Thing To Do in Siem Reap
As enthralling as the temples of Angkor may be, there are lots of
other things to see and do around Siem Reap. Seeing a bit of Cambodia
away from the temples can help avert ‘temple-burnout’ and round out your
Cambodian experience as well as help Cambodia by taking some tourist
pressure off of the temples and spreading the tourism dollars a bit more
widely. In addition to the following suggestions, check out the
sections on visiting the Tonle Sap Lake and bird sanctuary, attending a
traditional dance performance, going on a helicopter, balloon and
elephant rides, traditional markets and good causes. Also see Charitable
Organizations for more information.
The
'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere
Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in
Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds." The Biosphere
covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Tonle Sap Lake and
plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts,
Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican,
Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere
core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from
Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers. The best time of year
for viewing is the dry season (December-May) when flocks of migratory
birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the
water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of
the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult.
Arrange a trip to Prek Toal through your guesthouse or a tour operator. To do it yourself, take a moto or taxi from Siem Reap to the Chong Khneas boat dock. Arrange a boat to the Prek Toal Environmental Research Station (starting at $60 return,) a $20 entrance fee and $30 for a guided boat tour of the sanctuary. The Research Station has information on the area's flora and fauna. There are also basic overnight accommodations if you want to stay the night to take full advantage of the sunset and early morning viewing hours.
Chong
Khneas is the floating village at the edge of the lake closest and most
accessible to Siem Reap. If you want a relatively quick and easy look
at the Tonle Sap, boat tours of Chong Khneas are available, departing
from the Chong Khneas boat docks all day long. Take a motodup or taxi
the 11-15km from Siem Reap to the boat docks where there are always
boats waiting for passengers. A two-hour boat trip through the floating
village runs $20/pax and the boats may carry as many as 15 other people.
The boatman will probably point out the differing Khmer and Vietnamese
floating households and the floating markets, clinics, schools and other
boatloads of tourists. Chong Khneas, while interesting, is
over-touristed and is not as picturesque as floating villages further
afield. The trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating
'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other
at the Gecko Environment Centre, which offers information introducing
the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.
Kampong
Phluk is a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the
floodplain about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. The villages are
primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them. Flooded
mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife
including crab-eating macaques. During the dry season when the lake is
low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6-meter
stilts exposed by the lack of water. At this time of year many of the
villagers move out onto the lake and build temporary houses. In the wet
season when water level rises, the villagers move back to their
permanent houses on the floodplain, the stilts now hidden under the
water. Kampong Phluk's economy is, as one might expect, based in
fishing, primary in shrimp harvesting.
Kampong Phluk sees comparatively few foreign visitors and offers a close look at the submerged forest and lakeside village life. The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas or by road. Make arrangements through your guesthouse of tour operator, or charter a boat at the Chong Khneas docks. During the wet season, drive to Roluos village just off Route #6 east of Siem Reap and then take a boat through the flooded forest the rest of the way. During the dry season the road is clear, making the boat unnecessary. Much of the road has recently been improved, now paved most of the way.
Kampong
Khleang is located on the northern lake-edge about 35 km east of Siem
Reap town, more remote and less touristed than Kampong Phluk. Visitors
to Kampong Khleang during the dry season are universally awestruck by
the forest of stilted houses rising up to 10 meters in the air. In the
wet season the waters rise to within one or two meters of the buildings.
Like Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang is a permanent community within the
floodplain of the Lake, with an economy based in fishing and surrounded
by flooded forest. But Kampong Khleang is significantly larger with
near 10 times the population of Kampong Phluk, making it the largest
community on the Lake.
The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas docks or by a combination of road to Domdek on Route #6 and then boat to the village, the best method depending on the time of year. During the dry season, boats cannot get all of the way to the main villages. Consult your guesthouse or tour operator about current conditions. Many tour operators have very little experience in this area so it is best to consult with adventure tour operators and guesthouses that specialize in this area. Small group tours begin at about $35 for a half day and range up through $70 depending on the size of the group and the type of tour. To get there yourself, either charter a boat from Chong Khneas or take car or moto to Domdek village on Route #6 east of Siem Reap, turn south and continue to the water's edge where boats wait to ferry passengers into the village. During the dry season the road is clear and you can take a car or moto all of the way to the village.)
