Unique experiences in Siem Reap /

Trust us when we say that Siem Reap is not just about the remarkable temples of Angkor; it really has much, much more to offer. Having lived in Siem Reap at home for over eight years, we feel well qualified to lead you to a selection of unique experiences that are sure to leave you in awe. If we could give one piece of advice to anyone planning a trip to Siem Reap, it would be to extend your stay and dig a little deeper. Not only does this give you more time to explore the incredible Angkor Wat, but many of the other temple complexes that make up Angkor Archeological Park. Plus, you get to enjoy some pretty unique experiences that you shouldn’t miss.

Take to the skies with Cambodia Balloon Adventures

Cambodia Balloon Adventures offers a whole new and unique experience in the countryside surrounding Siem Reap. They are the first fully licensed balloon operator to take to the air in Cambodia, meaning visitors to Siem Reap can now enjoy a unique perspective on life in the authentic Cambodian countryside. With daily flights from a selection of carefully selected locations and departure times at both sunset and sunrise, you can catch your flight at a time that suits your schedule, making the most of your time in Siem Reap.

Be sure to book in advance for this “hot ticket” experience in Siem Reap, which operates from December 1 to March 31. As you soar above the villages, rice paddies and jungles below, you may even catch a glimpse of one of the Cambodian countryside’s remarkable temple complexes. Look out for Pre Rup, built in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Being able to view this from above is a real treat and truly unique.

Experiential dining at Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Right in the center of town, the Park Hyatt Siem Reap offers unique dining experiences that showcase Chef Pisith Theam’s love of working with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Sit back and be enchanted by the traditional Apsara dance show, where highly skilled dancers take you on a journey through myths and legends, an artistic practice that is central to Cambodian history and culture. You’ll eat course after course of exceptional, elevated and traditional Khmer dishes created by Chef Pisith, one of Cambodia’s most accomplished culinary experts.

For a modern and theatrical twist on dinnertime, Park Hyatt Siem Reap is currently hosting Le Petit Chef. Here, five courses of delicious food are presented through a continuous 3D projected narrative, complete with theme music, as the world’s smallest chef performs his adventurous virtual cooking skills right on your tabletop. The great inclusion of the added Khmer theatrical chef Pisith makes this a truly unique dining experience not to be missed.

Responsible Elephant Tourism in Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary

Cambodia is home to a number of nature reserves, protected areas designated for the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. Unfortunately, many of these are threatened by illegal logging and poaching, despite their ‘protected’ status, so visiting and supporting this unique experience in Siem Reap is even more important. Located in the Cambodian countryside 100 km north of Siem Reap, you will find the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many rescued animals, including three adult elephants. One of these magnificent creatures is Kaavan, a male elephant who was kept in captivity at Islamabad Zoo in Pakistan for over 35 years. He moved into his new home in 2020 and can now enjoy the rest of his years cared for and respected by the excellent team at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary.

With an area of ​​32,000 hectares, there is enough space for Kaavan and two female elephants. Sarai-Mia (pictured below) and Di-Ploh also call this protected area home alongside many endemic and endangered species. You can spot deer, giant ibis, cranes, monkeys, gibbons and several species of turtles. Spending time here is truly a unique experience that goes some way towards supporting this valuable project and ensuring that the environment is protected.

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Authentic farm to table dining at Lum Orng

Take a drive down a dusty red dirt road tucked away in the backstreets of Siem Reap and you’ll find yourself in Lum Orng, Siem Reap’s very own farm-to-table dining experience. Located across the street from Lum Orng’s cooking school and farm, the restaurant is housed in a converted Khmer log house, lit by chandeliers and with draped floor-to-ceiling glass windows to entice garden views inside.

Chef Sothea crafts what he calls “New Mekong Cuisine,” which celebrates Khmer food and aims to preserve Cambodia’s culinary traditions, many of which were lost when the brutal Khmer Rouge regime seized power in the late 1970s. grip. Ingredients for the multi-course tasting menus are sourced fresh from the farm or from other local or regional suppliers. Chef Sothea’s modern take on traditional Khmer cuisine takes you on a delicious culinary journey celebrating the flavors, culture and produce of this beautiful country in every bite.

Siem Reap is an incredible destination in an enchanting country and is rightly regarded as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. A firm favorite on bucket lists around the world and often written about in travel publications, it’s often just a visit to the temples that gets featured and not much else. However, Siem Reap has so much more to offer. Our four unique experiences, plus the city’s many great hotels, cool cafes, and memorable restaurants, ensure that your extended stay will be one you’ll remember for a long time.

Paul Eyers is founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.

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