Easy Cambodia

Bayon temple is in the center of the town. It options several sophisticated and exquisite bas-reliefs with scenes depicting land and naval warfare, market scenes et al. depicting the development of the temple itself. This is one of most popular locations in Siem Reap and is rich in historical pickings. It’s also quite strenuous because the tour involves several narrow corridors , and we cannot help thinking of Lara croft in “Tomb Raider” but there is no large 6-armed Brahman guardian sculpture to repel.

The two must see ancient Angkorian temples are Angkor Wat and Bayon. The large enigmatic stone faces of Bayon became some of the most iconic and recognizable features related to the traditional Khmer Kingdom and its architecture. The Bayon Temple is at the middle of the great walled city of Angkor Thom, which is at the heart of the Angkor archaeological Park.

Bayon has some fifty towers, with four immense carved faces on most of them. Each of faces are 4 meters high and oriented toward the 4 points of the compass. All of the faces have the same smile and closed eyes, making a mysterious and serene countenance, representing an omniscient state of inner peace.

There is discussion on who the faces really represent, and a few theories put forward say that they're the face of a bodhisattva, or a mix of Buddha and Jayavarman VII. Bayon was constructed as Jayavarman VII's state-temple and represents the peak of his massive architectural program.

Bayon is the bas-reliefs on the exterior walls of the lower level and on the upper level are outstanding. On the southern-wall are of scenes from an ocean battle between the Khmer and the Cham. However, it's not known if they represent the Cham battles in 1177 AD, or a later victory for the Khmer. There are fascinating and extensive carvings of scenes from daily life, including market scenes, religious rituals, cockfighting, chess games and childbearing.

Subsequently, Bayon suffered several additions and changes during reign of later kings, and on the inner walls were built at a later date under the Hindu king Jayavarman VIII. The east of the temple, the libraries, the sq. corners of the inner gallery, and parts of the upper terrace seem to be additions that weren't part of the initial structure.

Since the Bayon Temple was created in stages over years, it seems to be somewhat of a junk. But if seen from a distance, initially it can appear as if a rather formless jumble of stone, but on the inside, there's a maze of galleries. The best time for photos is at sunrise and sunset.

Scuba diving and Snorkeling in Sihanoukville thrives due to the area's favorable topographical features. Offshore waters are warm but it is better to dive out by neighboring islands. Snorkeling can be impressive around the nearby islands which consist of rocky reefs, shallow waters, and colorful fish. Snorkeling and diving from December to June is the best feature and relaxing time because the water is cooler and clearer than the rest of the year. Professional guidance is offered on the beach to assist divers and the snorkelers.  

 

Diving has been part of the Sihanoukville scene and October to June become the busiest period. The most talked-about dive sites are Koh Rung Samloem and Koh Kon which are quite near the city.

The dive shops include Scuba Nation, Tel: +(855) (0)12-604680, or Eco Sea Dive, Tel: +(855) (0)12-654104. 

The best hotels in Sihanoukville enable leisure and business travelers alike to comfortably enjoy all that town, built by the French in the early ‘60s, has to provide. It is true that Sihanoukville beaches are excellent, and Independence Beach, and Sokha Beach have become the most popular beaches and were added to the bucket-lists of many travelers. See below our top 3 Hotels in Sihanoukville - it certainly will help you to decide on the right place for your next holiday during this stunning area of Cambodia.

Located about 200 meters from the premier beach resort of Sihanoukville, the Cambodian Resort has sixty rooms to decide on from all modern, clean, and designed for comfort and relaxation, and VIP room service. Just footsteps away from the busy nightlife and shopping areas of this resort that is not for the faint-hearted and not too far from the landing field road this residence is well set centrally in city. Sihanoukville along with her white sandy beaches may be a huge draw for those into water-sports whether it is snorkeling or scuba-diving.

Situated within the heart of Sihanoukville, The Visnu boutique hotel is near, Victory Beach Independence Beach, and Sokha Beach. The hotel has a steam room, a sauna and an outdoor pool. This 4-star hotel consists of business amenities including a business center and town car service. Dining options include a coffee shop, a poolside bar, and a restaurant. A complimentary breakfast is available. Extra amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and multilingual employees.

Located in the seaside resort town of Sihanoukville, this hotel is one of the luxury resort hotels in that area. The hotel has fantastic service and good sea views. Amenities at the hotel include a shuttle bus service which should take you to the airport or bus station. If travelling with children, the hotel will prepare activities for kids so that parents can sit beside the swimming pool and enjoy a cocktail or a soft drink, or relax on the beach. The hotel is also hold business conferences. 

