5 days in Siem Reap Cambodia

Mie Cafe

Many restaurants in Siem Reap have menus that do Cambodian dishes as well Western dishes but there isn't a proliferation of great fusion restaurants. However Mie Cafe is one of those that do fusion well. It is housed in cambodia tours a lovely colonial style house lush with greenery and frogs. It is an open air restaurant and staff will point fans in your direction when you sit down to cool you off and ward off mosquitoes. And for vegans there is also a vegan menu.

8. Eat At a High End Restaurant

Siem Reap has some truly spectacular restaurants but alas the top restaurant Cuisine Wat Damnak was closed for two months at the time of our visit. We had a fine dining experience at Malis, one of the most visually stunning restaurants.

The service is gentle and deferential and you are led through the bar (6pm is happy hour where drinks are two for the price of one). Chef Luu Meng is Cambodia's biggest celebrity chef and he travels the whole region of Indochina and creates "Living Cambodian Cuisine" which means the Cambodian cuisine of today. This is not fusion cuisine but an elegant, fine dining Cambodian cuisine.

Dinner is probably as pricey as it gets in Siem Reap and will cost around $100USD for two not including drinks. We ordered dishes like Royal mak mee noodles which are mixed at the table and feature pork marinated in Kroeung, Cambodia holiday tour  a traditional curry paste curry paste including lemongrass, chilli, turmeric, garlic, shallots and ginger. We also had Hidden Chreav duck with black pepper sauce and red prawn rice, Fish Amok made with goby fish steamed in a banana leaf basket. The Bang Kang river lobster is more like a yabby and is marinated in a prahok and chilli paste, wrapped in foil and grilled until golden.

9. Bar Hop


Visit cocktail bar Miss Wong's here while you still can because in three years time when the lease is up, owner Dean Williams wants to pack up and move to a different part of Siem Reap. siem reap adventure tours Dean started the retro chic bar eight years ago on a dingy little street dubbed "The Lane" but now because of Pub Street parallel to it and passing time, it has now become a much busier street.


Miss Wong has an enormous cocktail list of their own concoctions. For something pretty, try the rose and lemongrass martini served with rose petals but for some gutsy infusions, try the tom yum martini. Infusing spirits became something of a trademark when Dean wasn't able to access a lot of spirits and now it has grown into something of a signature. Oscar winning actress Marissa Tomei was said to be a big fan of the bar on her visit.

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Wild animals you need to see in Cambodia

If you are planning your Cambodia tour package in the mountainous regions, you will see the wide range of beautiful mammals, birds and reptiles in this area.

Cambodia is home to an incredible collection of wildlife. As for this, there are many sanctuaries and projects helping the survival of rare and endangered animals within Cambodia. There are many activities and sights to see on magnificent variety of the Cambodia trekking tour.

1. Irrawaddy Dolphin

Kratie is located 200km west of Mondulkiri on the banks of the Mekong River. The main reason for a visit to Kratie is to spot the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin. They are an endangered species throughout Asia, with shrinking numbers inhabiting stretches of the Mekong in Cambodia and Laos, and isolated pockets in Bangladesh and Myanmar. They are dark-blue to grey, can grow to 2.75m long, and are recognisable by their small dorsal fins and bulging foreheads. Despite drastic measures to try and protect them, these numbers continue to plummet, and experts now estimate there are only around 80 Irrawaddy dolphins left in the Mekong between Kratie and the border with Laos.

The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) population inhabits a 190km stretch of the Mekong River between Cambodia and Lao PDR. The latest population is estimated between 64 and 76 members (2008 figures). The Irrawaddy dolphin is identified by a bulging forehead, a short beak, and 12-19 teeth on each side of each jaw. The pectoral fin is broadly triangular. There is a small dorsal fin, on the posterior end of the back.

2. Banteng

The banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus) is also known as the tembadau and is a species of wild cattle found in southeast Asia; They are social creatures that spend most of their time in herds of between 2 and 40 individuals, usually led by an older cow and a single mature male. Other males live either alone or in bachelor groups. This single male of the group breeds with all the females which means that competition for dominance is fierce. Usually a single calf is born after a 285 day gestation, they are then weaned at between six to nine months old.

They are found throughout southeast Asia including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. They prefer to live in dry deciduous forests, feeding in open clearings.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful and graceful of all wild cattle in Cambodia, banteng populations  declined by about 95 percent between the late 1960s and early 1990s, according to WWF Cambodia. Today, the Eastern Plains of Cambodia is home to the most banteng, where work to preserve them has led to the population’s stabilisation. However, habitat loss and illegal poaching remain the animals’ main threats, as well as disease from wild livestock.

