Hotels

Restaurants, Pubs and Theater

Maps

Angkor

Sights

Shopping

Travel

Essentials

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 Charitable Organizations for more information.

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: +(855)(0)63-963409

Fax: +(855)(0)63-760452

ahcpr@angkorhospital.org

fc@angkorhospital.org

www.angkorhospital.org

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

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

bookings@samveasna.org.

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.

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.

Butterfly Gardens

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

An interactive butterfly exhibit located 25 km north of Siem Reap, on the road to the Bantey 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 residents and tourists with an interactive and visual environment to learn about butterflies.

Tel: 097-8527852

www.angkorbutterfly.com

Butterflies Garden Restaurant

Features 1,500 tropical butterflies and a koi pond in a romantic, private garden. Creative tropical cuisine, including unique Khmer specialties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh juices, shakes, beer, wine and cocktails.

#535, Street 25, Wat Bo area.

Tel: 063-761211

www.butterfliesofangkor.com

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: 063-963836

www.cambodianculturalvillage.com

Classes

Ceramics Classes

Artisan Heritage of Light

Daily ceramics classes (Monday-Saturday). Traditional techniques. 2 hour duration. $10-$15.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-627993

      +(855)(0)88-4415555

Khmer Ceramic Center

Make a ceramic within 2 hours. Make by hand or on the potters wheel using Khmer traditional techniques. Experience potters will guide you through the process. Your piece will be fired and glazed and delivered to your hotel within 24 hours. Free pick-up from your hotel for the class.

Road to Angkor Wat

Open from 8:00AM - 7:30PM.

Tel: +(855)(0)17-843014

www.khmerceramics.com
 

Cooking Classes

Alliance Café

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.allianceangkor.com

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
 

Champey Cooking Class

Twice daily, half-day cooking classes by a Cambodian chef. Meet at Champey Restaurant on ‘The Passage’ (Pub Street alley.) Visit a traditional market for fresh ingredients. Class conducted in a traditional Khmer house in central Siem Reap. Upon completion, complementary booklet, recipes, certificate and spices. Reservations required.

Tel: 077-566455
www.restaurant-siemreap.com

Peace Cafe

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 - Cooks in Tuk-Tuks

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.therivergarden.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.

Camoflage Adventure Cambodia
Mountain bike from Bakong temple to Kampong Phluk village, and boat jouney on Tonle Sap.
#37, New Street A behind U-Care

Tel: +(855)(0)12-884909

      +(855)(0)95-727290
www.camouflagecambodia.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
 

Kampoul Adventure Tour
Cultural and adventure tours. Tonle Sap Lake tours.
#0593 Wat Bo Road

Tel: +(855)(0)63-760909

      +(855)(0)63-965865
www.adventure.com.kh

Peace Of Angkor
Set up by a British photographer in 2003; Peace Of Angkor run special tours to remote temples and Tonle Sap Lake all year round.  Bird watching Tours at Prek Toal and The Sarus Crane Reserve at Ang Trapang Thmor are featured
The office is on Street 20 off Wat Bo Road, behind the New Apsara, Supermarket, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Tel: +(855)(0)63-760475

      +(855)(0)12-934412
info@peaceofangkor.com
www.peaceofangkorphoto.com (has comprehensive info and photography of Angkor and beyond.)

Sabai Moto Adventures

Guided, all-inclusive half and full day motor bike tours to ancient temples and the remote countryside. Drive a cub 125cc motorbike. Visit traditional villages, distant temples, rural culture. Easy riding - good for all levels of riding ability.
River Road, Daun Pa Village

Tel: +(855)(0)88-3723121
www.sabaiadventures.com

www.sambanadventures.com

Siem Reap Angkor Quad Bike Countryside Tour
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: +(855)(0)97-9651451

      +(855)(0)12-324009

www.srquadbikeadventure.com

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: +(855)(0)77-448255

      +(855)(0)92-476682
www.terrecambodge.com

www.bikingcambodia.net

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

Golf Courses

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: 063-392288

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: 063-964600

www.phokeethragolf.com

Miniature Golf

Angkor Wat Putt

A 14-hole miniature golf course, many of the putting greens employing accurate replicas of Angkorian temple ruins. Family fun, fun for the kids. Hotel pick-up available.

Located just off ‘High School Road’ east of town center.
Tel: 012-302330

Helicopter Rides
 

Helistar Cambodia

Offers scenic helicopter tours of the temples beginning at US$90/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. Office on National Road 6, Borey Angkor Arcade, diagonally opposite the Total petrol station. Walk-in customers welcome.

Tel: +(855)(0)63-966072

      +(855)(0)12-449555
www.helistarcambodia.com 

Movies/Cinema

Angkor Cinema

Cinema in the Angkor Trade Center near the Old market showing blockbusters, kids movies, classics, old favorites and more. Regular showing of new movies, or select a personal favorite from a catalogue of movies. Fully air-conditioned, 100x200 inch screen, 5.1 channel speakers. American, Chinese, Japanese, Korean movies and more.

Tel: 078-952970

Roller-Skating

Roller-skating
Family fun, fun for the kids at the Sky High roller-rink located on the 4th floor of the Angkor Trade Center just north of the Old Market. Roller skates for rent or bring your own. Restaurant serving drinks and snack. Inexpensive.

Open 9:00AM-10PM.

Tel: 088-3727050

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: 

Located in town, on the road to the Angkor Park.

9:00AM - 8:00PM.

Tel. 063-966601.

www.angkornationalmuseum.com

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.
www.cambodialandminemuseum.org
 

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

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.

Scams, Annoyances and Considerations

Milk scam - Bedraggled woman with infant in arms tells you she doesn't want money, just milk for her baby. You buy milk for her at the mini-mart. After you leave she returns the milk and splits money with the mini-mart.

Rice scam - Tout tells you orphanage/school needs rice for kids. Takes you to market where you buy wildly overpriced rice to donate. Tout/vendor split profit. Not as common these days.

Blackjack scam - Friendly stranger tells you he likes your glasses, shirt, bag, etc. Casual conversation ensues. Invites you to house to meet family/have cultural experience. Friendly card game begins. Before you know it you owe hundreds or even thousands.

Kids/orphanages - Canby Publications supports Friends International’s campaign to end orphanage tourism. Please do not pay casual/short term visits to orphanages. It is potentially exploitive, exposes the children to risks and is a violation of the children's rights. Also please refrain from giving to child beggars. See the ‘ChildSafe Travelers Tips’ brochure or www.thinkchildsafe.org/thinkbeforevisiting.
If you see a child in danger, call the Childsafe Helpline at 017-358758 in Siem Reap

Peace Café Community Center
A unique community cafe/bakery offering fresh vegetarian food, cooking classes, meditation, yoga, monk chat, pilates, movies, free wifi, Fair Trade shop and values and eco-training. Relax in a lush garden and enjoy a hassle free and child-friendly atmosphere as well as fresh wholesome food.
Tel: 092-177127

      063-965210
www.peacecafeangkor.org

Tattoos

Neng Synat Tattoo Machine

Local tattoo artist. Tattoo by gun or by the traditional bamboo method. X-Bar road 200m west of Sivutha. Professional Khmer tattoo artist since 2001. Hygienic, clean, safe & healthy. Good quality USA ink.

Tel: 012-804508
yousinath@yahoo.com

www.nengsynattattoo.com