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Other Things
to do in Siem Reap
As enthralling as the temples of Angkor
may be, there are lots of other things to see and do. Seeing a bit
of Cambodia away from the temples can help avert ‘temple-burnout’
and round out your Cambodian experience. It also helps Cambodia by
taking some tourist pressure off of the temples and spreading
tourism dollars a bit more widely. In addition to the following
suggestions, check out the sections on visiting the
Tonle Sap Lake
and on
Traditional
Dance Performance.
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 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!
Tel:
063-963409
www.angkorhospital.org
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Tep Vong Street, Old French
Quarter
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Apsara Dance Performances
It
has been a tradition since the earliest days of tourism in
the 19th century to treat visitors to Siem Reap with a
‘Apsara dance performance’ - a taste of classical
Khmer culture. These days no visit to Cambodia is complete without
attending at least one traditional performance.
In Siem Reap dinner performances
are now the most popular venue with most places offering
buffet or set menus combined with a one-hour traditional
performance, usually dance though some places also offer
traditional puppet performances.
Dinner
ordinarily begins at 6:00 or 7:00PM and the performance
at 7:30PM or 8:00PM. The usual dance performance consists of 4 or 5
different dances, both classical
and folk dancing. Most dinner performances run $10-$35 including
dinner and admission. Some place do not charge admission for
the performance, but you are expected to order dinner. For
the best seats, call for reservations.
See
Khmer Traditional Dance
and Performances page for performance venues,
schedules and more on Traditional Khmer Dance. |
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 Bird Watching and Environmental Tours
Siem Reap offers some unique birdwatching
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.
Ang Trapeng Thmor (ATT) Sarus Crane Reserve
(The following about Ang Trapeng Thmor comes courtesy of the Sam Veasna
Center.) Originally constructed as a water reservoir, the reservoir was
rebuilt for irrigation and water storage by slave labor during the Khmer
Rouge Regime. 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 March, though
an abundance of bird species can be viewed all year. There is also a
hill top Angkorian-era temple a few kilometers into the forest where
traditional silk weaving is still practiced in the adjacent village. A
boat trip can be taken on the reservoir.
Officially declared a Sarus Crane Reserve in 2000 the designated area
covers over 12,000 hectares, following the work of Sam Veasna and
friends at the Wildlife Conservation Society, all foreign visitors are
required are required to register at the WCS Office.
ATT (Ang Trapeng Thmor) is a day trip from Siem Reap though
accommodation can be arranged at the through the Sam Veasna Center (see
the following listing), giving birdwatchers the chance of dawn sightings
and offering the opportunity of visiting the massive Angkorian temple
complex of Banteay Chmar.
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Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
The Angkor Center for Conservation of
Biodiversity (ACCB) is the first nature conservation center in Cambodia.
They offer rescue services to Cambodian wildlife, breed threatened
species and serve as an education and training center for communities,
wildlife officials and visitors. Visitors are encouraged to visit ACCB,
they offer a daily tour Monday through Saturday at 1PM for a minimum
donation of $3 per person.
Tel: 011-426856, 099-604017
www.accb-cambodia.org
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Sam Veasna Center (SVC)
SVC organizes half or full day trips
focusing on birds with a trained bird guide. SVC was set up to
promote wildlife conservation in Cambodia. It works 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, plus some beautiful and unspoiled countryside.
Tel: 092-554473, 063-963710
info@samveasna.org
www.samveasna.org
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Balloon
Rides
Take a tethered helium balloon ride 200
meters straight up for a pretty good aerial view of Angkor Wat (1km away), the surrounding countryside
and a couple of other temples peeking up through the jungle. The balloon
itself does not float free, but is attached to the ground by a heavy
teather that is reeled out then back in to allow the balloon to rise and
return to the ground. The balloon itself is filled with helium with a
fenced in gondola capable of holding more than a a couple dozen people.
They give you about 10-15 minutes at the top, more than enough time to
take in the full panorama and take plenty of pictures. The balloon does
not run during inclement weather and is best on days that are not too
windy. The big, yellow balloon is based about
1km east of Angkor Wat on the road from the airport. You can't miss it.
