Top 20 Things To Do In Siem Reap Besides Temples For Explorers

Siem Reap is synonymous with Angkor Wat, but beyond its ancient stones lies a world of vibrant markets, immersive cultural attractions, thrilling performances, and unique experiences. Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking for couple-friendly fun, this guide to Things to Do in Siem Reap Besides Temples will spark your curiosity and ensure memories that last long after you leave the ruins behind. 

Markets, Shopping, and Local Street Food

Dive into local life by exploring Siem Reap’s bustling bazaars, where families can shop, sample street snacks, and watch artisans at work. 

Siem Reap Art Centre Night Market 

Stroll riverside aisles lined with colourful stalls selling hand-painted scarves, silver jewellery, and wooden masks. Kids love watching local artists at work and practicing their haggling skills for small souvenirs. Evening light-ups create a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for family photos and trying sweet coconut ice cream sold at every corner. New food stalls have begun offering mini-Khmer pancake demos, so little hands can help spread the batter. 

Old Market (Psar Chas) 

Step into a labyrinth of indoor and outdoor stalls offering quick-dry T-shirts, fresh produce, spices, and traditional Khmer snacks in Psar Chas. Parents can pick up specialty peppercorns or dried fruits while children marvel at the fish tanks and rows of exotic reptiles in open‐air aquariums. The market’s central location also provides easy access to riverside cafés for a refreshing break. Look out for the stall selling homemade palm-sugar candy—soft, nutty, and utterly addictive. 

Phalla Angkor Night Market 

A more laid-back alternative, Phalla Angkor offers handcrafted soaps, silk scarves, and wooden toys in a tidy, well‐lit layout. It’s ideal for families who prefer less crowded spots yet still want authentic Khmer handicrafts. Don’t miss the coconut-shell lamps and pressed‐flower bookmarks that make lightweight travel souvenirs. Many artisans will let kids try a simple carving tool under close supervision, creating instant pride and a keepsake. 

Angkor Night Market (ANM) 

As Siem Reap’s original night bazaar, ANM is famed for its rice-grain art—names and miniature images painted inside a single grain of rice and sealed in tiny glass vials.

Browse the clothing racks filled with tie-dye tops or pick up a carved soapstone elephant. Live folk music often drifts through the corridors, adding local charm to your shopping spree. In recent updates, the market has added a small play area with beanbags, allowing parents to browse while their little ones rest. 

>> Read More: The Best Way to See Angkor Wat – A Local Guide’s Step-by-Step Plan

Hard Rock Café 

For a taste of home, head to Hard Rock Café’s open-air seating for burgers, nachos, and soft drinks. The kids will love the rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia on the walls, and occasional live bands keep the atmosphere engaging without being too loud for little ears. If you visit on Thursdays, the café hosts a family karaoke night where children and parents can take the stage together. 

Pokambor Street Food Stalls 

Lined with colourful umbrellas, this street food hub serves everything from skewered meats and fresh mango juice to crispy banana pancakes and rolled ice cream.

Prices start around US$1, making it ideal for families on a budget. Kids can watch vendors hand-roll rice-paper spring rolls or fry up sweet churros-style donuts. Look for the small stand with glowing lanterns—its coconut-jelly dessert, topped with toasted sesame, is a hit with children. 

Pub Street (Street 08) 

When the sun sets, Pub Street transforms into a pedestrian haven of lanterns, street performers, and casual eateries. Early evenings are perfect for families—watch fire-breathers or marionette shows, sample fresh fruit shakes, and enjoy live acoustic bands without the adult crowds that arrive later. Many restaurants now offer kids’ menus and shaded outdoor seating so parents can unwind worry-free. 

Daytime Cultural Attractions 

Step off the beaten path and into interactive experiences that educate and entertain both children and adults. 

Angkor Silk Farm & Artisans Angkor 

Take a free, guided tour through silkworm farms and weaving workshops to see how raw silk becomes elegant scarves and tapestries. Families can try their hand at spinning thread or painting silk panels, with knowledgeable guides explaining each step of the production process. The farm recently added a “touch and feel” corner for kids to learn about silk textures. 

Tonlé Sap Floating Village 

Board a small boat for a floating-village tour on this Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Elevated monsoon-season waters (June–October) flood simple stilt houses and floating farms, creating a surreal, water-bound community. The kids will love feeding fish from the boat and spotting schools of stilted fish and other aquatic life. Many boat operators now include binoculars and wildlife guides, allowing families to learn about bird species such as the rare giant ibis. 

>> Read More: A Complete Guide On Siem Reap’s Floating Villages – What to Expect and How to Choose

Wat Thmei Killing Fields 

A sobering but vital experience, the memorial stupa here houses the skulls of Khmer Rouge victims. Older children can learn about modern Cambodian history in a respectful environment, guided by informative plaques and on-site historians. The grounds also feature a small museum with photographs and survivor testimonies. 

King’s Road Angkor 

A modern development combining boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries along a shaded riverbank. It’s an excellent spot for families to relax with iced lattes and watch local life drift by, or pick up gifts like hand-painted postcards and scented candles. On weekends, the complex hosts a free weekly puppet show in its central plaza. 

Angkor National Museum 

Climate-controlled galleries display over 1,300 Khmer artefacts with interactive multimedia presentations. Children can press buttons to hear ancient chants or view 3D reconstructions of temple sites, making it a perfect primer before any temple visit. The museum’s “Junior Archaeologist” tour includes a fun scavenger hunt with small prizes. 

