Location: Siem Reap
Top Things to do in Siem Reap
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Things to do in Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.
Restaurants in Siem Reap
1. Angkor Wat Home Stay And Naturalist Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
A place dedicated to protecting and researching on the wild life in Angkor archeological park Nature, Ecology,Ornithology, Botanical,Mycology, Entomology, Herpetology, Mammalogy, Agriculture, Forestry, Gardening, Flowers
Reviewed By Antoinevillab - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Just close to Angkor Wat , you will find Christophe who is a fantastic naturalist guide and you will discover the incredible Khmer jungle. Do it!
2. Pearaing Biodiversity Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Pearaing Biodiversity Conservation Center is a peaceful home to hundred species of wetland and water birds, reptiles and mother fish. The center is located 13km southeast of Siem Reap provincial town and is the closest Bird Watching area in Siem Reap. Special for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Reviewed By Yippee1204
We are mid-level birders and were having quite a bit of trouble finding more than a few species in Siem Reap. Pearaing Biodiversity Conservation Center is making headway with the protection of birds in their local community, which will hopefully expand to communities beyond their borders. Our trip was late November, a time when waters are low and so the boat trip was impossible. Our tuk tuk driver picked us up in Siem Reap and we were met by our guide Sam on arrival in one of the villages participating in the Center’s projects. Sam took us to the local market and educated us on most of the vegetables...what they are, what they are used for and where they come from. Many locally grown. He purchased some delicious rice and banana snacks for our trip. We also toured a local rice and vegetable farm before heading out on our birding trip. In a space of about two hours we identified 19 species, 16 of which were new to us. We drove dirt roads to get to mostly wetlands and rice fields in our pursuit. It was an excellent morning! Get out of the city and craziness of temple tours and see the countryside! It is stunning! This experience was much more than birding. We highly recommend it for our guide Sam, the excellent conservation work being done with the local communities, and the awesome scenery!
3. Sam Veasna Conservation Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Sam Veasna Conservation Tours (SVC) runs birding and wildlife viewing trips with unique access to Wildlife Conservation Society sites across Cambodia. Our mission is to sustain Cambodia’s wildlife and communities through ecotourism. Our tours are designed to show you the best of birding, wildlife and nature, the real places of Cambodia. We take you places that are ‘off the beaten track’ in wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas as well as the more famous ‘must-see’ destinations. We work with local guides in the rural areas taking you to places which are beyond reach of others presenting you with the best chance to see key species, explore diverse locations and get to know the amazing locals. Revenue generated from our tours is used in many unique ways to conserve Cambodia’s threatened wildlife and help to promote sustainable community growth.
Reviewed By akiyof2020
We went on a full day tour with Sophear at Sam Veasna in January (dry season). What an amazing trip. Both my husband and I saw a variety of engendered birds while we were boating down Tonle Sap lake and then we got to the 2-3 story bird watching tower, we saw thousands of birds - nesting and swirling in the sky. We saw painted sporks, pelicans, adjutants (and many, many more). It was like being on a National Geographic TV show. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and he was good at spotting birds. It was one of our highlights on our trip to Cambodia!
4. Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 472 reviews
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a Butterfly Exhibit in the heart of Angkor, near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Founded in 2009 and one of the largest enclosed butterfly centres in Southeast Asia. BBC is featuring a live display of Cambodian butterflies. Revenue generated by tourist admissions provides support for local poverty alleviation and conservation projects.
Reviewed By wendystclair
After seeing a ton of Temples this beautiful little sanctuary was an ideal stop. Such a great garden and friendly staff. I’m so glad we did not miss this gem.
5. Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By tony-travller
It’s bit of. mission to get to the bird sanctuary. It takes about a couple of hours . From where you catch a boat which is over 20 mins fro Siem Reap it a good hour plus across the northern tip of Tonlie Sap lake . Then it’s a transfer into a small boat . But it’s so worth it . From that moment on its a paradise for bird watchers and non bird watchers ! Different types is storks , pelicans , fishing eagles , cormorants of all sorts and egrets are in great numbers . It’s incredible . Bring cameras , binoculars and loads of sunblock for a fabulous day out. Don’t forget lots of water too ....some of the best birdwatching I’ve seen from many parts of the world .
6. Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is the first nature conservation centre in Cambodia. The ACCB contributes to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Cambodia through wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, breeding, environmental education and conservation research. Join us for a guided tour of the rescue centre at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm. This is the only way to visit the ACCB as we are normally closed to the public. Tour lasts about 2 hours and requires a minimum donation of $3 USD. Please arrive on time for the tours. Late-comers cannot be accommodated.
Reviewed By jurda5 - Boston, United States
This is an extraordinary place doing extraordinary work. Word to the wise: do not expect a zoo! If you have little kids who want to see lots of different animals out in the open, this is not the place for you. However, if you have kids 8+ who are interested in the plight of endangered species and learning about animal rehabilitation, this is THE place to go. We emailed in advance and booked a private, 2-hr. tour and had the BEST time! Michael, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable and obviously dedicated to his cause. My nephews, aged 8 and 12, kept asking question after question and Michael answered all of them patiently and thoroughly. I think he was secretly thrilled that the boys were so enthusiastic and curious about animal conservation! If you are templed-out and want to do something really different while in Angkor Wat, this is definitely a worthwhile visit...and an excellent cause to support!
7. Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By raikbar - New York City, United States
We spent 3 days with a guide ( Hang Oueng) and driver staring each day at 5:30. Included breakfast and lunch, boat to Pre-K Toal and time at Angkor Wat and other temples. Not cheap but worth it, especially because of the conservation and community commitment of the organization
