Top 5 Free Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap (with Opening Hours)

Looking for free attractions in Siem Reap that aren’t just about temples and pagodas? While Angkor Wat is naturally the city’s biggest drawcard, there’s also so much more to explore – without spending a single riel! Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or just love a good budget-friendly adventure, here are five of the best free attractions in Siem Reap that offer culture, charm, and a taste of local life. If you’ve visited any of these places, or have some other free attractions in Siem Reap that you love, let us know in the comment box at the bottom!

1. Wander Through the Made in Cambodia Market

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 9pm

Best time to visit: Late afternoon to early evening

Located near the Old Market area, the Made in Cambodia Market is a fantastic spot to explore locally produced goods in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Unlike many markets that stock imported souvenirs, this one proudly features products made right here in Cambodia – from handwoven scarves and recycled material bags to original artworks and jewelry.
We highly recommend checking out the Blush Boutique stall and their excellent quality clothing made to fit all shapes and sizes!

Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a cool experience and a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. It’s one of the most relaxed and authentic markets in town – ideal for travelers wanting to support local artisans and discover Khmer craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for handmade clothing, locally produced alcohol or some hand crafted souvenirs for your family back home – Made in Cambodia Market has you covered!

It’s a great way to browse locally produced goods without any pressure to buy anything and without the sometimes stressful experience of trying to navigate a crowded local market! We recommend going in the late afternoon as the weather starts to cool down. As we may or may not have mentioned before – Siem Reap can get HOT!

2. Explore the workshops of Artisans Angkor

Opening hours: Daily from 7.30am – 6pm

Free guided tours available for booking throughout the day

A must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Khmer art, Artisans D’Angkor is both a working craft workshop and a social enterprise. Here, local artisans are trained in skills like stone carving, wood sculpting, lacquering, and silk painting. It’s one of our favourite free attractions in Siem Reap, though if you’re like us, you’re sure to see something you’d like to buy! Purchasing crafted goods from Artisans Angkor is a great way to support a brilliant local initiative that gives back to the community, whilst also getting to take home some beautiful artwork!

Whilst you can visit anytime to see the workshop and the producers at work, we highly recommend you book a guided tour to take you through the different work areas so you can see the creation process up close. It’s a beautiful blend of cultural preservation and community support – and it’s all just a short walk from Pub Street! Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, the experience itself is rich and inspiring.

Artisans Angkor is one of our favourite attractions in Siem Reap, and not just because it’s free to visit – that’s just an added bonus!

3. Relax at the Royal Independence Gardens or Soak in the Scenery of the Siem Reap Riverside

Opening hours: Open daily, 24 hours (Though best enjoyed during the day!)

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape without leaving the city, head to the Royal Independence Gardens. This green space near the Royal Residence is home to flowerbeds, shady trees, and a colony of massive fruit bats (yes, really). Come around dusk and if you’re lucky you’ll see them soaring through the sky – it’s a surprisingly cool sight. If you’re not a fan of bats don’t worry, they keep their distance from humans!

Near the Royal Independence Gardens and continuing south towards Pub Street, the Siem Reap riverside stretches along most of the town and offers a scenic spot for a morning walk, afternoon cycle, or simply sitting by the water and watching life go by. Locals gather here to relax, exercise, or enjoy street snacks. The vibe is laid-back and great for slow travel lovers. Hit up one of the street vendors parked along the river and grab yourself a nice cold drink to enjoy while you take in the sights. Or why not stop in at Sister Srey Cafe for a delicious hot coffee!

In the evening, the section of the Siem Reap riverside close to the Pub Street area becomes lively and full of street food carts. Vendors start unpacking their little red chairs and foldable tables so both tourists and locals can enjoy a great – and budget friendly – meal (after which you can venture into the nightlife of the famous Pub Street, if that’s what you fancy!)

4. Stroll Through the Angkor Botanical Gardens

Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 6pm (Closed Mondays)

Best time to visit: Morning before it gets too hot (Did we mention – Siem Reap gets hot?)

Tucked just outside the Angkor Archaeological Park gates, the Angkor Botanical Gardens (formerly known as the Angkor Spice Gardens) is a lesser-known hidden gem in town. Entry is free, and the gardens are beautifully kept, with tropical plants, lotus ponds, flowering trees, and well-marked walking paths.

Educational signs dot the park, offering info on Cambodia’s native flora. There are even a few traditional sculptures and shaded spots for relaxing. It’s a lovely way to wind down or take a breather between temple visits. Bring water, your camera, and a bit of time to wander aimlessly. Angkor Botanical Gardens is one of our favourite free attractions in Siem Reap and it’s great for everyone, from solo travellers to families looking for a nice day out.

Angkor Botanical Gardens Siem Reap is not just plants though! It’s also home to a wildlife area where you can get up close and personal with ostriches, turtles, peacocks, and geese! If you’d like, you can also purchase bird feed on site for the small price of 1000 riel ($0.25) and feed the animals yourself! Definitely a great activity to keep the kids occupied while you take in the beauty of the gardens.

5. Experience the Local Market Vibes at Psar Chaa (Old Market)

Opening hours: Daily, around 7am – 8pm (ish – different vendors will run different hours)

Best time to visit: Early morning for the fresh market experience

One of the most interesting free attractions in Siem Reap is visiting Psar Chaa (Old Market), the city’s buzzing market located in the centre of town, sandwiched between the iconic Pub Street and the Siem Reap riverside. While parts of it cater to tourists with souvenirs and elephant pants on sale on the streetside stalls, the real action is in the local food and produce sections which you’ll find once you venture into the inner layers.

Along the riverfront section of Psar Chaa, you can find several vendors selling some great quality locally produced souvenir goods. We recommend heading into the centre of the old market to grab some breakfast or lunch. There’s plenty of great cooked food on offer at bargain prices. Because of it’s location right by Pub Street, this market is no stranger to tourists and haggling, so if you find something you’d like to buy, make sure to negotiate (politely!) – or have a rough idea of what the goods should cost!

Here you’ll find locals haggling over fish, herbs, spices, and fruit, along with stalls selling anything from clothing to kitchen tools. Old Market really does sell everything! It’s chaotic, colorful, and completely authentic. You don’t need to buy anything – you can just stroll round taking in the smells and sounds! That being said, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of interesting looking foods you’ll want to try, or some great souvenirs to take home. You might even find that “North Face” jacket at a bargain price…

Get the most from your budget

Siem Reap isn’t just about the breathtaking ancient temples of Angkor Wat – it’s also packed with character, culture, and charm that you can experience for free. Of course, you absolutely should visit Angkor Wat (it really is a once in a lifetime experience!) and all of the other incredible things to do in Siem Reap, but these things naturally cost money. So if you’re looking for things to do inbetween those sometimes costly activities, check out some of these free attractions in Siem Reap!

Whether you’re exploring local artisanal workshops, soaking up nature, or just people watching by the river with a fresh coconut, these free attractions in Siem Reap can offer a deeper look into the city and what makes it special – without breaking the bank!

So if you’re planning a trip and looking for budget friendly things to do in Siem Reap, keep this list handy. Some of the best experiences really don’t cost a thing.

Pro tip: Even if an attraction is free, it’s always appreciated if you support local vendors, tip your guides, or make a small donation to help keep these places open and thriving. We highly recommend supporting the local economy that welcomes visitors with open arms.

If you’ve visited all of our favourite free attractions in Siem Reap, and now you’re feeling like you wanna spend a bit of money – CLICK HERE to check out our article on our Top 5 Things to do in Siem Reap!

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