Phare – The Cambodia Circus

At Siemreap.net we believe this is a must-see for everyone visiting Siem Reap! Dance, theatre, performance arts and aerial skills are all showcased in this breathtaking show, which supports an innovative social enterprise with the proceeds. With no animals featured, you can be reassured this circus offers entertainment for all in the form of folklore and real-life stories from modern society, told with stunning performances by talented circus artists. With live music and lots of laughs, you will be enthralled from the moment you arrive at the fairy-light adorned entrance to the big top tent. Refreshments and merchandise are available to buy before the show, too.

Where: Phare Circus Ring Road, Siem Reap
Open: performances at 8pm (additional 5pm performances from Nov 1- March 31 on Mons, Thurs and Sats)
Great for: all ages
Cost: Tickets priced $18-$38 for adults (3 choices of seating) and $10-$18 for children (aged 5-11). Under 5s go free.
Duration: live performance is 1 hour, Cambodian street food fair and pre-show entertainment starts 2 hours before live show
Book in advance? Booking is essential
More info: Phare Circus

Fair Trade Village

The Fair Trade Village is the perfect place for families with kids to explore and have fun while supporting local artisans and fair trade practices. You can join a pottery class, where you and your little ones can learn traditional Khmer handicraft techniques and create your very own masterpiece! Skilled artisans will guide you and your kids through the process and help all participants to unlock their inner artist. At the same time, you can purchase souvenirs and kid toys at a place where authenticity and principles of sustainable tourism are guaranteed. Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll also be supporting the local economy and preserving ancient skills. The friendly environment allows visitors to experience live arts and crafts, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding for the incredible talent and culture of Cambodia. Come make a difference through conscious consumerism and leave with a beautiful handmade souvenir to remember your visit to Siem Reap.

Where: Road 60, across from Angkor Village Resort. On the right side 200m after Naga Bridge (Spean Neak) – Google Maps
Open: 9am – 6pm every day
Great for: All ages
Cost: Free to visit, contact for pottery class prices
Duration: Allow 2 hours
Book in advance? Not necessary
More info: Fair Trade Village

Wake Park Cambodia

Discover an exciting adventure for kids in Siem Reap with our wakeboarding course designed just for them! Whether they’re beginners or already pros, we have the perfect boards for them, including knee-boards. Our cable system comes with thrilling obstacles to make the experience even more exciting.

Aqua Land offers hours of watery fun for the whole family, where kids can climb, bounce, and slide to their heart’s content. And when it’s time to refuel, our restaurant serves up delicious kid-friendly food and drinks.

Join us for a day of water fun tailored specifically for kids in Siem Reap, and create unforgettable memories together!

Senteurs d’Angkor – the craft activities

Inspired by the scents, the flavors and the local heritage of Cambodia, Senteurs d’Angkor is an unique brand offering a full range of handmade and natural products, which are all handcrafted in a workshop located in Siem Reap.

Dive into nature! A friendly local guide leads you through the garden and the workshops (free!) for 45 minutes. But the best is here, kids can get to craft cool stuff and leave with nice memories:

1. Smok box weaving: learn how to make with palm leaves a box, a bird or star bookmark / Duration: 1 hour
2. Candle making: learn how to make your own scented candle / Duration: 1 hour
3. Lip balm: learn how to make these lip balm sticks with the best natural ingredients / Duration: 30 minutes
4. Candies making: learn how to make these natural et unique delicacies / Duration: 40 minute

Prices /person
1 activity $12 / 2 activities $20 / 3 activities $30 / 4 activities $40

Angkor Zipline

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure with your loved ones? Imagine flying through the ancient rainforest of Angkor, where you can see monkeys, birds and other wildlife up close. Angkor Zipline is the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of Cambodia’s UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll be guided by professional staff who will ensure your safety and fun at every step. Whether you choose a short or long course, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and thrilling ziplines that will make you feel like a bird. Don’t miss this chance to create lasting memories with your family at Angkor Zipline!

Good to know: An Angkor Park Pass is required except when using Angkor Zipline’s arranged transport to and from the zipline eco-tour (at an additional charge).

