Happy Pchum Ben Day Festival

Also called Ancestor’s’ Day, Pchum Ben is, according to legend, a time where spirits of deceased relatives and ancestors walk the earth. Running for 15 days, usually towards the end of September or October, the fifteenth day of the tenth month of the Khmer Calendar marks one of the most traditional and colourful festivals in Cambodia with people dressing up in traditional clothing to visit their local pagodas with food and offerings and pay respect to their ancestors.

Pchum Ben can also be translated to ‘gathering together to make offerings’, and that’s exactly what families do when they visit the pagodas.

Enjoy your wonderful family reunion!

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🌿 Kampong Khleang Nature Tourism Community
Location: Kampong Khleang Village, Kampong Khleang Commune, Sout Nikom District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia about 52 km southeast of Siem Reap city and Sokchea Angkor Hotel.

Established in 2016, the community was formed in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs to support local livelihoods by developing sustainable ecotourism and promoting environmental conservation.

 

🌟 What You Can Experience
🛶 Canoe & Boat Tours
Ride canoes or wooden boats through floating villages, seasonally flooded forests, and the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake.
Witness the daily life of fishing communities and their adaptation to water-based living.
🍲 Community Meals & Homestays
Enjoy traditional Khmer meals made from local ingredients (like sticky rice, palm sugar, and grilled fish).
Stay overnight with local families to immerse yourself in rural Cambodian life.
📚 Environmental Education
A portion of the income from tourism supports Bridge of Life School, clean water projects, and environmental education for locals and children.
📅 Seasonal Features
Rainy Season (June–October): The entire village becomes a floating village with houses and boats gliding over the water.
Dry Season (November–May): The water recedes, exposing “wooden skyscrapers” — tall stilt houses that rise dramatically above the dry land.
💲 Tour Options & Pricing
Option Description
Group Tours: Daily departures with guides, canoe trip, and village visit & Price Range 38–45 USD
Private Tours 5.5-hour full experience, including school visit, pagoda, and Tonlé Sap sunset view & Price Range $60 USD
Custom Packages: Add-on services like Khmer cooking class, extended homestays, or community volunteering: & Price Range Varies
✅ Best For
Activity, What You’ll Gain
Canoe/Boat Ride: Explore ecosystems, learn about floodplain living and aquatic biodiversity
Environmental Study: Get insights from community guides about seasonal flooding and sustainable adaptation
Community Support: Help fund local education and clean water through responsible tourism
Local Culture: Participate in Khmer traditions like fishing, cooking, and temple visits
🌍 Community Impact
The project actively improves livelihoods, education, and environment.
It’s known for being a more ethical alternative to over-commercialized floating villages like Chong Khneas.
Revenues are reinvested into the community through infrastructure, schooling, and clean water access.

Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium is located approximately 26 km east of Siem Reap city center along National Road 6, near the village of Damdaek.

Starting from Sokchea Angkor Hotel, which lies in Svay Dangkum on National Road No. 6 in Siem Reap city, the distance to Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium is roughly the same about 25 to 26 km. Travelers report the journey typically takes around 45 minutes by tuk-tuk or car. During peak times, it may take a little longer.

Ticket Prices 

– Foreign visitors: ~$18–20 for adults, ~$11 for children

– Residents (including expats with work permits): ~$10 for adults, ~$5–5.50 for children

Hours & Transport

AWA is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with occasional extended hours.

– tuk-tuk (one way $16) and round trip transfer $20

 

On-Site Facilities 

Inside Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium, visitors enjoy local-price cafés with views of the tiger habitat, picnic areas, a floating market-style food court, a butterfly garden, and a crocodile feeding arena. Indoor sections are climate-controlled, offering comfort during Cambodia’s warmer months.

 

Why Visit and Who Will Love It

For families, students, nature lovers, or travelers looking to go beyond temples, AWA offers a refreshing break. The experience combines learning, relaxation, and conservation in a serene setting that’s often less crowded than major tourist spots.

 

 

Pairing a visit to Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium with a nearby temple like Roluos Group makes for an enriching full-day adventure in Siem Reap.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, getting a visa no longer has to be a hassle. Thanks to the Cambodia e-Visa system, travelers can now apply for a tourist visa entirely online, saving both time and effort.

 

The Cambodia e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries and is intended strictly for tourism purposes. If you’re traveling for business, work, or any other reason, you’ll need to apply through a Cambodian embassy instead. The e-Visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and allows for a single entry into Cambodia, with a maximum stay of 30 days.

 

One of the great benefits of the e-Visa is that it can be used at several key points of entry. You can enter Cambodia through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville International Airports. If you’re arriving by land, the e-Visa is accepted at Bavet (from Vietnam), Poipet (from Thailand), and Cham Yeam (also from Thailand).

 

The application process is quick and simple. It usually takes about three business days for approval. All you need is a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a recent passport-style photo (digital format), a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. The cost is typically around $36 USD, which includes a small processing fee.

 

To apply, just visit the official Cambodia e-Visa website at https://www.evisa.gov.kh. Fill out the online form, upload your photo, and pay the fee. Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your email. Be sure to print a copy and bring it with you when you travel.

 

The Cambodia e-Visa makes visiting this beautiful and culturally rich country easier than ever. Whether you’re planning to explore Angkor Wat, relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville, or discover the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, getting your visa is now one less thing to worry about.