Siem Reap Activities Tours

Tour Activities

There are so many things to do in Siem Reap now that many visitors are spoil for choice in what to do during their visit to Siem Reap. I lists most of the popular tours activities for you below and I have also added a few activities you will not see offered anywhere else.... For more information please e-mail me at: angkortrail@gmail.com & angkorsavuth@yahoo.com

Kulen Mountain

Phnom Kulen is a mountain range of moderate height that stretches over 12.8 kilometers along the Angkor plain. It is located 7o kilometers north of Siem Reap and its name means "mountain of the lychees"". Phnom Kulen has a symbolic importance and it is venerated by Cambodians as it is the site where the Khmer empire originated. There is a sacred hilltop site on top of the range [also known as Phnom Kulen] and studies undertaken last century identified over 30 different temple ruins. However, the area has not been de-mined and it is not recommended to visit them without an expert guide. Phnom Kulen can only be reached by car and traveling from Siem Reap requires about an hour and a half. Phnom Kulen is the birthplace of the Angkor era as it was here that Jayavarman II united the different states in the region and proclaimed independence from Java in 8o2AD. In a ceremony celebrated in the same year in the Phnom Kulen he proclaimed himself king and he built a temple called Rong Chen that would that would be where his royal linga was kept. The temple had a pyramidal shape resembling the Mount Meru.

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonlé Sap is one of Cambodia's most famous Siam Reap attractions and natural masterpieces of Cambodia - known by locals as the 'Great Lake'. And it's true; it's the biggest lake in Southeast Asia and by far one of the most interesting of its kind for the following reasons. The actual area of the lake varies dramatically, depending on the seasons. In other words, during the Cambodian dry season the lake forms an expanse covering roughly 2700 square kilometers and is 1 meter deep throughout - an impressive sight. During this time the lake drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, at the height of the Cambodian wet season, the lake grows almost six fold, increasing its area to a huge 16000 square meters. These changes are caused by intense rainfall and huge changes in water volume in the river, and then subsequent 'drying out' during the dry season, which in turn causes an entire reversal in water flow with the water from the river being pushed back into the lake. In November Cambodians celebrate one of the two annual changes in water flow with the Bon Om Teuk water festival, celebrated with boat races along the Mekong River in Phnom Penh and festivities in the Angkor Temples.The Tonlé Sap Lake is a national treasure for Cambodians. It has provided them with natural resources and industry for centuries. 75% of the country's freshwater catch is from the Tonle Sap Lake, and fishing communities have existed for as long as there has been fresh fish in the lake. The lake provides water to nearby communities, and assists in providing nutrients for billions of crops in the surrounding countryside. The lake is a beautiful sight and a haven for photographers, especially at sunset. There are huge communities who have adapted their way of life to living out on the lake, living in floating villages and working hand in hand with Nature.The Lake is great to visit at any time of the day. Sunrise and sunset are both particularly beautiful if you pick the right spot. We'd recommend a half day to see all the main points of interest. Chong Kneas, Kompong Phluk, Kompong Khleang and Prek Toal are all within close proximity and can be combined with a visit to Tonlé Sap Lake.

Apsara Dance

Apsara dance is the commonly used term to describe the traditional Cambodian dance form that was previously practiced in the royal palaces. "Khmer Classical Dance" or "Cambodian Court Dance" would probably be more accurate descriptions - Apsara is just one character portrayed by these highly skilled dancers. Khmer dance is a highly stylized art form, in which (extremely flexible) dancers use a complex alphabet of hand and body positions to convey a story, similar to mime or ballet. Elaborate costumes are used, and most classical stories have no spoken or sung parts. There are approximately 100 dances and dramas that are classically used, and the art form was nearly extinguished during the Khmer Rouge years, but a resurgence (aided by the tourist industry) has seen new dances, and fusion performances of classical Khmer and foreign dances by some troupes.

Chong Khneas floating village and Tonle Sap

Floating Village's are much more than just Siem Reap attractions and can be found all over the Tonle Sap Lake providing essential housing to those who make their livings from the various industry that the lake provides. Some are huge communities, some merely small dwellings of several hundred or leas, Chong Kneas is the first you will discover if heading to the lake from Siem Reap. Perhaps not quite as impressive as some of the larger villages or stilted communities such as Kompong Khleang in terms of sheer magnitude, this is nevertheless traditional Cambodian life at its best, and the way people live their lives out here is a sight to behold as the scores of fisherman, market vendors, boat makers or craftsmen go about their daily business.Chong Kneas is a remarkable testament to the adaptability of these people who reside on the very waters of the lake, and is most definitely worth a visit, being one of the most productive fishing areas in the whole of Cambodia. However, owing to its proximity to Siem Reap, you will share any visit to the village with a high volume of tourists. If pushed for time Chong Kneas is a must, but otherwise we'd recommend heading out a little further to see some of the less visited floating communities or stilted villages. Any time of the day is good to visit. If you get there early enough you'll have the bonus of seeing the villagers during the busiest time of the day and under sunset light, or in the evening you can catch the sun setting over nearby Phnom Krom.

