Best Siem Reap Tours: Siem Reap, Cambodia’s spiritual heart, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, thrilling adventures, delectable street food, and rich Khmer culture. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the top Siem Reap tours, from the iconic Angkor Wat excursions to unique city explorations and budget-friendly itineraries.
Why Consider a Tour in Siem Reap?
While there are numerous independent activities in Siem Reap, guided tours offer a unique advantage. Even as someone who generally prefers self-guided adventures, I find Siem Reap’s tours invaluable. The city’s profound history and intricate culture are best explored with a knowledgeable guide, whether you’re interested in food, culture, dance, or art. Tours can be particularly enriching for families with children, providing engaging and educational experiences.
Additionally, many Siem Reap tours offer excellent value, contributing to local communities by supporting small tour companies and independent guides. This guide highlights a variety of tours including temple excursions, food experiences, cultural journeys, and more.
Choosing the Right Siem Reap Tour
With so many tour operators in Siem Reap, selecting a reputable one can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a tour:
- Local Operation: Opt for tours run by local companies to ensure the benefits stay within the community. Many tourism businesses are foreign-owned, and profits often leave the country.
- Group Size: Check if the tour limits the number of participants to ensure a more intimate experience.
- Additional Fees: Verify what’s included in the tour price and what’s not. For instance, Angkor tours typically do not cover temple admission fees.
- Flexibility: Look for tours with adjustable itineraries or contingency plans for weather changes.
- Pick Up/Drop Off: Confirm if transportation to and from your accommodation is included.
- Vehicle Type: Determine if the transport provided is air-conditioned or more basic, especially if traveling during the hotter months.
What to Wear on Your Siem Reap Tours
Opt for light, breathable clothing. When visiting temples or rural areas, cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Cambodians value modesty, so dress appropriately, especially in local markets or villages. A cotton scarf or buff can be handy for various purposes, and a wide-brimmed hat is essential for sun protection. Closed shoes are preferable for tours involving walking or biking.
What to Bring
- Camera: Capture the photogenic beauty of Siem Reap.
- Reusable Water Bottle & Hydration Tablets: Avoid contributing to plastic waste. Carry an insulated water bottle and refill it as needed.
- Snacks: Bring non-perishable snacks in case your tour doesn’t include meals.
- Small Change (Riel): Useful for local markets and temple donations.
- Insect Repellent & Sunscreen: Essential for outdoor activities. If your tour extends into the evening, choose repellent with DEET to ward off mosquitoes.
- Rain Jacket & Umbrella: Necessary for the rainy season.
Tipping Your Guide & Tour Etiquette
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Gratuities are generally not included in tour prices, so if you’re pleased with the service, a tip of around 10% is customary. Don’t forget to tip drivers and boat captains as well. If you visit restaurants or cafes as part of your tour, consider leaving a tip there too.
Top Siem Reap Tours
- Angkor Wat Tours: A must-see, Angkor Wat is the highlight of any trip. A guided tour offers deeper insights into the temple’s history and significance.
- Angkor Wat Full Day Sunrise Tour: Experience sunrise at Angkor Wat, with highlights including Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Groups are small, and the tour includes hotel pick-up and AC transport.
- Angkor Temple Hopping with Sunset: Skip the sunrise and enjoy sunset at Pre Rup temple. This tour includes hotel pick-up, AC transport, and an English-speaking guide.
- Angkor Sunrise Bike Tour with Jungle Breakfast & Lunch: Ideal for active travelers, this 9-hour bike tour includes sunrise views, a traditional Khmer breakfast, and a visit to Ta Phrom and Bayon.
- Angkor Temple Tour and Gastronomic Experience: Combine temple exploration with a four-course Khmer meal. Choose between sunrise or sunset tours.
Alternative Temple Tours
- Banteay Srei Temple Small-Group Tour: Visit the stunning pink-stone Banteay Srei and other temples. Lunch is provided, but not the cost.
- Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Temples Tour: Discover the remote Koh Ker and Beng Mealea temples on this 11-hour tour, including a Khmer lunch. Entrance fees are additional.
Best Tonle Sap Floating Village Tours
- Sunset Dinner Tour: Visit a floating village during sunset, with all costs included. The tour features a boat trip, a buffet dinner on the Queen Tara, and return transport.
Siem Reap Food Tours
- Cambodian Cook-Out with Local Guide and Chef: Enjoy a hands-on cooking class in a local village, with a three-course meal and recipe card.
- Fried Insect Cuisine Adventure: Try Cambodia’s adventurous fried insect cuisine with Backstreet Academy.
- After Dark Foodie Tour on a Vespa Scooter: Explore Siem Reap’s street food scene on a Vespa scooter, with all-you-can-eat street food and a special evening shrine visit.
- Boutique Cocktail Tour by Tuk Tuk: Experience Siem Reap’s nightlife with a tour of boutique cocktail bars.
Siem Reap Tours on Wheels
- Secrets of Siem Reap: Discover hidden gems of the city by bicycle or tuk tuk.
- Siem Reap Countryside Cycling & Floating Village Tour: Cycle through the countryside, visit Kampong Khleang floating village, and enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch.
- Quad Bike Countryside Tour: Explore the outskirts of Siem Reap on a quad bike, with options for sunset rides and visits to local markets and temples.
