Development in Siem Reap

It has been 20 years since I first travelled to Cambodia and the magical town of Siem Reap. A whole lot has happened in 20 years, the degree of development has been unprecedented. On first arriving in 1993 the immediate impression was not enough services available to the tourist. Certainly there was still the tuk tuk drivers eager to operate a vehicle you on a tour of the temples of Angkor for the day. Hotels were popping up but other services were limited. There have been no ATMs and little else to do if one wanted to take a break from visiting the temples. Fast forward 20 years and the problem has completely changed by way of a great deal of investment, knowledge and innovation. It has been possible through development aid. The tenacity of the area people who despite all the atrocities they've been through are keen to exhibit off their wonderful country and take the opportunities they have. It has also been possible as many Khmers who escaped throughout the Khmer Rouge era are returning with the knowledge they have gained abroad bringing positive change to the area community.

With many local businesses preparing for the brand new tourist season starting in October don't just think of a tour to Siem Reap as only a quick temple visit. A moment to have a review of what else is available and how it increases the local economy.

Horse-riding in Siem Reap is one particular tour, for those with only a little adventure at heart you will want to have a horse riding tour for 1-3 hours through rural countryside passing streams, rice fields and local villages. The tours are ideal for beginners and children and certainly are a fun method to split up visiting the temples or simply for experiencing something different on a tour to Cambodia.

For individuals with a mind for heights and attempting to catch some aerial views and photographs of the majestic Angkor Wat regarding Siem Reap Cambodia try a balloon ride over Angkor. The German made helium balloon doesn't actually move as it is attached with a rope but ascends around 200 metres for a 10 minute trip which enables you to get some good great photographs and an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the planet!

If you learn yourself in Siem Reap on a Sunday evening a good experience is really a traditional Khmer dance show with live traditional music placed on by the Cambodian Children's House of Peace, an orphanage in Siem Reap. The show is held every Sunday during the school term without fail at 7pm. It is completely free but do create a donation for their worthy cause if visiting. If you are visiting during rainy season there is a rain cover so don't allow that put you off. It's really worth the visit.

We provide great value of tours and professional per-tour plan before the tour start to discuss how we can get along to avoid the crowds Siem Reap travel