The
Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), is a charitable organization, was
founded by renowned Japanese photographer Kenro Izu in 1999. The
hospital provides treatment and care to local children as well as
children from neighboring provinces. The hospital is recognized by
Cambodian’s Ministry of Health as an official teaching hospital and
AHC’s Medical Education Center serves as a training site for health
professionals from all over Cambodia. Our Capacity Building and Health
Education Program works to strengthen the capacity and improve the
quality of local health practices. The Friends Center at Angkor Hospital
for Children gives visitors the unique opportunity to visit the
hospital and learn more about its programs. Designed for environmental
sustainability with the purpose of educating about the hospital the
Friends Center also displays prints donated by Kenro Izu and hosts
rotating art and photography exhibitions. The donation of money and
blood are much appreciated!
Siem
Reap offers some unique bird watching opportunities. The Prek Toal bird
sanctuary on the Tonle Sap Lake and the Ang Trapeng Thmor reservoir
northeast of Siem Reap both are home to many rare and threatened
species.
(The following about Ang Trapeng Thmor comes courtesy of the Sam Veasna Center.) Originating as a reservoir on the Angkorian highway 66 it was rebuilt as a man-made irrigation and water storage reservoir by slave labor during the Khmer Rouge Regime in 1976. The reservoir now harbors a unique wetland associated with grassland, dipterocarp forests and paddy fields. Aside from being a feeding ground for more than 300 Sarus Crane in the dry (non-breeding) season, more than 200 species of other birds occur here, of which 18 have been classified as globally or near globally threatened. This is also one of the handful of sites in Cambodia where the endangered Eld’s Deer can be seen. Colonies of fruit bats inhabit larger trees that are often semi submerged on the edge of the reservoir.
The best time to see the Sarus Crane is from February to May though an abundance of bird species can be viewed all year. There is also a hill top Angkorian temple a few kilometers into the forest while traditional silk weaving is still practiced in the adjacent village. A boat trip can be taken on the reservoir which depending on the time of year is 11km along and 8 wide and offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside
Officially declared a Sarus Crane Reserve by Royal Decree in 2000 the area designated covers over 12000 Hectares, following the work of Sam Veasna and his friends at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), all foreign visitors are required are required to register at the WCS Office in the adjacent village.
ATT is a day trip from Siem Reap though accommodation can be arranged at the WCS HQ (tel 012 703033) or organized through the Sam Veasna Center in Siem Reap (tel 012 520828) in the adjacent village, giving birdwatchers the chance of dawn sightings and offering the opportunity of visiting the massive Angkorian temple complex of Banteay Chma
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is the first nature conservation center in Cambodia, located near Kbal Spean, about one hour north of Siem Reap. The aims of the center are the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding and reintroduction of threatened wildlife, in combination with an environmental education program, promoting wildlife conservation and training local villagers in the sustainable use of natural resources. Free guided center tour Monday to Friday at 13:00 (for groups, other times can be arranged).
Sam Veasna Center (SVC)
SVC organizes half or full day trips focusing on birds but offering a glimpse of Cambodian rural life with a trained local guide. SVC was set up to promote wildlife conservation in Cambodia. It works together with the Wildlife Conservation Society and local village communities to develop remote sites close to the habitat of some spectacular bird life. The local communities benefit from the infrastructure set up for the visitors. Trips to see Sarus Crane at Ang Trapaeng Thmor, Giant and White Shouldered Ibis at Tamtboey, A vulture restaurant at Chhep amongst others, plus some of the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside in Cambodia.
Dr.
Beat Richner plays Bach on the cello and speaks about the activities of
his children’s hospitals (Jayavarman VII in Siem Reap, Kantha Bopha 1
and 2 in Phnom Penh) every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:15PM.
