When you think of Siem Reap, you immediately think of Angkor Wat. It is the main reason why people visit this city. Pub street in the centre of Siem Reap is also popular with tourists. But there is so much more to see and do. Exploring Siem Reap and its surrounding areas is a great way to experience local life. I recommend spending a week here so you can get to know some of its hidden gems.
5. Explore Psarlue Market
Psarlue Market is the most popular market in Siem Reap for locals. With more than 300 stalls selling a wide range of products, you will find yourself getting lost in the maze of the market. Seeing the hustle and bustle is worth going alone in itself. You will find a variety of foods, clothes, and souvenirs to choose from. It is an excellent place to taste some fresh local food. Don't let the different smells put you off. It is the ultimate way to experience Cambodia's cuisines. The best time to visit is early morning as most locals buy fresh food. Also, you avoid the heat of the day.
4. Take a day trip to the floating villages
The floating villages at Tonle Sap Lake are a great place to understand how local Cambodians live. It is a simple way of life but one we can learn a lot from. You will see many houses and buildings constructed on stilts. Several communities of people are living on the Tonle Sap Lake. Four main villages are accessible from Siem Reap, and there are a variety of ways to get there. In the wet season (May-November), you can take a boat through the villages to see a wide range of wooden houses along the river bank, and in the dry season (December-April), you can take a jeep, car, or even a Tuk Tuk to get there. The communities depend on fishing and tourism in the rainy season, and crop farming in the dry season. There are many tour options available to try. I highly recommend a local tour guide to get the most out of your visit.
3. Have a night out down Sok San Road
Most tourists visiting Siem Reap go to Pub Street for a night out. However, drinks and food are over-priced. Sok San Road (a few minutes away) is much cheaper and has more of a variety of different bars and restaurants. There are about a dozen to choose from along the road. Nicky's Bar is one of the most popular, and many ex-pats go there. You can expect to bump into some colourful characters and helpful locals and ex-pats. In between the bars, there are street food stalls and some good restaurants. Jungle Burger sports bar has some of the best burgers in town. If you plan on staying for a long time in Siem Reap, I highly recommend renting a room at L2 Angkor Residence. It's a peaceful location on Sok San Road but only a 5-minute drive to the centre of town.
2. Visit Phnom Krom mountain and the surrounding areas
Phnom Krom mountain is a 15-20 minute drive from Siem Reap centre. This mountain consists of three small temples in a row on the top. It's a great vantage point to look over the paddy fields and local villages. Also, watching the sunset here is beautiful and a popular spot with locals and tourists. The surrounding countryside is a great place to ride a motorbike or scooter along the dusty track roads. You can find huts with hammocks dotted about the countryside too. These huts overlook the vast plain of paddy fields. Spending an afternoon in one of these huts is an experience everyone should do. Watching the weather pass through the landscape in the wet season is stunning. When exploring this beautiful area, bring some food and beer with you.
Learn about Cambodian history at Siem Reap's war museum
