Happy Pchum Ben Day Festival

   Discover Traditional Khmer Archery

The Royal Archery Club offers a rare opportunity to try Khmer-style archery, inspired by ancient Angkorian warriors. You won’t just be shooting arrows—you’ll be stepping into history. From handcrafted bamboo arrows to traditional wooden bows, every part of the experience connects you with Cambodia’s martial past.

All skill levels are welcome. Whether you’re a total beginner or have tried archery before, trained instructors will guide you through proper stance, aiming techniques, and safety. Sessions take place in a quiet outdoor setting surrounded by trees, traditional structures, and scenic rice fields.

   Pricing & Packages

For short-term visitors, the pricing is simple and affordable:

– Foreign visitors: $9 USD for a 90-minute session (includes instruction + all equipment)
– Cambodian locals & expats: $5 USD for 90 minutes
– Group and extended memberships are also available, but casual visitors only need to pay the basic walk-in fee.

Many travelers report they were pleasantly surprised by the value. You can shoot as much as you want during the session, and you’re welcome to take breaks, walk around, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

   Easy Access from Sokchea Angkor Hotel & Downtown

Staying at Sokchea Angkor Hotel or anywhere in central Siem Reap? The Royal Archery Club is only a 15–20 minute ride away by tuk-tuk or car. Located in Steung Village, Prasat Bakong District, it’s easy to combine this with visits to nearby Bakong Temple or as a relaxing mid-morning or afternoon break.

Drivers can use this Google Maps link for exact directions:
📍 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/JJVVw3WYXFK35Z3n7)

More Than Just Archery

Beyond shooting arrows, the Royal Archery Club feels like a living cultural village. The site features:

– Traditional Khmer military-style architecture
– Homestay bungalows and a local café
– Opportunities to dress in Angkorian outfits for photos
– A peaceful atmosphere away from the city bustle

It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take great photos, learn something new, and walk away with a unique memory.

   Add It to Your Itinerary

If you only have a couple of days in Siem Reap, you can still enjoy the Royal Archery Club without disrupting your temple visits or tours. Plan for 2–3 hours, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed, entertained, and culturally enriched.

Ready, aim… experience!
Include the Royal Archery Club on your Siem Reap itinerary and discover a side of Cambodia most tourists miss.

Cambodia, known for its warmth and hospitality, invites visitors to experience its rich cultural heritage with respect and awareness. Before embarking on your journey to this Kingdom of Wonder, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local customs and practices to ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

When traveling in Cambodia, it is crucial to seek permission before taking photographs of Cambodian people or monks, as this demonstrates respect for their privacy and cultural practices. In places of worship, such as pagodas or temples, it is customary to remove your shoes and dress modestly, covering your upper arms and legs while removing hats. This practice also extends to entering someone’s home, where removing your shoes is a sign of respect. A respectful greeting involves a slight bow with your hands pressed together at the chest, known as the “Sampeah.” If you are invited to dine at a Cambodian family’s home, bringing a small gift, such as fruit, dessert, or flowers, is considered polite. Additionally, when attending a Cambodian wedding, it is customary to bring cash as a wedding gift. At the dining table, if using a toothpick, cover your mouth with one hand to maintain propriety. Business cards should be exchanged with both hands, and they should also be received in the same manner.

Conversely, there are several important DON’Ts to observe while in Cambodia. Do not use your feet to point at someone or touch a Cambodian person’s head, as both actions are considered disrespectful. If you are a guest at a meal, wait for the host to start eating before you begin. Women should avoid touching male monks or handing items directly to them, as this is not permissible. It is also advised to keep public displays of affection to a minimum, as overt displays may be viewed as inappropriate.

In terms of commonsense practices, ensure that you do not litter and contribute to keeping the community clean and safe. Proper disposal of plastic bags is essential to avoid environmental hazards.

When it comes to what to wear, Cambodia’s weather is categorized into the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). For the dry season, lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing is recommended due to the hot and humid conditions. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are advisable for outdoor activities like hiking or trekking, and a hat and sunglasses are useful for sun protection. During the rainy season, packing a light rain poncho or a sturdy umbrella is practical, along with a light jacket or cardigan for the cooler months of December and January. When visiting outdoor temples, including Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable, but shoes and hats should be removed at the entrance. For more formal sites like the Silver Pagoda within the Royal Palace grounds, dress more formally: gentlemen should wear long trousers, and ladies should opt for long trousers or skirts while keeping their shoulders covered.

For your trip, be sure to bring photocopies of your passport and at least two passport-size photographs. Carry cash in denominations of US$1, $10, $20, and $50, and consider packing a folding umbrella or lightweight rain poncho if traveling during the rainy season. Zip lock bags are handy for keeping items fresh and dry. Most importantly, bring an adventurous spirit to fully embrace and enjoy the diverse experiences Cambodia has to offer.

DAY ONE

Begin your day with a tour of Angkor Thom, which includes 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. Then, visit Ta Prohm, known for its massive tree roots enveloping the temple structures.

After lunch, explore Angkor Wat, the Seventh Wonder of the World. Spend your afternoon marveling at this iconic temple. As the day comes to an end, climb Bakheng Hill to enjoy a spectacular sunset view. Return to Siem Reap for dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight.

DAY TWO

On the second day, venture into the typical Khmer countryside to visit Banteay Srey, the “Citadel of Women” or “Citadel of Beauty,” noted for its size and intricate decorations. Next, explore Banteay Samre, built in the late 12th century, featuring a central temple with four wings, a hall, and two libraries, all enclosed by two concentric walls and continue your journey to East Mebon Temple and Pre Rup.