Where: Angkor Zipline Meeting Point within Angkor Archaeological Park
Great for: Age 5+ (minimum height of 1 meter tall to fill the harness)
Cost: From $49 per person
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Book in advance? Booking is essential

Lemongrass Garden Spa – Kiddie Khmer Massage

While parents relax with a treatment from this conveniently located spa’s varied menu, the little ones can enjoy a gentle massage, with or without oil, or a soothing foot massage. Once they’ve finished, they are welcome to relax alongside you while you finish up. Will it be a massage, a pedicure, or facial? Treatment rooms are quiet, fragrant and beautifully decorated and you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back from the bustling city outside.

Where: 105b Sivatha Blvd, Siem Reap
Open: 11am – 11pm
Great for: ages 2-9
Cost: from $9-12
Duration: 45 minutes
Book in advance? Ideally, but not always necessary

Angkor Wat Putt – Temple Themed Mini Golf

The breezy tuk tuk ride out to the countryside location is part of the charm of this gentle but fun children’s activity. Golf clubs and score cards are provided, and each hole is a beautifully designed mini temple replica, some more challenging than others. Score a hole in one and win yourself a refreshing cold drink, or a beer for Mum or Dad. Play in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler but, even on a hot day, the sprinkler system keeps you cool with a misted spray as you plan your next swing.

Where: Angkor Wat Putt Road, Siem Reap
Open: 8am – 8pm
Great for: All ages
Cost: $5 adult / $4 child for one round (additional charges for pick up service)
Duration: 2 hours
Book in advance? No need, unless you require pick up service

Kameng Leng

Kameng Leng is a restaurant and playground that is perfect for children aged 0 to 5. The indoor and outdoor play areas are designed with a carefully selected collection of fun and educational wooden toys, making it a great place for children to learn through play. The menu is healthy and colourful, made with local fresh ingredients that are non-processed and chemical-free. The food is created by two food-obsessed mothers, Chef La Ae and Shazia, who wanted to combine their passion for good food and making kids happy. Eating healthy should be fun and tasty, especially when it comes to our children!

Where: #67 Banteay Chas Village, Slor Kram, Siem Reap
Open: 9am – 6pm, closed on Thursdays
Great for: 0 – 5 years old
Cost: Free to play when ordering from the restaurant menu
Duration: Allow 2 hours
Book in advance? Not necessary

Angkor National Museum

Families with children looking for an entertaining and informative experience in Siem Reap should definitely visit the Angkor National Museum. This museum is an ideal way to learn about Cambodia’s fascinating history and the impressive Khmer Empire, while also immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture. Plus, with the entire museum being air-conditioned, you’ll be able to explore in comfort even during the hottest parts of the day!

Where: #968, Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Siem Reap
Open: 8.30am – 6pm
Great for: Age 5+
Cost: $12 adult / $6 child, additional $5 per audio guide
Duration: Allow 2 hours
Book in advance? Not necessary

Khmer Ceramics Fine Arts Centre – Pottery Workshop

Nurture your children’s creative side as they learn how to throw the clay onto the wheel to make your very own ceramic masterpiece at Khmer Ceramics. Teachers are on hand to guide you through the process and to help you to add Khmer carving to your finished pots, using special tools – all provided. Your completed pieces will be glazed and returned to your hotel the following day, so do book your class so that it’s not on your last day in Siem Reap!

Where: 0207, River Road, Siem Reap
Open: Daily at 8am, 10am, 2pm and 4pm
Great for: Age 3+
Cost: $25 per person. Pick-up from your hotel is included
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Book in advance? Booking is essential
More info: Online booking page

Khmer Ceramics Fine Arts Centre – Ceramics Painting Activity

After a demonstration by skilled expert staff from Khmer Ceramics and hearing the history and importance of Cambodian ceramic art, begin your class, working with traditional pottery tools, and learning painting techniques. Create two elephant mugs with decorative saucers using your own imaginative designs and vibrant colours. Allow time in your travel itinerary for your masterpieces to dry, as you’ll need to collect them the next day. This family friendly activity is ideal for pairing with the Khmer Ceramics pottery workshop also offered here.

