Authentic Cambodia

To capture the perfect Angkor sunrise photograph and if you have no concerns with crowds of other travelers, we suggest you to request a wake-up call, early enough to allow a departure from Zannier Phum Baitang at 5:00am. You will reach your destination, the main entrance to Angkor Wat and the west causeway at approximately at 5:25am. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of all the temples of Angkor, it was built during the reign of King Suryawarman II in the form of a massive “temple mountain” dedicated to the Hindu God, Vishnu. Angkor Wat is quite an unconventional temple as it has westward orientation. This has led some to suggest it was constructed as King Suryavarman II’s funerary temple. It becomes a must visit during the equinox as the Sun will raise right behind the main central tower.

We suggest leaving from Zannier Phum Baitang at 3:00pm destination: the south gate of Angkor Thom, King Jayavarman VII ancient capital.  From here you will be able to admire the remaining of the celestial palace Baphuon before entering the Royal Palace built in the 11th and used for 5 centuries. A short walk will allow you to admire the remaining of the Elephant terrace a platform used by King Jayavarman VII to view his victorious returning army, further on you will reach Bayon. Bayon is position exactly at the center of Angkor Tom, it feature an astonishing bas-relief covered external wall, depicting Khmer life and war journeys. On the upper terrace, of the original 49 towers, 37 are still standing each of which supports two, three or (most commonly) four gigantic smiling faces oriented toward the cardinal points.

On the way to Ta Prohm, we suggest a visit to Prasat Kravan with its east-facing towers displaying unique bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi rendered in reddish brick. This structure was constructed in the early 10th century during the reign of King Harshavarman I. Banteay Kdei will be the next stop: a Buddhist monastery built by King Jayavarman VII during his reign in the late 12th Century and occupied by monks till 1960, currently dilapidated due to faulty construction and poor quality of sandstone used in its buildings,  now undergoing renovation. Finally, Ta Prohm: one of the most popular temples at the site, a UNESCO heritage, originally a Buddhist monastery home to more than 12.500 people including 18 high priests and 615 exquisite dancers, at its time it was enormously wealthy hosting in the nearby villages more than 80.000 people, with a wealthy trade in jewelry and gold. The trees growing out of the ruins are perhaps the most distinctive feature of Ta Prohm. Used as a location in the film Tomb Raider, its scenes were quite faithful to the temple’s actual appearance making use of its eerie qualities.​

Travel out of the city in a vintage Jeep with our local tour guide to see authentic local daily life while breathing in fresh air from the countryside. Prepare to be immersed in Cambodian culture and rural village life.​

This tour will take you on a scenic drive through the picturesque and friendly Cambodian countryside on the outskirts of Siem Reap. You will also see how the Cambodian families make Khmer noodles, bamboo rice cakes, have a go at basket’s weaving, and other local handicrafts. ​

Prek Toal is one of three biospheres on the Tonlé Sap lake, and this stunning bird sanctuary makes it the most worthwhile and straightforward of the three to visit. It’s an ornithologist’s fantasy, with a significant number of rare breeds gathered in one small area, including the huge lesser and greater adjutant storks, the milky stork and the spot-billed pelican. Even the uninitiated will be impressed, as these birds have a huge wingspan and build enormous nests. ​

During the peak season (December to early February), visitors will find the concentration of birds, As water starts to dry up elsewhere, the birds congregate here. The birds remain beyond February, but the sanctuary becomes virtually inaccessible due to low water levels. It is also possible to visit from September, but the bird numbers may be lower. Serious twitchers know that the best time to see birds is early morning or late afternoon and this means an early start.​

Exploring Angkor never comes to the end, there are lots of thing to see and always a new adventure. However, your experiences will not be considered complete without spending some time at the greatest freshwater lake in Asia. Tonle Sap Lake is the most prominent feature on the map of Cambodia. Tonle Sap is unusual for two reasons: its flow changes direction twice a year and the portion that forms the lake expands (12.000 square kilometer) and shrinks dramatically (2.500 square kilometer) with the seasons. Explore the lake visiting one of the stilted villages of Chong Kneas, Kompong Phluk or Mechrey depending on seasonality and discover the varied plant, fish and bird life that make this huge inland lake such a valuable ecosystem to Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

On-site workshop for the amateur and aspiring professional chef. A unique opportunity for those interested in cooking authentic Cambodian cuisine. Our chef will take you to the local market to pick your ingredients and spices, and to our very own garden, where you will pick our homegrown herbs. During the cooking workshop, you will discover local ingredients, their flavors and their secrets, and learn how to make three traditional Khmer meals. These will be accompanied with rice straight from surrounding paddies. Recipes are provided as a lasting souvenir so you can share your culinary experience with friends and family.

Gain a first-hand insight into Buddhist culture in Siem Reap by receiving a local monk’s blessing upon arrival at Zannier Phum Baitang or during your stay. This unique experience begins with the monk chanting harmoniously as he wishes you good luck, safe travel, and a long life. It is accompanied by a light sprinkling of water. ​