Siem Reap Tourism Attractions and Activities

Siem Reap Tourism industry will definitely not be the same without Angkor Wat and its other temples. But you can only see so many temples without getting cross eyed!

Sooner or later, you'll be looking for other things to do around town.

Not to worry, because there are a lot of non-temple activities available thanks to the booming Siem Reap tourism industry. So let's see what they provide.

They're roughly divided into three categories:

1. Non-temple activities - Everything but temples.
2. Museums - No, not as boring as you thought. Some are interesting.
3. Shopping! - Places to spend your money.
   

Non-temple Activities

These activities are great ways to see more of Cambodia and prevent (or cure) temple burn out. They can be easily done between your temple visits because most of them are around town.

Kompong Phluk

Kompong Khleang

Cambodian village
scenery

Stone quarry

Silk cocoon

Cambodian incense

Do crocodiles count as a Siem Reap tourist item?

Some of the activities involve 'natural' attractions, so they're not made up by the Siem Reap tourism industry just to please visitors.

1. Kampung Phluk - a large village of stilted houses near the Tonle Sap lake. Another of my favorite Cambodia activities. Website
   
   
2. Kampung Khleang - an even larger village of floating and stilted houses by the great lake.
   
   
3. Chong Khneas - the most visited floating village due to its short distance from town.
   
   
4. Tonle Sap Lake and Cruise - see how the largest lake in Southeast Asia controls the livelihood of many Cambodians.
   
   
5. Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary - a haven for birds, a heaven for bird enthusiasts.
   
   
6. Apsara Dance and Dinner Show - see the temple carvings of Apsara dancers come to life. There are lots of places to choose from, but Angkor Village is one.
   
   
7. Spend a Day in a Cambodian Village - an unusual look into Cambodian village life. Be a Cambodian for one day!
   
   
8. Visit Social Foundations and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) - see what kind of projects they are currently working on. Here is the website for Trailblazer whose project is a water filtering system.
   
   
9. Dirt Bike Motor Tour - roam around the countryside with your own bike. It provides a different view of Cambodia. Website
   
   
10. Bicycle Around Siem Reap - A great way to get to know the town, and one that is pretty easy due to the flat terrain. Most bicycles are available for rent though the hotel or hostels. There's the White Bicycle for easy rides, and Biking Cambodia for a more involved approach. Also, click on this bicycle adventure website to read more about cycling in Cambodia.
    
    
11. The Silk Farm - visit the farm to see how those lovely Cambodian scarves are made. A comprehensive tour from start to finish. Website
    
    
12. The Stone Quarry for Angkor temples - see the river where stones were carved and imagine how they were transported downstream to the temple construction site.
    
    
13. Visit the Buddhist Wats Monastery - you will probably stumble into one because there are several of them around town. Also, 95% of Cambodians are Buddhist.
    
    
14. Incense Factory - see how incense sticks are made by visiting this small family operation.
    
    
15. Crocodile Farm - Cambodians sure do have lots of crocodiles. They're fun to watch, but they smell bad!
    
    
16. Horseback Riding - ride to the lesser known temples around town. You can choose between a one hour trip to a half day or even an all day trip. Website
    
    
17. Free Cello Recital at the Children's Hospital - performed by Dr. Beat Richner, a Swiss pediatrician working at the hospital. Donations accepted. Website
    
    
18. Visit a Mosque in Siem Reap - get a glimpse of the small Muslim community in Siem Reap and visit the mosque school there.