Ultimate Guide: Things to Do in Siem Reap Besides Temples - Your Complete Beyond-Angkor Adventure

While Angkor Wat rightfully draws millions of visitors to Siem Reap each year, this vibrant Cambodian city offers an incredible wealth of experiences that extend far beyond ancient stone structures. If you're seeking the best things to do in Siem Reap besides temples, you've discovered that this cultural capital provides diverse adventures ranging from world-class circus performances and floating village explorations to culinary journeys and natural wonders that create a complete and unforgettable Cambodian experience.

After spending days exploring magnificent temple complexes, many travelers find themselves "templed out" and wondering what else this destination offers. The answer is remarkable – from the energy of Pub Street nightlife to the tranquility of Tonle Sap Lake, from thrilling adventure activities to immersive cultural workshops, Siem Reap delivers experiences that rival the magnificence of Angkor itself while showcasing contemporary Cambodian life and creativity.

Let me guide you through the most spectacular things to do in Siem Reap besides temples that will transform your visit from a simple temple pilgrimage into a comprehensive cultural adventure you'll treasure forever.

Things to Do in Siem Reap Besides Temples

Phare: The Cambodian Circus – Must-See Evening Entertainment

Among the most captivating things to do in Siem Reap besides temples, experiencing Phare: The Cambodian Circus stands as an absolute evening highlight that combines acrobatics, theater, music, and distinctly Cambodian storytelling. This 1-hour evening circus show typically runs several nights per week, most often starting around 8pm, depending on the season and features a blend of modern and traditional theater, comedy, music, dance, acrobatics, and more that will leave you gasping in disbelief and wowing in amazement.

More than just entertainment, Phare represents a social enterprise where young circus artists from challenging social and economic backgrounds astonish audiences with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm, and talent. The performers are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak's vocational training center in Battambang, an association formed in 1994 by nine young men returning from refugee camps after the Khmer Rouge regime.

The show uses acrobatics and live music to tell parable-like stories of struggles between individuality and conformity, drawing from recent Cambodian history, folklore, and modern society. Much like Cirque du Soleil, the acrobatics are stunningly good and very entertaining, but the show maintains a distinctly Cambodian feel that educates while it entertains. Tickets range from $18 to $38, representing excellent value for world-class performances that support local communities.

Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages

Exploring Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and its unique floating communities represents one of the most educational and fascinating things to do Siem Reap not temples. Located just 25 kilometers from downtown Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that supports millions of people with its rich ecosystem and showcases traditional water-based lifestyles unchanged for generations.

Several floating villages offer different experiences for visitors. Kampong Phluk, about 30 kilometers from the city, features impressive 10-meter-high stilt houses and provides intimate views into locals' lives. The village charges entrance fees that vary seasonally – $5 during dry months and $20 during the rainy season from June to October when water levels rise dramatically.

Chong Kneas, the most famous and accessible village at 15 kilometers from Siem Reap, the most accessible floating village at around 15 kilometers from Siem Reap, is usually visited as part of organized boat tours, with prices varying depending on transport and inclusions. For more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, Kampong Khleang serves as the largest floating village about 50 kilometers away, with no entry fee for walking around and observing daily life in this remarkable water community.

Half-day tours provide opportunities to meet and converse with villagers, learn about sustainable village practices, visit floating schools and markets, and understand how communities adapt between dry and wet seasons when locals travel to work and school exclusively by boat. Afternoon departures often include spectacular sunset views over the lake, offering memorable photo opportunities and a peaceful end to the day.

Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages

Cooking Classes and Culinary Adventures

Taking a Khmer cooking class ranks among the most popular and rewarding things to do in Siem Reap besides temples, providing hands-on opportunities to learn about traditional flavors and techniques that make Cambodian cuisine so distinct. These immersive experiences typically begin with morning market visits where you select fresh ingredients while learning about local produce, herbs, and spices that form the foundation of authentic Khmer cooking.

Most cooking classes last three hours and allow you to choose three dishes from menus featuring regional specialties like fish amok, Cambodian curry, lok lak, beef sour soup, spring rolls, and green mango salad. You'll pick fresh herbs from gardens surrounding cooking facilities, then learn proper preparation techniques from experienced instructors who share cultural significance behind each ingredient and recipe.

After cooking your selected dishes, you'll feast on everything you've created and receive recipe books so you can recreate authentic Khmer meals at home. These classes provide perfect rainy day activities when outdoor temple exploration becomes less appealing, while offering deeper understanding of Cambodian culture through its culinary traditions.

