The Magnificent Siem Reap: Seven Freebies

Call us cheap, but the best things in life really are the freebies. They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but in Siem Reap there’s a free swim, a free gig and free cycling. So if you time to spare, but no cash to spend, before you go robbing banks, check out 7Days’ top seven things to do in temple town by spending zip, zilch, nada. (Source:thephnompenhpost)

Ride A Bike If you’ve got yourself two wheels, then you’ve no excuse for boredom. Both the bustle of the town and the calm of the countryside can be explored at their best by bike. Whether you ride to Tonle Sap or pedal to the Baray, you can have yourself a day trip on the cheap – and for sun-worshippers, there’s no finer way to get a sun-kissed glow. And the workout will put your gym membership to money-wasting shame. Better still, Vicious Cycles run free countryside cycles for anyone with a bike every Saturday morning. Tours like this can normally cost $25, so when you think about it, you’re practically making money by heading along.

Take In A Temple So you might not get in the grand circuit of Angkor in the minutes between 5.30pm and sunset; but if you’re prepared, you can take in the sunset from one of the smaller spots. A temple pass isn’t required after 5.30pm, so if you’re lucky enough to have the time to take in the temples at a snail’s pace, you can spend weeks, even months, clocking up half-hour complimentary visits.

Lend a Hand (or an arm) While volunteering for just the day can sometimes do more harm than good – and many places will charge you for the pleasure – there are some opportunities around town to help out for free in a responsible way. The River Garden welcomes guests for two-hour teaching slots four times a week while both Kantha Bopha and Angkor Hospital for Children are always looking to suck some willing blood. So if you have an afternoon or a pint of O positive to spare, plenty of places would be happy to have you.

Meet a Monk Whatever your denomination, spending time in the presence of monks in a town like Siem Reap can make for an enlightening experience. Venues like The Peace Café, Karavansara and The River Garden provide distinct opportunities to spend time with monks, meditate, chat or learn about Cambodian customs both on-site and at the pagodas. While donations are welcome, the events are generally held free of charge. If you’re feeling a little braver, venture into a pagoda yourself. Once you’re respectful you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make a new saffron-clad friend.

Splash Around There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach: sun, sand and a chance to splash around. While Siem Reap isn’t parked near the seaside, it does provide the coastal experience and you don’t have to pay for the pleasure. Leave the pricey pools in town, make like a local and head for the West Baray instead. Avoid hidden charges for rubber rings, hammocks and food by bringing along a towel or yoga mat and picnic instead. Now all you need is a bucket and spade and you’re set.

Learn the Language There are many ways to bag a free Khmer lesson in Siem Reap. If you’re looking for the less-than-formal version, simply shoot the breeze with every waiter, driver and seller you encounter. If there’s one thing the locals love, it’s to impart a little colloquialism on visitors and see a foreigner twist their vowels around the native tongue. If you prefer a classroom setting, the Peace Café has free lessons on weekends from 4-5pm.

Go to a Gig You need to be made of some kind of rock formation to not to give money after seeing this show. But technically, Beatocello – a unique, musical "concert" at Kantha Bopha hospital – does have free admission. Each Saturday at 7pm, cellist Beat Richner, who sidelines as a doctor turned superhero, gives a performance at his children’s hospital in Siem Reap. It’s an enlightening evening, as the gifted cellist plays music and gives insight into the work of the five Kantha Bopha hospitals around the country. And while admission is free, the $5 millon raised each year by the concerts shows that a donation on the way out,  however small, will go a long way.

Grand Water Festival Cancelled

On Thursday, October 13, 2011, Prime Minister Samdech Akeak Moha Sena Thapdey Techo HUN SEN announced the cancellation of this year's Water Festival which was due to take place in the capital from November 9 to 11.  Speaking at a special Council of Ministers meeting to assess damages caused by the floods in the Kingdom, the premier told the council that the funds for the annual three-day Water Festival celebrations could be better utilised to help the tens of thousands of families affected by the disasters instead.