Performances are held at the Jayavarman VII Hospital, located on the
road to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Dr. Richner provides an entertaining
and worthy Saturday evening. The hospital welcomes both monetary and
blood donations.
Unique
new addition to the Angkor area. Take a tethered helium balloon ride
200 meters straight up for an amazing aerial view of Angkor Wat, Phnom
Bakheng, West Baray and other ruins amongst the surrounding jungle and
rice paddies. Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them. The big,
yellow balloon is based on the road from the airport to Angkor Wat,
about a kilometer from the front gates of Angkor Wat.
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
An interactive butterfly exhibit located 25 km north of Siem Reap, on the road to the Bantey Srey temple. The exhibit consists of a netted tropical garden with thousands of free-flying butterflies, all of which are native species to Cambodia. The enclosure provides residents and tourists with an interactive and visual environment to learn about butterflies.
Features
1,500 tropical butterflies and a koi pond in a romantic, private
garden. Creative tropical cuisine, including unique Khmer specialties.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh juices, shakes, beer, wine and
cocktails.
#535, Street 25, Wat Bo area.
A
unique, sprawling new cultural attraction in Siem Reap, intended to
introduce the visitor to Cambodian culture and history. Wax museum with
scenes and figures from history. Fascinating 1/20th scale models of
sites such as Phsar Thmey and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the
hills and temples of Oudong. Full scale models of a variety of Cambodian
architectural types, including different styles of huts and homes, hill
tribe houses, pagoda and mosque.
On Airport Road.
Daily ceramics classes (Monday-Saturday). Traditional techniques. 2 hour duration. $10-$15
Make a ceramic within 2 hours. Make by hand or on the potters wheel
using Khmer traditional techniques. Experience potters will guide you
through the process. Your piece will be fired and glazed and delivered
to your hotel within 24 hours. Free pick-up from your hotel for the
class.
Road to Angkor Wat...
Corner Sivutha Blvd & Alley West.
Twice
daily, half-day cooking classes by a Cambodian chef. Meet at Champey
Restaurant on ‘The Passage’ (Pub Street alley.) Visit a traditional
market for fresh ingredients. Class conducted in a traditional Khmer
house in central Siem Reap. Upon completion, complementary booklet,
recipes, certificate and spices. Reservations required.
#37, New Street A behind U-Care
Single and multi-day all-inclusive, high end, cultural, ad- venture
and humanitarian tours by 4WD vehicles, dirt bike and car to Koh Ker,
Preah Vihear, Preah Khan temples and historic KR area, Anlong Veng.
Tonle Sap Lake tours.
Just off the road to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The
Happy Ranch Horse Farm offers countryside trail rides from 1 to 3
hours. From sunrise to sunset, the horses will take you on a journey to
places that are otherwise unreachable, through local countryside
villages, scenic rice fields and tourist-free temple ruins, all waiting
to be explored. An authentic taste of the real Khmer lifestyle viewed
from horseback, and a welcome break from other tourists.
Cambodia
is a land of culture, tradition and the Khmer ethnic civilization. A
Cambodia countryside homestay is one of the best ways to fully immerse
yourself in Cambodia whilst experiencing absolute, unadulterated
authenticity. This is about meeting and getting to know local
Cambodians, living their lifestyle and experiencing Cambodia travel at
grassroots level during an adventure that is sure to involve a series of
unexpected encounters, pleasant surprises and long-lasting memories.
Note that is real village homestay that means the facilities are basic.
The
perfect experience for those who wants to experience the natural and
historical Cambodia that few visitors ever have a chance of seeing. The
Cambodian countryside, its hidden, mysterious temples and traditional
village life are all here, waiting for you to discover. Camping out
under the Cambodian sky will be an experience that you will not soon
forget and will want to return year after year as hundreds already have.
Founded
in 1997 with the vision of bringing elephants back to Angkor the
Compangnie des Eléphants d’Angkor has grown over the years improving the
facilities for its Cambodian elephants and its service to the visitors
at Angkor. Elephants ride is available from the South Gate of Angkor
Thom where they will lead you down the road to the majestic Bayon Temple
with the backdrop of inquisitive monkeys and jungle. Once at Bayon
Temple the elephant can lead you around the perimeter of Angkor Thom's
main temple of Bayon. You can also take an elephant up to Bakheng Hill
for sunset viewing.
