Siem Reap, a small provincial town in Cambodia, has become a bustling tourist hub, drawing millions of visitors annually. Beyond the area’s captivating sites, the locals of Siem Reap are known for their genuine friendliness, often inviting visitors into their homes for parties and drinks. Siem Reap offers excellent value for money, with affordable food, drinks, accommodation, and transportation prices. While these are just a few highlights, the enchanting experience of exploring Siem Reap and its surroundings will likely leave visitors with countless reasons to cherish their time in this quaint yet happening temple town.
This blog will look into the various places to visit in Siem Reap and the interesting things to do in Siem Reap.
Top Places to Visit in Siem Reap
- Angkor National Museum
- Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
- Psar Chas or Psar Chaa
- Jayav Art Gallery
- ArtBox Trick Art Museum
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Angkor National Museum
The Angkor National Museum is one of the best Siem Reap tourist attractions. It consists of a world-class exhibit that unveils the legend of the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom and the Museum Mall, a lifestyle destination offering complete facilities and recreational services for tourists and the local community. The interactive exhibits are intended to help visitors understand the religions and beliefs of the ancient Khmer Empire.
Things to Do at Angkor National Museum
- Explore 20,000 square metres of space filled with over 8,000 relics, including magnificent statues of the Buddha and Hindu gods
- Gain insights into a civilisation that ruled the region for seven centuries
- Enjoy the works of art displayed by various contemporary artistes
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Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
The Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, popular locally as BBC Butterfly Centre, is among the places to see in Siem Reap. The facility is home to various species of Cambodian butterflies, in fact, thousands of free-flying butterflies inside a netted tropical garden. BBC is Southeast Asia’s biggest outdoor butterfly exhibit, offering locals and visitors an interactive and visual environment to gather knowledge about butterflies. The revenue from ticket sales goes to pull up the locals from poverty and promote conservation efforts.
Things to Do at Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
- Take pleasure in exploring the thousands of butterfly species with guided tours for a memorable and educational adventure
- Try to identify the butterfly species that are all endemic to Cambodia
- Learn how the centre is providing sustainable livelihood to several local communities by training local farmers on butterfly farming
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Psar Chas or Psar Chaa
Located on the western banks of the Siem Reap River, Psar Chas or Siem Reap Old Market is among the incredible Siem Reap attractions. Locally known as Psar Chas, it is a vibrant hub wherein locals flock in the early mornings for their shopping needs. The market is covered by a large roof, providing shade from the sun during scorching afternoons. For the freshest goods, visiting early in the morning is advisable.
Things to Do at Psar Chas or Psar Chaa
- Explore and marvel at handmade products, including bags, jewellery, and purses
- The market also sells souvenirs, including Buddha statuettes, silverware, silk, and wood and stone carvings
- Give your palate a taste of Cambodian cuisine comprising rice varieties, dried fish, pork sausages, and fermented fish paste called Prahok, a Cambodian speciality
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Jayav Art Gallery
The gallery is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Siem Reap. It is a creative hub wherein art enthusiasts immerse themselves in the world of papier-mâché sculptures. Philippe Brousseau, a renowned French artist, and his talented Cambodian team, painstakingly handcraft each sculpture. Their dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the intricate details and unique designs of their creations. Jayav Art Gallery produces exact imitiations of the sculptures at Angkor Vat, which are all environment-friendly.
Things to Do at Jayav Art Gallery
- The gallery showcases lacquered wood, terra cotta, and stone artwork that visitors can explore and purchase
- Learn about King Jayavarman VII, the last powerful monarch of the Khmer empire, after whom this gallery is named
- Discover the unique blending of ancient papier-mâché art with artistic patinas of the trompe-l’oeil technique
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ArtBox Trick Art Museum
The world's largest trick art museum offers a unique opportunity to the 5 million-odd annual visitors to Cambodia to experience world heritage sites without being affected by weather conditions, such as scorching heat or downpours. The ArtBox Trick Art Museum is one of the most entertaining Siem Reap sightseeing locations. Built with skilled craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that has impressed people worldwide, the museum truly deserves the title given to it—Supremacy of Trick Art.
Things to Do at ArtBox Trick Art Museum
- With a vast collection of photographs, captivating 3D art, and impressive landmark paintings, visitors can admire and engage with art in a fun and unique way
- Watch the impressive hologram show the museum hosts regularly before stepping into the small cafe in the facility for refreshing drinks