Siem Reap isn’t just about the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor—it’s also a lively hub for shopping, vibrant markets, and authentic food experiences. Whether you’re after a culinary adventure, a chance to shop like a local, or a deep dive into Cambodia’s traditions, the city offers a range of tours that bring its culture to life. We particularly enjoy the Morning Cooking Class and Market Tour, for its hands-on approach and local flavors, and the Angkor Wat Sunrise and Market Tour by Jeep, which combines temple magic with market visits. These experiences give you the chance to see the city’s culinary soul and explore its bustling markets firsthand.
Quick Overview
This list covers food-focused tours like cooking classes, market explorations such as local market visits, and cultural exchanges like blessings with monks. We also include special temple tours with a culinary twist, as well as night market visits and unique experiences like the Cambodian Circus. Each offers a different flavor of Siem Reap life, suited for various interests and schedules.
1. Morning Cooking Class and Market Tour in Siem Reap
This hands-on experience, rated 5.0/5 by 18 reviewers, is perfect for anyone eager to learn authentic Khmer cooking in a relaxed setting. Led by a local chef, you’ll visit a local market, pick up ingredients, then prepare your own dishes in a friendly, home-style environment. The 4-hour tour provides a genuine taste of Cambodian cuisine, from fresh herbs to traditional spices, all in a casual atmosphere. The emphasis on local ingredients and cooking techniques makes it ideal for foodies or travelers wanting to bring home new skills and recipes. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the experience is rated highly for its warmth and authenticity.
Bottom Line: A fun, intimate way to connect with Cambodian food and culture—perfect for culinary enthusiasts and curious travelers.
2. Siem Reap Authentic Breakfast and Market Tour
Rated 5.0/5 from 16 reviews, this tour takes you on a morning journey to taste Cambodian breakfast in its most authentic form. Traveling by tuk-tuk, you’ll sample dishes like handmade noodles, barbecue pork, and edible flowers, visiting three different local eateries and ending at a lively market. With only 10 travelers, the intimate size means you’ll get personalized insights from your guide and enjoy a true local experience. The tour wraps up with a market visit for sweet treats and photos, offering a delightful way to start your day.
Key highlights include trying kuy teo kat, a rice noodle dish with pork, and bai set chrouk, grilled pork with rice and pickled vegetables.
Bottom Line: Ideal for early risers who want a flavorful, behind-the-scenes look at Cambodian breakfast and street food.
3. Half Day Tour of Local Market & Lunch
This 5-hour tour with a 5.0/5 rating opens with a tuk-tuk pickup and a visit to a bustling local market. You’ll see food stalls brimming with fresh produce, Khmer spices, and daily essentials, gaining insight into local shopping habits. Afterward, a Buddhist temple visit includes a monk blessing, adding a spiritual dimension. The tour ends with a traditional Khmer lunch in a local restaurant, making it a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience. It’s suited for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those interested in daily Cambodian life and authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a balanced mix of market culture, spiritual insight, and local cuisine.
4. Siem Reap Cambodian Buddhist Water Blessing and Local Market
Rated nearly perfect at 4.8/5, this 2.5-hour tour offers a deep spiritual experience at a Buddhist monastery. You’ll participate in a traditional water blessing, learning about Buddhist beliefs while receiving a meaningful personal ritual. Alongside the blessing, you’ll visit a local market where vendors sell everything from herbs to handcrafted items. The guide shares insights into Buddhist practices, making this a spiritual and cultural highlight. The tour provides a peaceful pause from sightseeing, suitable for travelers interested in Cambodia’s spiritual traditions.
Bottom Line: A meaningful experience for those seeking a spiritual connection and a glimpse into monastic life.
5. Angkor Wat Sunrise and Market Tour by Jeep
This 7-8 hour tour, rated 5.0/5, combines the iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat with exploration of nearby temples via jeep. After catching the dawn-lit silhouette of Angkor Wat, you’ll visit the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm, well known for its tangled roots. The tour continues with stops at Bayon, famed for its stone faces, and other key sites like Baphoun and the Terrace of the Elephants. A highlight is the authentic Cambodian breakfast, served in a local home, and a market visit where you can sample local delicacies. This tour suits those wanting a comprehensive, comfortable exploration of Angkor’s temples with culture.
Bottom Line: A full-day, scenic adventure perfect for first-time visitors wanting temple highlights and local flavor.
6. 3-Hour Siem Reap Guided Cooking Class and Market with Pick up
Rated 4.5/5 from 25 reviews, this short, lively class is perfect for beginners. You start with a market visit to see Cambodian staples before rolling up your sleeves to cook a three-course Khmer meal. Led by a Khmer chef, the class is small—no more than 15 students—ensuring personalized attention. Afterward, you sit down to enjoy your creations, which typically include a starter, main, and dessert. It’s a great activity for families, solo travelers, or anyone wanting a quick but genuine cooking experience.
