Best Things to do in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the major tourist hub in Cambodia, mostly because its the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor. Resting on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest water reserves in whole of Southeast Asia. The city’s name literally means Siamese defeated. This refers directly to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century.

With the growth of international tourism Siem Reap has grown rapidly from a small village to a city in order to cater to backpackers in search of the temples of Angkor. In this article I highlight the best things to do in Siem Reap.

1. Eating out

For eating out instead of one restaurant I’ve chosen two as I could not decide between them. I love them both.

The first is Cuisine Wat Damnak. At this restaurant Chef Joannès Rivière combines Cambodian flavours and with French flare. Here you can choose to eat in either a tropical garden, air-conditioned dinning room or a fan cooled upstairs packed with local charm.  Menus change every two weeks, reflecting the availability and variety of seasonal local produce. Here you can expect to find dishes featuring kuy fruits, water lily stems, edible flowers, fish and seafood from the Mekong and Tonle Sap. Cuisine Wat Demnak has been named as one of Asia’s best 50 restaurants. Located between Psa Dey Hoy Market and Angkor High School, the restaurant is open Tuesday – Saturday 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm. Tel: for reservations +855 (0)77 347 762.

Mali is a restaurant born out of passion, creativity and history. It combines the best of Cambodian cuisine with fine dinning. During the 1970’s under the Khmer Rouge, many of Cambodia’s traditional recipes that had been passed on for centuries were forgotten and vanished from the kitchen. Mali’s mission is to restore these dishes to their former glory and Lunn Meng the master chef at the restaurant faithful adhere’s to this philosophy. Located next to the Siem Reap River it is in a great location and is a beautiful dinning experience. Located on Pokambor Avenue, Riverside, its open from Monday – Sunday from 6:30am – 10pm. Tel: for reservations +855 (0)15 824 888.

2. Drinking and Nightlife

The main drinking and night sports in Siem Reap are the aptly named Pub Street and Siem Reap’s unique container bars.
Pub Street has bars to suit any budget, as well as night clubs to keep die hard party goers happy and quieter side allies for the more introvert. 100 meters of eating, drinking and dancing. Enjoy crocodile, tarantula, scorpion, fried ice-cream rolls, cheep beers and dance the night away in Angkor What? while slurping on cocktails served in a chamber pot.

If you like cheap beers, raucous noise levels and Hip Hop Nightclubs explore the Container Bars. Built from shipping containers this bar area has literally sprung up overnight. This madness if fun and lively and definitely worth a visit even if you don’t stay too long.

3. Motorbike tours

Kickstart is located in Siem Reap, offers half day to full 5-7 day dirt bike tours around Cambodia and the remote and hidden temples of Angkor. Riders from beginner to advanced are catered to and enjoy quality equipment and support from David Scott and Mr La.

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride

While in Siem Reap one of the best and romantic ways to explore the countryside is by Hot Air Balloon. The main operator is Angkor Hot Air Balloon. You won’t be able to pass over the famous temples of Angkor, but you will pass by them. Currently there are two rides available one for sunrise and the other sunset. Both should be booked well in advance so as to avoid disappointment. Guests are offered free pickup and drop facilities at their respective hotels with Angkor Hot Air Balloon. Prices range from $100 to $125 USD per person and are well worth it. Angkor Hot Air Balloon has over 10 years worth of experience and has a good safety record for its tours.

5. Learn the ancient art of Kun Khmer

Kingdom Fight Gym in Siem Reap is dedicated to preserving Kun Khmer the ancient martial art from the Khmer Empire. Martial artists and adventure travellers are welcome to join the gym for its individual classes, and or one of its intensive training camps. As a martial arts style Kun Khmer shares the same roots with Muay Thai, Muay Lao and Lethwei. Learning this traditional Cambodian art will bring you into contact with some of the local fighters from Siem Reap. It will also allow you to shed a few pounds and get fit while on holiday. And for those who would rather watch Kun Khmer this can also be arranged. If you visit the Angkor Arena on Wednesday between 3pm and 5pm you’ll see some of the biggest names in the sport competing.