If you’ve an inkling toward the exciting side of tourism, Siem Reap has a lot to offer you. Whether it be cycling the day away through the countryside or munching on critters you thought you’d only ever squish below your boot, this Cambodian city has something for everyone.
We went ahead and consolidated 7 of the best activities for the adrenaline junkies of Siem Reap. What’s more is that there’s organized tours for every activity, so all you’ll have to plan is when to go and what thrill seekers you want to take along for the ride!
This private half-day tour heads west of the city into working villages, by vintage Jeep or by Vespa, each with its own driver. Over four hours, in the morning or the afternoon, you stop at family households along the route: palm sugar makers, a village market, water hyacinth weavers, rice noodle makers and more, with tastings along the way. An English-speaking guide stays with you throughout. The route stays outside the Angkor park, so no Angkor Pass is needed.
- Cost: $89 per person
- Duration: 4 hours, morning or afternoon
- Booking Info: adventurescambodia.com
You are collected from your hotel at 4:45 AM and watch the sunrise from the front of Angkor Wat. You then walk through the temple to the back, where the electric mountain bikes are waiting, and have a breakfast picnic by the moat. From there you ride to Bayon, the Terrace of the Elephants, Ta Nei and Ta Prohm, on a route that never doubles back, and you are at your hotel again around noon. The tour is private, with a guide, and helmets are provided. The Angkor Pass is not included.
- Cost: $110 per person
- Duration: about 7 hours, 4:45 AM to noon
- Booking Info: adventurescambodia.com
This private ride takes the back way into Angkor on electric mountain bikes: a river jungle path, the east side of the Angkor Wat moat, a forest track behind the temple and the quiet Ta Kav Gate into Angkor Thom. Temple stops are Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Preah Palilay and Preah Khan, with a monk blessing and lunch in the forest along the way. You choose your start time between 7 and 9 AM. Guide, bike, helmet, lunch and water are included. The Angkor Pass is not.
- Cost: $95 per person
- Duration: about 7 hours
- Booking Info: adventurescambodia.com
If the natural wonders of Cambodia are calling you, you won’t want to miss Kulen Waterfall and 1000 Lingas. This full-day tour lets you explore the most notorious of Phnom Kulen National Park highlights in one fell swoop. Learn about Khmer Empire history, swim at the foot of the falls and soak up unprecedented mountainous vistas from every angle. While you’re at it, you can even receive a blessing from the precious water of the sacred river, making your Cambodian experience that much more meaningful. At the end of the day, you’ll be more than ready to get dropped off right at your hotel door back in Siem Reap. The tour includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, the Phnom Kulen entrance ticket and a local lunch. It is not suitable for children under 12.
- Cost: From $48 per person
- Duration: 9 hours
- Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com
This evening tour moves from stop to stop by Vespa, so there is almost no walking. It starts with a tasting at a family rice-wine distillery, continues with street food at a night market and a sit-down Khmer dinner at a restaurant with live music, and ends with a cocktail in a traditional bar. All food and drinks are included. The shared tour takes up to six guests and leaves at 6 PM. A private version, by Vespa or vintage Jeep, is also available. Vegetarians can be catered for, vegans cannot.
- Cost: $68 per person shared, $89 private
- Duration: 4 hours, from 6 PM
- Booking Info: adventurescambodia.com
Have you been dreaming of accompanying monkeys, birds and more in the tallest tree top canopies? With a zipline through Angkor, your exotic aspirations have the opportunity to come to fruition. Angkor Zipline is professionally staffed and totally safe, meaning you can feel good about taking the family on this adrenaline-pumping tour. If you want, you can always accompany the zipline with activities like ATV or bicycle riding for a truly encompassing adventure.
- Cost: From $54 per person
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com
Ever wanted to see one of the seven wonders of the world from a bird’s eye view? Over seven hours, you can set out on an adventure to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat from an array of vantage points. Trips to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple accentuate your experience even more. While you’re there, a Cambodian scholar will teach you all you need to know about Khmer history. The tour also includes a 10-minute ride in a tethered helium balloon, with views of Angkor Wat, and a Khmer set lunch. The Angkor Pass ($37) is at your own expense.
- Cost: From $111 per person
- Duration: 7 hours
- Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com
The Adventure Doesn’t Have to Stop on Your Siem Reap Holiday
If enthusiastic activities are your forte, you’ll find that you fit right in here in Siem Reap. Exploring a range of adventures like e-bike rides, countryside tours by Jeep or Vespa and a day at Phnom Kulen are some of the best ways to fuel your need for thrill, soak up Cambodian culture and leave an indelible mark on you for life.