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3. Clouded Leopard

The Leopard Cat is a small wild cat in the size of the domestic cat that lives in South and East Asia. Due to its large distribution area, several subspecies are distinguished that may exist in different kind of habitats. The overall population is not endangered, but regionally the species has become rare.

This beautiful wild cat inhabits lowland primary and secondary forest. It is mainly nocturnal in habits, but may be active during cooler parts of the day. The Clouded Leopard is considered to be 'the smallest of the big cats' more closely related to larger species such as the true Leopard and Tiger than smaller species, such as the Leopard Cat .

They can also be seen at Wildlife Alliance’s Phnom Tamao Rescue Center, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, where animals are rescued from the clutches of illegal trade and poaching, and rehabilitated before being released into their natural habitat. The clouded leopard is under threat due to wildlife hunting and loss of habitat.

4. Germain’s Silver Langur

The Germain’s langur has a grey coat and black hands and forearms. It’s face is black as well, and because of the high eyebrow-ridge, the monkey has a permanently surprised look on its face. Now there are a lot of leaf-eating Asian primates that look alike the Germain’s langur, but the feature that makes this monkey stand out are the long white whiskers that form a triangle around its face.

These slender monkeys inhabit semi-evergreen and evergreen forest, as well as forests along rivers. The adults are silvery grey and their young are a distinctive ginger. Langurs are still relatively common in Cambodia, with many centred in Mondulkiri’s Eastern Plains. Despite still being spotted, WWF Cambodia estimates that the population has halved in recent years, thanks to hunting and their use in traditional medicine.

==<> day tour in Siem Riep Cambodia

5. Sun Bear

Cambodia is home to the largest population of sun bears left in the wild. As the world’s smallest bear species, they are now facing a high risk of extinction due to the twin threat of habitat loss and illegal hunting. They are called Sun bears, or honey bears, named after their long slender tongue used to extract honey from beehives.These are the world’s smallest bear species. They are easily recognisable by a horseshoe-shaped yellow marking on their chest.

Sun Bears have dark black or brown-black fur with a orange-yellow horseshoe shape in the chest characteristic of this species. They fur is short and sleek to adapt to the hot temperatures of the lowland it inhabits. Some of the regions where the Sun Bear lives include Cambodia, Malaysia, Burma, and Bangladesh, reaching some parts of northeast India. Small numbers of them also live in Vietnam, Borneo and China. Their habitat ranges has been drastically reduced due to the destruction of the forest areas.

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Koh Rong island – a heaven of Cambodia

Move to the south of Cambodia and just 25km from Sihanoukville, travelers will immerse in
the sublime natural beauty and serenity of Koh Rong, one of the most idyllic and beautiful
islands in Cambodia.

Koh Rong has so much to offer, from 43 kilometres of impossibly gorgeous, pristine beach
front, along seven bays, all teeming with corals, marine life and fluorescent plankton, as well
as dense forests covering much of the 78 square-kilometre interior. There are seven bays on
Koh Rong and 28 beaches. Because this island is so big, traveling from one beach to another
beach is not easy and can be quite expensive.

Currently, the rapid development has mostly affected this stretch of yellow-white and
southeast-facing sand. However,  cambodia myanmar holidays you still feel the tranquil and fresh atmosphere here. You
can spend all day long here soaking up some sunshine on the beach, wallow in the sparkling
and turquoise waters, taking part in some water activities and watching the sun set over the
beach.

Wake up in the morning you will feel to live in paradise with white sand, long beach, many
fishes and coral, and all inside the island, the real jungle. Also in the water every night you
can see the luminous trails the phytoplankton. It is so amazing.

It is worth to note that there is notelectricity in the island, but only current generator that give
current more and less from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. There are also no roads, but only beaten tracks,
you can walk into the amazing jungle or reach the beach you prefer, by foot or by boat.

Koh Rong can be reached by a ferry ride from Sihanoukville. You can take a ferry
boat leaving Ochheuteal pier in Sihanoukville and heading to Koh Touch on Koh
Rong. It takes about 40 minutes. The tickets are around $20 return, though prices
can vary depending on time of year, special offers, etc. You can spend one night or
two to explore this beautiful island with many stunning beaches below.

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1. Long Set Beach

With 4-kilometer coastline and long white sand beach, Long Set is an ideal place for
sunbathing, collecting shells and crabbing. . It’s named after the farmer who grows cashew,
mango, and coconut trees behind the beach on land bisected by a river and surrounded by
lush jungle.