The newly opened Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap promises eight
chronologically ordered galleries of Angkorian-era artifacts and
multi-media presentations of Angkorian history and culture. The Museum
had just opened its doors and was not quite completed at time of
printing, but should be very soon. Admissions price: US$12 (for
foreigners). $2 for a camera. Hours:
Located in town, on the road to the Angkor Park.
The
Cambodia Landmine Museum has evolved from a small shack museum by
former soldier and deminer Akira to a formal museum and charitable
organization. The museum exhibits a variety of defused mines, bombs and
other ordinance as well as information on mines, demining and Cambodia’s
mine problem.
Located six km south of Banteay Srey.
Buddhist
pagodas are the traditional seat of Khmer culture. Siem Reap, like many
Cambodian towns, is a collection of villages, which grew around
individual pagodas, later coalescing into the town. To get a true feel
for Cambodia, a visit to at least one pagoda is a must.
Shrine to Preah Ang Chek & Preah Ang Chorm Of particular importance to the locals is the small shrine in front of the Grand Hotel D’Angkor containing two standing Buddhas of the names Preah Ang Chek (taller) and Preah Ang Chorm (shorter). They are surrounded by stories of power and indestructibility. Visitors are welcome to make offerings and take photos. The reverence of local pilgrims is palpable.
Shrine to Ya Tep Under a huge tree in the traffic circle in front of the royal residence is a statue of Ya Tep, a neak-ta. Neak-ta are powerful spirits connected to a particular area of land. Ya Tep is local to Siem Reap and is said to help bring protection (and winning lottery numbers) to the faithful. Offerings of chicken skins can often be seen around the shrine.
Wat Bo
Founded in the 18th century. A large, highly respected pagoda. Like the
Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the vihear of Wat Bo contains very unique
wall paintings of the Reamker that are said to be late 19th century.
Look for the ordinary-life market scenes such as an opium smoking
Chinese merchant, the colonial era French officer at the market and the
French soldiers attending a traditional dance performance. Also of
interest is the large collection of Buddha statues located behind the
main Buddha.
Wat Keseram “Pagoda of the Cornflower Petals”. Pastoral setting and extensive, detailed collection of the life of Buddha on the interior of the vihear make this one of the more interesting wats to visit. The date of establishment is unclear, but most agree that the vihear was constructed in the early 1970’s.
Wat Preah Prohm Rath
An unspectacular but idyllically situated wat on the river in the
center of town. Founded in 1915, the main vihear was constructed in
1945. Oddly enough, the wat grounds hold two large cannons said to have
belonged to the larger-than-life 20th century warlord, Dap Chhoun.
Wat Thmei (New Wat) The wat contains a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. 500m west of the road to Angkor about 1.5km north of town
Tonle Sap Lake and the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
The
'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere
Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in
Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds." The Biosphere
covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Tonle Sap Lake and
plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts,
Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican,
Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere
core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from
Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers. The best time of year
for viewing is the dry season (December-May) when flocks of migratory
birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the
water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of
the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult. Arrange a trip to Prek Toal through your guesthouse or a tour operator. To do it yourself, take a moto or taxi from Siem Reap to the Chong Khneas boat dock. Arrange a boat to the Prek Toal Environmental Research Station (starting at $60 return,) a $20 entrance fee and $30 for a guided boat tour of the sanctuary. The Research Station has information on the area's flora and fauna. There are also basic overnight accommodations if you want to stay the night to take full advantage of the sunset and early morning viewing hours.
Chong Khneas
Chong
Khneas is the floating village at the edge of the lake closest and most
accessible to Siem Reap. If you want a relatively quick and easy look
at the Tonle Sap, boat tours of Chong Khneas are available, departing
from the Chong Khneas boat docks all day long. Take a motodup or taxi
the 11-15km from Siem Reap to the boat docks where there are always
boats waiting for passengers. A two-hour boat trip through the floating
village runs $20/pax and the boats may carry as many as 15 other people.
