Siem Reap: Evening Vespa Food Tour & Night Market Ride

Summary

Siem Reap’s night markets by Vespa tasting noodles, BBQ & local brews

You’ll ride through Siem Reap’s lively streets on a vintage Vespa, tasting stir-fried noodles at Lort Cha’s house, exploring local markets full of crafts and snacks, sampling BBQ snails and curry noodles, then winding down with cold drinks at a street market and Long’s Bar—all with hotel pickup and an easygoing guide who makes you feel right at home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened? My helmet kept sliding down over my eyes. I was sitting on the back of this old Vespa outside my hotel in Siem Reap, fumbling with the strap while our guide Dara grinned and told me not to worry—he’d seen worse. The air was sticky-sweet, a mix of rain from earlier and the smell of grilled meat somewhere nearby. I could hear tuk tuks sputtering past as we finally set off into the evening traffic, me still adjusting my helmet every few minutes.

Dara took us straight to Lort Cha’s house for our first bite—Cambodian stir-fried rice pin noodles. He showed us how they toss everything together in this giant wok, flames licking up around the edges. I tried to copy his wrist flick but mostly just splattered sauce everywhere. The noodles were chewy and smoky, with a little crunch from bean sprouts. There was this older woman at the next table who smiled at me when I coughed on a chili—she must’ve seen it happen before. After that we zipped over to Made in Cambodia Market, which was a blur of colors: silk scarves hanging like flags and jewelry catching the neon lights.

I didn’t expect to eat snails that night. At one of the stops—a tiny restaurant tucked between motorbikes—we got plates of BBQ snails alongside spring rolls and tofu. The snails were actually good (I know!) once you got past thinking about it. Then came Phum Num Banh Chok for Cambodian noodles with chicken curry; that broth was rich and yellow, smelled like lemongrass and something earthy I still can’t name. The guide explained how each noodle soup has its own story depending on where you’re from in Cambodia.

The last market stop was noisier—kids running around barefoot, vendors calling out prices, smoke curling up from chicken skewers grilling right there on the sidewalk. Dara dared us to try fried bugs (I chickened out after one bite), but washing it down with an ice-cold drink while sitting on a mattress by the road felt weirdly perfect. We ended at Long’s Bar for draft beers; Dara answered all our random questions about Siem Reap life until it was time to head back through the city lights. Sometimes I still think about those noodles or just that feeling of riding through warm night air with nowhere else to be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Vespa food tour in Siem Reap

• Pickup from your hotel
• Visit Lort Cha’s house for stir-fried rice noodles
• Explore Made in Cambodia Market
• Taste fruits, spring rolls, tofu, and BBQ snails
• Try Cambodian noodles with chicken curry and fish soup
• Enjoy bugs and barbecued chicken at night market
• Relax with draft beers at Long's Bar
• Return to your hotel

Top questions

How long is the Siem Reap evening foodie Vespa tour?

The tour lasts about 4.5 hours in total.

Is hotel pickup included for this food tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included in Siem Reap.

What kind of street foods do you try during the tour?

You’ll taste Cambodian stir-fried rice pin noodles, spring rolls, tofu, BBQ snails, curry noodle soups, grilled chicken, fruits—and even fried bugs if you’re brave.

Is there a guide during the Vespa food tour?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads you through each stop and shares stories about Cambodian food culture.

Are drinks included on this Siem Reap food tour?

Water, soft drinks, cold beverages at markets, and draft beer at Long’s Bar are included.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues but is suitable for most fitness levels otherwise.

Does the tour include entry fees or taxes?

All fees and taxes are covered in your booking price.

How do you get around—Vespa or tuk tuk?

You ride as a passenger on a vintage Vespa driven by an experienced driver; tuk tuk option may be available if requested.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup in Siem Reap plus private transportation by vintage Vespa (with helmet), all street food tastings across five stops—from stir-fried noodles to BBQ snails—cold beverages including beer at Long’s Bar, plus water and soft drinks throughout; all entry fees and taxes are taken care of before you return to your hotel at night.