9 Fresh Spots in Siem Reap That Locals Kept Secret Until Now
New Places to Visit in Siem Reap – Siem Reap Just Got Better
Wild stories. Real Cambodia. These new spots hit different!
Siem Reap changed big time in 2025! The city now has way more to see than just old temples. New attractions in Siem Reap popped up all over, with cool spots for every kind of traveler. From fresh museums to great food places, these new places to visit in Siem Reap will make your trip amazing.
Why Siem Reap Is Changing in 2025
Siem Reap grew as a top spot in Cambodia thanks to Angkor Wat. But now the city wants to be known for more than just temples. The new places to visit in Siem Reap came from smart planning to bring in different types of tourists.
Some key facts about the big changes:
- Cambodia hopes to get 7.5 million tourists in 2025
- A brand new airport opened in 2023 that can handle 7 million people each year
- Siem Reap now focuses on local food, art, and nature
- The city started many projects to help the earth and local people
- Siem Reap 2025 travel guide info shows more high-end places opening
10 Must-See New Places to Visit in Siem Reap
1. Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium
This brand new spot shows off animals and fish from Cambodia and nearby areas. Kids love it, and grown-ups learn a lot too. The place has both inside and outside parts, with shows that teach about keeping nature safe.
What you’ll see:
- Fish types found only in the Tonle Sap Lake
- Rare land animals from Cambodia’s forests
- Fun shows that teach about nature
- A touch pool where you can feel some water creatures
The aquarium sits just 15 minutes from town by tuk-tuk. Make sure to check out the night light shows where the fish tanks glow in the dark.
2. Made in Cambodia Market
This isn’t your normal tourist shop spot. The local markets Siem Reap offers now include this special place that sells only things made right in Cambodia. You won’t find fake stuff here!
Top things to buy:
- Hand-woven scarves and cloth
- Wood carvings by local artists
- Spices and food made in Cambodia
- Pretty jewelry using old ways to make it
“The stuff here costs more than the Night Market, but you know it’s real and helps local people,” says Sam, who leads our Siem Reap City Tour.
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3. Cambodian Landmine Relief Centre & Museum
This new museum opened in late 2024 to teach people about Cambodia’s work to clear landmines left from past wars. It’s sad but important to learn about.
The museum has:
- Real tools used to find and remove mines
- Stories from people who clear mines
- A special area about rats trained to find mines
- Ways for visitors to help the work
This place connects well with the APOPO HeroRATs program, where rats get trained to find landmines safely. You can watch these smart animals work.
4. Nomad Eatery
Opened in early 2025 near Wat Dam Nak, this outdoor garden food spot mixes food types from many places. The space looks pretty with trees and lights.
Must-try food:
- Khmer tacos using local spices
- Pizza with Cambodian herbs
- Fancy fish dishes using Tonle Sap fish
- Special drinks with local fruits
The place stays busy, so call ahead to save a table. Most nights have live music from local players.
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5. Embassy Restaurant
For fancy food lovers, Embassy Restaurant offers high-class Khmer cooking with new ideas. Chef Kimsan Pol uses old recipes but makes them look and taste new.
What makes it special:
- Food made with stuff grown nearby
- Beautiful plates that look like art
- Menus that change with the seasons
- Cooking classes during the day
“Our guests always say this place gives them a new way to think about Cambodian food,” says Kimsan. “We keep old food ways alive but make them fresh.”
6. Phare Cambodian Circus Shows
While not brand new, the Phare Circus added many new shows for 2025 that mix jumps, dance, and acting to tell Cambodian stories. These Siem Reap cultural sites give work to young artists.
New shows in 2025:
- “Water Dreams” about the Tonle Sap Lake
- “City Lights” about life in modern Cambodia
- Special shows just for kids
- Late night shows for grown-ups
The circus tent stays cool thanks to new fans, and now they take credit cards to make buying tickets easy.
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7. Eco-Trails at Phnom Kulen National Park
These Siem Reap nature trails just opened at the sacred mountain outside town. The paths let you see waterfalls, old carvings in rocks, and jungle life without hurting nature.
Trail features:
- Wooden paths that keep you from stepping on plants
- Signs that teach about plants and animals
- Rest stops with great views
- Guides from local villages
You can reach this spot with our Banteay Srei and Grand Circuit Heritage Tour, which now adds a stop at these trails.