Where: 0207, River Road, Siem Reap
Open: Daily at 8am, 10am, 2pm and 4pm
Great for: Age 3+
Cost: $25 per person. Pick-up from your hotel is included
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Book in advance? Booking is essential
More info: Online booking page

Have you spent time in Siem Reap with your young children? What did your children enjoy the most? Why not let us know? We’d love to hear from you.

The post Top 10 Activities for Children in Siem Reap (Updated in 2024) appeared first on Siemreap.net.

We went ahead and consolidated 10 of the best activities for the adrenaline junkies of Siem Reap. What’s more is that there’s organized tours for every activity, so all you’ll have to plan is when to go and what thrill seekers you want to take along for the ride!

Vespa Siem Reap Countryside Tour

With this Vespa tour through the Siem Reap countryside, all you have to do is take a seat and enjoy the ride. Watch as rice fields and hillsides pass you by, and enjoy things like unique fruits along the way. You even get to enjoy local cuisine and refreshing drinks during the experience. With an English guide to keep you informed over the 6-hour tour, you’ll be left with an understanding of rural Siem Reap you never thought possible.

• Cost: From $93 per person
• Duration: 6 hours
• Booking Info: adventurescambodia.com

Angkor Wat Sunrise Bike Tour

If you have a penchant for rolling through sites on two wheels, wind blowing in your face the whole way through, this 9-hour bike tour is for you. Cycle through the Angkor Kingdom and witness temples drenched in rising sunlight. Take pit stops for Khmer fare and enjoy back roads not frequented by many Cambodian tourists. For your convenience, you can even get escorted to the trail from your Siem Reap hotel, meaning you can focus on prepping for your day of riding.

• Cost: From $85 per person
• Duration: 9 hours
• Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com

Forgotten Treasures Beyond Temples Ruins

One of the most popular ways to get around Siem Reap (and Cambodia as a whole) is by motorbike. As such, why not make a tour of it? Over the course of 8 hours, a guide plus drivers will lead you through a range of beautiful regions beyond the well-traversed Siem Reap. From traditional villages to tucked away temples such as Preah Khan and Chau Srei Vibol, you’ll find the ideal balance of nature and heritage throughout your motorbike cruise. If zipping through the nooks and crannies of rural Siem Reap isn’t adventurous, we don’t know what is.

• Cost: From $87 per person
• Duration: 8 hours
• Booking Info: Adventures Cambodia

Jeep Tour to Phnom Kulen

Looking for a way to fill an entire day with enthusiastic exploration? This 1-day Jeep tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen National Park should do the trick. You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the pool of one of the largest waterfalls in the country, relish in the biggest reclining Buddha and more, all from the rugged comfort of an American off-road-ready Jeep. An English-speaking guide will tell you all you need to know about your surroundings the whole way through. With the jungle, countryside and city all a part of this single-day itinerary, you’re sure to feel complete.

• Cost: From $89 per person
• Duration: 1 day
• Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com

Kulen Waterfall and 1000 Lingas

If the natural wonders of Cambodia are calling you, you won’t want to miss Kulen Waterfall and 1000 Lingas. This full-day tour lets you explore the most notorious of Phnom Kulen National Park highlights in one fell swoop. Learn about Khmer Empire history, swim at the foot of the falls and soak up unprecedented mountainous vistas from every angle. While you’re at it, you can even receive a blessing from the precious water of the sacred river, making your Cambodian experience that much more meaningful. At the end of the day, you’ll be more than ready to get dropped of right at your hotel door back in Siem Reap.

• Cost: From $39 per person
• Duration: 10 hours
• Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com

After Dark Food Tour in Siem Reap

Join us on a scrumptious adventure through the streets of Siem Reap, where you’ll explore the vibrant culture and cuisine on the back of a Vespa. From street food stalls to hidden gem restaurants, we’ll savor authentic dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the local culture. As you indulge in delicious bites, you’ll uncover the rich history of this beautiful destination and learn from our knowledgeable local guide, who will provide valuable tips to make your experience even more memorable beyond just visiting temples.

