Couples Guide: Top 10 Things to do in Siem Reap Cambodia

Siem Reap did not disappoint. It’s one of those places that you’ve heard about for years. Backpackers have been blogging about it for years. But it’s still mysterious and relatively undiscovered by people like me who prefer a suitcase and a private bath. I plan to share a couple of short stories about the particular experiences we had in Siem Reap. For now, here are my TOP 10 things to do in Siem Reap.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Top 10 Siem Reap Cambodia

We arrived at Cambodia’s Siem Reap International Airport an hour from takeoff from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam. We were promptly greeted by the FREE Sarai Resort & Spa hotel shuttle service, a ★★★★ hotel on one of the city’s numerous hard-packed dirt roads. I would totally recommend the hotel if you are looking for a hotel close to Pub Street and backpackers digs. The hotel was also close to the night markets. The temples and the airport are a quick tuk-tuk ride away too.

Siem Reap

And speaking about everything. I’ve wanted to visit the temples of Angkor Wat ever since I was a little girl. I can’t believe Angkor Wat has never been considered one of the wonders of the world. It doesn’t have to be a wonder of the world to leave you lost for words. You know, I am a big history buff.  And I am never happier than when I’m walking in the footsteps of history. Tracing my fingertips along with the hard, cold stone. Trekking through the doorways of ancient & often mysterious monuments. And at Angkor Wat, trust me… I was a big kid over and over again.

Siem Reap is a dusty city in the developing country of Cambodia. It’s where you’ll see Mercedes Benz next to bike carts and modern buildings across the street from one of its numerous temples. Years of civil war and unrest have given way to political changes that have created economic development, extremely loud construction, and tourism because the cost of living is extremely cheap.

1. Angkor Wat

It should surprise no one, that Angkor Wat is #1 on the top 10 things to do in Siem Reap.  Angkor Wat is the main temple and the temple most people think about when they talk about Angkor Wat. Most people don’t realize Angkor Wat is a complex of many temples until they get here… a massive complex spread out all over Siem Reap. Angkor Wat may not be the most striking temple but it’s one of the most revered and easily recognized as one of the most iconic temples in the world. However, it is the only temple at Angkor that was built facing the west. Thousands flock to its pools in the wee hours to catch a glimpse of the sunrise over its three lotus bud shaped towers.

It is also the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center from its Hindu now Buddhist beginnings. And the only temple I visited where you must wear appropriate clothing that covers both your shoulders and your knees. The higher temple is closed on religious holidays. You will need at least 2 hours to really see it.

2. Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom

Bayon Temple was probably the temple I was least knowledgeable about, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it. It is quite striking with all the moss-covered sandstone blocks, four-faced Buddha statues, and detailed bas relief carvings. It is much smaller than the Angkor Wat and can be thoroughly investigated in one hour.

If you are looking for a temple that is both beautiful and away from the backpackers lugging heavy bags, try Neak Pean Temple, it’s got a different vibe than the other temples.

3. Ta Prohm

To say I was excited to see Ta Prohm is a HUGE understatement. I’m embarrassed a little that most of the anticipation was due to Angelina Jolie, but oh, well. She made that temple popular with Western moviegoers and it is now referred to as the Tomb Raider Temple. And it is amazing. I still can’t believe I saw it and touched the ancients roots and the walls and blocks of sandstone that they sprang from. All three of the above temples stay pretty busy, but with a great tour guide, you’ll be able to avoid the massive crowds that come with the Temples. Like Angkor Thom, an hour or so is enough time to walk the temple grounds. You may even be lucky to get a few pictures with no one in them like I was.

4. Banteay Srei Temple

I saved the best for last–in my humble opinion. After you see Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor Thom Thom, and Ta Prom Temple-ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម, you really REALLY HAVE to visit the Banteay Srei Temple. The Banteay Srei Temple, made out of red sandstone you’ll probably track into your hotel room each night. It was built in the 10th century AD but was only recently re-discovered in 1914. It is also the only major temple not constructed by a monarch. Steven was templed out the day before, so I hired a tuk-tuk (tuk-tuk #9 through your local hotel for $20 USD) and went on a solo adventure– something I have come to look forward to when we travel. It gives us both some “alone” time while we pursue different interests. 