Bottom Line: An engaging, hands-on class that leaves you with recipes and memories in just a few hours.
7. Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise and Market Tour by Jeep
Rated 5.0/5, this 8-hour tour is similar to the previous jeep adventure but with a focus on local markets and cultural insights. The early start at Angkor Wat is a highlight, followed by visits to jungle temples like Ta Prohm. You’ll also explore Bayon, and enjoy breakfast at a local spot. The tour emphasizes authentic Cambodian breakfast, sightseeing, and market sampling, making it ideal for travelers wanting a mix of temple magic and local tastes. The small group ensures a personal experience, and reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour blending temple exploration with a taste of local life.
8. The Cambodian Circus Show and Pub Street Night Market
Rated 5.0/5, this 3-hour evening experience combines spectacular circus performances by Phare Ponleu Selpak with dinner at the circus café. After the show, you can visit Pub Street or the Night Market to explore Cambodia’s lively nightlife, shop for crafts, or sample street food. This experience is perfect if you want entertainment and a taste of Siem Reap’s bustling scene. The show is known for its acrobatics, dance, and storytelling, supporting a local non-profit while entertaining you.
Bottom Line: A lively, cultural night out perfect for those who want a mix of performance and nightlife.
9. Siem Reap: Morning Cooking Class & Market Tour
Rated 5.0/5 by 4 reviews, this experience emphasizes home-style Khmer cooking with a visit to a local market and a mushroom farm. Led by friendly guides, you’ll learn to prepare three dishes in a relaxed setting, then enjoy your meal. The class offers a personal touch, with the chance to meet local people and see where ingredients come from. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy interactive, cultural experiences and want to bring authentic recipes home.
Bottom Line: An intimate, authentic cooking experience focusing on Cambodian flavors and local life.
10. FREE Siem Reap Market & Local Temple Tour
This nearly free tour (just $5 fee) is perfect for budget travelers. It includes visits to a bustling local market and a hidden pagoda temple, with a guide sharing insights into everyday Cambodian life. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and offers a chance to sample traditional snacks. The guide’s personal stories and local interactions make this a genuine peek into Siem Reap’s community. Ideal for travelers who want a quick, inexpensive cultural introduction.
Bottom Line: A short, affordable way to explore local markets and spiritual sites with a knowledgeable guide.
11. (Free eSim) 2 hrs – Phsar Krom Local Market Private Tour
Rated 2 reviews at 5.0/5, this private tour offers a deep dive into Siem Reap’s central market. With just up to 3 people, you will explore Phsar Krom, a busy market full of local produce, clothing, and household goods. It’s a straightforward, authentic experience, ideal for those who want a quick but personal overview of local commerce. The tour is flexible and focuses on real everyday life, making it useful if you’re short on time but eager for genuine immersion.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups seeking a quick, authentic market experience.
12. Kampong Pluk Sunset Tour and Local Market Visit
Rated 5.0/5, this 5-6 hour tour takes you into the countryside and floating villages, with stops at local markets and rural villages. You’ll experience Cambodia’s rural lifestyle, see how locals farm and fish, and enjoy a picturesque sunset by the lake. The tour offers a peaceful contrast to city life and is best suited for those interested in traditional village life. It’s a longer commitment but rewarding for anyone wanting an authentic look at Cambodian living beyond Siem Reap’s tourist spots.
Bottom Line: A scenic, cultural adventure for travelers eager to explore Cambodia’s countryside and river life.
$58.65 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Market & Shopping Tour in Siem Reap
When selecting among these options, consider what kind of experience you want. If culinary skills are your focus, the Morning Cooking Class or Guided Cooking Class will suit you. For a cultural and spiritual perspective, Blessings with monks or the sunset at Kampong Pluk offer meaningful insights. Budget travelers can opt for the Free Market Tour or the private Phsar Krom, while those seeking a full-day adventure may prefer the Angkor Wat sunrise. Book early to secure your preferred time — many tours fill quickly, especially during peak season.
In Summary
Siem Reap offers an impressive variety of shopping and market tours that go far beyond the typical temple visits. For culinary lovers, the cooking classes provide hands-on fun, while market visits reveal the daily life of Cambodians. Whether you’re interested in temple exploration combined with local flavor or just want to experience Siem Reap’s bustling street life, there’s a tour to match your interests.
For different traveler types, we recommend the full-day Angkor Wat sunrise tour for those who want a comprehensive experience, or the night circus for an entertaining evening. Budget travelers will appreciate the free options, while culture seekers will find depth in the blessings and spiritual tours. With so many appealing choices, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences in Siem Reap.