Usually you can show up without reservations and be on the balloon
within 15-40 minutes. Admission $15/adult; $7.50/child.
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East/West Road between Angkor
Wat and Airport, about 1km west of Angkor Wat |
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Butterfly
Gardens
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 Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
An interactive butterfly exhibit
located 25 km north of Siem Reap, on the road to the Banteay 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 visitors with an interactive and
visual environment to learn about butterflies.
If, as part of your temple tour, your are
heading out top see the distant but spectacular Banteay Srey temple,
that is the perfect time to drop into the Banteay Srey butterfly garden
for a break from the temple and the road. Open: 7 days a week, 9
am - 5 pm, all year round. Admission: Adult: $4; Child: $2
Tel: 097-8527852
www.angkorbutterfly.com
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 Butterflies Garden
Restaurant
Running sonce 1999. Butterfly Gardens is a
unique butterfly enclosure with over 1,500 tropical butterflies
and a koi pond in a romantic, private garden on a quiet street in the
center of town. In addition to being a butterfly enclosure, Butterfly
Gardens also is a cafe serving creative tropical cuisine,
including unique Khmer specialties. Fresh
juices, shakes, beer, wine and cocktails. A very unique place to take a
meal or a drink and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Serving breakfast,
lunch and dinner.
Conveniently located in town in the Wat Bo
area, just a 2-minute tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market area.
#535, Street 25, Wat Bo area
Tel: 063-761211
www.butterfliesofangkor.com
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Classes: Cooking, Ceramics, Yoga
Ceramics Classes
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Khmer Ceramics
Create your own replica of Khmer ceramics
within 2 hours. No experience required, made by you on the potter's
wheel using traditional techniques. Potters will guide you through the
process. Also offering an “Art Activity”: Draw and/or paint your own
design on mug, bowl, box, Buddha. A unique opportunity to discover your
buried artistic talent. Stamps, stencils, and pattern books available.
Free pickup. Your creation will be fixed/fired/glazed and delivered to
your hotel in 24 hours. 8AM-7:30PM everyday. Road to Angkor Wat.
Road to Angkor Wat
Tel: +(855)(0)17-843014
www.khmerceramics.com
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Cooking Classes and
Food Tours
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Alliance
Alizé Boutique Villa & Art Cafe
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 area
Tel: 063-964940
www.alliancealize.com
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Ankgor Street
Eats
Daily walking food tours across Siem Reap to
see and sample Cambodian street foods and cafes, as well as getting a
nice introduction to local culture. Cambodian tour guides will take you
through local food markets, Cambodian street stalls, and little
hole-in-the-wall cafes. The emphasis is on keeping it local – local
guides, local foods, local knowledge – and keeping it fun friendly.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated. Just let them know
your requirements. Tours are 4 hours. Special rates for kids.
Tel: 087-686872
http://angkorstreeteats.com
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Beyond 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
Tel: 063-969269, 077-562565
www.beyonduniqueescapes.com
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Champey Cooking Class
Twice daily, hands-on cooking classes with a
Cambodian Chef. Visit the market, prepare dishes and try them all.
Classes held near the Old Market in a classic house with front/rear
gardens. Complementary DVD, recipe book, spices, certificate.
Reservations: 077-566455
http://www.restaurant-siemreap.com/html/CHAMPEYCOOKINGCLASS.php
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Cooktuk Temple
Tours and Cooking Classes
See the temples and learn to cook Cambodian
food all in one half-day Cooktuk tour. Run by local people. You'll learn
to make amok, green mango salad and others. If you've already seen the
temples, you can skip the tour and join the two-hour cooking class.
Contact at the Khmer Cooking Empire Restaurant opposite Srah Srang in
the Angkor Park.
Tel: 012-794949
www.cooktuk.com
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Khmer Cocktail Classes at
Asana Old Wooden House
Learn about the use of Cambodian herbs,
spices and infused spirits to prepare unique cocktails.
On The Lane next to Pub Street
Tel: 092-987801
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Siem Reap Food Tours
Journey beyond the usual tourist sites and
explore one of Asia's least understood cuisines. Let Siem Reap Food
Tours take you on a personal guided culinary tour where you'll meet —
and eat — the authentic Cambodia. Morning and evening tours for one to
four people.