8. Kampong Phluk Community Center
The people in this floating village on Tonle Sap Lake opened a new center to show visitors their way of life. The best of Siem Reap floating village tours happens here, away from more crowded spots.
Things to see:
- Boats made the old way
- School rooms on water
- Fish farming spots
- A floating garden
Part of your ticket money helps the village clean plastic from the lake. They use small net baskets to catch trash before it hurts animals.
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9. Angkor Art and Culture Hub
This old French building got fixed up as a place for art, music, and culture in late 2024. Inside you’ll find art galleries in Siem Reap showing both old and new styles.
Regular events:
- Art shows that change each month
- Music nights with Cambodian bands
- Classes to learn local crafts
- Film nights showing Cambodian movies
The building also has a nice coffee shop with cake and a shop that sells art made by the people who show there.
How to Get to These New Places to Visit in Siem Reap
The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport makes getting to the city much easier now. This big airport sits 51 km from town, which helps keep plane noise away from the old temples.
Ways to get around:
- Electric tuk-tuks for short trips
- Bikes you can rent in many places
- Private cars with drivers
- New city bus lines
Our Siem Reap Airport Transfers service picks you up right at the airport and takes you to your hotel without stress.
Best Times to See These New Places to Visit in Siem Reap
While you can visit all year, some times work better than others:
| Season | Months | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool & Dry | Nov-Feb | Best weather, not hot | Most crowded, higher prices |
| Hot | Mar-May | Khmer New Year events | Very hot days |
| Rainy | Jun-Oct | Few tourists, green views | Some roads get muddy |
April has the Khmer New Year (Angkor Sankranta) with many fun events, but the weather gets really hot. Our Angkor Wat Sunset Tour works great in hot months since you skip the mid-day heat.
Where to Stay Near These New Places
Siem Reap has new places to sleep too! The city now offers Siem Reap boutique hotels that feel special and different.
New hotel choices:
- Angsana Siem Reap – Fancy villas with private pools
- Green Hub Hostel – Built using earth-friendly ways
- French Quarter Suites – In old French-style houses
- Lake View Resort – Near Tonle Sap with great views
Most new hotels now use less plastic and save water and power. Many have their own sun power systems.
Beyond the New Places: Classic Siem Reap Spots Still Worth Seeing
While this post focuses on new places to visit in Siem Reap, don’t skip the classics:
- Angkor Wat – Still the most amazing sight
- Ta Prohm – The famous “tree temple”
- Bayon – With its many face carvings
- Old Market – Great for shopping and food
- Pub Street – Fun at night with many bars
A full trip should mix new and old spots. Our website Journey Cambodia has info on both types of places.
Who Will Love These New Places to Visit in Siem Reap
Different spots work for different folks:
For Families:
- Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium
- Eco-Trails at Phnom Kulen
- Phare Cambodian Circus
For Food Lovers:
- Nomad Eatery
- Embassy Restaurant
- Siem Reap food tours at the Made in Cambodia Market
For Nature Fans:
- Kampong Phluk Community Center
- Destination Eco-Talents Center
- Kulen Mountain trails
For Art & Culture Fans:
- Angkor Art & Culture Hub
- Siem Reap street art tours
- Phare Circus shows
Tips for Visiting the New Places in Siem Reap
- Book ahead for spots like Embassy Restaurant and Phare Circus
- Visit the Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium early in the day when animals feel active
- Bring cash for the Made in Cambodia Market as some small sellers don’t take cards
- Pack bug spray for the Eco-Trails and floating village visits
- Use a guide at the Landmine Relief Centre to learn the full story
- Take a hat and water for any outdoor spots – Siem Reap gets hot!
Ready to See the New Places to Visit in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap changed in big ways for 2025. Its new spots offer chances to see the real Cambodia beyond the famous temples. You won’t find these places in old guide books!
Want help planning a trip that includes these fresh spots?
Reach out to us through our contact page. We build trips that mix famous sights with these cool new places to visit in Siem Reap.
Helpful Resources
- Ministry of Tourism Cambodia – Tourism Statistics Report
- Siem Reap City Guide – Official Tourism Website
