Countryside Life and Dining

From local villages to monk blessings and from ox-cart rides to fine dining in a paddy field, this is a truly exquisite experience that's perfect for families and couples. It's ideal for those who want to see more of Cambodia than just temples.

Area

Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

Type

Art & Architecture

Food & Drink

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Duration

Half Day

Beyond the temples lies a rural landscape which is often little changed since the days of Jayavarman VII. To depart Siem Reap having seen only the temple ruins is to miss contemporary Khmer culture. As infrastructure and technology encroach upon the countryside, this opportunity will soon be lost.

After a short drive from Siem Reap visit a colourful contemporary pagoda to learn more about the importance of Buddhism in rural communities and seek a blessing from the monks.

This evening joins us at ABOUTAsia’s country villa Chandara, situated in a beautiful and tranquil village to the north of the Western Baray. An impressive engineering feat, this man-made reservoir was once integral to the complex Angkorian rice irrigation system. You will travel to Chandara by boat (depending on the water level) late this afternoon.

To relax here for a while is an opportunity to slow down and just watch, cold drink in hand. The tempo of the Cambodian countryside is truly meditation in motion. At the end of the day, you will likely see ox-carts returning from the fields, children washing their water buffalos, or playing and laughing as they jump from the bridge into the stream.

While our chef prepares your Classic Dinner, you can wander across the levees of the rice paddies, look for fish traps, or walk to a viewpoint over the ancient reservoir. Listen to the elegance of traditional Khmer music played by local musicians, before being seated for your evening meal.

Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas is a fantastic option for those wanting a super slick and stylish boutique hotel in a great location, just a 15-minute drive from Angkor Wat.

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Viroth's Hotel

For modernist architecture with a tropical twist, jewel-toned vintage-styled Scandinavian furniture and a hip but friendly vibe, check in to Viroth’s Hotel. A firm favourite with the design-conscious, Viroth’s evokes the ex-pat glamour of a bygone age.

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Amansara

Occupying what was once the 1960's guest villa of Cambodia's retired king, Amansara is exclusive, luxurious and tranquil – the perfect retreat after a day's sightseeing offering fantastic service, delicious cuisine and luxury accommodation.

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Zannier Hotel Phum Baitang

Phum Baitang, which means 'Green Village' in Khmer is one of Siem Reap's most luxurious and elegant hideaways, with just 45 spacious stilted villas that are wrapped in luminous greenery and finished with high quality interiors.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Tonle Sap on Ella (private boat)

Experience the Tonle Sap in style! Our wonderful wooden boat, Ella, has been designed from scratch to experience the wildlife and absorb the unique floating villages on the margins of the lake.

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Khmer Discovery Dining Experience

Spend the evening sampling mouth-watering dishes at three of Siem Reap's finest restaurants. Travel between the restaurants by private tuk tuk, and enjoy a course at each stop. This is the perfect way to try some of the best cuisine Cambodia has to offer.

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Temples of the Forest

This fantastic tour is geared around avoiding the crowds, getting you to Ta Prohm, Ta Nei and Ta Keo at the quietest time of day. Ensconced in jungle, these temples are ideal for adventurous families and couples wanting an Indiana Jones experience!

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Hidden Temple Trek

Visit some of Angkor's hidden temples on this afternoon hike through Angkor Archaeological Park. Starting at Angkor Thom follow the walls to pass through Angkor Krau. Through paddy fields you will end at Prasat Banteay Thom where sunset drinks await.

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Explore Angkor Thom

This is one of our favourite half-day experiences from Siem Reap.

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Sunset Cocktails

Enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems. Relaxing with gin and tonic in hand and accompanied by the sound of bird song, this is a great way to end the day.

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Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea Full Day Tour

One of our favourite experiences in Siem Reap that gets you out to the Cambodian countryside to Beng Mealea, a sprawling jungle temple. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading on to Banteay Srei temple which is made from beautiful red sand-stone.

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Angkor Thom Scavenger Hunt by Bicycle

Exclusive to Scott Dunn and ideal for the whole family, this unique experience takes you through Angkor Thom on an adventurous photo scavenger hunt. You'll have 11 different clues peppered across the ancient temples. Success will be awarded at the end!

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Boat Trip on Tonle Sap Lake

Home to colourful floating villages and luminous mangroves, Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is just 45 minutes from Siem Reap. Spend time cruising the lake onboard a simple local boat, a perfect way to explore.

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