Tel: 012-505542
www.siemreapfoodtours.com
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Street Food
Adventures
Street Food Adventures offers just that -
walk amongs the local stalls and stand and “do it like the locals”,
buying are sharing small snacks with friends and family - everything
from dumplings and noodles to special fruits and fried crickets. Hotel
pick up/drop off included.
Tel: 063-963400
www.rivergardenboutique.com
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Cocktail Classes
Gemology
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Gemological Institute of Cambodia
Gemstone class for beginners: 1 hour /
half-day / 1 day. A basic introduction to major gemstones commonly found
in the Cambodian marketplace. This beginning-level course focuses on the
identification, grading and appraisal of gems such as the ruby,
sapphire, zircon, peridot, garnet, topaz, aquamarine, crystalline
quartz, chalcedony, obsidian, etc.
New location on Night Market Street
Tel: 092-486772, 081-359286
http://gem.agency
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Yoga Classes
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Blue Indigo Cottage
A yoga and meditation retreat center
consisting of seven wooden cottages, most with double bed, and all with
private bathroom. Yoga and Theravada Buddhist traditional meditation
spanning several different techniques - Hatha Yoga, Chi qong, pranayama,
and make a fusion. Some yoga exercises and meditations are conducted at
the Angkor temples. Offering a range of classes and sessions everyday,
suitable for all levels. Retreats, packages, walk-ins welcome, whether
for a single session or all day.
Tel: 097-5143390
www.blueindigocottage.com
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The New Leaf Book Café
Yoga, Khmer and English lessons all
available in a versatile space overlooking the Preah Prom Rath pagoda.
“100% of profits are donated to local charities.”
Tel: 063-766016
www.facebook.com/NewLeafCafe.org
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Samadhi Yoga
Drop-in classes just $8 including pool and
gym. Great coffee, and diverse cafe menu with healthy and comfort food
items. Idyllic setting in amongst rice fields and plantations. Located
within Navutu Dreams Resort, featuring hotel and spa focused on “relaxed
luxury and wellness”. ‘Relax-Rebalance-Rejuvenate”
Tel: 063-964864
www.navutudreams.com
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 Countryside Tours
and Temples
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. Within just a few
kilometers of town the landscape turns to rice paddies, small towns and
villages, offering an opportunity to get a look at 'real Cambodia' - the
rural countryside where the vast majority of Cambodians live and work.
Some tour operators specialize in
countryside and cultural tours and can help arrange a variety of trips -
from a simple half day cultural tours of the nearby rural areas from the
back of an air-conditioned car, to extensive multi-day motorcycle
adventure tours of the countryside, distant temples and greater country
tours outside of the Siem Reap area.
One of the more popular and easy ways to see
a bit of countryside is to take a trip to one of the more distant
temples such as Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, or Banteay Chhmar. Touring these
temples, located well outside Siem Reap in jungled and rural areas,
allows you not only to experience untouristed Angkorian temples but to get a glimpse of the Cambodian countryside on the trip there and
back. A stop in a village, often to see some NGO or charity project, is
often included as part of the distant temple tour.
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The Adventure Story
Specializing in mountain bike tours. Angkor, distant temples,
cultural and countryside, Tonle Sap lake, tailored tours.
#37 New Street A behind U-Care
Tel: 069-801705, 095-727290
www.theadventurestory.com
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Beyond Unique Escapes
Complete tour service offering unique a
wide variety of set and custom tours - day trips, cycling, trekking,
walks, villages, small groups, private packages, cooking classes,
ticket services. Siem Reap, Angkor and all Cambodia.
Kandal Village area,
Siem Reap
Tel: Tel: 063-969269, 077-562565
www.beyonduniqueescapes.com
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Build Friend Travel Cambodia
Specializing in village tours -
half/full-day, monastery, cultural tours and experiences.
Tel: 012-940669
http://www.buildyourfuturetoday.org
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Cambodia Jeep
Explore Siem Reap, or all of Cambodia, in with a private driver or
on your own in war-era American Jeep. Temples, countryside, or city. One
day or a few weeks. Roadside assistance, mechanics, driver, and guide
all available.
