Places to Visit in Siem Reap

Places to Visit in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is more than just the home of the famous Angkor Archaeological Park. It is home to luscious countrysides, beautiful museums, impactful social enterprises and restaurants galore. We have composed a list of the must-see places when visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Phare Circus

More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent.

Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training center in Battambang. Phare  Circus offers these students and graduates somewhere to hone their skills and a place to earn a decent wage. Money that will take them out of poverty and give them self-respect and freedom.

Tickets start at just USD$18 for adults.

The Cambodia Landmine Museum

A trip to this museum is usually combined with a visit to Banteay Srei temple. This museum focues on educating visitors about the dangers of landmines, where they came from, who laid them, how they work, and about their presence in Cambodia. 

It was founded by Aki Ra, an internationally recognized figure who has dedicated his life to making Cambodia safe from the ravages of landmines. 

Entry is USD$5 for adults.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

After visiting the Landmine Museum, we recommend a visit to the Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, which features an interactive exhibit with a netted tropical garden of over a thousand free-flying butterflies, all of which are native species to Cambodia.

The enclosure is South East Asia's largest butterfly exhibit and provides residents and tourists with an interactive and visual environment to learn about butterflies and support local communities.
Currently 18 families from remote villages are being employed to sustainably farm butterflies for the exhibit.

Angkor Handicraft Association

Angkor Handicraft Association is a nonprofit business association that aims to strengthen the local handicraft sector in Siem Reap, promoting and linking Cambodian artisans to local and international markets.

Their fair trade village is open souvenir market that offers a place for local artisans and rural producers to showcase their handicraft and run workshops.

You can pickup original, handmade ceramic pieces from just USD$1.

West Baray

This artificial reservoir is a popular spot for locals to go swimming, have a bite to eat and relax with their friends.

It is believed that the reservoir was built by King Suryavarman I, who expanded the Angkor Empire greatly. The West Mebon temple is located in the centre of West Baray, and is accessible by boat in the rainy season. 

A trip to West Baray will set you back as little as a few dollars for a hammock and food.

Angkor Silk Farm

After a trip to West Baray, you can continue down the road to Angkor Silk Farm.

Here, you will learn the complex silk production process, which starts with mulberry tree cultivation to enable silkworm farming. See the artisans in work, and learn about what a great social impact this enterprise is having on Cambodian communities.

Entry is free, however we recommend bringing a tip for your guide and a lot of cash to explore their gift shop!