Kompong Pluk Fishing Villages

Kompong Phluk is one of the Siem Reap attractions which pertain to the great Tonlé Sap Lake as a whole, and we would definitely recommend visiting this village as part of a trip to the lake. Kompong Phluk, literally translated as Harbor of the Tusks, is the name given to a stilted village community found living on the lake. The journey to get to Kompong Phluk is half the adventure, as you need to take 3 modes of transport - car until you cannot go any further, then motorbike until you cannot go any further still, until finally boarding a boat and heading out through the mangrove forests to reach the village. Once you arrive there you'll be able to see the natural way of life on water as the predominantly Cambodian community go about their business. Shops, floating farmyards, and houses are all interconnected by avenues of water from which individuals or boats full to the brim paddle their way between one another. Most people make their living from fishing here, and the scenery is beautiful - palm huts, flowers and trees growing out from the water, and beautiful birds (parrots, toucans, pelicans amongst others) glide from place to place. To see the village and all its surroundings you would need around an hour, but we'd recommend setting aside at least 2 hours to include transport to the site from Siem Reap.

Kompong Khleang fishing Village

Kompong Khleang is another dwelling on the magnificent Tonlé Sap lake, and one of the Siem Reap attractions that should not be missed as part of a trip out to the great lake. Kompong Khleang is a traditional stilted village community found living high above the lake's waters and the village provides homes for some 2o,ooo residents - it is teh largest single community on the fringes of the lake.Life here has existed for centuries before us, the residents living naturally in harmony above the Tonle Sap making their livings from the ecosystem that the lake provides. The proximity of each house to the water will vary according to the time of year and season. At the end of the wet season after continuous heavy rainfall the lake will rise so that each house will be raised less than a meter above the water level. In the dry season on the other hand one may have to descend several meters to reach the water. At the very lowest levels, boat access is sometimes not possible Kompong Khleang is actually 10 times the size of nearby Chong Kneas, another one of the many floating villages out on the lake. Chong Kneas is nearer to Siem Reap and hence sees a significantly larger share of tourists than Kompong Khleang. We definitely believe it's worth making the journey that little bit further to avoid the crowds and see Kompong Khleang in all its glory. Here you will be able to explore and make your own routes through the waterways and under stilted houses. Life here is energetic, the locals are extremely friendly and you can observe century old traditions of life here watching the fisherman or boatmakers going about their daily work. The center of the village is actually an island on which there is a lively market, a pagoda and a school. Even Angkorian remains still exist near the pagoda, signs that the empire spread as far as here. To reach Kompong Khleang from Siem Reap, including transport out there and the boat to the village itself, we'd recommend allowing around 2.5 hours with approximately 45 minutes spent at the village itself.

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

Prek Toal is one of the most important Siem Reap attractions that exist today, and its importance reaches for further than the region, even the country. Prek Toal is actually a floating village - one of the most impressive of all the floating villages and gifted with one of the most stunning locations on the whole of the vast Tonlé Sap lake, but it's also unique in that it is home to the largest freshwater bird sanctuary in the whole of Southeast Asia which is the destination for some of the biggest migrations of endangered species in the world. What adds to its charm is the fact that you can visit the surroundings which include markets, pagodas, fishing communities, floating forests, mangroves and much more, while still spotting rare endangered birds flying overhead or resting in the branches of the lake's trees. For those in the know, some of the species that can be spotted include pelicans, storks, ibis, adjuncts and some very impressive eagles. Massive flocks of birds descend upon Prek Toal due to its unique biosphere and perfect breeding and hunting ground for birds. The dry season is when it's especially busy. For photographers and nature lovers this place is a must, and for those who may wish to spot birds by night accommodation is available within the lake, and a journey to nearby Sangkar River and other nearby surroundings is highly recommended.The price of a single day long visit for one person is US 50, or US 70 for two people, which includes a boat trip around the village, its surroundings, and of course the sanctuary itself. You will have to pay transport to the site from Siem Reap.Prek Toal is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. Both rainy and dry seasons have different advantages; in the dry season there are more birds to spot, and in the wet season the lake is higher and more dramatic as a backdrop to the village. A full day will allow you the chance to see the site in its entirety. We'd recommend giving a full day to Prek Toal, but if you are pushed for time you can pick from a wide range of attractions on the Tonlé Sap Lake such as Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk for example, or even some of the temples from the Roluos Group.

Night Markets

There is a night market called Angkor Night Market which is open from 4:00pm to midnight and is just at the back of Sivatha Street. This market sells many items such as handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes and it also has an Asian food court, foot & head massage, live painting and a entertainment area.

Siem Reap Old Market

Siem Reap Old Market is one of the first Siem Reap attractions one should visit to find souvenirs and traditional Khmer goods. It's set in a great location right in the heart of town, and is the main shopping spot for locals and tourists alike, and also the hub of Siem Reap activity. It's a bustling market which draws many tourists simply to come and take a wander through the interesting food stalls (you may have to hold your nose at times!) or otherwise find some great traditional Cambodian wares in the way of clothing, souvenirs, hand carved ornaments or stone furniture. In the morning the locals will rush around the corridors with produce for the day - the earlier you get there the fresher the food will be.
Around the old market there are many cafes, bars and restaurants to rest your tired feet after wondering through the narrow corridors and bargaining with stubborn sellers!
There is no cost to see the market of course, it's when you start trying on clothes and imagining the mantelpiece back home with unique Khmer ornaments that you may start spending your hard-earned dollars. Prices are very cheap compared to back home, but it depends how much you want to buy...Early in the morning to get a taste of a Cambodian market in full swing setting up for a day's trading, otherwise any time of the day is great to wander through the market. Around half an hour would suffice to soak up the atmosphere and nose around the variety of stalls.The market is in the center of town so there's too much to mention! If you're new to Siem Reap, after seeing the market few things in life are more pleasant than a day spent simply strolling along the river and a visit to some nearby Pagodas...

Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap we believe is an absolute must and one of the most interesting of all the Siem Reap attractions, particularly for any archaeological enthusiasts or those with a special interest in the Angkor Temples. With what are acclaimed as being the most incredible ancient religious monuments of any in the world simply a few kilometers away, it's not surprising that the excellent historical artifacts on display within this 20,000 square meter museum will captivate both enthusiasts and your casual visitor alike. Although visitors will find the Angkor Temples in a remarkably well preserved state despite their ancient existence, over the years they have faced inevitable continual decay, but the benefit of this has been that historians, architects and archaeologists alike have been able to use these remnants to continue research into the Angkor Civilization and display these findings along with the remnants themselves here at the museum. The Museum houses 8 galleries, all of which combine to give an impressive array of artifacts which date back to the earliest civilizations of Angkor. Remnants from the great temples themselves, statues as well as artifacts which depict scenes in history concerning war, religion, and all manner of social customs throughout the evolution of the unique Khmer civilization can be found. For tourists the price of a single visit is US 12, and for Cambodians US 3. Special discounts can be arranged for tour groups.Open 7 days a week from 8.30am until 6.30pm, you can anytime during these hours. We'd recommend allowing at least an hour to see the entire museum.The museum is located on the Charles De Gaul Road (main road leading toward the Angkor Temples) just in front of Grand Raffles Hotel near the center of town. Visit the Angkor National Museum website

Artisans D'angkor

Artisan’s d'Angkor is one of the original Siem Reap attractions which have been established since 1998. Artisan’s d'Angkor is both a workshop and a shop where the products that are made are displayed and sold. Based on an idea by a local French NGO 'Chantiers-Écoles de Formations Professionally', the theory behind the organization is to train young Cambodians in the art of traditional handicrafts and stonework which are symbolic to the country given its historical status as being a nation with some of the most naturally talented craftsman ever to have graced the earth. They continually research the best in local materials and techniques to offer the most authentic products based on long-standing Khmer craftwork tradition. The workshop has gained international acclaim and the products found here are some of the richest in terms of quality and design, and the scheme offers underprivileged young Cambodians the opportunity to learn a skill to provide a sustainable living and income for the future which can be passed down through the generations. The emphasis is on ornamental stone and wood sculpture, lacquer ware, silk weaving and painting. The workshop welcomes visitors who may be interested in learning about some of the processes used in traditional Khmer craftwork.It is free to visit the workshop and people are welcome to observe traditional craft methods as they take place. There is a small shop also should you see anything you like.Open 7 days a week from early in the morning until 6.30pm, you can drop in any time. Free tours of the workshop will take no longer than 20 minutes.The workshop is in the heart of town, just off Sivatha Boulevard near the Old Market.

Cycle tour in Siem reap

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