Siem Reap
Tel: 063-963242
www.cambodiajeep.com
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Cambodia Trails
Specializing in dirt-bike tours and rental. Scooters also available.
Dirt bike off-road tours, trail tours, jungle tours. Motorcycle repair.
#157 National Route 6,
Siem Reap
Tel: 097-7355252
www.cambodiatrails.com
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Dancing
Roads
Since 2000.
Mountain bike tours. Distant temples,
countryside, mountains, tailored tours.
#66c St. 368, Phnom Penh
Tel: 012-884909, 095-727290
http://www.dancingroads.com
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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
Tel: 012-655201
hiddencambodia@yahoo.com
www.hiddencambodia.com
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Kampoul Adventure Tour
Cultural and adventure tours. Tonle Sap Lake tours.
#0593 Wat Bo Road,
Siem Reap,
Cambodia.
Tel: 063-760909, 063-965865
www.adventure.com.kh
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Komnob Airboat Tours
Airboat tours. Skim across the Tonle Sap to visit floating and
lake’s edge villages and a crocodile farm.
Tel: 012-926966, 016-988896
www.komnobairboattours.com
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Nhum Bai
Experience the real Cambodia with a walking, cycling, or boating day
trip, where you'll have the chance to participate in everyday
countryside life. Nhum Bai aims to help local villagers develop
sustainable income through tourism while allowing visitors the
chance to have an authentic, memorable Cambodian experience. On your
tour you can try your hand at rice farming and weaving, learn about
rice wine, or go on a leisurely boat trip and picnic with locals
while enjoying the beauty of rural Siem Reap.
Tel: 097-6060770
www.nhumbai.com
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Siem Reap Angkor Quad Bike Countryside Tour
Co., Ltd
Quad Bike tours. One hours, multi-hour, half-day, full day, extreme
tour overnighter. Countryside tours, rice paddies, pagodas,
villages, more.
#169, Wat Damnak Road
Tel: 097-9651451, 012-324009
www.srquadbikeadventure.com
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Terre Cambodge/Biking Cambodia
Mountain bike (TREK, GIANT) and trekking
specialist. Overnights. Tonle Sap Lake boat tours (bird sanctuary,
floating and stilted villages,) elephant trekking and more. Tailor made
itineraries.
Svay Dangkum – Siem Reap
Tel: 092-476682, 089-990570
www.terrecambodge.com
www.bikingcambodia.net
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Travel Loops
Inbound and outbound tours. Worldwide air
tickets and tours. Daily bicycling tours in the countryside around Siem
Reap for $20. Siem Reap homestays from $19/person.
Tel: Tel: 063-963776, 097-7776977
Fax: 063-965776
inquiry@travelloops.com
www.travelloops.com
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Triple A Adventures
Floating village and Kampong Khleng tours.
Bicycle tours.
Tel: 088-8366004
www.tripleacambodia.com
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 Golf
Angkor Golf Resort
18 hole course, 7279 yards, par 72, built to
challenge all levels of golfers and has been rated by the US PGA. The
course’s maintenance is superb with the green paspallum grass. 300 yards
grass range. Practice putting green.
Tel: 063-767688
www.angkor-golf.com
Phokeethra Country Club
Siem Reap’s first international golf club.
18-hole, 72 par golf course spread over 155 hectares and stretching 6.53kms. 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: 012-882882
www.phokeethragolf.com
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 Helicopter Rides
Helistar Cambodia
Offers scenic helicopter tours of the
temples beginning at US$100/person for an 8 minute jaunt around Angkor
Wat. It isn’t a particularly cheap way to tour but the view is
spectacular and memorable. Helistar Cambodia offers specialized tours,
aerial photography and charter services. Multiple aircraft in service. Conveniently located at Siem Reap International Airport, Domestic
Terminal. Walk-in customers welcome.
Tel: 063-966072, 012-449555
www.helistarcambodia.com
Office on National Road 6, Borey Angkor Arcade, diagonally
opposite the Total petrol station
Helicopters Cambodia
Operating in Cambodia since 1998 with highly
trained internationally licenced pilots. Helicopters Cambodia provides
charter flights to all areas of Cambodia. For those wanting to avoid the
crowds and experience the temples from another perspective this is
truely a unique experience.