Here you also have a chance to explore the marine life and rich coral under the sea with some
water activities like snorkeling and diving in Cambodia. And, if you really want to see
something special, hang around until nightfall; an evening dip in moonlight unveils a host of
bio-luminescent plankton twinkling like an underwater Milky Way. From Sihanoukville, you
can catch a boat riding to Koh Rong, heading to Long Set beach and taking 2 to 3 hours.

==> Angkor Wat travel package 

2. Long Beach

Long Beach (known as Sok San and 7km Beach) is one of the most popular beaches on Koh
Rong - an island off Sihanoukville that boasts miles of scenic coastline and pristine beaches.
With its perfect white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and clear blue-green waters, this
beach is actually a tropical paradise, albeit one with biting sandflies.

It is a beautiful and uncrowded place to enjoy the water or go snorkeling to spot busy marine
life and a rich variety of flora and fauna, jump in a kayak to glide through some of the more
remote areas. At night, you can immerse in the bright lights of the beach party for the
underwater luminous glow of plankton when it is disturbed, which is a spectacular reason to
visit after sunset.

==> siem reap to phnom penh cruise 

3. Coconut Beach

Coconut beach is one of the sweetest beaches on the southwestern side of Koh Rong with
white sand beaches and aquamarine water. There are a handful of places to stay on Coconut
Beach, including one of the swishest options on the island, Koh Rong Resort. Coconut Beach
(originally called Ow Long Sour in Khmer) is quickly being developed with the famous
Coconut Beach Bungalows. They wind around the hill to the left of the beach, with great
views across the bay and out to sea. It’s just a 10-minute walk from nearby Daem Thkov
Village.

( cambodia tours)

The most fascinating towns in Cambodia you must visit [Part 2]

If you are bored with the natural sights of Thailand or Vietnam, Cambodia is definitely a perfect choice for exploring the culture and natural beauty in here.

While the larger cities are rapidly modernizing, the towns are more quiet and it also comprises many interesting things that hasn’t been discovered. This Cambodia travel destination brings you a chance to experience a more traditional way of life, including treks into the jungle or to see more fascinating ancient ruins.

6. Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Also called Boeung Tonle Sap, it hosts one of the world’s most vibrant ecosystems, with massive numbers of many different species of wildlife in and around the lake, which helped to sustain and grow the ancient Khmer civilisation and continues to supply Siem Reap restaurants. It is also famous for its fascinating local communities and their floating villages.

The massive lake is as much as 250 km in length and 100 km across at its widest point, making it seem like an inland ocean because it is impossible to see the opposite shore from ground level. Surprisingly, it is actually fairly shallow, with a maximum depth of only 10 metres, but the sheer size of it means that it can hold up to 80 km3 of water.

The Tonle Sap provides numerous opportunities for visitors to travel to one of the stilted or floating villages of Cambodia and experience the vibrant communities and diverse animals that inhabit the great Cambodian lake.  Either via day trips to flooded forests and floating villages from Siem Reap, Kompong Chhnang, and Pursat or while traveling between Siem Reap and either Phnom Penh or Batdambang aboard a ferry or luxury riverboat, even a glimpse of a Cambodian floating village is an experience to remember.

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7. Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia is located on the north-eastern side of the Tonle Sap Lake and is the main access to visit Angkor Wat. This is the gateway to the temples of Angkor and also a mix of traditional and colonial architecture set on the banks of the Siem Reap River. This once sleepy-town has seen a huge increase in the number of visitors keen to discover the temples, and its centre is a daily (and nightly) throng of activity.

The modern town is like nowhere else in Cambodia, packed with wall-to-wall hotels, restaurants, bars, boutiques, tour operators and massage parlours; its streets thronged day and night with tourists, touts and tuk-tuk drivers in a giddy bedlam of incessant activity, with endless quantities of hot food and cheap beer, and a nonstop party atmosphere.


8. Chi Phat

Chi Phat is located in Koh Kong province, which is in the Southwest of Cambodia. Chi Phat is mainland South East Asia’s largest remaining tract of rainforest situated directly in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains. Life is very simple with few facilities and pristine nature. There, you can cycle, kayak, trek, and mingle with residents alike. These intrepid travelers, who are avid to stay in a village where the villagers themselves protect the environment, control tourism and act as guides, will find it an ideal place.