The nation's biggest annual festival usually attracts about two million citizens from the various provinces around the country to the capital to enjoy boat races, fireworks and concerts. Unfortunately, the weather has caused the country to suffer it's deadliest floods since 2000, forcing Prime Minister Samdech Decho Hun Sen to decide on calling off the event in the capital.  Prime Minister Samdech Akeak Moha Sena Thapdey Techo HUN SEN also felt that the precariously high water level of the Tonle Sap river that flows through the city would present a "high risk" to revellers.

However, Samdech Techo affirmed that the Water Festival celebrations can still be held in the provinces if at local level, the respective provinces could afford the expenses.

Cambodia Green Advanture

What Community-based Eco-tourism means to you?

In brief, Community-based tourism (CBT) is a form of responsible tourism that supports local communities and improves livelihoods. The tourism destination is managed by the local community members themselves.

CBET helps protect nature and support the lives of the local community. It provides alternative income which encourages the community to protect its natural resources rather than destroy them through unsustainable use.

Through CBET visitors get the change to have to know local Cambodian people, enjoy their hospitality, join them in their everyday life and learn about their culture and environment. This authentic form of tourism takes visitors to their communities and beautiful natural areas. Come and experience the real culture, the real nature and the real Cambodia.

List of CBET sites around Cambodia:
1. Ang Trapeang Thmor Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Banteay Mean Chey
2. Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism Site. Banteay Meanchey
3. Chambok Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Kampong Speu
4. Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Koh Kong
5. Koh Pdao Community Development Tour, Kratie
6. Osvay Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
7. O'Russey Kandal Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
8. Prek Toal Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Battambang & Siem Reap
9. Preah Rumkel Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
10. Prek Thnout Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Kampot
11. Thmatboey Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Siem Reap
12. Virachey National Park Community-Based Ecotourism Initiative, Rattanakiri
13. Yeak Laom Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Rattanakiri
14. Khmer Village home stay, Kampong Thom
15. Sambor Prei Kuk, Kampong Thom
16. Koh Preah, Stung Treng

What do you get by going on a CBET trip? 

It is a different experience than going to a destination of mass tourism. Some things to consider in advance:

Cultural exchange
Most of the time, the people of the community will be just as curious and excited about you, as you are about them. A visit to their communities gives you the chance for cultural exchange. Respect cultural sensitivities and don't give the local people the feeling they are zoo animals. If you are truly interested in Cambodian culture, a visit can give you unique insights in the people, environment and culture of the destination.

Home-stay
Some projects offer the possibility of a home-stay. This means you will spend the night in the house of a local family. The houses are prepared for your visit and will be equipped with mosquito nets for example. If you can't live without your hot shower and comfort, a home-stay is not for you. A home-stay won't provide you luxury, but it will be an unforgettable experience! You will experience the daily life of the community. Your host family will welcome you in their house, look after you and tell you all about their life!

Who benefits
Part of the fee of visiting a CBET site is being invested in environmental conservation and community development. Therefore, you may pay a little extra. With your support the community will benefit and the environment will be conserved. By paying entrance fees, hiring local guides, doing home-stays and purchasing local products, you can support nature conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

How to behave
Try to learn about the community before you go and behave in an appropriate way during your stay. Some guidelines:

• Wildlife and Forest Conservation
  • Do not eat, buy, or encourage in any way, wildlife trade and the capture of wildlife. This includes buying of animals out of pity.
  • Take all non-biodegradable rubbish out with you as there are no waste management facilities in the villages.
  • Try to conserve water. 
  • Bury any human waste and toilet tissue at least 50m from water sources.
  • Take a collective responsibility to ensure fires are safe and well extinguished before departing a camp or lunch site.
  • Please do not collect plants and specimens from the forest as souvenirs. Remember that people are a vital part of conservation and that they and their way of life deserve respect.
• Respecting Cultural Values
  • Dress modestly. Cover legs and shoulders whilst in the village. Nudity is offensive, so also dress modestly when bathing.
  • Take your shoes off when entering a house or your home-stay.
  • Displays of affection should not be made publicly.
  • Don't become drunk or use drugs.  
  • Don't flirt with local people. Be respectful at all times. 
  • Try to meet with the village committee.
  • Please do not give money or gifts to children or beggars.
  • Ask before taking photographs of local people.
  • If you are inclined to leave a tip or want to make a contribution, please leave a communal amount for everyone to share in order to diffuse any jealousies or perception of inequity.