The boatman will probably point out the differing Khmer and Vietnamese
floating households and the floating markets, clinics, schools and other
boatloads of tourists. Chong Khneas, while interesting, is
over-touristed and is not as picturesque as floating villages further
afield. The trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating
'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other
at the Gecko Environment Centre, which offers information introducing
the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.Kampong Phluk
Kampong
Phluk is a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the
floodplain about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. The villages are
primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them. Flooded
mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife
including crab-eating macaques. During the dry season when the lake is
low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6-meter
stilts exposed by the lack of water. At this time of year many of the
villagers move out onto the lake and build temporary houses. In the wet
season when water level rises, the villagers move back to their
permanent houses on the floodplain, the stilts now hidden under the
water. Kampong Phluk's economy is, as one might expect, based in
fishing, primary in shrimp harvesting. Kampong Phluk sees comparatively few foreign visitors and offers a close look at the submerged forest and lakeside village life. The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas or by road. Make arrangements through your guesthouse of tour operator, or charter a boat at the Chong Khneas docks. During the wet season, drive to Roluos village just off Route #6 east of Siem Reap and then take a boat through the flooded forest the rest of the way. During the dry season the road is clear, making the boat unnecessary. Much of the road has recently been improved, now paved most of the way.
Kampong Khleang
Kampong
Khleang is located on the northern lake-edge about 35 km east of Siem
Reap town, more remote and less touristed than Kampong Phluk. Visitors
to Kampong Khleang during the dry season are universally awestruck by
the forest of stilted houses rising up to 10 meters in the air. In the
wet season the waters rise to within one or two meters of the buildings.
Like Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang is a permanent community within the
floodplain of the Lake, with an economy based in fishing and surrounded
by flooded forest. But Kampong Khleang is significantly larger with
near 10 times the population of Kampong Phluk, making it the largest
community on the Lake. The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas docks or by a combination of road to Domdek on Route #6 and then boat to the village, the best method depending on the time of year. During the dry season, boats cannot get all of the way to the main villages. Consult your guesthouse or tour operator about current conditions. Many tour operators have very little experience in this area so it is best to consult with adventure tour operators and guesthouses that specialize in this area. Small group tours begin at about $35 for a half day and range up through $70 depending on the size of the group and the type of tour. To get there yourself, either charter a boat from Chong Khneas or take car or moto to Domdek village on Route #6 east of Siem Reap, turn south and continue to the water's edge where boats wait to ferry passengers into the village. During the dry season the road is clear and you can take a car or moto all of the way to the village.)
Angkor Hospital for Children
The
Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), is a charitable organization, was
founded by renowned Japanese photographer Kenro Izu in 1999. The
hospital provides treatment and care to local children as well as
children from neighboring provinces. The hospital is recognized by
Cambodian’s Ministry of Health as an official teaching hospital and
AHC’s Medical Education Center serves as a training site for health
professionals from all over Cambodia. Our Capacity Building and Health
Education Program works to strengthen the capacity and improve the
quality of local health practices. The Friends Center at Angkor Hospital
for Children gives visitors the unique opportunity to visit the
hospital and learn more about its programs. Designed for environmental
sustainability with the purpose of educating about the hospital the
Friends Center also displays prints donated by Kenro Izu and hosts
rotating art and photography exhibitions. The donation of money and
blood are much appreciated!Bird Watching and Environmental Tours
Siem
Reap offers some unique bird watching opportunities. The Prek Toal bird
sanctuary on the Tonle Sap Lake and the Ang Trapeng Thmor reservoir
northeast of Siem Reap both are home to many rare and threatened
species.(The following about Ang Trapeng Thmor comes courtesy of the Sam Veasna Center.) Originating as a reservoir on the Angkorian highway 66 it was rebuilt as a man-made irrigation and water storage reservoir by slave labor during the Khmer Rouge Regime in 1976. The reservoir now harbors a unique wetland associated with grassland, dipterocarp forests and paddy fields. Aside from being a feeding ground for more than 300 Sarus Crane in the dry (non-breeding) season, more than 200 species of other birds occur here, of which 18 have been classified as globally or near globally threatened. This is also one of the handful of sites in Cambodia where the endangered Eld’s Deer can be seen. Colonies of fruit bats inhabit larger trees that are often semi submerged on the edge of the reservoir.
