Development in Siem Reap
On first arriving in 1993 the immediate impression was not enough services available to the tourist. Certainly there is still the tuk tuk drivers eager to operate a vehicle you on a tour of the temples of Angkor for the day. Hotels were popping up but other services were limited. There were no ATMs and not much else to do if one wished to take a break from visiting the temples. Fast forward 20 years and the problem has completely changed via a great deal of investment, knowledge and innovation. It has been possible through development aid. The tenacity of the area people who despite most of the atrocities they have been through are keen to exhibit off their wonderful country and take the opportunities they have. It has also been possible as much Khmers who escaped through the Khmer Rouge era are returning with the data they've gained abroad bringing positive change to the area community.
With many local businesses getting ready for the newest tourist season starting in October don't just think of a tour to Siem Reap as merely a quick temple visit. A moment to have a glance at what else is available and how it increases the local economy.
Horse-riding in Siem Reap is one particular tour, for those with only a little adventure in mind why don't you have a horse riding tour for 1-3 hours through rural countryside passing streams, rice fields and local villages. The tours are suitable for beginners and children and are a fun solution to separation visiting the temples or simply for experiencing different things on a tour to Cambodia.
For people that have a mind for heights and planning to catch some aerial views and photographs of the majestic Angkor Wat try a balloon ride over Angkor. The German made helium balloon doesn't actually move since it is attached with a rope but ascends around 200 metres for a 10 minute trip which enables you to acquire some great photographs and an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the planet!
If you discover yourself in Siem Reap on a Sunday evening a great experience is just a traditional Khmer dance show with live traditional music wear by the Cambodian Children's House of Peace, an orphanage in Siem Reap. The show is held every Sunday during the institution term without fail at 7pm. It is free but do create a donation to their worthy cause if visiting. If you should be visiting during rainy season there is a rain cover so don't let that put you off. It's really worth the visit.
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You can find needless to say a number of other attractions and activities to choose from Siem Reap Cambodia on your short trip to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Keep your brain open and don't forget how far Cambodia has come in the last 20 years!