Tel: 012-814500, 015-814500
www.helicopterscambodia.com
 MyFly
MyFly “We are proud to present you an
exciting adventure in the air above Siem Reap, Cambodia. You will fly a
2-seat light airplane around the most beautiful temples of Cambodia, see
a floating village and ancient Hariharalaya, old capital of Kambuja Desa,
picturesque rice fields and the Tonle Sap lake. Our simple set of rules
makes our flights absolutely safe for you; all airplanes, passengers and
third parties are covered by insurance.”
Tel: 068-704601
www.myfly.aero
Located off at the Jayavarman Airfield, just
off National
Route #6 east of town
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Museums in Siem
Reap
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 Angkor National Museum
A modern museum providing a good introduction to the history, styles and
architecture of Angkor. Chronologically ordered galleries of Angkorian-era
artifacts and multimedia presentations. US$12 (foreigners).. $2 for a camera.
Open Hours: 8:30AM - 6:00PM
Located in town, on the road to the
Angkor Park
www.angkornationalmuseum.com
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Angkor Panorama Museum
360 degree painting panorama, 122.6 meter
long and 12.0 meters high. Depicted the activities of 45,000 people in
Angkor Era under the reign of Jayavarman VII from 1181 to 1220 AD, the
greatest king who created Khmer empire in peace and prosper. Free
Information Hall, Panorama Hall and Movie Theatre. Visiting Hour: 1.5 to
2 hours. 9:00AM-8:00PM.
Located on 60M Road, next by Angkor
Ticket Booth.
Tel: +(855)(0)63-765263, 070-286838
www.angkorpanoramamuseum.com
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Cambodia Landmine Museum & Relief Facility
The 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 7km south of Banteay Srey. Open
7:30AM - 5:30PM. Guided tours: M/T/Th/F 9:00AM - 3:00PM.
Located 7km south of Banteay Srey
Tel: +(855)(0)15-674163, 015-941517
www.cambodialandminemuseum.org
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 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
Tel/Fax: +(855)(0)63-963836
www.cambodianculturalvillage.com
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 War Museum
Cambodia
Displaying a wide variety of battlefield
military hardware and equipment used in the wars in Cambodia over the
last three decades of the 20th century. Heavy armor including T-54
tanks, anti-aircraft guns, artillery pieces, rocket launchers, APCs and
piles of disarmed mines, bombs and shells. Interesting collection of
(disarmed) small arms that you can handle. 8AM-5:30PM. 5km from town
center, Airport Road. Admission: $5 for foreigners; $1 for Cambodians.
Free guide service.
Located on Route #6 (Airport Road)
Tel: +(855)(0)97-4578666,
012-873666
www.warmuseumcambodia.com
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 Pagodas & Shrines
Over 95% of the Cambodian population is Buddhist and
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.
Pagoda grounds are colorful and photogenic
places and most are open and welcoming to the general public. But if you
visit a pagoda please be respectful of the place and people. Dress
conservatively, remove your hat on pagoda grounds, remove your shoes
before entering the vihear (main temple) and respect the privacy of
monks and worshippers. See Ray Zepp’s book ‘The Pagoda's of Siem Reap’
for an introduction to Buddhism and a guide to Phnom Penh’s pagodas.
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 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.
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 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.
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 Wat Bo
Wat Bo is one of Siem Reap town's earlier pagodas, likely founded in the
18th century. (Wat Preah Prom Rath, reputedly Siem Reap's oldest, was
founded in the 16th century.) The vihear of Wat Bo (the main
temple building) is at least a century old, constructed with an
old-style segmented roof. Like many Cambodian vihears the interior walls
are adorned with paintings, but Wat Bo's paintings are quite uncommon.
Instead of the usual scenes from Buddhist lore, the wall paintings of
Wat Bo depict the Reamker, the Cambodian version of the classic
Hindu epic the Ramayana. It is one of the few Cambodian pagodas
to do so. Even the presentation of the paintings is unique, displayed in
quilt-like patchwork, possibly inspired by a shadow puppet presentation
of the epic. 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
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 Wat
Preah Prohm Rath
Idyllically situated wat on the river in the center
of town near the Old Market. Foundations of the modern structures were
laid in 1915, the main vihear was constructed in 1945. Reputedly a
monastery as early as the 13th or 14th century, and then further
established in the early 16th century, when the family of Ta Pum and
Yeah Rath donated the land.
