Showing all posts tagged "Cambodia"
How to Travel Around Siem Reap – Your Options for Exploring an Alluring Locality
The charming Cambodian town of Siem Reap, the gateway to the famed Angkor complex, would be an interesting locality to explore, offering many absorbing experiences for visitors. When it comes to travelling around this captivating town, there would be several good options. Described below are your primary choices for getting about Siem Reap.
Image via pxfuel
By Cambodian tuk-tuk (remork)
Taking a remork, the Cambodian version of a tuk-tuk would be an easy and popular way of travelling around Siem Reap. These vehicles would basically consist of a motorcycle with an attached trailer. Travelling by such means would be particularly suitable for groups as these vehicles would be able to accommodate as many as four persons. You would have the opportunity to hire remorks for brief trips within the city or for a whole day to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park; keep in mind that the rate for a journey would depend on the distance and duration.
By motorcycle taxi (moto)
The abundant motorcycle taxis – also referred to as motos – could be found stationed near restaurants, hotels and well-known attractions in Siem Reap. You would often find that motorcycle taxi drivers would not wear a uniform and may not speak English well; accordingly, it would be prudent to have your destination’s address written down in Cambodian to present to the driver. When travelling by motorcycle taxi, it would be advisable to negotiate and arrive at a fare before commencing your trip and ensure you wear a helmet.
By bicycle
Visitors to Siem Reap would find that getting around by bicycle would be an uncomplicated, eco-friendly, and economical way of travelling within the town. You would have the opportunity to hire a standard bicycle for a small sum, whilst a mountain bike would cost somewhat more. You would typically receive a safety lock and a helmet along with your bike. You would find several bicycle rental establishments at Wat Bo Road and the Old Market. Visitors would also have the option of hiring a bike from The White Bicycles which happens to be a non-profit charitable organization.
By hired motorbike or car
Since renting a motorcycle was formerly illegal in Siem Reap for foreign tourists, you would only find a few establishments that rent these two-wheelers. Whilst you could rent a motorcycle for a reasonable rate make sure that you obtain a helmet and possess an international license to present to the local police if needed.
However, you could also opt to rent an E-bike which would be a more environment-friendly mode of travel as these vehicles would operate on electricity rather than petrol; there would be a few charging stations within Siem Reap too. If you have a bigger budget, you may also consider renting a car for your travels around the town or further afield which is ideal for longer stays.
By taxi
You would find that Siem Reap’s taxi services would be rather informal, as there would be no formal taxi organizations and the vehicles would not be metered. Accordingly, there would be no established rate structures and you would be obliged to negotiate a price for your journey with the driver. You would also have the option of hiring a taxi for your travels around Angkor Wat as well as Tonle Sap Lake, although you should take care to arrive at a reasonable price for your journeys. One of the hotels in Siem Reap Cambodia to consider that you could easily reach by taxi from the airport would be FCC Angkor by Avani which offers the option for arranging private transfers too.
By electric car
Another interesting mode of travel in Siem Reap would be getting about on an electric car. These vehicles would be great for exploring this town and the nearby attractions in a very eco-friendly manner. Additionally, unlike tuk-tuks and conventional taxis, these buggy-like electric vehicles would have the capability to handle dirt roads. During your stay in Siem Reap, you would be able to hire an electric car along with the services of an English-speaking local driver.
Posted on June 26th, 2023
How to ethically explore the Wildlife of Cambodia
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation with low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline. Known as the Kingdom of Wonder with many natural attractions and the famed Angkor Wat temple complex Cambodia is also known for its abundant wildlife comprising elephants, deer, wild oxen, panthers, bears, tigers, cormorants, species of birds and snakes, and many more. As visitors with an interest to protect and conserve wildlife be aware of ethical practices and places to visit.
shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates, More Great Cormorants on a tree (14351367823), CC BY 2.0
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Be conscious of ethical associations with wildlife
Most visitors to Cambodia look forward to an elephant ride during their visit and consider that as one of the most exciting and adventurous Siem Reap Attractions. In fact, to most visitors, experiencing wildlife amounts to just that elephant ride. However, the downside of these is the animals are being overworked to the point of exhaustion denying these magnificent animals the freedom to be themselves. Therefore be selective in the way you enjoy viewing and experiencing wildlife.