The best time to see the Sarus Crane is from February to May though an abundance of bird species can be viewed all year. There is also a hill top Angkorian temple a few kilometers into the forest while traditional silk weaving is still practiced in the adjacent village. A boat trip can be taken on the reservoir which depending on the time of year is 11km along and 8 wide and offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside
Officially declared a Sarus Crane Reserve by Royal Decree in 2000 the area designated covers over 12000 Hectares, following the work of Sam Veasna and his friends at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), all foreign visitors are required are required to register at the WCS Office in the adjacent village.
ATT is a day trip from Siem Reap though accommodation can be arranged at the WCS HQ (tel 012 703033) or organized through the Sam Veasna Center in Siem Reap (tel 012 520828) in the adjacent village, giving birdwatchers the chance of dawn sightings and offering the opportunity of visiting the massive Angkorian temple complex of Banteay Chma
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is the first nature conservation center in Cambodia, located near Kbal Spean, about one hour north of Siem Reap. The aims of the center are the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding and reintroduction of threatened wildlife, in combination with an environmental education program, promoting wildlife conservation and training local villagers in the sustainable use of natural resources. Free guided center tour Monday to Friday at 13:00 (for groups, other times can be arranged).
Sam Veasna Center (SVC)
SVC organizes half or full day trips focusing on birds but offering a glimpse of Cambodian rural life with a trained local guide. SVC was set up to promote wildlife conservation in Cambodia. It works together with the Wildlife Conservation Society and local village communities to develop remote sites close to the habitat of some spectacular bird life. The local communities benefit from the infrastructure set up for the visitors. Trips to see Sarus Crane at Ang Trapaeng Thmor, Giant and White Shouldered Ibis at Tamtboey, A vulture restaurant at Chhep amongst others, plus some of the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside in Cambodia.
Beatocello and Jayavarman VII Children's Hospital
Dr.
Beat Richner plays Bach on the cello and speaks about the activities of
his children’s hospitals (Jayavarman VII in Siem Reap, Kantha Bopha 1
and 2 in Phnom Penh) every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:15PM.
Performances are held at the Jayavarman VII Hospital, located on the
road to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Dr. Richner provides an entertaining
and worthy Saturday evening. The hospital welcomes both monetary and
blood donations.Balloon Rides
Unique
new addition to the Angkor area. Take a tethered helium balloon ride
200 meters straight up for an amazing aerial view of Angkor Wat, Phnom
Bakheng, West Baray and other ruins amongst the surrounding jungle and
rice paddies. Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them. The big,
yellow balloon is based on the road from the airport to Angkor Wat,
about a kilometer from the front gates of Angkor Wat.Butterfly Gardens
Banteay Srey Butterfly CentreAn interactive butterfly exhibit located 25 km north of Siem Reap, on the road to the Bantey Srey temple. The exhibit consists of a netted tropical garden with thousands of free-flying butterflies, all of which are native species to Cambodia. The enclosure provides residents and tourists with an interactive and visual environment to learn about butterflies.
Butterflies Garden Restaurant
Features
1,500 tropical butterflies and a koi pond in a romantic, private
garden. Creative tropical cuisine, including unique Khmer specialties.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh juices, shakes, beer, wine and
cocktails.#535, Street 25, Wat Bo area.
Cambodian Cultural Village
A
unique, sprawling new cultural attraction in Siem Reap, intended to
introduce the visitor to Cambodian culture and history. Wax museum with
scenes and figures from history. Fascinating 1/20th scale models of
sites such as Phsar Thmey and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the
hills and temples of Oudong. Full scale models of a variety of Cambodian
architectural types, including different styles of huts and homes, hill
tribe houses, pagoda and mosque.On Airport Road.
