Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park
Angkor Thom
What to know
Meaning 'The Great City', Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire.
The Map Cambodia · Siem Reap
Best Things to Do in Siem Reap: Angkor Wat & Beyond 2026
Angkor Wat is the headline reason to visit Siem Reap, and it deserves a full day (ideally two. But the town and its edges hold plenty more worth your time: a circus that funds arts education, silk farms and workshops where you can watch a scarf take shape, floating villages on the Tonlé Sap, and quiet countryside rides once the tour buses head home. This is our pick of what's actually worth your time beyond the temples) on a non-temple day, or an afternoon when you've had your fill of carvings. We've focused on experiences run by people who live here, where your money stays in the community, and skipped the gimmicks built purely for a photo. Several work well as a half-day; a couple are better at sunrise or dusk. Where booking ahead matters, we've said so. Some activities are seasonal or weather-dependent, so it's worth confirming the day before.
Selected by The Map editorial team · 15 places
A shortlist, not a ranking. Places are listed alphabetically.
- Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 4.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37Angkor Wat
What to know
The largest religious monument in the world, originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37Banteay Kdei
What to know
Meaning 'A Citadel of Chambers', Banteay Kdei is a large Buddhist temple built on the site of a former Hindu temple.
Photo: Tsui · CC BY-SA 3.0CultureBanteay Srei District$37Banteay Srei
What to know
A 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Photo: Marcin Konsek · CC BY-SA 4.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37Baphuon
What to know
Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37Bayon
What to know
A richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia.
Photo: Writer128 · CC BY-SA 3.0CultureSvay Leu District$10Beng Mealea
What to know
Meaning 'Lotus Pond', this massive Hindu temple is comparable in size to Angkor Wat but is left largely unrestored.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37Chau Say Tevoda
What to know
A small Hindu temple featuring cross-shaped gopuras and restored Devatas.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37East Mebon
What to know
Originally built on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37Elephant Terrace
What to know
A 350-meter long viewing platform used by the King to review his victorious army, hold public ceremonies, and watch parades.
ActivitiesSiem ReapFrom $30Happy Ranch Horse Riding
What to know
Countryside horse riding experiences through villages, rice fields and temples, suitable for all levels.
ActivitiesPhnom KromFrom $6Lotus Silk Farm
What to know
Discover the rare art of lotus silk weaving in a peaceful, eco-conscious setting.
ActivitiesKouk Chak$32Manava Weaving Classes
What to know
Join a 2-hour traditional rattan weaving class with local artisans in a basketry village just 10 km from Siem Reap, and create your own rattan key hanger to take home.
Photo: Wetstew · CC BY-SA 4.0CultureAngkor Archaeological Park$37Neak Pean
What to know
Meaning 'The Entwined Nagas', this Buddhist temple is built on an artificial island in the center of the Jayatataka Baray.
ActivitiesSvay DangkumFrom $18Phare, The Cambodian Circus
What to know
A must-see show blending theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts with a uniquely Cambodian touch.
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