The natural beauty of this area is unsoiled and you can enjoy many active pursuits in the great outdoors including cycling and kayaking. It is also a good place to come to see how traditional rural communities live in Cambodia. With mountains, mangroves and low land swamps on the one hand and many cultural artifacts such as burial jars and wooden coffins on the other hand, Chi Phat and its surrounding area has a variety of attractions to offer both to local and international tourists. Tourists can take a walk through the forest trails and meet warm and friendly village people.

==> Tour from siem reap to phnom penh

9. Battambang

Battambang province lies in the far western region of Cambodia; it’s bounded to the west by Thailand, the south by the Cardamom mountains, the east by Tonle Sap lake and Pursat, and to the north by Banteay Meanchey province. While Phnom Penh is eaten by traffic and Siem Reap is defined by the pressures of mass tourism, Battambang thrives on its own terms. It is an affluent town, the center of the "rice bowl" of Cambodia. While it is increasing in popularity, it is still a wonderful place to see the real Cambodia.

This colonial riverside town is a popular destination for those who want to unwind and take in the beauty of nature and rural daily life, while experiencing the best of artsy boutique hotels, original restaurants and quirky cafés. A very relaxed place to visit Battambang offers access to numerous pre-Angkorian and Angkorian sites and some of the most interesting are the 7th century Wat Toul Baset, 11th century Wat Ek and 10th century Phnom Banon which sits on the top of a hill and affords great views of the surrounding countryside.

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10. Kep

Kep was  once Cambodia’s most popular beach vacation for the colonial French elite and wealthy Khmer. Today the town feels like a backpacker’s heaven that has just about turn over. It’s a quieter and more authentic alternative to Cambodia’s other popular seaside holiday destination, Sihanoukville, to the west, which has a casino-on-the-beach atmosphere.

Unlike the white sand beaches in Sihanoukville, here it is black rocks and mangroves which dominate the beach scenery.  Seafood is tasty and cheap, and the pristine island of Koh Tunsay is easily accessible. There isn’t much to do in Kep except lounge around Knai Bang Chatt, the top hotel in the area; hike or bike in Kep National Park; go to the crab market; or watch the sun set over Vietnam, which is 12 miles away.

==> Source: https://cambodiatours.com/

28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia-part 4

22. It gets very, very hot and humid

Like, really, really humid. There were some days where I felt like my face would melt off, join the puddle inside my t-shirt and form a waterfall. I come from a hot climate, but it’s the thick, dank humidity that’ll get you in Cambodia Tours . So, make sure you get up and get exploring early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, avoid the midday sun and wear very light, breathable clothing.

23. It’s very safe in Siem Reap

I found Siem Reap to be a super nice, safe place. I’d say because it’s much smaller than Phnom Penh and there seemed to be more tourists, so it has a bit of a ‘tourist town’ thing going on. The locals depend on tourism to make money, so they look out for them a bit more I guess. Either way, it was very safe for us to get around on foot, even at night. Just be aware of scammers, but bag snatchers and pick-pockets didn’t appear to be an issue in Siem Reap.

 28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia  28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia
24. Take tissues and hand sanitiser with you everywhere

When you use the toilet, there’s no guarantee of there being toilet paper or a basin with soap. Be prepared. Stay alive.

25. The mosquitos are very hungry

For real though, there are some insanely hungry mosquitos in Cambodia. While I didn’t get bitten once, my travel mates were absolutely ravaged. Pack some heavy duty bug spray and use it liberally and regularly. Dengue is the real deal! Avoid at all costs. #

==> trip in cambodia 

26. Visit temples early in the day

Avoid the crowds by visiting temples earlier in the day, this is particularly important for things like the Grand Palace. Go at opening time! In regards to Angkor Wat, it’s crowded all the time, more so at sunrise and sunset, so I guess you should just go there whenever you can.

 27. They really do eat bugs and spiders

I thought this was just a tourist thing, but I asked my local guide about it and he said they really do eat all those weird things you see around town. Spiders, crickets, snakes. The works! Just be aware, if you try to take a photo of these things at Pub Street, you’ll need to pay the vendor.

 ==> siem reap to phnom penh cruise 

28. You’ll fall in love with the people

Just be prepared…. Cambodians are dang gorgeous. They’re a people who have suffered unspeakable amounts of horror and pain throughout their history and yet, when you meet them and see them on the street, they’ll greet you with love and respect. Little kids will wave and smile at you, their mums will welcome you warmly and their dads will treat you with nothing but the upmost respect. I LOVE the Cambodian people. They have the best smiles in Asia! So, be prepared to fall in love with them, because they’re amazing and they’re a huge part of what makes Cambodia so special.

