Thrilling and Unconventional Adventures in Siem Reap – Exciting Excursions for the Active Visitor

There are plenty of activities in the environs of Siem Reap, Cambodia, for visitors who desire to explore the locality and enjoy exciting adventures and novel experiences. Here are some of the highlights!

Cambodia_2638B_-_Angkor_Wat (1)
Cambodia 2638B – Angkor Wat, CC BY-SA 2.0

Vespa tour of Angkor

A great experience with which to start off your adventures in Siem Reap is a tour of the Angkor site on Vespa scooters, each steered by a professional driver. On this excursion, you will have the opportunity to explore the secluded jungle pathways of Angkor whilst listening to interesting commentary provided by a knowledgeable guide.

Trip to Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei

Another interesting place to visit is Kbal Spean or River of a Thousand Lingas which is named after the Hindu god Shiva. On this outing, you will trek through the lush jungle, observe ancient carvings, admire the natural beauty and view Banteay Srei’s sculptures. When seeking the best hotels in Siem Reap, an accommodation choice to consider from which you could enjoy this excursion is FCC Angkor by Avani.

Phnom Kulen jeep tour

Nature lovers are sure to be enthralled by a tour of the enchanting Phnom Kulen National Park on a rugged American-made jeep. On your trip, you would have the chance to take a dip in the pool formed by a beautiful waterfall, admire a huge reclining Buddha statue and explore the interior of this national park.

Quad biking in the countryside

There could hardly be a more enjoyable and entrancing experience than driving a powerful quad bike in the countryside of Siem Reap. On your quad biking session, you may observe picturesque rice paddies, admire secluded temples and gain an insight into the way of life in the local communities.

A Solo Female Travel Guide to Angkor

Amongst the most stunning attractions in Cambodia, Angkor is well worth exploring and here are some insights for solo female travellers planning to visit this site.

What to Expect

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses a massive area and features what remains of the ancient Khmer Empire’s capital. A key attraction here is the 12th century Angkor Wat temple, while there are many other places of interest to visit including the Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm.

Accommodation

When looking for a nearby place to stay, be it a budget or boutique hotel, Siem Reap is the town you should be based in. Consider properties like Anantara Angkor Resort which is not only 15 minutes away from Angkor Wat but is also safe for travellers. You can easily reach and explore Angkor by tuk-tuk or Vespa, while some properties offer helicopter tours too.

Image via Anantara Angkor Resort

Exploring Angkor

Because the complex is so vast, it’s best to get off to an early start and have a map too. You can easily explore various sites on foot, though another eco-friendly way to do so is to rent a bicycle and use some pedal power! Some companies offer bicycle tours, while personalised excursions are also available to visit lesser-known ruins as well.

Keep in Mind

Angkor Wat opens at 5:00am and by visiting at dawn, you can catch a spellbinding sunrise that will be well worth photographing too. You get several ticket types depending on the number of days you plan to visit though you will need more than a day to properly explore the complex. Additionally, since these are religious sites, wear attire that covers bare shoulders, legs and midriffs.

Beyond Angkor Wat, discover the beauty of Siem Reap – Explore the city

The ancient essence of Angkor Wat has not changed to this day despite the urban developments that have taken place throughout the years. The city of Siem Reap emanates the same beauty of culture and history. Let’s take a look at a few things in detail.

Places to visit

There are a couple of places that you ought to visit on your journey in Siem Reap. Check out the Angkor National Museum, the floating village and even embark on a refreshing hike through the paddy fields. Don’t forget to visit the temples located in the city as well.

User: Jensre at wikivoyage shared, Siem Reap Museum, CC BY-SA 3.0

Explore the culinary delights

If you are a keen foodie, then begin by exploring the street food here in Siem Reap. If you want a bit of a high-end option, any luxury hotel in Siem Reap offers fine dining with international cuisine available. Cafes and restaurants also line the streets as you walk past.

Entertainment

Ever heard of the Cambodian Circus? Well, if you do happen to visit, check out this amazing young talent in Siem Reap. Khmer boxing and Aspara dancing shows are also a highlight in this city. You can inquire with local hotels such as Anantara Angkor Resort on where to be for the experience.

Stay

This city has many places to stay from hostels to luxury hotels and even budget hotels for the traveller who is concerned about their wallet. Make your booking in advance to be entitled to great discounts and deals on food and accommodation.