Things to do in Siem Reap, other than Angkor Wat

Siem Reap is a city that etches itself into your memory. Its storied history, epitomized by the world-renowned Angkor Wat, offers days of inspiration and breathtaking beauty. Yet, beyond the awe-inspiring temple, Siem Reap unfolds as a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. Once your temple tour concludes, and if you find yourself with a few spare days, immerse yourself in the diverse activities listed below to truly embrace the charm that Siem Reap has to offer.

My time in Kulen Mountain:

My time in the Kulen Mountain was my second favourite thing in my whole trip in Cambodia. It taught me so much about Cambodian culture and food in an incredibly immersive way. I’d like to go through all the things I did on the mountain and then link the tour than made it possible if you wanted to do the same. I was very fortunate to have visited on the same day as the start of the water festival, of which I would attribute some of the magic.

Stop one: Trying a Cambodian famous delicacy

The trip to the mountain from Phnom Penh is a bit of a distance, it took us over an hour. But the journey was very scenic, we travelled through villages and rice paddies, observing locals in their peaceful duties. The journey is paused by a quick stop at the village Phum Preah Dak, where we first tried a palm sugar dessert. This dessert is a staple in Cambodia and its texture and taste were very unique and so delicious!

But the real star of the show is the steamed palm cakes. What makes them really special is this is the only village that makes them with this recipe. They are famed across Cambodia and I wish I had the chance to have seconds. The stall was opened as a side business during Covid but transformed into an attraction. Here is what the deputy governor of Siem Reap had to say to the Phnom Penh post:

“If you pass through the village of Preah Dak, do not forget to try the cakes and support our community. I can guarantee you that they are delicious, the cakes are soft and they smell like real palm fruit. But if you want to eat hot cakes, you’ll have to wait in line for a long time because every day there are a lot of buyers and they almost can’t keep up with the number of customers. They sell the cakes as a family”

If you want to learn more about the revival of this scrumptious tradition read more on the Phnom Pehn post: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/lifestyle/banteay-sreis-new-food-tourist-draw-tasty-palm-cakes

Stop two: The river of a thousand Linga

We next went to see the river of a thousand Linga, this is where the trip started to feel spiritual. I was awe-struck at the sight of the Linga’s in the river and the Hindu god’s faces so perfectly preserved in an erosive running stream. The site is of great religious and historical significance and is considered a pilgrimage site for Hindus. The carvings are believed to date back to the 11th to 13th centuries during the Khmer Empire. The River of a Thousand Linga’s is a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of the ancient Khmer civilization.

Stop three: Reclining Buddha

We then journeyed higher, and visited Preah Ang Thom, a reclining Buddha at the top of the mountain. The area is filled with deities and beautiful colours from various flowers and offerings. The Statue is a beautiful sight. And being amongst the locals who visit allows you to immerse yourself, a transition from a tourist stop to one of spiritual reflection.

Stop four: Kulen Waterfall

The last stop is the mighty Kulen Waterfall, it is big and fast. The tour gives you a chance to take a dip and if you are brave enough, see how near you can get to the waterfall.

Stop five: A Picnic

A picnic by the waterfall. This is really beautiful as you tuck into Cambodian delicacy in the backdrop of the waterfalls sublime marvel. I still sit and question how I can cook chicken in the same way. We also had the chance to try the fruits of the mountain which aren’t available on the mainland. Things like red banana’s which get their colour from the soil its grown in. However, one issue plaguing the waterfall is litter. Many locals and tourists choose to picnic in the area but often leave behind rubbish. If you decide to join, please take care of any waste left behind. The group I was with made a conscious effort to minimize plastic usage, using palm leaves for all food handling

If you enjoyed reading the stops of this tour please find a link to the tour I did below or feel free to try and recreate on your own! Be warned there are rules on transport on the mountain and when cars are able to go up and down.

Pub Street:

Pub Street in Siem Reap is the city’s lively nightlife hub. As the sun sets, neon lights illuminate the bustling street filled with diverse restaurants, bars, and clubs. Sidewalk tables spill onto the street, creating a social atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying local cuisine, sipping cocktails, or dancing to music from various venues, Pub Street offers a vibrant and unforgettable nightlife experience, attracting locals and tourists alike.