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 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.
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 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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 Silk
Farms
Cambodian silks are prized by collectors
the world over. Most of the silk available in Cambodia are made from
silk grown and collected in Cambodia and is hand-loomed using the
traditional ikat method of dying the threads and looming in the
patterns. The markets and silk shops in Siem reap offer both raw and
fine silks in the form of bolts, sarongs, clothing and various
handicrafts. For those with a special interest in silk, a trip to a
local silk farm to see the silk making process is well-worth the
time and effort. One of the longest running silk farms in the area,
Pouk Silk Farm, that also accepts visitors is run by
Artisans d'Angkor and
is located about 20 minute outside of town. Call or contact the
Artisan d'Angkor shop in Siem Reap town (west of Sivutha Blvd, not
far from the Old Market area), or book through a tour agent.
Artisans d'Angkor run several daily free shuttle from their shop in
Siem Reap to the Silk Farm.
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Pouk Silk Farm
Offers the opportunity to enjoy the Cambodian countryside and learn
about the age-old tradition of producing Cambodian silk. Take a free
guided tour that explains the meticulous process of silk production,
from cultivating mulberry bushes to the Cambodian ikat technique and
the dyeing, weaving, and creation of silk fabrics. You can also
purchase high-quality Cambodian silk products in their shop. Located
in Pouk district, 20 minutes from Siem Reap town and open daily
8:00AM to 5.30PM.
Free daily shuttle buses from Artisans Angkor
showroom in Siem Reap at 9.30AM and 1.30PM.
Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX/ANZ
Rte #6, 16km west of town
Tel: 063-399064
www.artisansdangkor.com
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Tattoos
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THE HARBOUR – featuring LexRoulorTattoo
Parlor& a Metal Pirate Tavern
THE HARBOUR combines LexRoulor’s Tattoo Shop and a
Hard-Rock Metal Pirate Tavern. The tattoo parlor’s team of 3
artists and 1 piercer. The French, Russian and Chinese artists cover
pretty much all the styles: dotwork, geometric, watercolor or
realistic. The Australian certified piercer can put a hole in every
single part of your body, and also masters dermal insertions. The
team is trained to followall western hygiene standards, and custom
artwork and top quality are GUARANTEED. Also discover the Metal
Pirate Tavern on the first floor, and sink into the dimmed
atmosphere of candles and lanterns with metal as background music.
Open: 10am – late.
Tel: 097-3042827
#347 SteungThmei, west of Sivutha Blvd, behind Artisans d’Angkor
www.theharboursiemreap.com
www.lexroulor.com
www.facebook.com/theharboursiemreap |
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Neng Synat Tattoo Machine
Professional (local) Khmer tattoo artist since 2001. Tattoo by gun
or by the traditional bamboo method. Hygienic, clean, safe &
healthy. Good quality ink from USA and Japan. Using all disposable
grips, tubes and needles, single use. The oldest one in town.
Sok San Rd, 200m west of Sivutha
Tel: 012-804508
yousinath@yahoo.com
Facebook:
Neng Synat Tattoo Machine Studio
Neng Synat Tattoo
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RSD Tattoo
Long-running, well-known, well-reputed
and respected tattoo studio from Phnom Penh, now in Siem Reap,
located in the Old Market area. Cambodian and international artists. Open 9:00AM -
10:00PM
#380, Sivutha Blvd.
Also two locations in Phnom Penh
Tel: 016-787816, 063-6666444
www.rsd-tattoo.com
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 Tonle
Sap Lake Tours and Villages
The Tonle Sap Lake the most prominent
feature on the map of Cambodia a huge dumbbell-shaped body of water
stretching across the northwest of the country. In the wet season, the
lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, swelling to an
expansive 12,000 km2. The Lake sits only 15 km south of town, a unique
eco-system and cultural area offering the opportunity to see
a different side of the Siem Reap - floating and stilted villages, culture and nature tours, bird watching.