• Cost: From $78 per person
• Duration: 4 hours
• Booking: Adventures Cambodia food tour

Phnom Bok Mountain Temple Tour

Far away from the tourist crowds, Phnom Bok Mountain is home to one of the least visited temples in the Angkor Park. With long-standing history accompanying this site, it’s only right to make an informative tour of it. Throughout 7 hours, you’ll first visit Banteay Samre temple, followed by steep hike up hundreds of steps to the top of Phnom Bok Mountain, where you can visit a 9th-century temple and take in panoramic views of the majestic Angkor Wat and Kulen Mountains. With transportation to and from your hotel as well as packed lunch and refreshments, all you’ll have to look forward to is one utterly memorable trek.

• Cost: From $38 per person
• Duration: 7 hours
• Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com

Angkor Zipline

Have you been dreaming of accompanying monkeys, birds and more in the tallest tree top canopies? With a zipline through Angkor, your exotic aspirations have the opportunity to come to fruition. Angkor Zipline is professionally staffed and totally safe, meaning you can feel good about taking the family on this adrenaline-pumping tour. If you want, you can always accompany the zipline with activities like ATV or bicycle riding for a truly encompassing adventure.

• Cost: From $65 per person
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com

Angkor Sunset Tour by Jeep with Boat Ride

There’s nothing better than a bucolic sunset to finish off your Khmer holiday. With this Angkor Sunset Tour, you can explore the beautiful evening setting by both land and water. Over the course of 5 hours, you’ll drive in an open-air Jeep through rice paddies and take a dragon boat ride along the moat of Angkor Thom. While you’re at it, you’ll witness red clay roads, local villages, small farms and even young children walking home from a long day at school. With complimentary beverages and snacks to keep you satiated, you’ll have all you need for a stellar sunset cruise.

• Cost: From $79 per person
• Duration: 5 hours
• Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com

Angkor Wat Group Tour with Balloon Ride and Khmer Dinner

Ever wanted to see one of the seven wonders of the world from a bird’s eye view? For an entire day, you can set out on an adventure to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat from an array of vantage points. Trips to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple accentuate your experience even more. While you’re there, a Cambodian scholar will teach you all you need to know about Khmer history. At the end of it all, hop in a tethered helium balloon and revel in the scene from 200 meters up. A Khmer dinner with all the Cambodian fixings tops it all off.

• Cost: From $101 per person
• Duration: 8 hours
• Booking Info: GetYourGuide.com

The Adventure Doesn’t Have to Stop on Your Siem Reap Holiday

If enthusiastic activities are your forte, you’ll find that you fit right in here in Siem Reap. Exploring a range of adventures like motorbike tours, Jeep explorations and temple treks are some of the best ways to fuel your need for thrill, soak up Cambodian culture and leave an indelible mark on you for life.

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In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top golf courses in Siem Reap, delve into the vibrant golfing scene in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, and highlight other notable golfing destinations across the country. Whether you seek an exhilarating challenge or a leisurely round, Cambodia promises to deliver an unforgettable golfing adventure. In Siem Reap, you can currently find two of the best golf courses:

Angkor Golf Resort:

Nestled in the proximity of the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, Angkor Golf Resort serves as a remarkable embodiment of golfing brilliance. Crafted by the esteemed Sir Nick Faldo, this championship-level course stretches across a generous expanse of 7,230 yards, promising an unforgettable journey for golf enthusiasts of every caliber. Immaculately tended fairways meander through thoughtfully positioned bunkers and enchanting water hazards, calling for both finesse and expertise. Complementing the experience, the resort boasts a well-equipped pro shop, a state-of-the-art driving rangethe resort boasts a well-equipped pro shop, expansive practice facilities, all culminating in a truly world-class golfing affair nestled in the heart of Siem Reap.

Phokeethra Country Club:

Discover Siem Reap’s first world-class international golf course at Phokeethra Country Club. Its sprawling, palm-lined fairways and pristine white-sand bunkers create a visually stunning experience. With a perfect balance of challenging angles, generous fairways, and greens, this course welcomes golfers of all skill levels. Water features add a fair challenge, especially on some par 3s. The clubhouse offers breathtaking views of the 18th green and provides the perfect setting for post-round meals and refreshments. Enjoy a variety of cuisine at the restaurant, make use of locker and shower facilities, explore the pro shop for branded golf gear and souvenirs, and unwind with spa services. Phokeethra Country Club guarantees lasting memories on the course.