My Favorite Temple

The temple’s modern name, Bantuãy Srĕi—the citadel of the women, or citadel of beauty—is probably related to the intricacy of the bas relief carvings found on the walls and the dimensions of the buildings themselves which are almost miniature when you compare it to the Angkor temples. Located approximately 37km from the town and accessible by hired car or tuk-tuk. I took the later, and it took roughly, and I mean roughly– it was not a smooth ride, an hour each way. Combine it with a visit to Banteay Samre and watching the sunset at Pre Rap Temple with a few hundred of your favorite friends to round out your tour of the Angkor Wat complex. Make sure to tip your driver well. In Cambodia, the average income is about $950 per year.

5. Fish Amok & Lok Lok

Amok is one of the most popular specialties and considered the essence of Cambodian cuisine. The special ingredients of this dish must include catfish, lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, red dried chilis, peanuts, and coconut milk, and of course, banana leaves.

Lok Lok is a beef dish that is simple but delicious.

Looking for a good and easily transportable souvenir? Pick up some Kampot Province peppercorns. Kampot pepper is rare and considered some of the best pepper on the planet.

6. Siem Reap Brewpub

It was just by chance that we happened upon the Siem Reap Brewpub. We were stopped near Angkor Whom and I saw an advertisement on the back of a tuk-tuk. Steven had templed out and I had hired a tuk-tuk to visit the three remaining temples on my bucket list. Steven decided to check out the brewpub. It turned out to be a great decision because he said it was one of the best ones he has been to in all of Asia. They had stout, lagers, IPA’s and every glass was $3. He had a huge piece of salmon for $16 which is quite expensive in Siem Reap, but he said it was really good. The brewpub is located Corner of Street 05 & Shinta Mani, Phum Mondul II, Sangkat Svay Dong Kom, Siem Reap City, Cambodia, 05 Street 05, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia https://www.facebook.com/siemreapbrewpub/

7. 90 Minute Massage

You cannot come to Cambodia without getting at least a foot massage, but I suggest you go even further and get a full body massage– every single day. The price is right even for the backpacker’s wallet. It’s that cheap and if you go to the right spa, it’s worth every Riel or American dollar, since you’ll probably see more of those than the local currency. The only time we saw the Riel was when we need to change back.

Where else can you get a great massage in Asia: Phuket, Thailand

But I digress… The average 90-minute massage should cost about $24. Don’t waste your time and go to one of those sleazy spas on Pub Street for $10, you won’t get your money’s worth. My favorite spa was Kaya. It is located across from the Night Market. It’s beautifully done and the staff is very professional. In addition, they sell some of the products they use. I just wish one of them was the jasmine mist I got at the end of my massage.

8. Shopping the Local Markets

Shopping in Siem Reap is a lot of fun. A lot of people find it very stressful, but I love to haggle over prices. Matter of fact on this last trip I didn’t utter a word and got a $5 pair of pants for $1.50. I entered a stall and started looking for a cute pair of wide-leg pants you see everyone wearing in the city. How much are these? I asked. Five dollars, the store proprietor said. I just let go of them and walked around the stall looking at other things. $4 she said. I said nothing. $3… then $2 and I said nothing. She then followed me around the bin and suggested I pay $1.50 for them. Ok, I said and she bagged them up. I bought a few pairs of pants, a couple of paintings and jewelry for next to nothing without really trying.   The shopping is great in Bali too.

9. Zipline with Flight of the Gibbon

I had no idea I would have so much fun zip lining. A gibbon is a monkey, yeah, I didn’t know that until recently either. lol. I booked the tour over Angkor Wats temples on viator.com before leaving South Korea, but you can book them once you arrive. Matter of fact you can book most of the trips at your hotel front desk or kiosk all around the city. But I’d be careful. Flight of the Gibbon has been operating all around Asia since 2007. It is now the leading global eco-adventure tour operator with its phenomenal rainforest zip-lines that are the longest, highest, and fastest in the world. Maybe, you’ll even get a glimpse of the gibbon family as you swing along the zip lines in Chiang Mai. https://www.treetopasia.com/thailand-holiday/chiang-mai.

10. Chocolate, banana, and coconut crepes/ pancake

Do I need to say any more? Eating a crepe street side is one of the finer moments of life. Enjoy!!

Related Content 

• How to Visit a Buddhist Temple
• Hanoi & Halong Bay Vietnam
• Signature Cruises Halong Bay

Follow me on Facebook and make sure you Subscribe to the Duffelbagspouse Travels RSS feed and get updates delivered right into your inbox.