Ceramics Classes
Artisan Heritage of LightDaily ceramics classes (Monday-Saturday). Traditional techniques. 2 hour duration. $10-$15
Khmer Ceramic Center
Make a ceramic within 2 hours. Make by hand or on the potters wheel
using Khmer traditional techniques. Experience potters will guide you
through the process. Your piece will be fired and glazed and delivered
to your hotel within 24 hours. Free pick-up from your hotel for the
class.Road to Angkor Wat...
Cooking Classes
Alliance Café
Half day Cambodian cooking classes at the Alliance Café by a Khmer chef. Begin with a trip to a traditional market to select the ingredients. Cook and dine on several Khmer recipes. Wat Damnak areaBeyond Unique Escapes
Half and full day Cambodian cooking courses held in a rural setting just 10 minutes from Siem Reap. Maximum six people per class. Booking is essential.Corner Sivutha Blvd & Alley West.
Champey Cooking Class
Twice
daily, half-day cooking classes by a Cambodian chef. Meet at Champey
Restaurant on ‘The Passage’ (Pub Street alley.) Visit a traditional
market for fresh ingredients. Class conducted in a traditional Khmer
house in central Siem Reap. Upon completion, complementary booklet,
recipes, certificate and spices. Reservations required.Peace Cafe
The Peace Café in the Wat Bo area holds regularly scheduled vegetarian cooking classes. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00AM-1:00PM. $20/person, no appointment needed. Lunch included.The RiverGarden - Cooks in Tuk-Tuks
Restaurant is offering culinary tours and cooking courses focusing, of course, on local fare. Unique culinary tours such as ‘Cooks in Tuk Tuks’ and include a tour of a local market(s) with an introduction to local culinary culture, foods and ingredients, cooking equipment, etc. followed by cooking classes at the restaurant.Countryside Tours
If your schedule allows, set aside a day or three to get out of the Siem Reap Town/main temple area and into the countryside. The vast majority of Cambodians live and work in the rural countryside and a countryside tour or even a day trip to a remote temple ruin can provide a glimpse of ‘real Cambodia’ - picturesque, bucolic scenery, rice paddies and water buffalos, countryside pagodas and little villages filled with traditional stilted houses... And there are a number of ways to see it: by 4WD or dirtbikes, ATVs, bicycle, ox cart and more. The following tour operators specialize in countryside expeditions.Camoflage Adventure Cambodia
Mountain bike from Bakong temple to Kampong Phluk village, and boat jouney on Tonle Sap.#37, New Street A behind U-Care
Hidden Cambodia Dirt Bike Tours
Hidden Cambodia Adventure Tours
Hidden Cambodia Tours
Single and multi-day all-inclusive, high end, cultural, ad- venture
and humanitarian tours by 4WD vehicles, dirt bike and car to Koh Ker,
Preah Vihear, Preah Khan temples and historic KR area, Anlong Veng.
Tonle Sap Lake tours.Just off the road to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Horse riding and horse card riding
The
Happy Ranch Horse Farm offers countryside trail rides from 1 to 3
hours. From sunrise to sunset, the horses will take you on a journey to
places that are otherwise unreachable, through local countryside
villages, scenic rice fields and tourist-free temple ruins, all waiting
to be explored. An authentic taste of the real Khmer lifestyle viewed
from horseback, and a welcome break from other tourists.Village Homestay
Cambodia
is a land of culture, tradition and the Khmer ethnic civilization. A
Cambodia countryside homestay is one of the best ways to fully immerse
yourself in Cambodia whilst experiencing absolute, unadulterated
authenticity. This is about meeting and getting to know local
Cambodians, living their lifestyle and experiencing Cambodia travel at
grassroots level during an adventure that is sure to involve a series of
unexpected encounters, pleasant surprises and long-lasting memories.