Beyond Siem Reap

Cambodia’s golf scene extends to the capital city of Phnom Penh, where you can discover remarkable golf destinations such as:

• Garden City Golf Club, designed as a pristine 18-hole resort championship golf course with expansive undulating greens, strategically designed water hazards, and impeccable conditions.
• The Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club is another notable destination, designed by Nicklaus.
• Vattanac Golf Resort in Phnom Penh boasts two courses, the East Course, open to the public with 18 holes, and the West Course, exclusive to members, stretching over 7,200 yards with 18 holes as well. Both courses are designed by Sir Nick Faldo.
• Both Royal Phnom Penh Golf Club and Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club feature impressive 18-hole courses, with Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club being designed by the renowned Jack Nicklaus.
• Cambodian Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole course located an hour away from Phnom Penh.
• City Golf offers a comprehensive range of amenities, including a driving range and a 9-hole course.
• Aquation Golf is a driving range situated right in the center of Phnom Penh at Koh Pich.
• The One Golf Club is a driving range located in the heart of Phnom Penh, next to Eden Garden.

Conclusion

Siem Reap and Cambodia as a whole offer golfing enthusiasts an unforgettable journey into a golfing paradise. The allure of Angkor Golf Resort and Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap showcases world-class courses with exceptional facilities. Meanwhile, Phnom Penh’s golfing scene boasts prestigious courses. Beyond these cities, Cambodia’s golfing destinations showcase the country’s natural beauty and provide golfers with remarkable experiences.

Embark on a golfing adventure through Siem Reap, where ancient wonders harmonize with impeccable courses. Whether you’re drawn to Siem Reap’s historical treasures or the dynamic energy of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s golfing landscape promises an adventure that will leave a lasting impression. Discover the magic of golf in Cambodia, blending your love for the game with the richness of Cambodian culture and natural splendor.

The post Siem Reap’s Premier Golfing Destinations: Unveiling Cambodia’s Golfing Paradise appeared first on Siemreap.net.

Phare, the Cambodian Circus

Buying your ticket to this critically-acclaimed, revolutionary performance art circus show (with no animals) means that this social enterprise can continue to provide well-paying job opportunities to the gradates of the Phare Ponleu Selpak school. The school provides free artistic and academic education as well as social support to Cambodian youth in Battambang. Phare Ponleu Selpak, or ‘The Brightness of the Arts’ helps at-risk Cambodian youth transform their lives through art. Be exhilarated by the talented students’ high-energy acrobatics, dancing, music and spellbinding storytelling in each dynamic performance at their iconic Big Top venue and help PPSA to transform lives.

Samatoa Lotus Farm

Samatoa Lotus Farm, just 25 minutes from Siem Reap, invites you to an unforgettable sensory adventure. Hidden amongst the vibrant tapestry of Cambodia lies a secret sanctuary. Samatoa Lotus Farm, not your ordinary flower farm, is a canvas where the lotus flower paints a masterpiece of sustainable luxury. This pioneering project weaves together ancient Cambodian wisdom with modern artistry, transforming delicate blooms into ethical textiles, shimmering jewels, and exquisite handcrafted objects. Unlike any other, Samatoa beckons you on a sensory journey, where the magic of the lotus unfolds, whispering tales of sustainability and breathtaking beauty.

Fair Trade Village

Fair Trade Village is Siem Reap’s only permanent market that exclusively sells genuine Cambodian-made handicraft products. The center works with rural artisans and social enterprises to offer the highest quality handmade crafts while promoting fair trade practices and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of local artisans. All products are certified by the Angkor Handicraft Association. Visitors can experience live arts and learn traditional Khmer handicraft techniques in artisan workshops. By visiting Fair Trade Village, you’ll support the local economy and help preserve ancient skills at the same time.

