Now Wat? Exploring Siem Reap’s Hidden Gems

Siem Reap often draws visitors for its iconic Angkor Wat, but the city offers much more beyond the famous temple complex. Travelers looking for a richer experience will find a diverse range of activities that reveal the local culture and environment in unique ways. The vast Tonlé Sap lake presents a fascinating glimpse into traditional fishing communities and floating villages. Social enterprise restaurants provide a chance to enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine while supporting local artisans and social causes. Museums and cultural centers shed light on Cambodia’s history and contemporary challenges, offering meaningful context beyond the ruins. These experiences appeal especially to those interested in responsible tourism and connecting with the people and stories behind the destination. By venturing off the beaten path, visitors can uncover hidden gems that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the region. This approach transforms a typical visit into a more thoughtful and memorable journey.

Cruising in tuk-tuks around Siem reap

The gentle lapping of water against wooden stilts, the calls of birds overhead, and the sight of houses and markets floating on vast, shimmering waters create a unique sensory world at Tonlé Sap. This lake is home to vibrant floating villages where life revolves around water. Boats serve as taxis, markets, and even dining spots, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle deeply connected to the rhythms of the lake. To experience this, arranging a boat ride or visiting a floating restaurant is essential. These rides typically glide past stilted homes, fishing boats, and floating schools, with locals often waving or inviting conversation. Expect a peaceful, immersive journey filled with sights of daily life on water and sounds of nature mingling with human activity. Choosing responsible operators is crucial to support local communities and protect the fragile ecosystem. Timing your visit matters too: the dry season (November to April) reveals more of the lake’s expanse and floating structures, while early morning or late afternoon trips offer softer light and cooler temperatures. - Arrange your boat ride or floating restaurant visit through trusted sources - Look for operators emphasizing sustainability and community benefit - Visit during dry season for best visibility and experience - Opt for early morning or late afternoon for comfortable weather and beautiful light

POIs

• Floating Restaurant

Products

• Cambodia: Ancient Ruins & Boat Rides

Other Items

• Our guide has a go at casting a fishing net.
• The ride out to the lake through villages and countryside
• Visiting local markets on way to Sonle Tap

Beyond the iconic Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers a wealth of unique experiences that provide deeper insights into Cambodia's rich culture and natural beauty. Here are some standout activities and sites to consider: \- **Tonlé Sap Lake**: As Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, Tonlé Sap is home to floating villages and a diverse ecosystem. A boat tour offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the communities and the unique aquatic environment. \- **Cambodia Landmine Museum**: Established by former child soldier Aki Ra, this museum educates visitors about the impact of landmines in Cambodia and the ongoing efforts for their removal. It's a poignant experience that sheds light on the country's recent history. \- **Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre (BBC)**: Located near the Banteay Srei temple, the BBC is a haven for nature enthusiasts and families. The center offers guided tours through butterfly gardens, providing insights into the life cycle and conservation of these delicate creatures. \- **Phnom Kulen National Park**: Approximately 48 kilometers from Siem Reap, this park is home to the sacred Phnom Kulen mountain, featuring waterfalls, ancient carvings, and the revered Preah Ang Thom pagoda. It's a serene escape into nature and spirituality. These alternatives offer a different perspective on Siem Reap, allowing you to connect with Cambodia's natural wonders and cultural heritage beyond the temple complex.