Note that is real village homestay that means the facilities are basic.Camping and jungle trekking
The
perfect experience for those who wants to experience the natural and
historical Cambodia that few visitors ever have a chance of seeing. The
Cambodian countryside, its hidden, mysterious temples and traditional
village life are all here, waiting for you to discover. Camping out
under the Cambodian sky will be an experience that you will not soon
forget and will want to return year after year as hundreds already have.Angkor Gondola
Angkor Gondola is an unique Khmer traditional boats service in the moat along Angkor Thom Great Wall. Come and discover a natural wonders, hidden treasure of the historical site and cultures. Travel the water where history, nature and culture come alive while you can enjoy sunset view with cocktail on the boat.Elephant ride
Founded
in 1997 with the vision of bringing elephants back to Angkor the
Compangnie des Eléphants d’Angkor has grown over the years improving the
facilities for its Cambodian elephants and its service to the visitors
at Angkor. Elephants ride is available from the South Gate of Angkor
Thom where they will lead you down the road to the majestic Bayon Temple
with the backdrop of inquisitive monkeys and jungle. Once at Bayon
Temple the elephant can lead you around the perimeter of Angkor Thom's
main temple of Bayon. You can also take an elephant up to Bakheng Hill
for sunset viewing.Museums
Angkor National Museum
The newly opened Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap promises eight
chronologically ordered galleries of Angkorian-era artifacts and
multi-media presentations of Angkorian history and culture. The Museum
had just opened its doors and was not quite completed at time of
printing, but should be very soon. Admissions price: US$12 (for
foreigners). $2 for a camera. Hours: Located in town, on the road to the Angkor Park.
Cambodia Land Mine Museum & Relief Facility
The
Cambodia Landmine Museum has evolved from a small shack museum by
former soldier and deminer Akira to a formal museum and charitable
organization. The museum exhibits a variety of defused mines, bombs and
other ordinance as well as information on mines, demining and Cambodia’s
mine problem.Located six km south of Banteay Srey.
Pagodas & Shrines
Buddhist
pagodas are the traditional seat of Khmer culture. Siem Reap, like many
Cambodian towns, is a collection of villages, which grew around
individual pagodas, later coalescing into the town. To get a true feel
for Cambodia, a visit to at least one pagoda is a must.Shrine to Preah Ang Chek & Preah Ang Chorm Of particular importance to the locals is the small shrine in front of the Grand Hotel D’Angkor containing two standing Buddhas of the names Preah Ang Chek (taller) and Preah Ang Chorm (shorter). They are surrounded by stories of power and indestructibility. Visitors are welcome to make offerings and take photos. The reverence of local pilgrims is palpable.
Shrine to Ya Tep Under a huge tree in the traffic circle in front of the royal residence is a statue of Ya Tep, a neak-ta. Neak-ta are powerful spirits connected to a particular area of land. Ya Tep is local to Siem Reap and is said to help bring protection (and winning lottery numbers) to the faithful. Offerings of chicken skins can often be seen around the shrine.
Wat Bo
Founded in the 18th century. A large, highly respected pagoda. Like the
Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the vihear of Wat Bo contains very unique
wall paintings of the Reamker that are said to be late 19th century.
Look for the ordinary-life market scenes such as an opium smoking
Chinese merchant, the colonial era French officer at the market and the
French soldiers attending a traditional dance performance. Also of
interest is the large collection of Buddha statues located behind the
main Buddha.Wat Keseram “Pagoda of the Cornflower Petals”. Pastoral setting and extensive, detailed collection of the life of Buddha on the interior of the vihear make this one of the more interesting wats to visit. The date of establishment is unclear, but most agree that the vihear was constructed in the early 1970’s.
Wat Preah Prohm Rath
An unspectacular but idyllically situated wat on the river in the
center of town. Founded in 1915, the main vihear was constructed in
1945. Oddly enough, the wat grounds hold two large cannons said to have
belonged to the larger-than-life 20th century warlord, Dap Chhoun. Wat Thmei (New Wat) The wat contains a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. 500m west of the road to Angkor about 1.5km north of town
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