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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
Volunteer opportunities and
Charitable Organizations: All Cambodia for more
information. Fort more ideas on other things to do around Siem Reap
see the NGO-based
Stay Another
Day website.
Angkor Hospital for Children
In the middle of the town, near the river. Foreign and Cambodian doctors.
Pediatric hospital and clinical training site for Cambodian doctors,
nurses and paramedical personnel. Provides medical consultation and
emergency care for expats and tourists. Blood donors always welcome.
Tel: 063-963409, Fax: 063-760452
E-mail: fwab@fwab.com
Web site:
www.fwab.org
 Angkor Wat in Miniature
Artist and master craftsman Dy Proeung has created several beautiful,
hand carved and cast sandstone and concrete miniatures of Angkor Wat,
Bayon, Ban-teay Srey and other Angkorian era temples and figures. Visit
his workshop/display yard to view his carvings and castings and to see
the artist at work. Mr. Dy Proeung has received an award of recognition
for his works from the former King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk. Well
worth the $1.50 admission fee. Located just off of the river road, north
of Route #6 near the center of town. Look for the sign on the river
road.
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. For the Prek
Toal bird sanctuary see on the Tonle Sap page.
(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).
Tel: 011-426856, 099-604017
info@accb-cambodia.org
www.accb-cambodia.org
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.
Tel: 063-963710.
E-mail:
bookings@samveasna.org.
Web:
www.samveasna.org
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.
Website:
www.beatocello.com
 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.
Tel: 012-520810
Butterfly Garden
Butterflies Garden Restaurant features 1,500 tropical butterflies and a
koi pond in a romantic, private garden. Creative tropical cuisine,
including unique Khmer specialties, is served at breakfast, lunch and
dinner. An array of fresh juices, shakes, beer, wine and cocktails is
also available. Butterflies Garden Restaurant specializes in group
events of all kinds from corporate retreats to children's birthday
parties. Check our website (
www.butterfliesofangkor.com ) for a listing of family-oriented
activities and traditional and contemporary Khmer performance art.
 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. Live shows, traditional dance performances and music. Traditional Khmer wedding show twice per day. On Airport Road.
Tel/Fax: 063-963836,
E-mail:
ccv@camintel.com
Web Site: www.cambodianculturalvillage.com
Cooking Classes
Peace Café
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.
Tel: 092-177127.
www.peacecafeangkor.org
The RiverGarden
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. Call 063-963400 for schedule.
www.rivergarden.info
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.
Beyond Unique
Escapes
Unique day trips, cycle, alms, treks, walks, villages, small
groups, private packages, cooking classes, ticket services.
Corner Sivatha Blvd & Alley West, Siem Reap,
Cambodia
Tel: +(855)(0)63-969269
+(855)(0)77-562565
info@beyonduniqueescapes.com
www.beyonduniqueescapes.com
 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
Tel: +(855)(0)12-655201
Fax: +(855)(0)63-934412
hiddencambodia@yahoo.com
www.hiddencambodia.com
Peace Of Angkor
Set up by a British photographer in 2003; Peace Of Angkor run
remote temple, Tonle sap lake and Bird watching tours. Prek Toal and
The Sarus Crane Reserve at Ang Trapang Thmor are featured during the
dry season. These can be combined with remote temples like Banteay
Chhmar, Koh Ker and Even Preah Khan Kompong Svay to give unique
insight into rural life as well spectacular temple sights.
200 meters east of the Catholic Church near Wat Po Lanka Siem Reap,
Cambodia
Tel: +(855) (0)63-760475, +(855) (0)12-934412
E-mail:
info@peaceofangkor.com
Website:
www.peaceofangkor.com (has comprehensive info and photography of
Angkor and beyond.)
Terre-Cambodge
Mountain bike (TREK, GIANT) and trekking specialist. Overnight in
some villages. Tonle Sap Lake boat tours (bird sanctuary, floating
and stilted villages,) elephant trekking and more. Tailor made
itineraries.
#668, Hup Guan Street, Siem
Reap, Cambodia
Tel: +(855) (0)92-476682
info@terrecambodge.com
www.terrecambodge.com ,
www.bikingcambodia.com
 Elephant Rides
During the day, elephants await customers near
Bayon or at the
South
Gate of Angkor Thom. In the evenings, elephants are stationed at the
base of Phnom Bakheng, ready to transport riders up the hill for sunset.
$10-$15 for a 25 minute ride.
Golf
Phokeethra Country Club
Siem Reap’s first international golf
club. 18-hole, 72 par golf course spread over 155 hectares and
stretching 6.53 kms. A combination of paspulum grasses allows for year
round golf. Putting green, pitching area, driving range, pro-shop and
restaurant. Managed by Sofitel Royal Angkor Golf & Spa Resort. Located
along Route #6 in Pouk district 16 kilometers from town.
Tel: 063-964600
Helicopter Rides
Helistar Cambodia
Helistar Cambodia offer scenic
helicopter tours of the temples beginning at $90/pax. Specialized tours,
aerial photography, charter services. Multiple aircraft. Conveniently
located at Siem Reap International Airport, Domestic Terminal. Office on
National Road 6, Borey Angkor Arcade, diagonally opposite the Total
petrol station. Walk-in customers welcome.
Tel: 063-966072 or 012-449555
www.helistarcambodia.com
Horseback Riding
The Happy Ranch
International standards horse stable offering countryside trail rides
(1-4 hours) through rice fields, villages, and to Buddhist pagodas on
gorgeous Cambodian horses and ponies. A great way to get an inside look
at true Cambodian life. Sunrise to sunset. Also offering cart rides
through the local villages in Siem Reap, Angkor. To avoid disappointment
and to ensure a personalized experience please book directly with us in
advance.
Tel: 012 920002 / 016 920002
www.thehappyranch.com
Meditation/Yoga
Raja Yoga
Introductory session in the ancient art of
Raja Yoga Meditation, or just experience some silence time at our
Meditation Hut. Experienced teachers offer a practical and simple
meditation technique. Books and CDs in many languages available.
Registered NGO in over 130 countries.
Located at Peace Café, just off the river
road, Street 26, Wat Bo Area. Also located in Phnom Penh.
Tel: 063-965210, 092-177127
Tel: 011-751395
Website:
www.bkrajayoga.org
Villa Shanti
Villa Shanti is a New Age culture
centre with a variety of different services. In our Yoga Center we offer
a wide range of self-development activities, such as yoga, qigong,
tai-chi, martial arts & kickboxing, bioenergetics & chakras opening
courses, various trainings, life-coaching sessions and meditations of
any kind. Here you will also find the Agency of Spiritual Tourism,
alternative medicine centre, fortune-telling and event-agency. We work
with groups and individually. Not far from Angkor National Museum,
Salakonseng, Svaydongkum.
Tel: 063-969060, 097-9198101, 097-8376554
Website: www.villa-shanti.com
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: 9:00AM - 8:00PM. Located in town,
on the road to the Angkor Park.
Tel. 063-966601.
Website:
www.angkornationalmuseum.com
Cambodian Cultural Village
A unique, sprawling cultural attraction,
intended to introduce the visitor to Cambodian culture and history.
Interesting wax museum features scenes and figures from history. Large
park area with 1/20th scale models of important cultural sites and
landmarks. Full scale models of a variety of Cambodian architectural
types. Entrance: $12. 9AM - 9PM. Airport Road. Tel: 063-963836
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.
Website:
www.cambodialandminemuseum.org
Siem Reap War Museum
Displaying a wide variety of military
hardware and equipment in decrepit condition, taken from the
battlefield. Heavy armor including T-54 tanks, anti-aircraft guns,
artillery pieces, rocket launchers, APCs, small arms and piles of
disarmed mines, bombs and small arms. Most of the larger pieces are
labeled. Located on Route #6 (Airport Road).
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.
Tattoos
Neng Sinath
Tattoo Machine
Local tattoo artist doing tattoos by tattoo
gun or by the traditional bamboo method. Located on Sok San Club
road about 200m west of Sivutha Blvd.
Tel: 012-804508
E-mail:
yousinath@yahoo.com
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