Siem Reap tours

Things to do in Siem Reap

Siem Reap serves as your entry point into an ancient world, where the temples of Angkor stand as timeless witnesses to history. But don't let these stone relics steal the show; the city itself is a hub of activity. With ToursByLocals, your guide will escort you through more than just the famous Angkor Wat. Walk through the Old Market's narrow pathways, where the fragrant aroma of lemongrass mingles with the sizzle of street food. Embark on a culinary adventure tasting Khmer dishes that carry the depth of their history in every bite. Witness the sunrise over Angkor with your guide and avoid the crowds as you explore temples and sacred spots that remain hidden to the casual visitor. Through stories that breathe life into ancient stones, your guide transforms each step into a personal exploration through time. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Siem Reap. Explore Siem Reap your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Siem Reap tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Siem Reap for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Take a sunrise boat across Tonle Sap to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary with a bird guide to spot storks and pelicans, then paddle through the flooded forest near Kampong Phluk. Or hike Phnom Kulen to a waterfall for a picnic while your guide points out butterflies and medicinal plants. City highlights tours: Catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat before exploring Bayon’s face towers and the tree roots of Ta Prohm with flexible timing to avoid crowds. Add a stop at Psar Chaa (Old Market) to try grilled skewers and sticky rice in bamboo, then watch stone carvers at Artisans Angkor. Off the beaten path tours: Head to Beng Mealea and Koh Ker with your guide for quiet temple time and a simple noodle stop in Svay Leu. Or cycle into Chhreav village to meet a palm-sugar maker and photograph rice paddies at sunset. The compact centre around the Old Market is walkable, but major temples and nature sites are spread out and there isn’t public transit; tuk-tuks are common. You can book chauffeured tours with private transportation, or ask your local guide to arrange an air-conditioned car, van, or a private tuk-tuk. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Siem Reap inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Experience Siem Reap like a local with a private walking tour through its neighborhoods, guided by someone who knows the city inside and out. - Pub Street Area: Known for its vibrant nightlife, this area is perfect for families and groups looking to enjoy the bustling atmosphere with dining and entertainment options. - Wat Bo Village: A quieter neighborhood ideal for cultural tourists interested in exploring traditional Khmer wooden houses and local temples. - Sangkat Sala Kamreuk: This neighborhood offers a mix of rural charm and local life, providing a meaningful connection for those interested in community-based tourism and authentic experiences. Day trip ideas from Siem Reap Use Siem Reap as your base for day trips to temples, villages, and hills nearby, and set up tours that match your pace, from sunrise starts to slower cultural stops. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm: Close to town, the classic circuit covers vast bas-reliefs, giant stone faces, and root-draped walls. Good for first-time visitors, history fans, and photographers, with the option to focus on sunrise, quieter corners, or fewer stair climbs. Banteay Srei and Phnom Kulen: The pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei pair well with Phnom Kulen’s forest, waterfall pools, and hilltop Buddha. Ideal if you like fine details and a nature break, with light hiking and cooler air in the afternoon. Tonlé Sap Lake villages (Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk): See stilt houses and seasonal wetlands by boat while learning how water levels shape daily life. A strong pick for culture and photography, especially during high water from roughly July to January. Beng Mealea: A partly collapsed temple wrapped in greenery about 70 kilometres east. It fits explorers who prefer fewer crowds and simple pathways, and it combines well with a local market stop along the way. Koh Ker: Around 120 kilometres from Siem Reap, this former capital spreads out across forest with a striking step pyramid at Prasat Thom. Choose it for open space, bold lines of stone architecture, and a slower day with fewer temple-to-temple transfers. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Siem Reap most travellers miss.