The Floating Market:

Kampong Phluk, nestled along the Tonle Sap Lake near Siem Reap, is a captivating floating village that offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s rural life. Accessible by boat, the village is characterized by stilted houses, schools, and even a Buddhist temple, all perched above the water. During the wet season, the houses seem to float, creating a surreal and picturesque landscape. Visitors can explore the village by navigating its waterways, gaining insight into the daily lives of the inhabitants who rely on fishing and farming for their livelihoods. The experience at Kampong Phluk provides a rich cultural immersion, showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of the local community in adapting to the ebb and flow of the Tonle Sap Lake.

Pottery class:

If you are looking for an immersive way to transport yourself into the ancient Khmers artists seats have a go at learning about Cambodian pottery from an expert local artist. Express yourself and create a Cambodian ceramic bowl then decorate your bowl with Khmer carvings

Apsara Dance show:

An Apsara dance show is a mesmerizing and culturally enriching experience that showcases one of Cambodia’s most traditional and graceful art forms. Typically held in venues in Siem Reap, near the Angkor temples, the Apsara dance performance is a celebration of Khmer classical dance and the mythological stories embedded in Cambodian culture.

As the curtains rise, adorned dancers dressed in elaborate silk costumes adorned with intricate jewelry take the stage. Apsara dance, named after celestial nymphs in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, is characterized by elegant hand gestures, intricate footwork, and elaborate, symbolic movements. The dancers’ intricate and synchronized motions convey ancient tales, often depicting scenes from Hindu epics or Khmer legends.

Phare circus show:

Phare, The Cambodian Circus, in Siem Reap is an electrifying and culturally rich spectacle that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary performing arts. Held in a vibrant, intimate big top, the show features highly skilled Cambodian performers, many of whom are graduates of the Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) organization—an NGO providing arts education to disadvantaged youth.

The performance narrates compelling stories through a dynamic fusion of acrobatics, theater, live music, and dance. The artists, adorned in vivid costumes, captivate the audience with their agility and grace, conveying powerful narratives that often touch on Cambodian history, folklore, and modern societal issues. The energy is infectious, with the pulsating music and the performers’ enthusiasm creating an immersive experience.

This was a great evening in Siem Reap. Its easy to stay in the past while walking through the ancient remains but attending this evening showed me the promise of what Cambodia is evolving towards.

Museums in Siem Reap:

I was not able to visit any museums as I stayed in Siem Reap for a short amount of time, but if you are interested in further colouring your knowledge of this incredible city visit some of the museums below

Angkor National Museum:
- Location: Charles de Gaulle Blvd, Khrum 6, Phum Sla Kram, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
- Situated near Angkor Wat, this museum provides an immersive experience into the history and artistry of the Khmer Empire. Exhibits include artifacts and multimedia presentations.
Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Center:
- Location: 67, Phumi Khna, Cambodia
- Dedicated to raising awareness about landmines and the impact of war, this museum showcases the efforts of the Cambodian Self Help Demining team and features displays on mine clearance.
Artisans Angkor:
- Location: Chantiers-Ecoles Stung Thmey, Street, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
- More than just a museum, Artisans Angkor is a living crafts center. Visitors can explore traditional Khmer craftsmanship, from silk weaving to stone carving, and purchase handmade products.
War Museum Cambodia:
- Location: National Route 6, Khrum 7, Sra Nge Commune, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.
- This museum provides insight into Cambodia’s turbulent history, particularly the Khmer Rouge era. It houses a collection of weapons, vehicles, and artifacts used during the conflicts.
Cambodian Cultural Village:
- Location: National Road #6, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
- While not a traditional museum, this village offers a cultural experience with traditional performances, replicas of historical buildings, and exhibits on Cambodia’s diverse heritage.
Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum:
- Location: 9VJJ+R8R, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Located within Angkor National Park. This museum focuses on the history of the Angkor temples and the life of King Norodom Sihanouk.