Siem Reap Attractions

Several restaurants and hotels in Siem Reap present Apsara Dance Shows, and Apsara Dance Dinner Shows are included in many tours. Most shows include the four genre of traditional Khmer dance: Apsara Dance, Masked Dance, Shadow Theatre, and Folk Dance. These are abbreviated dances for tourists, and unfortunately there is usually little, or no explanation as to the origin and meaning of the dances. But they are still interesting and worthwhile to see.

Below are a few of the venues offering Apsara Dance. Read More...

Alliance Cafe

Apsara Terrace

Apsara Theatre

La Noria Hotel

Temple Balcony

Angkor National Museum

Opened in 2007, the museum houses many archeological treasures and cultural relics from the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian periods. The tour of the eight galleries begins with a short orientation presentation. The galleries include 1,000 Buddha Images, Pre-Angkor, Religion and Beliefs, The Great Khmer Kings, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Story from Stones, and Ancient Costume. Tour guides and audio tour guides in various languages are available. 

Cambodia Landmine Museum

From its small, humble beginning, it is now more of a formal museum displaying defused ordinance including mines and bombs. There is also information on demining and the landmine and unexploded ordinance problem in Cambodia. Started by former soldier and deminer, Akira, it is also a charitable organization, and provides education about landmines, and support for landmine affected youth. 

Siem Reap War Museum

Outdoor displays of old, rusted and broken down military hardware taken from the battlefield are featured at this museum. Equipment on display includes old tanks, artillery guns, rocket launchers, anti-aircraft guns, small arms, mines and bombs. There is also an old Shenyang J-6 jet fighter, and an XU-814 Mil Mi-8T helicopter. Unfortunately, as with the rest of the things on display, they are in very poor condition. There is an admission fee.

Angkor Silk Farm

The silk farm was established by Artisans d’Angkor for the revival and perpetuation of traditional sericulture in Cambodia. They provide training in silk production, and produce the silk they use in their products. The guided tour includes all aspects of silk farming and production, from the raising of the silk worms, to dying the silk, to weaving the final product. A very interesting and informative tour. A free shuttle bus leaves at 08:30 and 13:30 from Artisans d’Angkor in Siem Reap. The entire tour takes about 2 hours.

Angkor Wat in Miniature

Constructed in 1994 and 1995 by Dy Proeung, you can see that a lot of time and effort went into creating the miniature of Angkor Wat, Baneay Srey and other ancient temples. Unfortunately in recent years they have not been well cared for, and sadly the place is in a state of disrepair. The person in charge doesn’t speak much English. The entrance fee is $1.50.

Cambodia Cultural Village

Cambodia Cultural Village first opened to public in late 2003. Covering a total area of 52 acres, this theme park showcases the traditional Cambodian way of life, and the local customs and practices of the various ethnic groups in the country. It is home to more than 10 villages, showing off the different cultures and characteristics of 19 Cambodian races. The shows include Apsara dances, traditional wedding ceremonies, circus acts and an elephant show.

Cello Concert by Dr. Beat Richner

The Swiss pediatrician gives a free solo cello performance every Saturday evening at the Jayavarman VII Children’s Hospital. In 1991, Dr. Richner was asked by King Norodom Sihanouk to restore the Kantha Bopha I Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh, after the defeat of the Khmer Rouge. He is now the director of three children’s Hospitals, one in Siem Reap, and two in Phnom Penh.

Dr. Richner talks about the work of the hospitals in saving the lives of poor children in Cambodia, and about the latest activities of the hospital foundation. Monetary contributions, and donations of blood are gladly accepted.

Movie Mall

Usually when you go to the movies, you can escape and forget about the world outside, but not in this theatre. Here it is a bit different, and you come face-to-face with reality. They feature only three movies: “Pol Pot: The History of Genocide” a documentary chronicling the nightmare of the Khmer Rouge years, “Angkor Wat: History of the Jewel of the Jungle” a history of the Khmer Empire from the 9th century to the 15th century, and “From the Land Mine.” These movies will give you a better understanding of Cambodia as it is today. The theatre is air-conditioned. First showing is 16:00, and last showing is 23:00.

Siem Reap Crocodile Farm

There is now only one commercial crocodile farm in Siem Reap open to the public. They have over 1,000 South China crocodiles, ranging in age from 1 year to 50 years old. They also have a store selling leather handbags, wallets, belts, etc. made from crocodile, sting ray, and snake skin.

Tonlé Sap Lake

The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. During the dry season the lake drains into the Tonle Sap River which flows into the Mekong River. But in the rainy season (June to October), the huge amount of water in the Mekong causes the Tonlé Sap River to reverse its flow. The combination of water flowing into the lake, and the backup of the Tonle Sap River swells the lake to 5-times its size in the dry season. This increase in size floods the surrounding floodplain and forests, creating an incredibly diverse and rich eco-system. Read More...