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Situated in Northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the prime destination for tourists in Cambodia due to its proximity to the Angkor complex. However, besides the renowned Angkor complex, Siem Reap also attracts visitors with numerous other exciting activities. Let's discover with Mytour!
25 Must-Experience Activities When Visiting Siem Reap
1. Explore Angkor Wat: As the symbol of the temple country, Angkor Wat, dedicated to the god Vishnu, is the best-preserved temple in the area and still holds its central religious significance. It's also the symbol on Cambodia's national flag.
2. Watch Sunrise or Sunset at Angkor via Hot Air Balloon: An option for you when visiting Angkor is to admire the panoramic view of the Angkor complex from above via hot air balloon, especially during sunrise or sunset. The higher you go, the more majestic Angkor appears, and of course, don't forget to take some photos for memories.
3. Explore by Tuk Tuk: Tuk tuks are a very popular mode of transportation in Siem Reap. You can use this mode of transport to explore Siem Reap, and the drivers can become “tour guides” for you.
4. Angkor Complex: Beyond Angkor Wat, the Angkor complex comprises over 1,000 temples, mausoleums with unique Khmer architecture, considered the largest religious site in the world. To explore this complex, tourists can choose to purchase tickets for 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days.
5. Visit Artisan D’Angkor Handicraft Production Center: Artisan D’Angkor preserves and develops Khmer art through the production of handicrafts. Visitors can explore here and purchase many unique products as souvenirs.
6. Learn Pottery Making: In Siem Reap, tourists can try their hand at pottery making at the Khmer Pottery Art Center. Most of the products here are entirely handmade by local artisans and skilled craftsmen.
7. Explore the Old Market: Also known as Phsar Chas, this market is located in the center of Siem Reap with over 100 stalls selling various products at affordable prices. Particularly popular items here are silk and silk products.
8. Shop at Angkor Night Market: Angkor Night Market is a must-visit for those interested in exploring Cambodian culture. The market is usually open from 4 pm until midnight, offering a wide variety of products, especially scarves, silver items, jewelry, etc.
9. Fish Foot Massage: In Siem Reap, in the evening, you can experience a special foot massage using fish at many shops along the roadside, with prices ranging from $5 to $10 USD.
10. Shopping at the “Made in Cambodia” Market: Held on the first and third Saturdays of the month, this is the ideal place for tourists to shop for characteristic Cambodian handicrafts and immerse themselves in lively live music performances.
11. Enjoy Beer at Pub Street: Pub Street is considered the Western district in Siem Reap with a row of bustling restaurants, lively bars, and excitement. Most bars here are open all day but they only truly come alive from 5 pm until midnight, and sometimes even later.
12. Savor Cocktails at Miss Wong Restaurant: If you don't fancy the noisy, bustling music at bars but still want to enjoy a delicious cocktail, head to Miss Wong Restaurant.
13. Night Food Tour by Vespa: Joining this tour, tourists will be guided by local guides to introduce and enjoy many characteristic dishes of the temple country.
14. Try Bamboo Rice: This is a specialty dish of Cambodia, made from fragrant sticky rice then stuffed into fresh bamboo tubes and roasted over glowing charcoal.
15. Taste Tarantula Salad at Bugs Cafe: For Cambodians, insect dishes are considered highly nutritious, so tourists can easily enjoy many insect dishes in Siem Reap.
16. Watch Circus at Phare: In the evening in Siem Reap, you can relax by purchasing tickets to watch circus performances at Phare – a famous circus in Siem Reap. The performances at Phare often combine traditional and modern cultural elements, suitable for both children and adults.
17. Visit a Floating Village: In Siem Reap, tourists can visit floating villages to experience the floating life of the Cambodian people. The two most famous floating villages are Kompong Phluk and Kompong Khleang. Visitors can explore these villages by small boats.
18. Explore the Landmine Museum: After Angkor Wat, the Landmine Museum is also a tourist attraction in Siem Reap. When visiting the museum, tourists will learn about various types of weapons and landmines used in wars.
19. Visit Senteurs d’Angkor: Senteurs d’Angkor is the ideal place for you to learn about the process of making unique handmade products of Cambodia.
20. Join a Cooking Class: There's no better way to learn about Siem Reap cuisine than joining a cooking class.
21. Join a Photography Tour: This will help you discover the most beautiful photography spots and avoid crowded tourist locations.
22. Experience Ziplining: Ziplining is a popular adventurous activity in various Asian countries, and Siem Reap is no exception. Especially, there are several ziplining spots in Siem Reap that allow tourists to see the Angkor complex from afar.
23. Horseback Riding: Another equally exciting experience to ziplining is horseback riding to explore the rural areas of Siem Reap, and an ideal suggestion for you is Happy Ranch.
24. Chat with Locals: Cambodian locals are very friendly to tourists, from hotel staff, drivers, to even in many cases, they can be great tour guides for tourists.
25. Relax in Swimming Pools: Due to the dry and hot climate of Siem Reap, after a tiring day of exploration, there's nothing better than relaxing in cool swimming pools. Almost all 4 and 5-star hotels have pools, and if you're not staying at these hotels, you can still use the pools for a small fee.
By Ha Mi (Source: Eoasia)
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 29, 2015
