As enthralling as the temples of Angkor may be, there are lots of other things to see and do. Seeing a bit of Cambodia away from the temples can help avert ‘temple-burnout’ and round out your Cambodian experience. It also helps Cambodia by taking some tourist pressure off of the temples and spreading tourism dollars a bit more widely. In addition to the following suggestions, check out the sections on visiting the Tonle Sap Lake and on Traditional Dance Performances
Bird Watching / Environmental Tours
Siem Reap offers some unique birdwatching 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.
Ang Trapeng Thmor (ATT) Sarus Crane Reserve (The following about Ang Trapeng Thmor comes courtesy
of the Sam Veasna Center.) Originally constructed as a water reservoir, the reservoir was rebuilt for irrigation and water storage by slave labor during the Khmer Rouge Regime. 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 March, though an abundance of bird species can be viewed all year. There is also a hill top Angkorian-era temple a few kilometers into the forest where traditional silk weaving is still practiced in the adjacent village. A boat trip can be taken on the reservoir.
Officially declared a Sarus Crane Reserve in 2000 the designated area covers over 12,000 hectares, following the work of Sam Veasna and friends at the Wildlife Conservation Society, all foreign visitors are required are required to register at the WCS Office. ATT (Ang Trapeng Thmor) is a day trip from Siem Reap though accommodation can be arranged at the through the Sam Veasna Center (see the following listing), giving birdwatchers the chance of dawn sightings and offering the opportunity of visiting the massive
Angkorian temple complex of Banteay Chmar. Tour Operators Specializing in Birdwatching Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity The Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is the first nature conservation center in Cambodia. They offer rescue services to Cambodian wildlife, breed threatened species and serve as an education and training center for communities, wildlife officials and visitors. Visitors are encouraged to visit ACCB, they offer a daily tour Monday through Saturday at 1PM for a minimum donation of $3 per person.
Sam Veasna Center (SVC) SVC organizes half or full day trips focusing on birds with a trained bird guide.
SVC was set up to promote wildlife conservation in Cambodia. It works 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, plus some beautiful and unspoiled countryside.
Tel: 012-520828, 089-700301, 063-963710
bookings@samveasna.org, www.samveasna.org
Balloon Rides
Take a tethered helium balloon ride 200 meters straight
up for an amazing aerial view of Angkor Wat (1km
away) and the surrounding countryside. The big, yellow
balloon is based about 1km east of Angkor Wat on the
road from the airport. Best on days that are not too
windy.
Butterfly Gardens
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre An interactive butterfly
exhibit 25 km north of town, on the road to the Banteay
Srey. The exhibit consists of a netted tropical garden with
thousands of free-flying butterflies, all native species to
Cambodia. Tel: 097-8527852
www.angkorbutterfly.com
Butterflies Garden Restaurant 1,500 tropical butterflies
and a koi pond in a romantic, private garden.
Creative tropical cuisine, unique Khmer specialties.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Juices, shakes, beer, wine,
cocktails. #535 Street 25, Wat Bo area.
Tel: 063-761211 www.butterfliesofangkor.com
Classes
Ceramics Classes
Khmer Ceramics Class Create your own replica
Khmer ceramic on the potter's wheel using traditional
techniques. Potters will guide you through the
process. Also offering “Art Activity”: Draw and/or paint
your own design on mug, bowl, box, Buddha. Stamps,
stencils, and pattern books available. Free pickup.
Your creation fixed/fired/glazed and delivered to your
hotel in 24 hours. 8AM-7:30PM. Road to Angkor. Tel:
017-843014 www.khmerceramics.com
Cooking Classes and Food Tours
Alliance Art Café Half day Cambodian cooking classes
by a Khmer chef. Trip to a traditional market to
select ingredients. Cook several Khmer recipes. Wat
Damnak area. Tel: 063-964940
www.allianceangkor.com
Beyond Unique Escapes Half/full day Cambodian
cooking courses held in a rural setting 10 minutes
from town. Maximum six people per class. Booking
essential. Corner Pub Street & Sivutha Blvd.
Tel: 063-969269, 077-562565
www.beyonduniqueescapes.com
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