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Best Things to do in Siem Reap (2026)

Siem Reap has plenty to fill the hours outside the temples. In the evening, Phare, The Cambodian Circus stages an hour-long show of circus, theatre and music in its big top on Ring Road, performed by graduates of a non-profit arts school in Battambang. By day, the workshops of Artisans Angkor show stone and wood carvers, lacquer workers and silk makers at work, and the Old Market sells everything from silk scarves to grilled snacks and fresh produce.

For a full day out, Phnom Kulen National Park, about 48 km north of town, combines a sacred mountain with waterfalls, a giant reclining Buddha and riverbed carvings, and Beng Mealea, about 40 km east of the main temple group, is a largely unrestored 12th-century temple explored on wooden walkways. Beng Mealea has its own ticket, separate from the Angkor Pass. Both can be combined with other sights on the way back to town, such as Banteay Srei or the Roluos temples. Book Phare tickets in advance in the high season, and plan countryside trips with a driver or tour operator so you can start early.

5 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Siem Reap

  1. Phare, The Cambodian Circus Contemporary circus show, Ring RoadA nightly hour-long show of circus, theatre, music and dance by graduates of a Cambodian arts school, staged in a big top on Siem Reap's Ring Road.
  2. Phnom Kulen National Park Sacred mountain and waterfalls, Svay LeuA sacred plateau about 48 km north of Siem Reap with waterfalls, a giant reclining Buddha and riverbed carvings, where King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence in 802.
  3. Beng Mealea Jungle temple day trip, Beng MealeaA large, mostly unrestored 12th-century temple about 40 km east of the main Angkor group, explored on wooden walkways over tumbled stones and tree roots.

Thing to do

3. Beng Mealea

Jungle temple day tripBeng Mealea

A large, mostly unrestored 12th-century temple about 40 km east of the main Angkor group, explored on wooden walkways over tumbled stones and tree roots.

View details — Beng Mealea

Thing to do

4. Artisans Angkor

Craft workshops and boutiqueOld Market area

Workshops in central Siem Reap where visitors can watch Cambodian artisans carve stone and wood, lacquer and gild, then browse the company's craft boutique.

View details — Artisans Angkor