Siem Reap City Walking Tour

Siem Reap’s vibrant streets beckon travelers to explore beyond the iconic Angkor temples. The city walking tour offers a chance to discover its hidden gems, from the serene Royal Residence to the bustling Old Market. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the experience immerses visitors in the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Whether it’s supporting small businesses at the Made in Cambodia Market or learning about Buddhist traditions at Wat Preah Prom Rath, this comprehensive tour promises an authentic glimpse into the heart of Siem Reap. But the true highlight? Wandering through the charming Kandal Village, where age-old customs come alive.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best City Tours In Siem Reap.

Key Points

1. The Siem Reap City Walking Tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the city beyond the famous Angkor temples, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
2. The tour visits various landmarks, including the Royal Residence and gardens, Kandal Village, Wat Preah Prom Rath, Old Market, and the Made in Cambodia Market.
3. Kandal Village showcases Cambodia’s thriving craft scene, allowing visitors to discover unique Cambodian handmade products and support the local economy.
4. Wat Preah Prom Rath offers insights into Cambodia’s rich religious heritage, with its ornate Khmer-style architecture and Buddhist artwork.
5. The tour provides an authentic glimpse into Siem Reap’s vibrant heritage, with the opportunity to immerse in the sights, sounds, and smells of daily Cambodian life at the Old Market.

Overview of the Tour

This walking tour offers travelers a chance to go beyond the iconic Angkor temples and enjoy the vibrant culture and history of Siem Reap city.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the experience takes visitors through the Royal Residence and gardens, Kandal Village’s boutiques, the serene Wat Preah Prom Rath temple, the bustling Old Market, and the unique Made in Cambodia Market.

It’s a comprehensive look at the city that goes beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. Guests will have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, learn about local traditions, and support small businesses, all while exploring Siem Reap on foot with an expert guide by their side.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The walking tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Siem Reap’s vibrant landmarks, starting with the serene Royal Residence and gardens. Here, they’ll learn about the history and architecture of this former royal estate.

Next, they’ll explore the charming Kandal Village, browsing the boutiques and artisan shops that showcase Cambodia’s thriving craft scene.

At Wat Preah Prom Rath temple, they’ll admire the ornate Khmer architecture and Buddhist artwork.

The tour then visits the lively Old Market, where vendors sell an array of local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

The final stop is the Made in Cambodia Market, a hub celebrating the country’s talented artisans and designers.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into Siem Reap’s rich culture and history.

Discovering Kandal Village

After exploring the serene Royal Residence, visitors on the Siem Reap walking tour explore the charming Kandal Village.

This vibrant neighborhood showcases Cambodia’s thriving craft scene, with an array of boutiques and artisan shops lining the streets. Wandering through Kandal Village allows travelers to discover unique Cambodian products handmade by skilled local artisans.

From intricate silk scarves to handwoven baskets, the village’s boutiques offer a chance to find distinctive souvenirs and support the local economy. Visitors can browse the stalls, chat with the friendly shopkeepers, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this hidden gem in the heart of Siem Reap.

Exploring Wat Preah Prom Rath

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Next up on the Siem Reap city walking tour is a visit to the impressive Wat Preah Prom Rath, a revered Buddhist temple located just a short stroll from the Royal Residence. Travelers can admire the ornate architecture and intricate carvings adorning the temple’s exterior before stepping inside to witness the serene atmosphere and observe the faithful at prayer.

This stop offers an insightful glimpse into Cambodia’s rich religious heritage and the pivotal role Buddhism plays in the daily lives of the Khmer people.

The highlights of visiting Wat Preah Prom Rath include:

1. Marveling at the temple’s stunning Khmer-style architecture
2. Observing the monks in their crimson robes engaged in meditative practices
3. Exploring the temple’s peaceful courtyards and gardens
4. Learning about the significance of the temple’s numerous Buddha statues and religious artifacts

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No changes needed.

Taking in the Old Market

From the tranquil grounds of Wat Preah Prom Rath, the walking tour now leads visitors to the bustling energy of the Old Market, or Phsar Chas, a vibrant hub of local commerce and culture. Amidst the maze of stalls, travelers can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of daily Cambodian life. Bargaining for handicrafts, textiles, and fresh produce is a must-do experience. The market is divided into distinct sections, offering a variety of goods:

Area	Highlights
Clothing	Silks, cottons, traditional Khmer garments
Souvenirs	Wood carvings, ceramics, Angkor-inspired artwork
Food	Tropical fruits, local snacks, fresh seafood

With a kaleidoscope of colors and activities, the Old Market provides an authentic glimpse into Siem Reap’s vibrant heritage.

Shopping at Made in Cambodia Market

Leaving the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Market, the walking tour now leads visitors to the Made in Cambodia Market, an inspiring showcase of locally-sourced artisanal products.

This market provides an opportunity to directly support Cambodian small businesses and talented craftspeople. Visitors can browse through a variety of handcrafted items, including:

• Intricate silverwork and jewelry
• Vibrant silk scarves and garments
• Unique home decor pieces made from natural materials
• Innovative upcycled accessories and souvenirs

These locally-made goods not only make for wonderful keepsakes, but also contribute to the local economy. Wandering through the stalls, visitors can interact with the artisans, learn about their creative processes, and find one-of-a-kind treasures to take home.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

For an additional $3, the tour provider offers hotel pickup to make the start of the walking tour more convenient for participants. Travelers can select this option during booking, and a guide will meet them at their hotel to begin the city exploration.

This pickup service is a great choice for those who don’t want to worry about finding the meeting point on their own. It’s a budget-friendly add-on that saves time and effort.

After the tour concludes at the Old Market Bridge, participants are free to continue exploring Siem Reap on their own. The hotel drop-off isn’t included, but the guide can provide directions back to your accommodation if needed.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The tour provider offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing participants to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance. However, no refund will be issued for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour’s scheduled start time. This policy is designed to accommodate last-minute changes in plans while also ensuring the tour’s viability.

The 24-hour cancellation window ensures flexibility for travelers.

No refunds are available for cancellations made within 24 hours.

This policy helps the tour provider maintain the tour’s schedule and budget.

Travelers are encouraged to review the policy carefully before booking to avoid any unexpected charges.

Recap

The Siem Reap City Walking Tour provides an immersive cultural experience beyond the famous temples.

Travelers can explore the city’s hidden gems, support local businesses, and learn about Khmer traditions.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this comprehensive tour is a great way to discover the vibrant heritage of Siem Reap.