Wildlife in Cambodia
Cambodia is home to 16 globally endangered species and 2 critically endangered species resulting in many organizations working collectively to protect and preserve the remaining wildlife diversity.
There are numerous nature reserves, animal refuges, and wildlife sanctuaries that offer freedom and space to mammals, birds, and reptiles. Working on funding from non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), they work on preserving endangered species such as the wild Asian elephant, Wild water buffalo, Eld’s deer, tiger, leopard, fishing cat etc. These are the ideal places you must visit to enjoy the behaviours and actions of wildlife which will give you insights about them and leave you with a more profound wildlife experience.
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
As visitors to Cambodia who believe in experiencing wildlife without harming or endangering them, the 90-minute tours of the sanctuary handled by English-speaking guides are of enormous value. These well-informed guides elaborate on the conservation efforts and many stories about different species of animals making them interesting and enlightening tales. These tours are frequently used by visitors to FCC Angkor by Avani.
The minimum donation of 3 US Dollars collected by the centre is more than worth the information you receive. These donations go towards the centre's operations.
A few noteworthy wildlife experiences in Cambodia
Elephant Valley Project Mondulkiri – Considered to be the elephant sanctuary with the highest ethical standards in Cambodia, Elephant valley does not offer to ride, feed, wash, or bathe with elephants. In place of these usual practices, visitors on day trips to the valley have the joy of walking with the majestic giants, observing their playful antics in the jungle or at the river, and occasionally following herds of elephants stealthily guided by a mahout. These natural ways of experiencing elephants are encouraged at the valley and are enjoyed by visitors.
Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve – Located in the 31,282-hectare Tonle Sap (Great Lake) Biosphere, this is the largest waterbird colony in South East Asia and is a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The outstanding site is mostly covered by freshwater swamps and is home to rare waterbirds, especially in the dry season. The Sam Veasna Centre, a non-profit NGO promoting eco-tourism provides tours of the reserve with assistance from local community members and is an accessible wildlife experience with ethical standards.
The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre – An hour’s drive from Phnom Penh this wildlife sanctuary offers a day of exploration in the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre, With over 1200 animals including elephants, sun bears, moon bears, leopards, lions, tigers, and more to see in natural surroundings. However, of all the animals Chhouk the gentle giant, a rescued elephant with a prosthetic leg steals every visitor’s heart.
Posted on April 23rd, 2023
How to pack for your vacation to Cambodia?
Cambodia is often considered a destination that brings you mental and spiritual bliss. So, needless to say, travelling to Cambodia is always exciting. However, packing for your Cambodian tour comes up during the planning stage, and this needs a bit of guidance. If you were looking for the perfect guide online, here it is!
Photo by Kindel Media via pexels
Clothes to pack
Don’t expect the climate of Cambodia to be cool and relaxing. Like in many tropical countries, the climate of Cambodia is hot and humid. So, whatever clothes you choose to take with you for the tour, make sure they are breathable. Comfy t-shirts and cotton wear will be great for Cambodia because you may experience excessive sweating due to the extra humidity.
Cambodia is also a Buddhist country. So, when you are packing for your tour, make sure you pack some appropriate clothing for temple visits too. Take a scarf with you, so that you can use it whenever needed.
A mosquito spray
You may find this funny, but you should have some serious thoughts on this when packing for your Cambodian tour. You will need to use mosquito spray throughout the day when in Cambodia, and that’s not a joke.
If you are planning to explore jungles during the tour, make sure you have a strong insect repellent with you too.
Your first aid kit
No matter where you travel to, you should take your first aid kit, and this Cambodian tour should not be an exception. Include some plasters, bandages, and painkillers in your first aid kit, and if you use some medicine regularly, make sure you take your prescriptions also with you.
Cambodia has some great pharmacies, but your first aid kit will help you out in case of any emergency.
A good torch
If your plan is to spend your Cambodian holiday at a great boutique hotel in Siem Reap the likes of Anantara Angkor Resort, this will not be a problem. But rural areas in Cambodia often have too many power cuts and sometimes they are lengthy too.
So, you will surely need a mini torch (a good one) if you plan to have some evening fun there.
A rain jacket
This is an essential item, especially if you are travelling to Cambodia during the monsoon season. A light rain jacket will be more than enough to keep you warm and protected when it’s raining.