Made in Cambodia Market

Siem Reap’s many markets offer tourists a dizzying array of imported souvenirs, yet there is an alternative. Made in Cambodia market, open daily from midday until 10pm at the Kings Road dining and retail complex, provides an outlet for local craftspeople and small businesses where they can sell direct to customers. This opportunity to interact directly with shoppers, in the relaxed market setting, gives handicraft producers and sellers direct income and an incentive to develop their skills and create jobs. Visitors to the market will find internationally recognized artisan products and brands, such as Rehash Trash’s rainbow-coloured hand-woven home decor, Sombai Liqueur, Friends International and Ammo, whose jewelry and accessories are fashioned from bullets.

Spoons

Dining here supports a hospitality training facility for students from EGBOK (Everything’s Gonna Be OK), an organisation dedicated to changing the lives of young people through vocational training, job placements and a training and internship programme. Enjoy delicious Cambodian favourites from the menu, knowing that you have directly contributed to the personal and educational development of a young person, giving them an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience as part of their life-changing training. Head to Spoons for their weekly specials and exciting cocktails, open for both lunch and dinner.

Apopo Visitor Center

Apopo is a Belgian NGO that trains rats to become landmine detectors, and ultimately save lives. The visitor center opens its doors to visitors every day to share and raise awareness of the incredible work the organisation undertakes to train these light, intelligent and hardy animals, the HeroRATS, to clear large areas of land in a fraction of the time taken by traditional methods. Come and see the HeroRATS in action, meet the teams behind their training and learn more about how rats are so crucial to speeding up the urgent humanitarian demining process. Your visit costs $5 and, along with funds raised from merchandise or their popular rat adoption scheme support the care and training of the rats.

HUSK Cambodia

HUSK was established by the owners of Sojourn Boutique Villas and Beyond Unique Escapes, and is staffed entirely by volunteers, with the exception of paid Khmer staff. Both businesses support HUSK through direct donations of a percentage of their profits, and by providing free business support and facilitating customers’ donations. Beyond Unique Escapes has also created specific tours that provide ongoing income to villagers and their communities. Booking a unique ‘day in a life’ village tour enables village communities to benefit from tourism. Money raised goes to safe water projects, a library, a free HUSK community English school and school uniform funding to assist families in need.

Jaya House Riverpark

This luxury hotel with 36 rooms, two pools and a spa is leading the way with a ‘refill not landfill’ reusable bottle campaign, with the aim of reducing single use plastic in Siem Reap. Along with tree planting initiative, ongoing support to several NGOs in the city and a commitment to providing training and equal opportunities to its local staff, this hotel prides itself on its strong community focus and responsibility to the environment. Guests can expect modern and stylish decor, and a peaceful riverside location when they book a stay here. Why not opt for the two-day Jaya Explorer experience, which includes temples, villages, Tonle Sap’s floating villages and a cookery class.

Haven

Haven restaurant is a social project that teaches all of its employees and offers amazing quality Asian and international food, a lot of it vegetarian or vegan. A strong emphasis is also put on sustainability: they use only biodegradable materials in all of their takeaway containers, and source most of their products locally. Haven is a training restaurant and social enterprise that creates new life prospects for disadvantaged young adults, teaching them valuable work & life skills, while treating you with delicious food and a warm atmosphere.

Kulen Elephant Forest

Kulen Elephant Forest is a sanctuary where retired elephants can interact freely, and are treated with the greatest care and attention. The sanctuary is a large protected park, about 210 hectares, in the foothills of the Phnom Kulen National Park. The Kulen Elephant Forest is a sustainable tourism model by supporting the local community/economy and the local primary school. The sanctuary is a living testimony of a changing attitude towards elephants in Cambodia and the world.

The post 10 Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in Siem Reap, Cambodia appeared first on Siemreap.net.

The Apsara dance is a captivating art form that tells stories about daily life and historical events in Cambodia. Originating from the 18th to 20th centuries, the dance flourished during the Angkor period, thanks to the patronage of many royal figures. Apsara dance performances often showcase graceful movements and intricate hand gestures, accompanied by traditional Khmer music and elaborate costumes. Through the centuries, Apsara dance has become an integral part of Cambodian culture, preserving the country’s rich history and heritage for generations to come.