Street food tours represent another delicious way to experience Siem Reap's flavors, taking you to local vendors and family restaurants where authentic dishes are prepared using recipes passed down through generations. Tours typically include tastings of diverse specialties while guides explain ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural contexts that make each dish special.

Pub Street and Night Market Experiences

Experiencing the vibrant nightlife and shopping opportunities along Pub Street and surrounding night markets represents essential things to do in Siem Reap, not temples that showcase the city's contemporary energy. Marked by large illuminated signs and brightly lit decorations, this neon avenue features loud bars and restaurants particularly popular with backpackers and international travelers seeking lively evening entertainment.

Numerous happy hours offer ridiculously cheap drink specials including 50-cent beers, while restaurants advertise exotic bites such as ostrich and crocodile skewers alongside traditional Khmer dishes. The outdoor seating arrangements create perfect settings for people-watching while sampling local and international beers under tropical night skies.

Multiple night markets operate in the area, including the Angkor Night Market (Siem Reap's original night bazaar famous for rice-grain art), Noon Night Market, and Siem Reap Art Centre Night Market. These markets sell affordable souvenirs, hand-painted scarves, silver jewelry, wooden masks, tie-dye clothing, and elephant print "temple pants" perfect for comfortable temple exploration.

Bargaining is expected and adds to the shopping experience, though remember to negotiate respectfully and fairly. The Old Market (Phsar Chaa) operates throughout the day, catering to locals with household goods and wet market items while transforming into tourist-oriented souvenir markets during evenings. Some onsite bars, restaurants, and cafes feature alfresco decks overlooking the Siem Reap River, providing relaxing breaks from intense shopping and bartering activities.

Pub Street and Night Market Experiences

Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium

For families and nature enthusiasts, the Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium represents wonderful things to do in Siem Reap besides temples that educate while entertaining. This conservation-focused facility commits to education and sparking passion for the natural world through exhibits featuring endangered Siamese crocodiles, various monkey species, and the Mekong barb fish species.

The aquarium features walk-through tunnels where visitors observe aquatic life from protected underwater perspectives, creating immersive experiences that reveal freshwater ecosystem diversity. Behind-the-scenes tours provide deeper insights into conservation efforts protecting endangered species while animal feeding times offer educational opportunities to learn about dietary requirements and behaviors.

Open daily from 8am to 6pm, the facility makes perfect morning activities before heat intensifies or sunset visits when golden light creates beautiful atmospheric conditions. In areas that can feel dry and dusty, the aquarium's focus on aquatic environments provides refreshing alternatives while teaching important conservation messages.

Kulen Mountain National Park

Day trips to Phnom Kulen National Park represent adventurous things to do in Siem Reap besides temples that combine natural beauty, spiritual significance, and historical importance. Located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of central Siem Reap, this sacred mountain is believed to be where King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in the 800s and where stones used to build Angkor temples were sourced.

The River of a Thousand Lingas features phallic symbols carved into sandstone below water level, creating unique spiritual art visible during dry season when water levels drop. The Phnom Kulen Waterfalls offer spectacular cascades where visitors can swim in pools below the falls, providing refreshing respite from tropical heat.

Tours typically visit temples housing Cambodia's largest reclining Buddha carved in sandstone, then continue to the 1000 Linga River and Kulen waterfalls. Small group experiences ensure personalized attention while traveling through stunning countryside that represents some of Cambodia's most beautiful landscapes. While road conditions have improved in recent years, motorcycle exploration is best suited to confident riders, particularly during the dry season.

Kulen Mountain National Park

Cultural Workshops and Classes

Engaging in hands-on cultural experiences represents meaningful things to do in Siem Reap, not temples that create lasting memories while supporting local artisans. Organizations like Backstreet Academy and Experience Cambodia Living Arts offer diverse workshop options including traditional Apsara dance lessons, wood and stone carving classes, archery, Bokator martial arts, fishing techniques, and various craft activities.

Apsara dance workshops provide opportunities to learn graceful movements and hand gestures that tell ancient stories through elegant choreography. These classes typically conclude with meals and professional performances that demonstrate mastery of this beautiful art form that dates back to the Angkor period.

Traditional bamboo tattoo (sak yant) experiences offer adventurous travelers opportunities to receive stick-and-poke style designs done with long bamboo rods. Some studios offer bamboo tattoo experiences inspired by traditional techniques, though visitors are encouraged to research carefully to understand the cultural and spiritual context behind these designs. While booking in advance is recommended, many shops accommodate walk-in customers throughout the day.

