Things to Do in Siem Reap (That are Not Angkor Wat), Siem Reap, Cambodia

Most people go to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat, but the city has an interesting variety of things to see and do in its own right. These are all the coolest things to do in Siem Reap when you’re done exploring Angkor Wat.

This quaint temple is located in the French Quarter and features modern construction, as opposed to the traditional Khmer stone architecture you’ll see in Angkor Wat. Aside from a beautiful garden with statues and stupas, the main hall has a colorful and peaceful interior lined with murals that depict Buddha’s life. Inside, you’ll find a seated Buddha in the center. I’ll share a tip that a local who was taking a mid-afternoon nap at the entrance shared with us: If you walk around the seated Buddha, you’ll find a statue of the reclining Buddha hidden behind the other one. As with all the temples, remember to take your shoes off before entering and dress conservatively.

The APOPO Center is a good place to get informed about the impact of landmines in Cambodia, and to learn how they’re using African giant pouched rats to demine the country. It’s a quick but really interesting stop in Siem Reap that is sad, enlightening, and uplifting. Cambodia is one of the world’s most severely mined countries in the world. In fact, the US dropped over 26 million bombs there during the Vietnam War (the more you know!), some of which did not explode as intended and still sever the limbs of people, animals, and children in the Cambodian countryside. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).