The 5 Best Day Trips from Siem Reap, Cambodia

Banteay Srei temple in Siem Reap
Banteay Srei temple in Siem Reap | © sharonang/pixabay.com
Marissa

If you’ve already explored the main temples at Angkor, partied the night away on Pub Street and traipsed through the town, and still have an extra day left in Siem Reap, then fear not because there are plenty of places close that are well worth exploring.

Phnom Kulen

Considered to be Cambodia’s most sacred mountain, Phnom Kulen sits about 50km from Siem Reap centre and is home to a sprawling national park. Locals flock to the holy site on weekends and during public holidays to pray, leave offerings, stroll through the jungle or picnic next to one of the waterfalls.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Phnom Kulen’s history can be traced back to 802AD when Jayavarman II was said to declare himself a devaraja – ‘god-king’ – at its peak. Within the national park sits a treasure trove of ancient religious monuments and structures that date back to that time, as well as leisurely activities and a walk alongside nature.

Tropical waterfall Phnom Kulen

The park is home to the River of a Thousand Lingas, etched with carvings ofHindu gods and symbols, believed to date back to the reign of King Udayadityavarman II.

The river sits at the base of Wat Preah Ang Thom, a sacred temple. As well as offering sweeping vistas of the surroundings, the wat also houses ancient scripts and a giant, reclining Buddha.

There are also two waterfalls suitable for swimming, although they get pretty powerful during wet seasons and much less so throughout the dry months. A ninth-century temple, Prasat Krau Romeas, can also be reached from the waterfalls, with visitors permitted to wander around the ruins.

Banteay Srei

In 2016, the Visit Banteay Srei community-tourism drive was launched in a bid to attract tourists looking for something to do after exploring the temples. The district, which sits about 30km from Siem Reap centre, is packed full of activities that allow visitors to take a peek into local life.

As well as being home to the 10th-century temple of the same name, which is accessible with a pass to Angkor Archaeological Park and is much less visited than the main temples, Banteay Srei boasts a bounty of stunning landscapes and rural views.

Banteay Srei temple

Start the day at Preah Dak village, whose noodles are famous across Cambodia, and tuck into a traditional Cambodian breakfast of nam ben chok – noodle soup with chicken curry or fish broth – at one of the many stalls that line the main street.

Then spend the rest of the day choosing from the variety of activities like visiting the Cambodia Landmine Museum, a sobering but informative look at the efforts to clear the country of landmines left from decades of civil war and conflict, the wildlife centre called Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, the Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre, as well as trekking and cycling, farm visits, ox cart rides through sleepy villages, and boat trips.

Koh Ker

If you’re not templed out, then another worthwhile day trip is to the remote 10th-century temple of Koh Ker, which sits about 120km northeast of Siem Reap. Thanks to its off-the-beaten-track location, visitors often find they have the temple complex to themselves.

Serving as the capital of the Angkorian empire from 928 A.D. to 944 A.D., the remote site boasts 42 religious structures and monuments spread across a 9km by 4km area nestled among the forest.

Prasat Thom temple at Koh Ker

Known for its extraordinary form, the temple complex was constructed by Jayavarman IV. The main focal point is impressive Prasat Thom, a 50 metre-wide sandstone pyramid that stretches 40 metres into the sky. If you’re not scared of heights, then climb to the top and enjoy the delightful views that lazily stretch to the horizon.

Kampong Khleang

With Siem Reap being home to the mighty Tonle Sap Lake, a visit to the floating communities that call the expanse of water home is a must.

While the closer floating communities of Kampong Phluk and Chong Kneas have become a tourist trap in recent years, Kampong Khleang, for now, has retained its authenticity.

The traditional, stilted community that has a population of about 20,000 people can be explored by visitors and makes an interesting trip, as you observe the villagers living out their lives on the water. Many day tours will take visitors past the schools, shops, community centres, and restaurants that all operate from floating platforms.

Explore a floating village

Observe fisherman and boatmakers going about their daily work before visiting the centre of the village – an island that is home to a market, pagoda, and school.

Preak Toal Bird Reserve

If you’re not an avid twitcher, don’t let this put you off because Preak Toal Bird Reserve is a hive of interesting activity.

Comprised of about 22,000 hectares of protected area that forms part of the Tonle Sap UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the reserve is home to about 150 bird species – many of which are classified as endangered.

Several tour operators offer guided tours of the area, with Sam Veasna Center being the main one – and highly recommended for avid birdwatchers. Trips are led by Wildlife Conservation Society-trained rangers and usually include village cruises through the floating communities that live in this area, bird observation platforms, and an introduction to the conservation work carried out.

Osmose also runs a variety of trips throughout Preak Toal and runs a series of eco-trips and community-based tourism options.

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