Adventure Activities and Sports

For active travelers, various adventure activities represent thrilling things to do in Siem Reap besides temples that get hearts pumping and adrenaline flowing. Wake Park Cambodia offers high-quality wakeboarding experiences at manmade beaches with private huts featuring dipping pools, delicious cocktails, and full food menus creating perfect afternoon retreats.

Angkor Wat Putt provides fun family-friendly mini golf across 14 temple-themed holes where skilled players earn free beers for holes-in-one. This lighthearted activity offers entertaining breaks from more serious cultural experiences while maintaining connections to Angkor's architectural legacy through creative course design.

Vespa tours through countryside and foodie routes provide exciting alternatives to standard tuk-tuk transportation. Companies like Cambodia Vespa Adventures and Siem Reap Vespa Adventures offer various programs that combine scenic rides with cultural stops, village visits, and culinary experiences that reveal authentic rural Cambodian life.

Adventure Activities and Sports

Museums and Educational Attractions

The Angkor National Museum provides essential historical context that enhances temple appreciation through interactive exhibits and multiple galleries displaying ancient archaeological finds and Khmer artifacts. Visiting before exploring Angkor Archaeological Park helps visitors understand stories behind temple structures and appreciate architectural significance more deeply.

The Cambodia Landmine Museum offers sobering but important educational experiences about ongoing demining efforts and the lasting impacts of conflict. The APOPO Visitor Center introduces travelers to HeroRats – Southern Giant Pouched Rats trained to detect landmines and save lives through their incredible sense of smell. Despite initial reservations about "rats," these cute and intelligent animals provide photo opportunities while educating visitors about crucial humanitarian work.

The Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles showcases silk-weaving techniques and traditional patterns while supporting artisans who preserve these endangered crafts. Craft activities scheduled on weekends allow hands-on participation in textile creation processes.

Relaxation and Wellness

After days of activity, traditional Khmer massage and spa treatments offer perfect rejuvenation among things to do in Siem Reap besides temples. Hour-long massages remain affordable while upgraded treatments justify slightly higher prices through exceptional quality and authentic techniques using locally sourced ingredients.

Fish pedicures are widely available and popular for their novelty, though visitors with sensitive skin or open cuts may wish to exercise caution. While initially ticklish, the sensation becomes pleasant and leaves feet feeling remarkably smooth. These quirky treatments represent perfect examples of Siem Reap's fun, relaxed atmosphere.

The Angkor Botanical Gardens are an emerging attraction that often offers free or low-cost entry, depending on the season and current management policies. Located on routes to Angkor Wat, the gardens make excellent stops for nature lovers seeking tranquil environments.

Relaxation and Wellness

Planning Your Beyond-Temple Adventures

When exploring things to do in Siem Reap besides temples, spending at least four days allows comprehensive experiences of both temple complexes and alternative attractions. Most travelers find that two days devoted to temples and two days exploring other activities creates perfect balance between historical discovery and contemporary cultural immersion.

Staying in central locations near Pub Street or Old Market minimizes tuk-tuk requirements and maximizes walkability for evening entertainment and market exploration. Purchasing local SIM cards provides reliable data connections more dependable than hotel Wi-Fi, especially helpful when coordinating meetups or researching attraction options.

For seamless travel planning, ensure you have proper documentation before your journey. Cambodia Immigration Services provides comprehensive eVisa support, making your entry process smooth and efficient. Their expert team assists with all required documentation and offers real-time application updates, allowing you to focus on planning your incredible Siem Reap adventure.

Conclusion: Your Complete Siem Reap Experience Awaits

The things to do in Siem Reap besides temples we've explored demonstrate that this remarkable destination offers far more than ancient stone structures. From world-class circus performances and floating village encounters to culinary adventures and natural wonders, Siem Reap provides comprehensive experiences that satisfy every interest and travel style.

While Angkor Wat rightfully claims its place among the world's greatest wonders, the vibrant contemporary culture, warm hospitality, and diverse attractions surrounding these ancient temples create complete travel experiences that transform simple visits into profound cultural journeys. Every cooking class, every circus performance, and every interaction with local communities contributes to understanding Cambodia's complex history, remarkable resilience, and bright future.

Whether you're drawn by adventure activities, cultural workshops, culinary explorations, or simply the opportunity to connect with authentic Cambodian life beyond tourist areas, Siem Reap delivers unforgettable moments that complement temple visits while standing as remarkable experiences in their own right.

Ready to embark on your complete Siem Reap adventure? Apply for a Cambodia eVisa today and start planning your journey beyond the temples. With proper preparation and an open mind, your exploration of all the amazing things to do in Siem Reap besides temples will create memories you'll treasure for a lifetime.