Most lake tours begin at the port at Chong
Khneas village directly south of Siem Reap town. Everything from 1 hour
to multi-day tours are available. The quickest, easiest boat tours run
out of the Chong Khneas port, with local operators offer 1-2 hour tours
of the floating village just off shore, usually including a stop at a
floating fish farm/souvenir shop. Not exactly an 'authentic Cambodian
experience' but at least providing a glimpse of life on the Lake. Half
and full day tours to the amazing stilted village of Kampong Khleang, or
the flooded forests of Kampong Phluk, or a trip to the Prek Toal Bird
sanctuary, all offer a very unique look at Cambodian culture and
ecology. See the Tonle Sap Lake page for
more information on these destinations.
You can go to Chong Khneas on your own and
arrange a boat tour. Boats are always available for 1-2 hour tours, as
well as to more distant villages like Kampong Khleng, but prices are in
flux, and it can be difficult to identify a quality boat and operator.
It is easier to arrange your boat trip though a Siem Reap tour agent,
especially one that specializes in lake tours such as the following:
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Cambodian Travel Partner
Tonle Sap Lake tours, Jeep tours, countryside tours
Tel: 063-963242
www.cambodia-travelpartner.com
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Hidden Cambodia Adventure Tours
Single and multi-day all-inclusive, high end, cultural, adventure 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,
Siem Reap
Tel: 012-655201, 012-934412
hiddencambodia@yahoo.com
www.hiddencambodia.com
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Kampoul Adventure Tour
Cultural and adventure tours. Tonle Sap Lake tours.
#0593, Wat Bo Road,
Siem Reap
Tel: 063-760909, 063-965865
www.adventure.com.kh
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Komnob Airboat Tours
Airboat tours. Skim across the Tonle Sap to visit floating and
lake’s edge villages and a crocodile farm.
Tel: 012-926966, 016-988896
www.komnobairboattours.com
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Prek Toal Tours & Travel
Locally owned and operated tour
operator, offering several tours, excursions and experiences on the
Tonle Sap Lake. Bird watching at Prek Toal, cultural tours or
floating and stilted village, eco-tours, custom arrangements.
Wat Damnak village, Sala Komruek Commune, Siem Reap
Tel: 077-797112, 093-707667
bookings@prektoal-tours.com
http://prektoal-tours.com
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Sam Veasna Center (SVC)
Sam Veasna Center (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: 092-554473, 063-761597
info@samveasna.org
www.samveasna.org
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Tara River Boat
Tara Riverboat operates both half day trips and sunset tours of
Chong Khneas floating village and stops at the Gecko Environmental
Centre fish and a crocodile farm along the way. Meals and drinks are
served on the boat. All boat tours include pick up and return to
hotels and a guide. Price for half day 9:00AM - 12:00PM $29/person,
10:00AM - 2:00PM $32/person and sunset is
3:30PM - 7:30PM $38/person. The sunset cruise includes all drinks including
unlimited champagne, wines, beers, etc. and a 2 course meal. Tours
to Prek Toal (bird sanctuary,) and Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang
(traditional lake villages) and Battambang also available. These
tours also include food, drinks, pick up and return to hotel in an
a/c car. Price for Prek Toal tour is $165/person. The Kampong Phluk
for half day 8:30AM - 1:00PM $38/person, full day 10:00AM - 4:00PM
$58/person and sunset 1:00PM - 7:30PM $68/person. Tailored adventure tours on request.
Located at Chong Khneas floating village
Tel: 092-957765
taraboats@gmail.com
www.taraboat.com
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Terre Cambodge/Biking Cambodia
Mountain bike (TREK, GIANT) and trekking
specialist. Overnights. Tonle Sap Lake boat tours (bird sanctuary,
floating and stilted villages,) elephant trekking and more. Tailor made
itineraries.
#R-30, Rolous Street - Borei Prem Prei
Tel: 077-448255, 092-476682
www.terrecambodge.com
www.bikingcambodia.net
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Triple A Adventures
Floating village and Kampong Khleng tours.
Bicycle tours.
Tel: 088-8366004
www.tripleacambodia.com
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