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:
- Non-temple activities - Everything but temples.
- Museums - No, not as boring as you thought. Some are interesting.
- 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?
- Kampung Phluk - a large village of stilted houses near the Tonle Sap lake. Another of my favorite Cambodia activities. Website
- Kampung Khleang - an even larger village of floating and stilted houses by the great lake.
- Chong Khneas - the most visited floating village due to its short distance from town.
- Tonle Sap Lake and Cruise - see how the largest lake in Southeast Asia controls the livelihood of many Cambodians.
- Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary - a haven for birds, a heaven for bird enthusiasts.
- 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.
- Spend a Day in a Cambodian Village - an unusual look into Cambodian village life. Be a Cambodian for one day!
- 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.
- Dirt Bike Motor Tour - roam around the countryside with your own bike. It provides a different view of Cambodia. Website
- 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.
- The Silk Farm - visit the farm to see how those lovely Cambodian scarves are made. A comprehensive tour from start to finish. Website
- 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.
- 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.
- Incense Factory - see how incense sticks are made by visiting this small family operation.
- Crocodile Farm - Cambodians sure do have lots of crocodiles. They're fun to watch, but they smell bad!
- 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
- Free Cello Recital at the Children's Hospital - performed by Dr. Beat Richner, a Swiss pediatrician working at the hospital. Donations accepted. Website
- Visit a Mosque in Siem Reap - get a glimpse of the small Muslim community in Siem Reap and visit the mosque school there.
Museums
It looks like Cambodia is getting so popular that the Siem Reap tourism board decided to make an upscale Angkor museum. The Landmine museum is also great, though small and a little bit out of the way.
Defused land mines
- Landmine Museum - a small museum by Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge soldier. He defused landmines and put them all in the museum. Website
- Angkor National Museum - just opened in late 2007 so it's all posh and fancy. You'll see many artifacts here.
- Cambodian Cultural Village - a wax museum and a mock up of a Cambodian village. Website
- Civil War Museum - you can see weaponry that was used during the last Civil War.
Shopping
Who doesn't like this particular Siem Reap tourist attraction?
Haggling is alive and well at traditional markets. You may want to shop around and compare prices because they all carry similar stuff. The Siem Reap tourism business seems to be growing because they recently opened up a new night market.
- Central Market - the market for souvenirs and Cambodian trinkets. Best prices.
- Old Market - medium sized market selling clothes and souvenirs. Okay prices.
- Night Market - geared towards tourists. Stays open until midnight. Highest prices. Website
- Artisans d'Angkor - the leading Cambodian silk company. Unbelievably gorgeous stuff, but expect Western 'prices,' and no haggling. Website
- Boutique shoppes around the Old Market area - from arts and crafts, to silk clothes and trinkets. These small shops are fun to visit and have unique items.
One of Siem Reap tourism leading industries: Artisans d'Angkor silk So In Short...
There you have it, a list of Siem Reap attractions and activities to get you started. There are so many things to do that you won't want to leave!Who knew that there are so many Cambodia attractions in and near Siem Reap?
And I use the term attractions loosely, becuase sometimes you will be the only tourist! Considering that Cambodia is visited by millions and millions of people, getting a temple to yourself is an unbelievable treat.
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