Tourist activities in Cambodia

A vacation is defined as leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure.   Vacation to some is to surrender oneself to total freedom and travel in search of pristine beaches in some exotic destinations.  Yet to others, a vacation is when you would want to explore new exotic territories or to adventure into something you had always wanted to do but didn't find the time to. Whatever your desires may be, recreational opportunities abound in Cambodia.
The pristine beaches of Cambodia are described to be amongst the best in the world and what other place is there where one can be mystified by the grandeur and charms of an ancient city such as the Angkor or be romanced by the culture of a populace that was once recognised as one of the most powerful in the continent of Asia.  Cambodia - A World of Wonder awaits you.
Here are some recommended activities to entertain you during your visit to Cambodia.  Click on them for details.

Cultural Tourism: 

• Visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, a heritage of humanity and world wonder
• Explore other ancient Khmer temples such as those in Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Kandal, Takeo, etc
• Tracing frescos and murals of the ancient temples.
• Visit Buddhist pagodas and museums in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
• Visit monuments in Phnom Penh, e.g. the Independence Monument
• Watch kites flying in Phnom Penh; a tradition dating back many centuries.
• Join and observe the Royal Ploughing Ceremony
• Watch Buffalo Races during Pchum Ben Festival
• Watch boat racing in Phnom Penh & Siem Reap during Water Festival
• Participate in Khmer traditional games and dancing during festivals such as the Khmer New Year, etc
• Visit the indigenous people of the rural areas.

Eco Tourism:

• Visit floating villages of the Kampong Phluk Commune in Siem Reap Province
• Bird-watching is a popular recreation at the Prèk Toal habitats in Siem Reap Province
• Visit wildlife sanctuaries in the Provinces
• Take boat rides on the Tonlé Sap Lake and along the mighty Mekong River
• Watch fishing activities on the Tonlé Sap Lake and the mighty Mekong River
• Kayak through the Mangroves in Koh Kong
• Explore and take a hike through the jungles of the Angkor area
• Rent a bicycle and cycle around the countryside of Siem Reap
• Explore mountain caves/ caverns in Kampot Province
• Trek on elephant back through the jungles of Mondulkiri or Rattanak Kiri
• Explore and relax on the Tonsay Island in Kèp City
• Enjoy the pristine beaches of Rong Island in Sihanouk Ville
• Visit the waterfalls in Kampot Province and Kampong Speu Province
• Swimming and scuba-diving in Sihanouk Ville, Koh Kong Province, and Kèp City
• Explore coral reefs at the bottom of the sea of Sihanouk Ville
• Boat ride through the mangrove forest at the Ream National Park in Sihanouk Ville
• Spot sea dolphins at the Ream National Park in Sihanouk Ville
• Go sailing and paragliding in Sihanouk Ville
• Island hopping; discover the many islands of Koh Kong Province
• Hike to the Chambok Waterfalls at Kirirom National Park in Kampong Speu Province
• Cruising down the river from the Andong Toek to the Village Chi Phat in the southern Mountain Range of the Cardamom
• Trek the jungles of the Mountain Range of the Cardamom
• Go Camping in the jungles of the Mountain Range of the Cardamom
• Visit the Pong Roul Waterfall on the Srè Ambel River
• Visit the Ramsar wetland in Stung Treng
• Cruise down the Mekong River from Stung Treng to Kratie
• Spot and observe the Mekong River dolphins at the Kampi resort in Kratie
• Trek the Virachey National Park in Rattanak Kiri
• Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Yeak Laom Lake, Rattanak Kiri
• Visit the Bousra Waterfalls in Mondul Kiri
• Visit the Srè Pok Wilderness Area in Mondul Kiri
• Elephant riding in Rattanak Kiri and Mondul Kiri
• Meet the indigenous people of Rattanak Kiri and Mondul Kiri provinces
• Discover the trails of the mighty Mekong River.

When Night Falls

• Watch cultural performances over dinner
• Visit the Casinos in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Pailin and Bavet
• Visit the pubs, karaoke bars and night club
• Take a night cruise up the mighty Mekong River
• Go to the Night Markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap