When brainstorming for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon in Siem Reap rarely comes to mind for the newlyweds. However, after spending our own honeymoon in Siem Reap last January, we truly believe that couples searching for an off-the-beaten-path destination should consider this charming city.
Siem Reap is filled with historical landmarks, beautiful temples, and plenty of opportunities for romance. As a couple, we spent a lovely 3 days in Siem Reap and found so many romantic things to do there. Check them out to inspire your next holiday!
1. Treat yourselves to a luxury hotel stay in Siem Reap
A honeymoon is meant to enjoy quality time together. And that can be done right at your hotel. During our trip, we booked a 2-night stay at the luxurious Park Hyatt Siem Reap hotel and had a fabulous time!
Park Hyatt Siem Reap is the perfect hotel for couples looking for a romantic getaway, from the beautiful pools to the top-notch buffet breakfast! But what sets Park Hyatt Siem Reap apart from other luxury hotels is its personalized service. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure each guest feels like royalty!
Featuring a sophisticated modern design with touches of the local Buddhism, this hotel is truly an oasis of peace in the midst of the city.
During our stay, we enjoyed a romantic afternoon tea on swing beds overlooking the serene pond. When the sun set, a fulfilling candle-lit set dinner with complimentary Khmer performances already awaited us. We’ll surely never forget these experiences!
Read this post here for my full Review of Park Hyatt Siem Reap.
2. Visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap
Nothing felt more romantic to me than being able to explore the wonders of the world together with my other half. One of these experiences is definitely visiting Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. However, it was later converted to a Buddhist temple and has remained an important site of pilgrimage for Buddhists until today.
During our honeymoon in Siem Reap, we took a fantastic Angkor Wat tour and spent a day marveling at the intricate carvings and stunning bas-reliefs there. There were also lots of opportunities to take photos with the magnificent temples and buildings inside the complex as well.
3. Take a boat trip on the Tonlé Sap in Siem Reap
A boat trip on the Tonlé Sap – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia – is a must for your honeymoon in Siem Reap! It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Siem Reap and get an intimate look at the local life.
Between November and March, The Tonlé Sap is at its fullest and provides the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon. We went there in January and were instantly blown away!
There are plenty of tour operators offering boat trips, so you can just sit back and relax while taking in the scenery. During these Tonlé Sap tours, you can get to explore the floating villages, see traditional stilt houses, and learn about the unique ecology of the Tonlé Sap as well.
4. Watch the sunrise or sunset in Siem Reap
How about snuggling up to your new spouse while watching the sun dip below the horizon at one of the famous sunset spots in Siem Reap?
Couples often flock to Siem Reap to catch a glimpse of the famous Angkor Wat temples at sunset. But there are plenty of other romantic places to watch the sun go down in this Cambodian city, too.
First on the list is Phnom Bakheng, an Angkor-era temple that provides gorgeous views of the sky turning pink and orange. Make sure to come here early to secure the best spot.
For honeymooners who want to enjoy a riverside sunset, the best place to go is the modest Wat Preah Prom Rath. This temple sits on the bank of the Siem Reap River, and its simple design is a stark contrast to the ornate temples that dot the cityscape. As the sun sets, you can stroll along the riverbank or sit and watch the water reflect the fiery hues of the sky.
Another popular spot for sunrise or sunset watching is Srah Srang, a large reservoir situated around 7 km from Angkor Wat. Its sides are lined with stone carvings and statues, making it a beautiful place to wander hand-in-hand as the sun slips below the horizon.
For a more modern setting, head to Akas Rooftop Bar at The Twizt – Lifestyle Hostel, where you can sip on a cocktail while enjoying the view. Finally, for a truly unique experience, watch the sunset from atop a hot air balloon!
5. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the best restaurants in Siem Reap
When it comes to dining out, Siem Reap offers a wealth of choices. Whether you’re in the mood for local specialties such as Amok Cambodian curry or Western cuisine such as French and Italian, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Bon appetit!
6. Relax with a couples massage in Siem Reap
Going for a couples massage is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring Siem Reap.
The best one I’d recommend is the Couples Spa Package at Park Hyatt Siem Reap with “intoxicating à la carte treatments”, a shared milk bath, sparkling wine, and lotus flowers.
Besides, there are also many other great places for couples massages in Siem Reap with more affordable prices. Just ask your hotel concierge for recommendations!
7. Tour the night markets in Siem Reap
In the evenings, the streets of Siem Reap come alive with market stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothes to delicious food.
We’d recommend touring the Phalla Angkor Night Market right in the city center. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few bargains and try some new Cambodian dishes.
Walking around these night markets in the evening was a great way for me and my significant other to just have fun and enjoy the lively local atmosphere
8. Watch the Smile of Angkor show
If you’re looking for a romantic evening out while in Siem Reap, you can’t go wrong with a performance of Smile of Angkor. Created by Yi-Mou Zhang – the world-renowned Chinese director, Smile of Angkor tells the story of the Khmer people through the ages.
You and your significant other will be entertained by the dancers’ graceful movements set to traditional Cambodian music, coupled with impressive water and light effects. It’s the perfect way to experience some of Siem Reap’s culture while enjoying some quality time together.
9. Explore the beautiful Siem Reap countryside
Siem Reap might be most known for its heritage sites, but a day trip to explore its countryside will help you look at the city from a totally different angle.
During our honeymoon in Siem Reap, we took a morning cycling tour to the countryside and got to see some amazing scenery, including rice paddy fields, lotus ponds, mushroom farms, and local villages.
After half a day of exploring the great outdoors, we retreated to a welcoming local home and learned to cook some traditional Khmer cuisine. There are plenty of cooking classes available, allowing me to get a taste of the local culture together with my new spouse.
Tips: There’s no better way to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Siem Reap than on two wheels. Plenty of tour operators offer bike tours – a great way to get some exercise while taking in the sights.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, there are also Vespa tours and Jeep tours available. Or, for a real adrenalin rush, try quad biking tours!
Honeymoon in Siem Reap | 9 romantic things to do with your significant other
If you weren’t sure about spending your honeymoon in Siem Reap before reading this blog post, I hope the 9 romantic things to do in Siem Reap above have persuaded you to reconsider this beautiful city. 🙂
Don’t hesitate to share with us what you think by commenting below!
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Bucket list location for sure..thanks for the inspiration! Beautiful photos.
I totally share your love of World Heritage sites–I’d love to visit Angkor Wat. What a lovely and comprehensive guide to honeymooning in Siem Reap, and congratulations to you and your partner! 🙂
I have not been to Cambodia yet, but Siem Reap looks interesting. Great tips for a good holiday here. Watching sunrise or sunset over a boat ride, staying in a luxury hotel, enjoying massages and having a good dinner sounds like fun. 🙂
I would have loved to travel there for my honeymoon! Will put this on the list for an anniversary trip. Very romantic!
I have been to quite a few southeast Asian countries. And I so love the countryside life there.
All of this looks amazing, a place I’ve wanted to visit for a long time. Nice to see that there are fun things you can do as a couple as a lot of travel in this region can often be geared towards backpackers. Love the idea of the boat ride
these hotels are stunning! what a perfect place for a honeymoon!
Siem Reap sounds like a fascinating place to spend a honeymoon. Thanks for the great ideas and detailed information!
Siem Reap looks like such a beautiful and romantic honeymoon destination! I’d especially love to visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. What a stunning place! Thanks for the great guide!
Siem Reap is definitely on my list of places to visit. I love the photos of you and your new husband, congratulations!
I have wanted to visit Angkor Wat for years, so I can totally see why that would be fun as a honeymoon! Everything else sounds brilliant as a romantic getaway too! Especially the fabulous food (and high tea on a swinging bed!!)
Congratulations to you both! What a great start to your marriage. 🙂
Okay, Park Hyatt looks amazing! I would love to hang out in the pool and enjoy afternoon tea. What a lovely place to stay. Thanks for sharing!
All of this looks like great fun! I went to Siem Reap in 2013 and to date it’s still one of the most memorable places I’ve ever been – it’s nice to know I’m not the only one!