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Things to Do in Angkor Wat

Things to Do in Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Explore the natural side of The Cultural capital of cambodia through various outdoor activities.

Land-Based Adventures

Hiking and Trekking

Within Angkor Park, visitors engage in extensive walking around the temple complexes. Phnom Kulen offers trekking routes to the waterfall and the River of 1000 Lingas, with paths varying in difficulty. Kbal Spean needs a short trek to reach the riverbed carvings.

Quad Biking/ATV Tours

Explore rural zones surrounding Siem Reap on quad bikes or ATVs. These excursions offer a fun way to see the countryside and nearby villages.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Cycling within Angkor Park With ancient ruins is extremely popular on account of its flat terrain and paved roads. Rent a bicycle for independent exploration. Guided mountain biking tours are also available to explore rural villages and off-road tracks.

Water & Wildlife Activities

  • Boat Trips on Tonlé Sap Lake: Explore Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake through boat excursions to unique floating villages, like Kompong Phluk or Chong Kneas. These trips give unique insights into local life and nature.
  • Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary: Take birdwatching tours to this significant bird breeding ground on Tonlé Sap lake, notably active during the wet season.
  • Wildlife in Angkor Park: Spot monkeys and numerous types of birds commonly found within the Angkor Park forested areas.
  • Ziplining: Flight of the Gibbon offers ziplining courses near Angkor Park, giving an aerial view of the forest canopy.

Cycling

  • Explore Angkor Park at your own pace.
  • Rentals available throughout The Heart of the khmer empire.
  • Flat terrain, easy riding.
  • Eco-friendly transport.

Lake Tours

  • Visit floating villages on Tonlé Sap.
  • Observe unique customs.
  • Observing birds at Prek Toal Sanctuary.
  • Evening boat trips available.

Adventure Sports

  • Ziplining over the woods canopy.
  • Atv riding in rural areas.
  • Explore off-road tracks.
  • Adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Safety First

Always select trustworthy tour operators for adventure activities. Ensure they have proper safety equipment and trained guides.

Cultural Immersion

Enhance your knowledge of Cambodian culture through interactive experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to make authentic Khmer dishes. Many academies offer half-day classes that teach you traditional Khmer cuisine.
  • Apsara Dance Classes: Learn basic movements of the traditional Khmer dance, an art form with a long history.
  • Pottery or Carving Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions at local artisan centers to design your own souvenir.
  • Language Learning: Some inns or language centers offer short workshops or introductory phrases in Khmer.

Performances & Community

Cultural Performances

Phare, The Cambodian Circus: A modern circus show blending traditional elements with contemporary storytelling, offering an energetic and socially conscious performance. Apsara Dance Shows: Attend traditional dance performances, often accompanied by dinner.

Community-Based Tourism

Several NGOs and social enterprises offer tours that directly support local communities. Village tours, rice farming experiences, or traditional handicraft classes provide real interactions plus aid local livelihoods.

Cultural Festivals

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), celebrated in mid-April, is a commonly celebrated national holiday including customary games, ceremonies, and festivities. Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) during The month of october or November features impressive boat races.

Arts & Crafts

Engage in hands-on sessions to create your own unique Cambodian crafts, from pottery to wood carvings.

Live Shows

Experience the the vibe of Phare Circus or the graceful movements of traditional Apsara dance shows.

Support Local

Participate in community-based tourism to directly help the livelihoods and well-being of local Cambodians.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find tranquility and rejuvenation after days of temple exploration.

Spa & Massage

  • Siem Reap has numerous spas, catering to all budgets. Choices range from budget-friendly massage parlors offering traditional Khmer massages to luxurious hotel spas.
  • Traditional Khmer Massage: Often includes stretching and pressure point techniques, similar to Thai massage.
  • Body Treatments: Many spas offer a full range of treatments, including body scrubs, wraps, and facials.
  • No Hot Springs: There are no hot springs directly in The Heart of the khmer empire.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga Studios

A few centers have lessons or multi-day retreats focusing on yoga and meditation. They offer a peaceful escape from the busy temple touring.

Meditation Centers

Some Buddhist pagodas or specialized centers offer meditation sessions, usually open to visitors interested in learning or practicing.

Wellness Retreats

Look for dedicated wellness retreats that combine yoga, meditation, healthy eating, and cultural activities for a holistic experience.

Evening Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Pub Street contains many bars with live bands playing various genres, from classic rock to contemporary hits.

Theater & Performances

Phare Circus and various Apsara Dance show venues offer evening entertainment combining culture and performance.

Nightclubs & Bars

Pub Street is the main hub for clubs for dancing, with venues staying open late for those seeking evening entertainment.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts in The Cultural capital of cambodia's lively markets plus artisan boutiques.

Traditional Markets

  • Old Market (Phsar Chas): A vibrant market with local produce, household goods, and some souvenirs. It gives an insight into daily Cambodian life.
  • The City of temples Night Market (Phsar Reatrey): This market sells clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, plus an extensive variety of food. It is a popular evening destination.
  • Negotiation is common in markets. Be polite and respectful when bargaining.
  • Food stalls within markets offer inexpensive and authentic local fare for a quick bite while shopping.

Artisan Workshops & Souvenirs

Artisans Angkor

A social enterprise promoting traditional Khmer crafts. They have multiple outlets in Siem Reap and offer workshops for stone carving, wood carving, silk painting, and lacquerware.

Local Workshops

Many smaller independent workshops exist a place you can see crafts being made and procure directly from the creators, backing local artisans directly.

Souvenir Recommendations

Look for silk products, silverwork, traditional textiles, wood carvings, and stone reproductions of temple elements. The krama, a traditional Cambodian scarf, is an useful and authentic souvenir. Kampot pepper and local palm sugar are also popular.

Textiles & Apparel

  • High-quality silk products.
  • Traditional kramas (scarves).
  • Modern clothing with Khmer designs.
  • Batik fabrics and embroidered items.

Handicrafts & Art

  • Stone carvings and replicas.
  • Wood carvings and sculptures.
  • Lacquerware and sterling silver accessories.
  • Contemporary Cambodian art.

Food Products

  • Kampot pepper (black, red, white).
  • Palm sugar and artisanal jams.
  • Dried fruits and spices from the area.
  • Specialty java and tea.

Ethical Shopping & Logistics

Ethical Purchasing
  • Support fair trade organizations and social enterprises like Artisans Angkor. These organizations help ensure artisans receive equitable wages and work in good conditions.
  • Watch out for buying artifacts that may have been looted or illegally removed from historical sites.
  • Consider items made from recycled materials or resources from nature.
Shipping & Customs
  • Shipping services are available in Siem Reap for big buys. Inquire at major post offices or reputable shipping agents.
  • Confirm your native country''s import rules for specific items, like wood products or antiques, to avoid issues upon return.
  • Keep receipts for high-value items, as they could be requested by customs.

Bargaining Tips

Bargaining is a common practice in local markets. Start with an offer of about half to two-thirds of the asking price and negotiate politely. Always maintain a friendly attitude.

Activity Planning Summary

Maximize Your Day

  • Early in the morning for temples and outdoor activities.
  • Afternoons for museums, workshops, or relaxation.
  • Evenings for traditional shows, dining, or nightlife.
  • Book popular tours and classes in advance, especially during high season.

Consider Your Interests

  • Art & Culture: Focus on workshops, museums, and traditional performances.
  • Adventure: Include cycling, quad biking, or ziplining.
  • Wellness: Schedule spa treatments or yoga sessions.
  • Shopping: Dedicate time to discover different markets and artisan shops.