POIs

• Cambodia Landmine Museum
• Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (BBC)
• Phnom Kulen National Park

Food Tour in Siem Reap

In Siem Reap, dining at social enterprise restaurants offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic Cambodian cuisine while supporting local communities. These establishments not only serve delicious meals but also provide vocational training and employment to marginalized youth, empowering them with valuable skills for a brighter future. One notable example is Marum, a training restaurant run by Friends-International. Located in a traditional-style timber house overlooking a leafy courtyard garden, Marum offers a blend of Cambodian and international dishes. The menu features inventive tapas-style plates like lotus, jackfruit, and coriander hummus served with toasted baguette, as well as red ants and beef stir-fried with kaffir lime leaves and chili. Profits from Marum support vocational training programs for marginalized youth, equipping them with skills for employment in the hospitality industry. Another impactful establishment is HAVEN, a training restaurant that creates new life prospects for vulnerable and disadvantaged young adults. HAVEN offers a mix of Cambodian and Western dishes, providing training and support to young adults from rural areas.Dining at these social enterprise restaurants not only allows you to enjoy authentic Cambodian flavors but also contributes to the empowerment of local communities. By choosing to eat at these establishments, you support programs that provide education, vocational training, and employment opportunities to those in need. To ensure a table at these popular spots, it's advisable to make a reservation in advance. We also went on an organised street food tour by tuk tuk which was a highlight of our stay.

POIs

• Marum
• HAVEN
• SPOONS Café Restaurant

Products

• Ultimate Siem Reap Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 Tastings, 8 Stops

I don’t travel to stay in hotels. Normally a clean bed and a shower and I’m happy. However the Shinta Mani hotel in Siem Reap is not only the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in, it reminded me what hospitality is actually about and became my go-to example when teaching the essence of great hospitality at Intrepid & Urban Adventures. Two quick examples as to why this hotel and its staff totally nailed hospitality: 1. When the on site masseur didn’t have a booking they came out to the pool area and offered people a 10 minute head and neck massage for free. I’m sure they drove a lot more paid bookings for the service this way - but that free 10 minutes of bliss pool side will live with me forever. 2. I’m the warm afternoons when the reception staff had a lull they would bring out icy poles and offer them free to anyone sitting around the pool. The item probably cost 10 cents. The goodwill it builds is beyond calculation. Stay here!

Products

• Shinta Mani Angkor

Of course you are also going to visit Angkor Wat - and you must! You don't need me to tell you about it. It's the most famous site in Cambodia and one of the most spectacular sites in the entire world.

POIs

• Angkor Wat

Other Items

• Listen to your guide!
• Inside Angkor Wat
• Visiting Angkor Wat

Reach the city mainly by air or overland routes. Flights from Phnom Penh and international hubs land at Siem Reap Angkor Airport, a small but efficient facility. Expect a straightforward arrival process with basic amenities and easy access to transport options. Upon landing, choose from taxis or pre-arranged shuttles to reach your accommodation. Taxis are available outside the terminal; fares can be negotiated or booked in advance. We opted for pre-booking a one-way transfer from the airport to our hotel ensures a smooth start, with prices from $44 via Viator. Navigating local transport after arrival is simple: tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are plentiful and affordable for short trips but arriving tired and getting straight into haggling wasn't how we wanted to start the trip. Booking a transfer back to the airport is just as easy via our awesome hotel (more on that below), with options starting from $20. Planning your transfers ahead saves time and reduces stress, especially during peak travel seasons.

Products

• Siem Reap Angkor Airport Taxis (from Airport to Hotel)
• Siem Reap: One-Way Transfer from Hotel to Airport (SAI)

Travelling to places like Cambodia can seem a bit overwhelming. Especially if travelling alone or if you aren't super comfortable in new and different situations. No worries - you don't need to miss out. There are many great companies who you can travel with as part of a small group where you can get all the logistics taken care of, visit some of these different and unique spots beyond the main sites and make some new lifelong friends along the way! These tours stand out for their scenic routes, opportunities to interact with locals, and access to off-the-beaten-path locations that most travelers miss. If you’re looking for something more intense, the Ultimate Cambodian Adventure (from $1259.3) or Cambodia Experience (from $1329) offer extended explorations combining nature, culture, and physical activity. When selecting a tour, consider your fitness level and how much time you want to spend on the road or trails. Also, bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, insect repellent, and water to stay hydrated throughout your journey.

Products

• Ultimate Cambodian Adventure
• Cambodia Experience

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