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5 Curiosities of Southeast Asia

Things that amaze you from the beginning, details that make a difference from what you know. Curiosities that grab your attention.

1) No matter how early you wake up, there will be always people in the streets. ALWAYS. People that go to work, some that live in the streets or a few that have set their stands in order to start selling any kind of product.

==> Siem Reap day tours 

DSCF2037In most of the countries I visited in Asia people start to wake up around 5 am. Heavy traffic, slow transportations and early sunrise are factors that indeed contribute to this fact. Remember Southeast Asia is the crowdest place on earth!

2) You will be asked personal questions all the time (get used to it, ladies!) I was asked hundreds of times if I was married or if I had kids as the first question in a conversation. It became so normal to me that at some point I didn’t feel intimidated.

3) Locals will want to take pictures with you probably as much (or more) as you want with/of them.

Curiosidades culturales en Vietnam - Cultural curiosities in Vietnam
Vietnamese guys that followed me to take a picture in every corner
Thai smily people
Smiley Thai girls in the Shutdown in February 2014, Bangkok.
4) Street food is vital, essential and delicious!

Food stand in Hanoi
When I was in Da Nang my cousin and me were even randomly invited to a Vietnamese picnic! It was so unexpected and nice!

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Or you will even find some delicious food on boats!

Street food in Hanoi
These fried ‘things’ (sorry I forgot the name) I ate them both in Thailand and in Vietnam. In Thailand I ate it with sweet things and in Vietnam with a hot sauce. It reminded me a bit of churros, a Spanish delicious dessert which consists of fried flour and something else that we normally eat with hot chocolate. Yummy! =)

Bo bia ngot is a Hanoi snack made out of two very thin pancakes with a sheet of honeycomb on top. Not only that but it’s sprinkled with desiccated coconut and sesame seeds!

It’s really, really good! What appears on the picture is the small stand that you will find in the streets of Hanoi. Their owners carry them in their bikes (like almost anything else in Vietnam :P)

Bread in Vietnam
Bread vendor in Vietnam. Vietnam has a big influence from the French occupancy that lasted for some years. It’s the Asian country where I saw a bigger consumption of this product (normally in the neighboring countries they eat rice instead of bread)
5) Chaos is in the end, the only order you will find in Asia. Of course it depends on the country you visit but the tendency is to find cities a bit chaotic.

==> cambodia laos visit

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28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia( part 1)

Planning your first trip to Cambodia ? Well, my friend, you are in for a real treat. Cambodia is an absolutely beautiful country, home to stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, incredible history and some of the most lovely locals you could hope to meet anywhere. If this is your first time, there are a few essential pieces of information you need to know. Luckily, I’ve pulled them together for you into one super convenient blog post. Woohoo! So, here are 28 things you absolutely, most definitely, really need to know before you visit Cambodia.

1. Don’t buy from local children or give them money or food

With their beautiful little faces, it can be very hard to resist buying trinkets from local children. You’ll find them begging in the streets or selling goods outside temples. Please, don’t give them money or food and don’t buy from them. It may sound harsh, but hear me out. When they get food or money from you, it devalues an education. Rather than going to school, they and their parents may see it as more viable for them to continue working over tourists.  The Cambodian Government agrees and openly and actively encourages tourists who want to do good to donate to local schools and charity organisations instead. Read more about it here.

==> travel in cambodia 

2. You’ll need a mix of currencies

It’s time to get Riel. No, that’s not a type-o, Riel is the official currency of Cambodia. That said, the currency you’ll want to take with you is US Dollars. For anything that costs more than $1, you’ll be paying in US Dollars. For any change less than $1, you’ll be given Riel. When you withdraw money from a local ATM in Cambodia, it’ll come out in US Dollars or, in some cases, give you the option to choose US or Riel. Always choose US, it’s widely accepted and easier to understand when you’re converting things. Also, you’ll have FAR fewer notes in your wallet, much easier all around.

3. They’re funny about the bills though…

If you get a note with a rip or tear in it, they won’t accept it. Like, flat-out, hardcore no. It’s actually kinda shocking when it first happens to you. They also don’t like ‘old’ bills. I bought a book at the airport and the guy refused to take my $5US bill because it was ‘an old bill’…. Mostly though, if you dig in and are calm but confident and state you have no other bills to pay with, they will take it. Save yourself the hassle though, make sure all your bills are pristine.

==> Luxury Cambodia tours 

4. A little Khmer goes a long way

Khmer is the name of the Cambodia language. It goes a long way to learn a few basic phrases, so please do! Here are a few that are super easy to learn and you can use them every day: