Siemreap


Stretching out both sides of the Siem Reap river, the city remains a quiet town favorable for stroll. Often forgotten the pagodas (especially Vat Bo, Vat Enkossa, and Vat Polanka !) worth a visit, for the friendliness of the monks, and the quietness of the place.Getting lost in the market is an almost ethnological experience, rich of contacts, colors, and odors. Friendly restaurants offer a wide choice of Khmer and foreign specialties. Bars and shows liven up night life.

Craft : - Stone and wood carving - Silk weaving, wickerwork - Leather shadow puppets

Visit : - Crocodile farm - Butterfly garden - Zoo - Exhibitions (about the Tonle Sap lake) - Reproductions miniatures of Angkor - War museum

In the region of Siem Reap

Discovering the Tonle Sap ...

             The biggest fresh water in Asia
             The best well stocked with fish in the world

With a natural an unique hydraulic system the river also called Tonle Sap connecting it to the Mekong have his course reversed on more than 80 Kms twice a year
Thus, in the rainy season, the lake area grows from 2500 to 12000 km2

 

village flottant

The floating villages are an example of the great adaptation to the life on the lake, where houses floated next to schools, police office, and shops. Prek Toal natural water bird colonies reserve, have an abundance of marabou, stork, pelican, and many rare species.

The flooded forest for a trip in a small boat at the top of the trees ...

Phnom Krom : At the bottom of the Angkorian ruins an endless view of the blue immensity of the lake, and the green of the rice fields.

Further, other temples ...
 

Kobal Spean

Phnom Kulen, The holiest hill of Cambodia Kobal Spean, The river of Thousands lingas (For both sites a full day trip is needed.) Beng Malea, huge temple of the XII century, lost in the jungle. (A full day trip is needed, including the visit of the nearby village).

Preah Khan, about a 100 km east of Siem Reap, for those who need more adventure.This temple requires at least a 2 days expedition (difficult, or even impossible during the rainy season.