War Museum Cambodia 

Veteran-led tours bring Cambodia’s history to life through restored tanks, helicopters, and artillery. Interactive exhibits enable kids to sit in a cockpit or touch decommissioned weapons, sparking meaningful conversations about peace and resilience. A small memorial garden on-site provides a quiet space for reflection. 

Unique Experience and Cultural Performances

Treat your family to a one-of-a-kind demonstration that highlights Cambodia’s ongoing legacy of landmine clearance. 

NPA Explosive-Detection Dog Show 

Experience the amazing abilities of heroic four-legged teams as they demonstrate their skills in sniffing out hidden mines.

For just $7 per person on weekdays, visitors can learn about Cambodia’s mine-action efforts while cheering for the clever Belgian Malinois dogs in an engaging and educational demonstration. Children will receive a coloring booklet that explains how these dogs save lives and can take home a paw-print badge as a keepsake.

This event promises an unforgettable blend of education and entertainment.

Smile of Angkor 

A grand production featuring over 100 performers, this show uses elaborate costumes, lights, and storytelling to celebrate Angkor’s golden age. Younger children are captivated by the colourful dragons and upbeat music. The theatre now offers “peek-behind-the-curtain” backstage tours where families can meet dancers after the show. 

Phare Circus 

Cambodia’s award-winning social circus transforms folk tales into jaw-dropping acrobatics, theatre, and live music. The high-energy acts and audience interaction make it a family favourite. Pre-show workshops allow kids to try simple juggling tricks under the guidance of professionals. 

Angkor Dynasty Show 

Combining cutting-edge projection mapping with authentic classical dance, this performance narrates Khmer legends on a purpose-built stage. It’s both educational and visually stunning. Post-show Q&A sessions with the performers give curious children insight into costume design and choreography. 

Rosana Broadway 

A vibrant ladyboy cabaret featuring dance, lip-sync, and comedic sketches. Although best suited for older teens, the dazzling costumes and choreography make it a memorable cultural experience. They even offer non-alcoholic mocktails for younger guests. 

Apsara Show & Buffet at Koulen 

Enjoy a leisurely buffet of Khmer and Western dishes while watching traditional Apsara dancers perform timeless classics. The casual setting and budget-friendly price make it great for families. Kids under five eat free, and coloring sheets depicting dance poses are provided at each table. 

Apsara Dinner at Por Cuisine 

For an upscale evening, Por Cuisine offers a prix-fixe dinner paired with an Apsara dance performance. Hotel transfers are usually included, ensuring a hassle-free night out. The restaurant offers children’s portion options and special seating at the front, allowing little ones to see every graceful movement. 

Bonus: Family-Friendly Adventures 

If you have extra days, consider these off-the-beaten-path experiences that blend nature, culture, and hands-on learning: 

• Cycling Through Countryside: Rent bicycles or join a guided e-bike tour to explore rice paddies, small villages, and hidden pagodas at your own pace—helmets provided for kids. 
• Cooking Classes for Kids: Learn to make fish amok or banana puck pancakes in interactive family classes—children earn chef’s hats and recipes to take home. 
• Butterfly Garden at Banteay Srey: Wander through lush tropical enclosures to see hundreds of native butterfly species emerge from chrysalises; the guided talk is surprisingly engaging for older kids. 
• Khmer Pottery Workshops: Spin the wheel alongside local artisans at the Ceramics Fine Arts Centre, moulding clay into bowls or decorative figurines you can paint. 
• Rice-Planting Experiences: During the monsoon season, join villagers in planting rice—kids love the mud, and you’ll support community cooperatives. 
• Mini Golf at Angkor Wat Putt: Play 18 holes amid miniature temple replicas—fun competition for the whole family. 
• Sunset River Cruise: Charter a private long-tail boat on the Siem Reap River—many operators include snacks and life jackets for kids. 

>> See Tour: Cambodia Family Vacation

Extra Tips On Things To Do in Siem Reap Besides Temples

Make the most of your family adventure in Siem Reap by keeping these practical pointers in mind: 

• Stay Central: Choose accommodations near Pub Street or the Old Market to minimize tuk-tuk rides and maximize walkability.  
• Buy a SIM Card: Local data plans are inexpensive and more reliable than hotel Wi-Fi, especially when coordinating family meetups. 
• Time Your Visit: Experience the joyous water fights of Khmer New Year in mid-April but expect larger crowds. The wet season (June–October) brings verdant landscapes and fuller Tonlé Sap tours. 
• Negotiate Respectfully: Haggling at markets and with tuk-tuk drivers is customary—smiles go a long way. 
• Pack Smart: Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles are must-haves for days exploring outdoor attractions. 
• Book Shows Early: Popular performances like Phare Circus sell out fast; reserve tickets online to secure your family’s seats. 
• Use Family-Friendly Tours: Some operators offer private tours with child-sized life jackets for boat trips and kid-friendly guides. 
• Multi-Stop Tuk-Tuk Pass: Consider buying a half-day or full-day pass with one driver—cheaper than multiple short trips and less waiting for the kids. 
• Kid-Friendly Cafés: Many cafés now offer play corners with books and puzzles to keep youngsters entertained between courses. 
• Emergency Contacts: Save local hospital numbers and your embassy’s contact in your phone before you arrive. 

From lively night markets and mouthwatering street food to floating villages, dog demos, and spectacular circus shows, the list of things to do in Siem Reap besides temples is endless.

Embrace these authentic experiences and hidden gems to create a family vacation filled with wonder, learning, and laughter. Pack your bags, round up the kids, and set off on a Cambodian adventure with Asia Pioneer Travel that goes far beyond the ruins—Siem Reap is ready to surprise you!