Start your day early at 4:40 am to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple. After enjoying the breathtaking sunrise, take a deeper exploration of Angkor Wat. You can take a small break for breakfast at a local restaurant or request a breakfast box from the hotel staff.
Next, continue your tour with Angkor Thom, including visits to the Bayon Temple, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King. Angkor Thom, founded by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, was one of the largest Khmer cities and remained the capital until the 17th century.
After lunch, visit Ta Prohm, famous for the gigantic tree roots intertwined with the temple structure.
End your day by returning to Siem Reap for dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight. You have optional transportation by Tuk Tuk, Car, or Mini Van.
🕗 Morning: Explore the Wonders of Angkor
– Start early (around 7:30 AM) to beat the heat and crowds.
– Visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
– Continue to Bayon Temple (with the iconic smiling faces) and Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple covered in roots).
– Tip: Arrange a tuk-tuk tour or hire a guide for historical context. Sokchea Angkor Hotel can help guests with bookings.
* Optional: Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat if you’re an early riser—totally worth it!
🍲 Lunch: Local Khmer Cuisine
– Head back into town and enjoy lunch at a recommended local restaurant.
– Try dishes like fish amok, beef lok lak, or green mango salad.
– Sokchea Angkor Hotel can suggest authentic and clean spots for traditional meals.
🛍 Afternoon: Culture & Craft
– Visit the Angkor National Museum to understand Khmer history and artifacts.
– Stroll through Artisans Angkor to see traditional crafts being made (and shop for souvenirs).
– Alternatively, try a Khmer cooking class if you prefer something hands-on.
🌇 Evening: Night Market & Entertainment
– Walk through the Siem Reap Night Market or Made in Cambodia Market.
– Grab street food or enjoy a relaxed sit-down dinner.
– End your day with either:
– An Apsara Dance Dinner Show (culture + dining).
– Or the Phare Cambodian Circus – storytelling through acrobatics and theater (highly recommended).
*Optional Add-on: Relax & Recharge
– Before dinner or after your day out, enjoy a Khmer massage or spa treatment.
– Many places offer 1-hour foot or full-body massages starting around $10–$15.
Preparing for the Khmer New Year Celebration in Siem Reap Province
As Khmer New Year 2025 approaches, Siem Reap Province is being transformed into a vibrant showcase of Cambodian tradition and culture. Across the city and within the Angkor Wat area, streets are being decorated with elements that celebrate the Khmer way of life, both past and present.
Among the highlights are traditional hats and other items made from palm leaves—meticulously handcrafted to represent the tools and accessories once used in daily life. These handmade decorations connect the modern celebration with the wisdom and artistry of Cambodia’s ancestors.
Adding to the atmosphere are displays of Khmer old-style houses, built using palm wood and palm leaves, echoing the traditional architecture once found across the countryside. Nearby, palm tree boats**—symbolizing life along Cambodia’s rivers—are placed along walkways, and **handmade ox carts, a symbol of rural Khmer livelihood, are proudly exhibited, drawing smiles and nostalgia from visitors.
Large ceramic jars filled with water are stationed, inviting everyone to join in the playful water-splashing tradition that brings joy, blessings, and cool relief during the festive heat. As people walk or ride through Siem Reap, they are immersed in a lively cultural celebration that honors Khmer heritage while welcoming the New Year with warmth and fun.
This blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit makes Siem Reap’s preparations for Khmer New Year 2025 a truly memorable and meaningful experience for all.
Nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, just a short distance from the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, Angkor Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape into nature and a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s rich biodiversity. As one of the few dedicated botanical gardens in the country, it serves not only as a tranquil retreat for visitors but also as a center for education, conservation, and sustainability. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, the garden offers something for everyone.
Spanning over 15 hectares, Angkor Botanical Garden is home to a diverse collection of native and exotic plant species. The garden is thoughtfully divided into different thematic sections, including a palm garden, orchid house, medicinal plant garden, butterfly garden, and more. Each area is carefully curated to showcase the rich flora of Cambodia and Southeast Asia, with informative signs that explain the significance, uses, and conservation status of each plant. Visitors can stroll through shaded pathways lined with towering trees, flowering shrubs, and rare plant species, all set against the backdrop of traditional Khmer architecture and serene water features.
One of the standout attractions is the Orchid Pavilion, where visitors can marvel at a vibrant variety of orchids that bloom in stunning colors and unique shapes. The garden is also home to several endangered and endemic species, highlighting its commitment to plant conservation. Educational displays around the park provide valuable insights into the importance of protecting Cambodia’s native ecosystems, making it a great destination for families, students, and eco-conscious travelers.
But Angkor Botanical Garden is more than just a beautiful park. It is a vital part of local conservation efforts. The garden’s mission includes preserving native plant species, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting sustainable landscaping practices. It partners with local schools, universities, and NGOs to offer workshops, guided tours, and research opportunities. By integrating education and conservation, the garden inspires both locals and tourists to develop a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s natural heritage.
For those seeking relaxation, the garden offers plenty of shaded seating areas, scenic picnic spots, and a café where visitors can enjoy refreshments surrounded by nature. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the garden’s role as a habitat for local bird species, making it an ideal spot for wildlife observation. The peaceful environment makes it perfect for meditation, yoga, or a simple stroll to unwind from the hustle of daily life or temple touring.
In recent years, Angkor Botanical Garden has become a favored destination for eco-tourism and green living initiatives in Cambodia. With its beautiful landscapes, educational programs, and focus on sustainability, it plays a key role in promoting environmental stewardship in the region. Whether you spend an hour or an entire afternoon here, the garden leaves a lasting impression of serenity, knowledge, and natural wonder.
So, if you’re visiting Siem Reap, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Angkor Botanical Garden. It’s a hidden gem that offers a refreshing break from the crowds, while connecting you to the beauty and importance of Cambodia’s natural environment.
