It is for very good reason that Siem Reap is known as the town-that-is-close-to-those-amazing-Angkor-Temples – they really are one of the world’s most incredible sights. Because of this, travellers tend to roll into town, see the temples and roll on out again. But Siem Reap has grown rapidly to accommodate the number of visitors that now come to gaze in wonder at Angkor, and has become a vibrant place with plenty of un-temply things to do. So Angkor maybe it’s greatest but is not Siem Reap’s only boon, and many of them are worth your consideration:
Tonle Sap
Just 15 kilometres from Siem Reap, this huge freshwater lake is a very worthy day trip and a relaxed way to stave off temple fatigue. Zip about the lake by boat visiting both stilted and floating villages and meeting the fishermen that call them home. There is no better way to get a glimpse of life on the lake and interact with locals. Chong Khneas, Kompong Phluk and Kompong Kleang are the most popular, but bear in mind that they can get quite busy. The lake is also home to Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, which is a fantastic place to go bird spotting.
Cambodian Landmine Museum
A fascinating museum that tells the story of Aki Ra, who at 10 years old was taught to lay landmines by the Khmer Rouge, and has spent the time since their fall removing them from the ground again. His collection of 100s and 100s of mines are on display and exhibitions aim to educate on the terrible effects of these devices. The museum is also a relief centre that is home to a number of children who are landmine victims, giving them a good education and a bright future. A moving and very worthy place to explore.
Les Artisans d’Angkor
Les Artisans d’Angkor is a social enterprise that works to both revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts such as silk-making, stone and wood carving, lacquering and painting, and improve the lives of rural communities. Developed to secure education, welfare and eventually jobs, both as artisans and in other fields, for Cambodia’s young people, the enterprise has gone from strength to strength, even being asked to restore some of the bas reliefs and statues of the Angkor complex. There is a fantastic shop in town that is full of beautiful handcrafted souvenirs to browse through, and all the money that you spend of those souvenirs goes to an excellent cause.
Ziplining
Soaring among the trees of the Angkor Archaeological Park on a series of ziplines, bridges and treetop platforms is a pretty fantastic way to enjoy the natural beauty around Siem Reap. Even better, the ‘Flight of the Gibbon’ park is aiming to reintroduce these furry critters back into the area, so you may well spot some of the resident community as you fly. This ziplining adventure takes coming close to nature to a whole new level!
Exploring the countryside
This category brings with it some exciting options and is particularly good for those with an adventurous spirit! Both offer an exciting way to see a side of Cambodia that many travellers miss – how the people who call the country home really live their lives. So you could hop on a quad bike and zoom your way through villages, water buffalo and rice fields – the local kids will give you a run for your money in the speed stakes! There are a number of quad biking tours available, from full days to sunset rides. For those who like to take it a little slower and calmer, why not saddle up a horse and get out into the countryside that way? You’ll pass through fields, villages and even be able to stop off and explore a temple or two.
If you’ve always liked the idea of exploring Cambodia and one/some/all of these activities tickle your fancy, give a member of the Asia Inspirations a call to start planning your adventure!