Types of Apsara Dancing

The Apsara dance is a complex art form that encompasses a variety of styles and techniques. Traditionally, there are four main types of Apsara dance: classical dance, folk dance, shadow puppet theater and Lakhon Khol.

Classical Dance

The classical dance is the most well-known and formal type of Apsara dance, characterized by slow, graceful movements and intricate hand gestures. The dancers wear traditional Khmer clothing and have a graceful appearance. The classical dance usually presents a story of the ancient Angkor period.

Folk Dance

In contrast to the graceful and formal Classical Dance, the Folk Dance is known for its lively and energetic performance, showcasing faster and more dynamic movements that are sure to leave you spellbound. This exuberant style of Apsara dance is typically reserved for celebrations and holidays, where it depicts specific rituals and everyday scenes inspired by the natural beauty of Cambodia’s countryside. Popular dances are the Good Harvest Dance and the Romantic Fishing Dance.

Shadow Puppet Theater

This traditional art form boasts two distinct types of performances. The Sbek Thom showcases tales from the Reamker, a beloved epic poem, while the Sbeik Touch brings to life the heroic tales of love and battle. Regardless of which performance you choose, you’ll be treated to a visual spectacle that’s both unique and captivating. Using the silhouette effect, the story is told through the manipulation of intricate puppets, which are moved behind a large white screen and illuminated by a light. As the shadows dance and flicker, you’ll be drawn into the intricate and beautiful world of Cambodian storytelling.

Lakhon Khol

Lakhon Khol is a form of dance theater that portrays narratives from the Reamker. The performances often feature highly detailed masks, which can take months to create and are made from a variety of materials. The performers in Lakhon Khol are highly trained, spending years learning the intricate dance movements and techniques required for the art form. The stories depicted in Lakhon Khol usually involve battle scenes, and the performances can last for several hours.

Apsara Dance Performances in Siem Reap

There are several Siem Reap venues where you can attend an Apsara performance, depicting a few of the traditional Khmer dances. The show is usually combined with a set menu or buffet dinner. Some restaurants offer the show for free to their customers. Make a reservation if you want a seat close to the stage. Also make sure to call the venue of your choice to make sure there are no changes in the show’s schedule.

The post The Beauty of Apsara Dancing: Where to Watch Authentic Performances in Siem Reap appeared first on Siemreap.net.

Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum takes you back to the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom, when marvels such as Angkor Wat were masterminded and created. This period introduced the origin of Khmer art, culture and architecture, that has continued to inspire to this day. Angkor National Museum have created a modern, enthralling experience to document the royal historical path of the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom. Using state of the art multimedia technology, visitors will be captivated by the journey being played out before their eyes. Boasting impressive galleries, ancient statues and original artifacts, this is a fantastically educational day out for all of the family.

• Location: Vithei Charles de Gaulle Road;
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 8:30am – 6:00pm;
• Entrance fee: Cambodian National: $3, Foreign National: $12, Foreign Student: $6, Children 6-12 years: $6, Children under 6: Free;
• Audio tour guide: available in Khmer, English, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Chinese and Thai for $5;
• How to get there: $3-$4 one way, by tuk tuk, from most central hotels;

Siem Reap War Museum

During 1975-1979, the people of Cambodia were met with one of the most shocking and brutal civil wars to have plagued any country. Pol Pot and his army, the Khmer Rouge, overran and cleared out the capital city of Phnom Penh, promising liberation and freedom to all. Unknown to people back then, what Pol Pot had in mind was far from liberating. Shortly after, famine, slavery and death became common, and camps were set up to control the Khmer civilization. Other provinces fell to the Khmer Rouge, until Cambodia was at its knees and at the mercy of this twisted dictatorship. By 1979, between 1.5 million and 3 million men, women and children were killed. The Siem Reap War Museum is a humbling experience, where you will come face-to-face with original military vehicles and weaponry used during that time. Educational and fascinating, it is also child friendly and set in a remote, beautiful garden, not too far from the center.

