Phum Baitang, Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

Region

Nestled between Thailand to the North and West, Vietnam to the South and East, and Laos to the North, the Kingdom of Cambodia is located on the south of the Indochina Peninsula. Its tropical location means it is blessed with a diverse range of flora and fauna. In addition, Cambodia’s rich, and sometimes harrowing, history means that there are ample cultural sites for visitors to explore.

Cambodia’s natural beauty can be seen from many angles. Explorers have the option of taking a river cruise along the Mekong River to see freshwater dolphins, trekking through the dreamy rice paddies or relaxing on the many untouched beaches of the south west coast.

Borne out of the vast Khmer empire, Cambodia possesses some of the most incredible temples in South East Asia. With ancient sites scattered across the country, the most impressive monuments lie in Angkor Wat, the recognized 7th wonder of the world. The unrivalled temple complex that lies here, pristinely preserved, has been described as having greater artistic distinction than the Taj Mahal whilst displaying an architectural impressiveness akin to the work of the Ancient Egyptians. It is quite simply one of the finest cultural sites in the world and a visit must be included on any Cambodian or South East Asian adventure.

Whilst there is plenty of historical culture to observe, visitors should not shy away from immersing themselves in the vibrancy of modern Cambodia. Urban areas, like Phnom Penh, offer world class dining experiences in beautiful riverside settings. Siem Reap boasts a diverse nightlife as well as multiple cosmopolitan cafes, and the relatively undiscovered city of Battambang possesses beautiful French architecture as well as a thriving contemporary art scene.

In summary, the natural beauty of its countryside, the cultural magnificence of its temples and cities, and the optimism of its people, make Cambodia one of the most memorable destinations in South East Asia.

Local Area

Just 20 minutes away by tuk tuk is the bustling town of Siem Reap and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. One of the most important archeological sites in Southeast Asia, it is spread over approximately 400 sq km and contains a multitude of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes. For several centuries, Angkor was at the heart of the Khmer Kingdom and is testimony to an important era and an impressive civilisation. The architecture and layout of the successive capitals demonstrates the high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire. Angkor is thus a phenomenal display of cultural, religious and symbolic values representing high architectural, archaeological and artistic significance.

Such is the attraction of the world's travellers to this vast site, some of the temples, in particular the most well-known can become extremely busy. Whilst these temples are not to be missed our guides will do their best to keep you away from any crowds and as such we strongly recommend to visit some of the lesser known temples, at quieter times of day, to be advised before travel or by your guide in situ.

Siem Reap has, as a result of the popularity of the Angkor site, become a bustling, thriving town offering boutiques, markets, decent restaurants and bars, a plethora of hotels and a even a circus, run by a non-profit organisation and has made the whole a destination in it's own right.