Things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

When you think of travelling in Cambodia, we are pretty confident you think of the beautiful Angkor Wat temples.

You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking that! The Angkor Wat temples call Siem Reap home, which is also the city Human and Hope Association call home! But what else can be seen in this incredible place filled with food, people and culture? Well, our team have put together a list so you can spend time in Siem Reap without missing out on the highlights!!

Entertainment – Phare, the Cambodian Circus

Phare isn’t just a circus, it is a performance where the whole experience tells unique Cambodian stories. The artists in this show have so much energy and talent, you will leave feeling inspired and entertained. The performers are all students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training centre in Battambang, which offers these artists the ability to earn a decent wage and do what they love! Not only will Phare have you feeling good because you have just witnessed a great show, but it will also make you feel proud because you have taken part in helping these Cambodian’s work out of the poverty line to become successful in their future. You can buy tickets for Phare directly from their website – even include dinner as part of the show from just USD$30!

Food – Dinner at Haven

Looking for good food in Siem Reap? Haven is a must-try! The restaurant is a social enterprise and training centre for vulnerable young adults. The restaurant teaches work skills and life skills to these young people who are from poor rural areas in Cambodia. So while you enjoy a beautifully cooked meal, you know you are helping to support these young people to build a future. The menu is very diverse from traditional Khmer dishes to Western cuisine, there are a lot of meals to suit everyone’s taste. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options.

Shopping – Angkor Handicraft Association

Siem Reap is full of shopping and market stalls. As we all love a bit of shopping, when visiting Siem Reap, aim to shop at the stores that are members of the Angkor Handicraft Association. Finding these stores will mean you are buying products and souvenirs that are locally made, and the local community benefits.

Culture – Temples

Of course, when you go to Siem Reap you want to see the beautiful Angkor Temples. The tours around the different temple sites in Siem Reap will give you a great lesson on history and culture within Cambodia. When booking a tour of the temples make sure to contact Siem Reap Shuttle Tours – we use their services for our Travel on Purpose trips to Cambodia. Also, by the main river that runs through Siem Reap is the beautiful Wat Prom Rath. With stunning architecture and detail, this is right in the heart of the city and is definitely worth a visit!

History – Museums

To learn about the most recent history in Cambodia, a trip to one of the many museums in the Siem Reap is a must. At the War Museum, you’ll see the old tanks and equipment used when the Khmer Rouge was in power. Or you can go to the National Museum for more education around the recent war. For a different form of education, APOPO is a great centre to visit. Here you will learn about how Cambodia rats find the landmines, which are still present in the land today from the war – you even get a demonstration of how the rats find these landmines.

Visit Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a beautiful city with a lot to offer! From food and culture to entertainment and history, you won’t be disappointed! Are you looking to go on a trip to Siem Reap but you’re not sure what to do or where to start? Why not join our Travel on Purpose trip? Join our founder Sally on a 7-day once-in-a-lifetime ETHICAL ADVENTURE that traverses all the must-see highlights of Siem Reap, Cambodia! You will be immersed in the Cambodian culture on this inspiring, ethical and socially responsible tour. Click here for more info!