• Location: National Road 6, close to Siem Reap International Airport;
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 8:00am to 5:30pm;
• Entrance Fee: $5;
• How to get there: $4-$5 one way, by tuk tuk, from most central hotels;

Cambodia Landmine Museum

After the Khmer Rouge was defeated, Cambodia was left with a high number of undetonated landmines spread across the country. The Cambodia Landmine Museum displays an exclusive collection of landmines, but also other weapons used during the Pol Pot regime. Additionally, visitors of the museum can locate and dismantle mines in a makeshift minefield, as well. The museum also runs an awareness campaign to educate and warn the local youth about landmines. They also support various NGO’s and landmine victims. Although many landmines have been deactivated in Cambodia, there are still some areas which are still forbidden to access because of these hidden dangers.

• Location: 25 km out of Siem Reap, on the way to Banteay Srei Temple;
• Recommended to visit when doing a temple tour. Consult our suggested itineraries for more details;
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 7:30am to 5:30pm;
• Entrance Fee: $1;

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Opened on the 1st of March 2020, the estimated 7.2 million dollar construction of the wheel was achieved via the cooperation of Japanese company CQ Amenic Co and a local investor. The Angkor Eye Ferris wheel is the fourteenth project of CQ Amenic Co, who are already responsible for 13 giant ferris wheels globally and the construction of Aeon Mall in Phnom Penh. 

The Siem Reap Department of Tourism green lit the project as another way to draw tourism into the region. A move praised by Siem Reap’s governor Tea Seyha as not only encouraging tourists to stay longer in Siem Reap, but as a vital step in generating more jobs for the city. 

The project was slightly delayed in its completion having begun in June 2019 following permission from the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction. It had been expected to be finished at the end of 2019. Now opened, it is one of the largest ferris wheels in the ASEAN region, standing 25 metres taller than Hong Kong’s observation wheel.

Angkor Eye Ticket Prices 

Located in Svay Dangkum, parallel to the Boxville complex, the wheel is a sight to behold both day and night, when it is beautifully illuminated. Lasting 18 minutes per rotation, the 4 passenger capacity cabins gently raise you up and over the city in air conditioned comfort. The 48 cabins allow for up to 192 passengers to ride at any given time. 

Managed by Angkor Eye Company Limited, the wheel itself was imported in its entirety from Japan. Weighing in at over 700 tonnes, it was built to Japanese industry and safety standards.

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In 2015, APOPO came to Cambodia with their famous HeroRATS, a huge asset for detecting mines, they joined up with CMAC who have been operating in Cambodia since 1992.

Just one rat can search up to 200 square meters in a mere 20 minutes.

It all began when Bart Weetjens, founder of APOPO, read an article about gerbils being adept at detecting scents. Bart had pet rats and thought, why not rats too? The wheels began to turn back in 1995 and now this technique has been used in more than 60 countries.

How do they do it? The HeroRATs begin their training at the young age of just 4 weeks, they are immersed into various activities to take them step by step into their new career. When they graduate their training, they are deployed to countries in need of their services. Just one rat can search up to 200 square meters in a mere 20 minutes (which would take a person between 1 and 4 days!) In fact, you can even adopt a HeroRAT, which helps APOPO continue their work. To date the project has handed back over 13,719,552m2 of land to local communities and destroyed more than 4,500 mines, over 36,000 bombs, grenades and bullets in Cambodia alone!

The livelihoods returned to Cambodian people cannot be quantified in the same way. This is Sou Un’s story:

“I lost my leg in 1996 (age 63 years old) when I was cutting the grass in the field. I used to farm that land for a living and in my 63 years I had been there hundreds, maybe thousands of time. One day I was unlucky. Or maybe I was lucky for all the time beforehand that I had missed the landmine. “I had not heard of APOPO or CMAC before. I never knew rats could ever have a job other than eating my rice in the field! It’s unbelievable (he said with a joyous laugh) that rats can help us!?!? Finally we will be free of these terrible weapons.” “I still find it difficult to not be able to provide for my family. We are often hungry but at least my family and village will soon be safe. I’m grateful. So grateful.”

APOPO is adding valuable resources to the existing programs here in Cambodia, making the future for all Cambodians one that is free from the fear of landmine detonation.

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