An extra memory card
If you take a camera with you, make sure you take an extra memory card as well. Cambodia is a beautiful destination and you will click thousands of pictures even without noticing. The ‘memory full’ warning becomes a mental burden when you are enjoying a great photography session, and an extra memory card can take this burden away.
Headphones
When in Cambodia, headphones become your trusted buddy. Cambodia, by nature, is a loud country. So, expect noise wherever you go- be it the city, bus stop, market, or even the bus/train. Have your own playlist of songs ready, and use headphones to listen to them when you are on the go. A lot of locals also do the same.
Sun protection
As mentioned earlier, Cambodia has a hot climate. Avoiding the scorching sun will not be an option here, but you can always stay protected. This is why good sunscreen is an absolute necessity for a tour in Cambodia. Choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF50.
You can take your big hat with you when you go out, and don’t forget your sunglasses too.
A universal charger
Your phone, laptop, camera, and even the torch (if it's a rechargeable one) need charging, and you may take a universal charger to get them charged. You will find the general plug sockets at hotels or villas, so it won't be a problem. But if you go to rural areas, make sure you have a universal charger and it will always be better if that charger facilitates surge protection.
Posted on January 22nd, 2023
How to Explore Angkor Wat in Cambodia – A Breathtaking Ancient Temple Compound
The intriguing Angkor temple complex in Cambodia will undoubtedly captivate the culture lover and general sightseer alike. Innumerable visitors from across the world visit this ancient complex of temples drawn by its fascinating attractions and mystical allure. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will encounter a mesmerizing array of architectural marvels that will amaze and delight the visitor. Provided below is some useful information about experiencing the Angkor complex.
Understand the background
At one time, Angkor happened to be the Khmer Empire’s capital city; in the Middle Ages, this empire controlled much of the region of Southeast Asia. Angkor was initially constructed by the monarch Yasovarman I many centuries ago. During the peak of the Khmer Empire, it is thought that as many as a million residents lived here. You will see that Angkor occupies an area of as much as 1,000 sq. km which makes it comparable in size to many of today’s cities. However, in approximately 431 A.D, Angkor was suddenly abandoned, and no one is quite sure why. For many years it lay hidden in the jungle until some archaeologists from Europe drew attention to the site. Today, you will see that many of the lovely temples at Angkor have been meticulously restored.
Select the time to visit
You will find that Cambodia enjoys a warm climate all through the year, but it experiences distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season which extends from November through May would be the high season for visiting Angkor, with the city’s unpaved roads being more convenient to use at this time of the year. However, as you might expect, the temples could be crowded with more visitors during this time. On the other hand, you could also visit during the wet season, as downpours will usually occur no more than once each day; the rains will also make the jungle lush and appealing.
Visit Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
There is no doubt that the famed Angkor Wat would be the central attraction at the Angkor complex. The entire temple itself occupies an extent of a square kilometre and features three terraces with five eye-catching towers. The arrangement of spires at Angkor Wat happens to be a traditional motif of Khmer architecture representing Mount Meru, the abode of the Hindu gods.
Also, of note in the Angkor complex would be Angkor Thom; this happens to be another stunning temple that will delight the visitor. Here, the daring will have the opportunity to scale the ladders provided to reach the striking Terrace of Elephants.
Experience Bayon and Pre Rup
Angkor Thom’s central shrine would be Bayon, which happens to be renowned for its intriguing towers that feature an array of massive stone faces, as well as its sculptured exterior and interior. Another interesting temple at Angkor would be Pre Rup which rather resembles a miniature version of the famed Angkor Wat. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could easily visit Bayon and other attractions within the complex would be Anantara Angkor Resort in the nearby town of Siem Reap. Things to do here apart from visiting Angkor Wat would include exploring the countryside and horse riding.
Enjoy the other temples
Another not-to-be-missed temple at Angkor would be the mysterious Ta Prohm, also known for having been featured in the movie ‘Tomb Raider’. You will find that Ta Prohm with its massive tree roots presents a striking sight and is best experienced in the morning. Preah Khan is an additionally noteworthy temple which presents a captivating optical illusion for the visitor. If you make your way across the bridge that you will find here, you will reach a tranquil lake too. Some distance away you will find the temple known as Banteay Srei, which is renowned for its exquisite well-preserved carvings.
Posted on June 8th, 2022