Everyone comes to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat. And they should — the ancient temples of the Khmer Empire are among the most breathtaking human achievements on earth. But here is something the most seasoned Siem Reap travellers know: the city itself is just as extraordinary as the temples.
1. Meet Cambodia’s Only Capybaras at Casa de Capybara
Nothing on this list quite prepares you for meeting Molly and Alex. Casa de Capybara on Ring Road, minutes from Angkor Wat, is Cambodia’s first and only capybara experience. The $10 Full Capybara Experience includes private guided encounter, staff photography, feeding, capybara facts, free souvenir, pool with slide, playground and playroom. Family package $30. Hotel rooms from $50/night. Open daily 7am-9pm.
cms.casadecapybara.com/ | Ring Road, Street 598, Siem Reap
2. SATU Concept Store
The riverside concept store specialising entirely in products made in Cambodia. 70+ local suppliers. Every purchase supports an independent Cambodian artisan. (shopsatu.com)
3. Phare Cambodian Circus
Acrobatics, theatre, music and visual art telling Cambodia’s history and spirit. Every show is breathtaking. Book in advance.
4. Taste Siem Reap
The original high end private food tour — 3-4 curated venues, every guest treated as VIP. Khmer Discovery, Hidden Gems, Phare Circus dinner or family tours. (tastesiemreap.com)
5. Angkor Wat Sunrise
Arrive before 5am. Watch the sky turn pink over the ancient towers. Then head to Capybara Cafe for breakfast.
6. Angkor Eye Ferris Wheel
85m tall, 5 minutes on foot from Casa de Capybara. Sweeping views over Siem Reap.
7. Robam Theater — Apsara Dance
Traditional Khmer performing arts, 5 minutes on foot from Casa de Capybara.
8. APOPO Hero Rat Experience
African giant pouched rats detect landmines in Cambodia. Moving, educational, extraordinary. Like capybaras, they are rodents — Siem Reap’s two most remarkable rodent stories in one city.
9. Night Markets
Angkor Night Market and Pub Street area come alive after dark. For the best Cambodian made products — SATU Concept Store.
10. Simply Wander
The best Siem Reap moments happen when you put the map away. And whatever you do — visit Molly and Alex before you leave.
By Manet Sisamouth