10 Amazing Siem Reap Spots Beyond Angkor Wat

Angkor Botanical Garden is a lovely, peaceful escape in Siem Reap. It's a fantastic spot to just relax and enjoy nature's quiet beauty, especially if you've spent days exploring temples. The garden is much larger than you might expect, with well-kept grounds perfect for a leisurely stroll. You'll find a nice cafe on site if you need to cool off, plus shops and clean toilets. It's also quite child-friendly, with small animal areas. One visitor wrote, "Nice little FREE stop. When we visited, there was less than a handful of tourists." It’s open most days from 8 AM to 6 PM, but remember, it closes on Tuesdays. It's a refreshing change of pace and a great way to reconnect with green spaces.

Step into Bayon Temple and you'll immediately understand why it's called the "Smile of the Khmer." This 12th-century Angkor Thom temple is famous for over 200 huge, smiling faces carved right into its stone walls. It's a truly unique sight! While it's a Buddhist temple today, it has a rich history tied to both Buddhism and Hinduism. You'll need a good amount of energy and time to explore all its corners, as it's quite large. One visitor shared, "Bayon Temple, also known as the "Smile of the Khmer" in the center of Angkor, is one of the most prestigious Buddhist temples in the Angkor Dynasty." It opens bright and early at 7:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM every day, so you have plenty of time to wander among those ancient smiles.

Looking for a fun family day out or a different kind of adventure in Siem Reap? The Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium is a great choice! It's much more than just an aquarium, offering a chance to see various animals in very clean and well-kept surroundings. The staff are known for being friendly and welcoming. If you time your visit right, around 10 AM to 11 AM, you can even catch the animals being fed, which is always a treat! One visitor mentioned, "We had so much fun here, we stayed all day (but our kids love animals). Specially the aquarium was so lovely, we also very much enjoyed the feeding." It's open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, with slightly later closing on weekends until 6 PM.

Ta Prohm Temple feels like nature is giving you a big, ancient hug! This 12th-century Buddhist temple is known for its incredible sight: giant tree roots growing right through the stone ruins. It’s a place that shows just how powerful nature can be, slowly reclaiming what was once built by humans. You might recognize it from the "Tomb Raider" movie, though there are no actual underground caves. The atmosphere here is truly special. One visitor described it perfectly: "Ta Prohm feels like a lost temple swallowed by the jungle, where giant tree roots slowly took over the ancient ruins." It's open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily, making it a wonderful stop to feel like an explorer.

If you love temples where nature and history intertwine, Preah Khan Temple will charm you. This late 12th-century temple feels a bit like Ta Prohm, but many say it has an even more cohesive feel, making it great for exploring. It's full of interesting features and views. For a truly peaceful start, try entering from the east gate – the walk offers amazing views of the baray (reservoir). You'll find fewer crowds here, giving you more space to take photos and soak it all in. One visitor noted, "We visited as part of our sunset tour, so it was around 11 AM in the morning. There were fewer people, and it was a peaceful and beautiful temple." It's open from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day.

For an evening of pure joy and incredible talent, you absolutely have to see Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This isn't your typical animal circus; it's all about amazing human acrobatics, dance, and storytelling, all set to live music! What's even better is that Phare supports Cambodian youth through arts education. You can arrive early to enjoy a delicious dinner of local Cambodian foods right on site before the show. One visitor raved, "Just amazing, you have to attend. No animals, just acrobatic humans. I will also add - I have been there 4 times during my years living here in Cambodia and every show has been unique and fantastic." Shows are typically in the evening, and the venue is open from 8 AM to 9 PM daily.

Phnom Bakheng Temple is where many go to catch a spectacular Cambodian sunset. This 9th-century Hindu and Buddhist temple sits on a hill, giving you panoramic views, especially over Angkor Wat. While the sunset views are beautiful, it's a popular spot, so be prepared for crowds. Your best bet is to arrive early to find a good spot and enjoy the experience without feeling too rushed. It involves a bit of a walk and a steep climb to the top, so wear comfy shoes! One visitor wisely advised, "It is definitely worth visiting at sunset, even though it can get very crowded. Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the experience more comfortably." The temple is open from 5 AM to 7 PM daily.

Baphuon Temple is one of those places that feels a bit like a discovery. This imposing 11th-century pyramid-style temple, once dedicated to Hinduism and later Buddhism, stands tall with steep stairs leading to a panoramic terrace. It might be a little tricky to find as it's slightly hidden southwest of the Terrace of the Elephants, so don't be shy to ask a friendly local for directions! The climb to the top is totally worth it for the views and the peaceful feeling you get up there. One visitor shared, "Baphuon Temple is truly one of the most impressive and peaceful temples inside the Angkor Archaeological Park. The climb to the top is absolutely worth it." It's open from 5 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

Ready for an exciting adventure high above the jungle canopy? Angkor Zipline offers a thrilling way to see Cambodia's natural beauty from a different perspective. They have various zip-line courses and suspension bridges that let you soar through the trees. Safety is their absolute top priority, and the staff are known for being super professional, helpful, and friendly – making even first-timers feel at ease. The experience often includes a traditional Khmer meal too! One happy zipliner said, "Ziplining here was simply fantastic. We have been ziplining in Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, more. This hands down was the most well run and safest." They're open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM, so you can start your day with a rush!

The Hall of a Thousand Gods is a truly special place for quiet reflection and appreciating beautiful art. This historical landmark is filled with many statues, each one carefully arranged, creating a deeply spiritual and calm atmosphere. The detailed carvings and sacred setting make it a meaningful stop, especially if you're looking for a moment of peace away from the more crowded sites. It’s part of the wider Angkor archaeological area, so you can easily include it in your temple hopping. One visitor felt, "The Hall of a Thousand Gods is a peaceful and spiritual place filled with beautifully arranged statues. Its calm atmosphere, detailed carvings, and sacred setting make it a meaningful stop for those e." It's open daily from 5 AM to 5:30 PM.