The Top 9 list has been set up for activities that you can do or attractions you can visit in Siem Reap besides visiting the main Angkor Wat complex. These activities are carefully selected by Cambodia Indochina Travel, independent travelers, and group travelers. In case you have time to spare and want to get off the beaten track to discover a different part of Cambodia, please consider one of our recommendations. Cambodia Indochina and the team wish you a knowledgeable and prosperous stay.
No.1: Kampong Khleang Floating Village
Kampong Khleang floating village is accessible and the time of the year and is located about 50km (1:30-hour drive) away from Siem Reap. In the dry season, the water levels retreat and the villages expand further into the Great Lake. Kampong Khleang is one of the largest permanent settlements on the lake and offers an exceptional experience and a look into the daily life of people living on the water. Unlike anything else you may have seen, Kampong Khleang offers an exceptional insight into how the Khmer society has learned to live in flooded areas. It is possible to visit local homes and to learn up close and personal about local life.
No.2: Beng Mealea
This temple is located 65km (1.5 hours) from Siem Reap and is considered a gem in the jungle. The drive to Beng Mealea allows you to stop in rural villages and learn more about rural life in Cambodia. The temple itself is a true jungle experience that can still be conveniently explored by people as wooden boardwalks have been built to ease access. The dense jungle that surrounds the temple in combination with the tranquil and pleasant environment, away from the crowds, makes this an exploration that truly defines an explorer’s feeling.
No.3: Cycling Siem Reap’s Countryside
Siem Reap is surrounded by small rural roads that link the small villages around Siem Reap. Paths lead through paddy fields and friendly villages where people still greet you generously. Discover temples where the typical tourist usually never goes and cycle the rural roads to get in touch with the local community. Several stops can be made on the way to see farmers at work, visit a local school or a local home, and of course taste the delicacy of local snacks and fruits. Cycle to Phnom Bok and admire the beautiful paddy fields, cycle to Roulous and observe village life, cycle to Chau Srei Vibol and discover a temple that everyone neglects, or cycle to Phnom Kroam through local villages and admire the sunset from the hill.
No.4: Picnic Lunch/cooking class
Where most people get into their vehicle back to Siem Reap to enjoy lunch, Trails of Indochina urges people to stay around the temples and enjoy a catered picnic lunch in a romantic style at an unbeatable location. Enjoy your lunch while sitting next to the East Gate of Angkor Thom with its mystic faces looking in every direction or a romantic location overlooking the paddy fields from the grounds of a Pagoda. If you like to prepare your own Khmer food, enjoy a cooking class at Sojourn Villa. The class is offered in the community with a wonderful open-air kitchen. A village walk allows you to observe how the local people cook their food before you partake in your gastronomic adventure.
No.5: Kampong Phluck Floating Village
Like Kampong Khleang, Kampong Phluck is a wonderful floating village experience. Visiting this village is highly recommended between August and February when the water levels are high. The village has a bit more of an adventurous feeling to it. Unlike Kampong Khleang, Kampong Phluck is a village completely built on stilts. The houses rise high above the water, sometimes up to 10 meters. Visit a local home and chat with the owners about their daily activities. Kampong Phluck has a marvelous floating forest to explore.
No.6: Visit a local artist’s house
To get a better understanding of Khmer art, culture, and style, visit the house of a well-known local artist. After over a decade working for Artisans d’Angkor as their Creative Art Director, Mr. Theam welcomes guests at his private home where he introduces people to the subjects, forms, motives, and colors that make Cambodian Art outstanding. While walking through the studio and meeting the local artisans and Mr. Theam’s protégés, a glass of wine or champagne is served with delicious Khmer sweets.
No.7: Roulous Temple Group
Roulous is a nice half-day exploration away from the crowds. The temples of Lolei, Bakhong, and Preah Ko are not visited much and are located a convenient 15km from town, even better accessible by bicycle. The temples pre-date Angkor and it is therefore a smart choice to visit these temples before visiting the Angkor Wat complex. Combine a visit to the Roulous group with a short village walk or cycle the 15km through rural Cambodia to the temples and meet with local villagers on the way. Roulous is well preserved and many guests like it as a getaway from the crowds at Angkor.
No.8: A flight over Angkor
Where most helicopter flights are out of reach in terms of budget, SkyVenture allows people to observe Angkor, the Great Lake, the rural areas, and the hills that surround Siem Reap from a bird’s eye view for an affordable price. The very safe operations are well interpreted by the foreign owners and people are taken into the air for a trip of between 15 and 60 minutes by a microlight plane. The views are amazing and 360 degrees as you are sitting in an open-air object. Some of the best pictures can be shot from high above! If your budget allows more, consider taking a helicopter flight over Angkor to Beng Mealea or even Preah Vihear!
No.9: A Monk blessing
Have you ever wanted to experience being blessed by monks? Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Siem Reap town and partake in a traditional Monk blessing. Although you may not understand the blessings that flow over you, we can assure you that you are only being blessed and that the monks are asking the Gods to watch over you during your visit to Cambodia. A small token is usually handed over by the monks at the end of the ceremony, which is a perfect souvenir for at home.