Angkor, Siem Reap has become a prosperous tourist city. But apart from visiting the wonderful Angkor temples, what else is there to do? Luckily there are a myriad of activities you can relish in Siem Reap. From sports like golf and athletics, to learning activities like cookery and ceramics classes, to off-roading with dirt bikes and quads, to bird watching, to horseback riding, the list goes on.

You can also visit floating villages and volunteer in local community. There are so many activities suitable for all interests, and all ages. We’ve got reviewed for you here simply a few of the many fascinating, educational, and fun activities available in Siem Reap.

They offer 2-hour classes where you'll learn the traditional art of Khmer pottery. You’re guided by Khmer potters, and no experience is necessary to make your own ceramic work of art. Your glazed masterpiece will be delivered to your hotel in Siem Reap within 24 hours. And they also have a free pick-up service from your hotel.

Opening Hours: 08:00 A.M – 7:30 P.M.

Tel: +855 (0)17 843 014, +855 (0)63 210 004.

Located at Puok district, Artisans d’Angkor offer a 2-hour class for most travelers who wish to learn about Khmer silk arts. Students of the silk painting class will learn how to mix colors, and how to paint a traditional, or modern Cambodian scene. The course also includes painting techniques so that students can make their own designs for craft projects. The silk weaving class teaches how to weave silk cloth using silk at their own silk farm. Each students will be instructed by a master weaver and students’ woven piece can be taken as souvenirs.

Both classes start from Monday to Friday and have 3 options of study, at 8:00 A.M, 10:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. The price is US$20 for one person and can be made by reservation only.

Tel: +855 (0)12 222 404, +855 (0)63 767 018

Located along the 7 Makara Street, the Alliance Art Café cooking class starts with a visit to a local market to find out about domestically grown vegetables, spices and herbs. You can prepare dishes like chicken with sugar palm and pineapple. The Khmer cook teaches tested recipes that you can share with friends and family. Group sizes are between 2 and 6 people, and lessons last 3 hours.

Tel: +855 (0)63 964 940 

Located in Cambodia, Tonlé Sap Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake drains into the Tonle Sap River which flows into the Mekong River throughout the dry season. But from June to October, the rainy season, the Tonlé Sap River reverse its flow due to the huge amount of water in the Mekong River.

The water flowing into the lake and the backup of the Tonle Sap River increase the lake to 5-times its size in the dry season. This huge increase floods the surrounding floodplain and forests making an implausibly various and rich eco-system.

There are actually many so-called floating villages set on, and around the Tonle Sap Lake and they are all somewhat completely different. The Tonle Sap Lake is the largest feature of the map of Cambodia, and is an important natural resources in terms of fishing and wetlands.

In the rainy season, the Mekong River backs up into the lake, and it swells to over five times its size in the dry season, flooding the surrounding forests and plains. Of course the best time to visit ‘floating villages’ is throughout the wet season when the water is high. You can try a ‘do-it-yourself’ tour, but it can be a trouble, and there are stories of individuals having problems trying to do it themselves. The four main floating villages are:

The floating village nearest to Siem Reap, it's the one most visited by tourists. During the rainy season, it becomes a floating village with houses, hospitals, gas stations, schools, etc. all bobbing on the water. Despite the fact that it is somewhat ‘touristy’, it is still fascinating and worth seeing. Stops typically include a souvenir and snack shop, and the gecko surroundings Center.

This is not actually a floating village as the homes are designed on tall stilts. In the dry season, the village is high and dry, with the tall stilted houses along the road. At the high level of water the homes seem to “float”. You can take boat rides through the water-logged forest. It’s visited by relatively few tourists. However, home-stay is also accessible.

Being far from Siem Reap and takes around 2 hours by boat from the boat landing at Phnom Krom, there’s an outer floating village, and an inner tall affected village. This village is the biggest population of all the villages on the lake.

This is smaller floating village and also the starting point for bird looking tours to the Prek Taol core area of the Tonle Sap biosphere Reserve. This is a significant environment for many vulnerable bird species. There’s a, water hyacinth weaving center and a biosphere info center. Overnight stay is possible, but isn't well organized, and may not be appropriate for all visitors.

When the water level is high is the best time to visit floating villages, and trips to the flooded forest and wildlife reserves are fascinating. December to April are the best for bird sanctuaries. In the dry season, the lake becomes very shallow, and enormous boats sit on the bottom of the lake. The villages are left dry, and floating villages move onto the lake. Also, forests are dried up, and some bird sanctuaries cannot be reached.