TEMPLE DISCOVERY PACKAGE 2 DAYS TOUR ITINERARY

   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.

Nestled on the northwestern edge of Cambodia’s iconic Tonlé Sap Lake lies a unique and enchanting destination—**Prek Toal**, a floating village and internationally recognized bird sanctuary that perfectly embodies the harmony between nature, culture, and sustainable tourism. This community-based ecotourism site, located in Battambang Province, offers a rare window into the daily life of a waterborne community while providing critical protection to some of Southeast Asia’s most endangered bird species.

What makes Prek Toal truly exceptional is its dual identity. On one hand, it’s a thriving floating village where families live in houses that rise and fall with the lake’s changing seasons. On the other, it is home to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a biosphere reserve managed with the support of the Wildlife Conservation Society and local conservationists. This flooded forest ecosystem is considered the most important breeding ground for large waterbirds in Southeast Asia, sheltering endangered species such as the Spot-billed Pelican, Painted Stork, Greater Adjutant, and Milky Stork.

The best time to visit Prek Toal is between December and February, during the dry season when the sanctuary comes alive with nesting activity. Birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers flock to the area for guided boat tours led by trained local bird guides. Visitors are treated to the sight of hundreds of birds soaring overhead or nesting in treetops, creating a visual and auditory experience unlike any other. Observation platforms within the sanctuary offer panoramic views across the flooded forest, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Beyond the natural wonders, the heart of Prek Toal lies in its community-based tourism model. Established in collaboration with NGOs such as Osmose, the initiative was designed to offer an alternative livelihood for local families while conserving the fragile ecosystem. Visitors can choose to stay overnight in floating homestays, enjoy traditional Cambodian meals prepared by host families, and participate in cultural experiences like fishing, weaving with water hyacinth, or visiting floating schools and workshops. Every dollar spent contributes directly to the village’s economy and helps reduce pressures like illegal fishing and deforestation.

Getting to Prek Toal from Siem Reap is relatively easy: a short drive to the boat port is followed by a scenic 1–1.5 hour ride across Tonlé Sap. The journey itself is part of the adventure, as visitors travel past vast wetlands and glimpses of life on the lake. Though simple in facilities, Prek Toal offers something that many destinations lack—authenticity, peace, and purpose. It’s not a polished resort, but a place where travelers can witness resilience, biodiversity, and the real rhythms of rural Cambodia.

Whether you’re passionate about bird conservation, interested in local culture, or just looking to escape the crowds, Prek Toal offers a truly memorable and meaningful travel experience. It’s a living example of how ecotourism, when done right, can protect nature while uplifting the communities who depend on it.

When visiting temples in Cambodia, especially the famous Angkor Wat and other sacred sites, it’s important to respect local customs and religious traditions. Here’s a guide on what to do and what not to do:

### Do’s:
1. Dress Modestly
– Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (e.g., long pants/skirts and shirts with sleeves).
– Remove hats and shoes when entering temple sanctuaries or sacred areas.

2. Be Respectful
– Speak softly and avoid loud noises.
– Follow instructions from monks or temple staff.
– Bow slightly when passing in front of Buddha statues or altars.

3. Ask Permission Before Taking Photos
– Some temples prohibit photography, especially of monks or sacred relics.
– Avoid posing disrespectfully (e.g., turning your back to Buddha statues).

4. Follow Temple Rules
– Walk clockwise around stupas and shrines (a sign of respect in Buddhist tradition).
– Do not touch or lean on ancient carvings and structures.

5. Support Local Communities
– Buy souvenirs from local vendors (but avoid purchasing ancient artifacts).
– Donate respectfully if there’s an offering box.

### Don’ts:
1. Do Not Wear Revealing Clothing
– Avoid tank tops, short shorts, or beachwear inside temple grounds.

2. Do Not Touch or Climb on Sacred Structures
– Many temples are ancient and fragile; climbing on them can cause damage.
– Do not touch Buddha statues or carvings.

3. Avoid Public Displays of Affection
– Holding hands is fine, but kissing or hugging is considered disrespectful.

4. Do Not Point Your Feet at Buddha or Monks
– Feet are considered the lowest and least sacred part of the body. Sit with your legs tucked to the side.

5. Do Not Disturb Worshipers or Monks
– Avoid interrupting prayers or meditation.
– Women should not touch monks or hand objects directly to them (place items on a table or cloth instead).

6. No Smoking, Drinking, or Eating Inside Temples
– These activities are considered highly disrespectful in sacred spaces.

7. Avoid Taking “Selfie” Photos in Sacred Areas
– Some temples ban selfie sticks, and posing playfully can offend locals.

### Additional Tips:
– Visit Early Morning or Late Afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
– Carry Cash (Small Riels or USD) for donations or small purchases.
– Hire a Licensed Guide to learn about temple history and proper etiquette.

By following these guidelines, you show respect for Cambodia’s culture and religion while enjoying a meaningful temple visit.