Angkor Wat is the most popular attraction in Siem Reap, or even in Cambodia. But apart of it, you should not miss the other parts of town, which do add to the charm and allure of this historical part of Cambodia.
1. Visit the Angkor temples
Or, if you don’t mind sweating, rent a White Bicycle at any of the stands in town (your $2 daily rental fee helps support local NGOs) and spend the day seeing the main temple circuit — Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm — at your own pace. Either option gives you plenty of time to see the big three, any smaller temples that catch your eye, and still make it to Phnom Bakeng for the best sunset views.

Go early to snag a spot, and be sure to make it up before access to the temple-top viewing area closes at 5:30 p.m. Grab a pate sandwich from any of the roadside vendors and picnic while you wait for the evening show.
2. Visit the other temples
If you’re after a taste of the “real” Cambodia, sign up for a tour of the Tonle Sap fishing villages, where you can see traditional stilt architecture, floating rice paddies and talk to local fishermen who might invite you home for a very freshly caught lunch.
It’s worth the extra time to venture farther afield — the nearest village, Chong Khneas, is swamped with tourists and feels like a human zoo. To make it a full day, choose a tour that also visits the bird sanctuary or any of several nearby NGO projects.

3. Hire a tuk-tuk tour guide
Tuk-tuks are the local taxis, and the easiest way to get around Siem Reap. You can get anywhere in the main city for $2, while good negotiators should be able to talk drivers down to a dollar. Tip the driver well and you’ll have a friend for life, plus an eager tour guide who will show you the best of Siem Reap. Bonus points if you can find the “VIP Batman” tuk-tuk.
(to be continued)
For more information about travel tips in Asia, please visit our website.