sculptures, and displays that provide valuable context and understanding of the Angkorian period before or after visiting the temples. My family went after our temple tour day, and it helped us all connect better to what we’d seen.

APPOPO Hero Rats

Learn about the fascinating work of APOPO, an organization that trains African giant-pouched rats to detect landmines and tuberculosis. Take a tour of their training center to see these incredible animals in action and understand the impact of their humanitarian work. Don’t miss your chance to hold one for a photo op! My tween loved this so much he asked to return a second time. We even had a snack in their cafe, and I highly recommend their ice-cold coconuts.

Night markets

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Siem Reap’s night markets. Browse stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and local food. My favorite thing to do is get a fish pedicure! The fish get dinner, and you get the smoothest feet you’ve ever experienced. Win-win! Night markets are also a great place to experience the local culture and sample street food. Don’t forget to bargain. Nothing has a price—everything is negotiable, and it’s expected that you’ll offer low after their high offer, then meet somewhere in between. It’s part of the fun!

Silk farm tour

There are two silk farms in Siem Reap, and both are worth a visit! You can easily hire a driver and see both in one day. At the Lotus Silk Farm, you’ll discover the process of creating exquisite lotus silk, a unique and sustainable fabric made from lotus stems. Take a tour of the farm to learn about the cultivation of lotus plants, the extraction of fibers, and the intricate weaving techniques. You can even upgrade your tour to include hands-on workshops and other activities! I recommend making a bracelet from the lotus seeds. The other tour is at Angkor Silk Farm, which is a traditional silk maker using silk worms that turn into moths. Their large workshops focus on employing local people, especially those with disabilities, and it’s truly amazing to see their entire process from the silk worm life cycle to creating the patterns on paper and making them into works of art on the looms! If they offer you a chance to eat a silk worm, which is a local delicacy, I dare you to say yes (I did!).

Phare Cambodian Circus

Experience the energy and talent of a true Cambodian cultural delight. This acrobatic performance tells stories through circus arts, music, and theater, often addressing social issues and cultural themes. It’s a powerful and entertaining experience, plus they change the performance every calendar week so if you’re staying a few days, you can go twice and see something totally different! We went twice. I highly recommend upgrading your ticket to include the behind-the-scenes visit so you can meet the acrobats and have a fuller cultural experience.

Take a cooking class

Immerse yourself in Cambodian cuisine by taking a cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes (we made fish amok, beef lok-lak, and spring rolls) visit local markets to select ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results of your efforts. It’s a fun and interactive way to experience the culture, which is why this is one of my favorite things to do everywhere we go!

Have custom clothes made

Take advantage of Siem Reap’s skilled tailors and have custom-made clothing. Choose from a wide variety of fabrics and designs, and get garments tailored to your precise measurements. It’s a great opportunity to get unique pieces at affordable prices. I snagged a pair of customized linen pants for just $40, while my husband got a shirt made and also had one of his shirts custom printed with local leaves and handmade dyes. It’s truly one of a kind!

Angkor Eye Ferris Wheel

Get a bird’s-eye view of Siem Reap and the surrounding countryside from the Angkor Eye Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a leisurely ride and take in the panoramic scenery, especially beautiful at sunset.

Floating Village Tour (Tonle Sap Lake)

Take a boat trip to explore the unique floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Observe daily life on the water, see floating schools, markets, and houses, and learn about the lake’s ecosystem. This offers a glimpse into a different way of life and supports local communities. Do note that the best time of year to do this excursion is September through March, when the lake level is highest.

Traditional Apsara Dance Performance

Experience Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage with a traditional Apsara dance performance. These mesmerizing performances showcase intricate costumes and graceful movements, telling ancient stories through dance. Many restaurants offer dinner shows that include Apsara performances, so you could even go to more than one to get a feel for different local dance styles.

1. Haven: Haven Training Restaurant is a social enterprise that empowers disadvantaged young adults through hospitality training. Enjoy delicious Khmer and Western dishes while supporting a great cause. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the food is consistently excellent. This was recommended to me by a well-traveled friend and it was spot on! If you only go to one restaurant while in Siem Reap, this is it!

2. Cafe Soriya: A local favorite, Cafe Soriya offers a mix of Cambodian and international cuisine in a casual setting. Known for its generous portions, affordable prices, and friendly service, it’s a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. I love their eggs benedict, my tween loves their pancakes, and my entire family loves their fruit plate. Their smoothies are also really good.

3. Fresh Fruit Factory: Perfect for a refreshing treat or a light meal, the Fresh Fruit Factory serves a variety of smoothies, juices, fruit bowls, and healthy snacks. It’s very vegetarian and vegan-friendly, and it’s an ideal place to cool down on a hot day and get your daily dose of vitamins with fresh, local produce. Plus, the owners are just lovely people!

4. Wild: Wild specializes in creative spring rolls with unique and unexpected fillings. My family loves spring rolls, so it was a must-try during our stay in Sieam Reap! This vibrant restaurant offers a fun and innovative dining experience, with options for both vegetarians and meat-lovers. The colorful presentation and tasty combinations make it a memorable meal for adults and kids alike.

5. Madam Moch Khmer Restaurant: If you want to experience authentic Khmer flavors, be sure to eat at Madam Moch. This charming restaurant offers a traditional dining experience with a menu featuring classic Cambodian dishes. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great choice for an immersive culinary adventure and a genuinely enjoyable evening!