Photo: Gyorgy Bakos

Explore the Angkor Temples

Undoubtedly, on the top list of Siem Reap's must-sees, it is Angkor. Like the stunning Bagan Myanmar, Angkor  was the historic capital of the Khmer empire. boasting incredible architecture.
There are altogether 11 such beautiful temples which needs to be explored in Siem Reap, some are in ruins while others are restored. Out of all, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat ranks well in the top photogenic sites in Asia. 
The sunrise views at Angkor Wat is stunning and is a photographer’s paradise. Ruins of Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple and Pre Rup Temple are equally fascinating and shouldn’t be missed.



                                                                                  Photo: Chris - flickr.com

Kayak in Tonle Lake

This experience is a perfect chance to see floating village and rural Khmer village life. There is no wave so it is easy for all travelers provided you are interested in outdoor activities.
Kayaking in Tonle lake means you will encounter many rare birds at Famous Bird Scantuary of Prek Toal. Moreover, if you take a private kayak tour, your guide can take you further than just ordinary visiting site, capturing more traditional workshops from local fishermen. 
Suggestion : Top Cambodia Travel Experiences

Take a Cooking Class

For those who fancy about the Khmer delicious food and want to make it yourself after the trip, a cooking class is all what you should think about. With over 10 recommended cooking classes varying for both price and dishes, it is easy to opt a choice.
For classic taste, in town cooking class is a good treat while some local tour operators now propose cooking lessons in beautiful tropical settings too.
Do not worry if you do not speak English, there are even cooking class with French or Russian guide !

 Enjoy the Phare Circus

Cambodian circus emphasis on performance art and a subtle yet striking social message is sent out through each production, and that’s where they differ from conventional circus. The Phare Circus is Cambodia's answer to “Cirque du Soleil” and shouldn’t be missed while touring Siem Reap. Founded by eight Battambang performers, Phare Ponleu Selpak, taps deep into the historic Khmer tradition of acrobatics with a modern look. Tickets and show information are available on the Phare official website, so that it becomes easier to plan.

Experience the village life at Kompong Phluk

Getting a glimpse of Cambodian village life at Kompong Phluk can be a fascinating experience. Around 13 miles from Siem Reap, this fishing village is constructed on stilts in the swamps around Tonlé Sap Lake, country’s largest lake. Exploring the floating village gives an opportunity to see how a vast majority of Cambodians live as fishermen or farmers and provides an insight into their way of life.


                                                                                                        Photo: Pigalle

Visit the Angkor National Museum

This archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artefacts, is a great place to visit in Siem Reap. It gives a great insight towards the art and culture of Khmer civilization, with collections dated from Khmer Empire's Angkor period. Photography is strictly prohibited here. 
For those who love to learn more about local culture, check out the museum in Phnom Penh which is listed in top things to do in Phnom Penh too

Visit the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

This stunning bird sanctuary is ornithologist’s paradise. Popular for ecotourism and bird watching, the sanctuary located within the Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve, at the north-west corner of the Tonlé Sap is a must visit. This 31,000 hectare sanctuary has become one of the most important breeding grounds for endangered water birds in Southeast Asia. A DSLR camera comes handy to capture these beautiful migratory birds within the frame. 

Visit the Landmine Museum

About 25 km north of Siem Reap, this unique museum is a must visit. Siem Reap’s war torn past and decade long conflict left behind millions of land mines and unexploded objects, which was unearthed and defused by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge. Today the museum is staffed by victims and orphans of mines. Earnings from the museum funds a relief centre and school attached to the museum.

Empty a Magazine at the Military Shooting Range

Forty minutes from Siem Reap, tourists may try their hand in shooting an array of automatic weapons at an old military shooting range. The prices are not cheap but one gets an opportunity to fire an AK-47 or throw a live hand grenade. Retired soldiers supervise the range and will help to try the latest and greatest in firepower, including belt-fed machine guns. Those who can afford and has guts can even try to fire an old, Soviet made rocket launcher.

Wander at the Pub Street

For night owls, Pub Street is the place to be for a perfect night out. In downtown Siem Reap this is the ideal location for bar-hopping with like-minded travellers as its numerous bars are easily accessible on foot while unique cocktails and beers are at USD 1 only during happy hour. The neon lit bars, nightclubs, lounges and pubs make the entire street lively.