Khmer Cooking Class

Explore the Sights of Siem Reap with Memoire Hotels & Resorts

Jul 20, 2023 | Hotels

Siem Reap is widely recognised as the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor – and several days can be spent exploring these exquisite ruins and uncovering their timeless beauty. But there’s so much more to this vibrant city than just temples!

Our top recommendation? Stay at Memoire Hotels & Resorts – three Khmer-style properties conveniently located near bustling markets and lively Pub Street. From these hotels, you can book incredible experiences that will unveil a side of Siem Reap beyond the temples. Unleash your adventurous spirit and create unforgettable memories in Siem Reap with Memoire Hotels Resorts.

Angkor Sunrise

1. Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat…

Wake before dawn and set off to the stunning temple of Angkor Wat and then patiently wait while the sun slowly lightens the sky revealing the dark silhouette of the temple towers. At this tranquil time of day it is possible to imagine how French explorer Henri Mahout felt in 1860 when he stumbled upon the soaring towers and dramatic carvings, swallowed up in the heart of the Cambodian jungle.

Cooking class 1

2. Cook Khmer cuisine at a local house…

There’s no better way to get a taste of a country’s culture than through its cuisine. On this activity, as well as getting an insight into authentic Khmer cuisine, you will also learn how to cook it! The interactive cooking class takes place in the garden of a traditional wooden Khmer home. Helped by the chef you will learn how to transform raw ingredients into tasty and authentic dishes that are eaten almost daily in homes all across Cambodia. And of course, after the class, you get to tuck into your freshly-cooked dishes.

Memoire Palace Resort & Spa

3. Sip gin by the largest pool in Siem Reap

Memoire Palace Resort & Spa boasts one of the largest pools in Siem Reap, complete with its own Gin Bar that is rumoured to stock the largest collection of gin in the city! Sitting in the lagoon-style pool at sunset sipping a refreshing G&T is the best way to complete your day.

Angkor zipline

4. Fly like a bird over the rainforest

Enjoy an exhilarating zipline adventure accompanied by professional sky rangers. Fly through the tropical rainforest zipping between suspended sky bridges and traversing hanging bridges that span hundreds of metres. View the surrounding jungle from the treetop platforms and abseil from towering trees. 

Cambodia-Siem Reap-Beng Mealea temple-shutterstock_454521328 (1)

5. Explore a jungle temple off the beaten track

Beng Melea is a mysterious overgrown temple in the middle of the Cambodian jungle. Surrounded by a vast moat, this 12th century temple has been left unrestored and has a haunting jungle atmosphere similar to Ta Phrom. Wander past ruined stone blocks, tentacle-like tree roots and beautiful classical bas reliefs. Due to being located about 60 kilometres from Siem Reap, far fewer tourists visit this jungle temple.

Memoire spa

6. Experience an ancient massage therapy

Khmer massage has been practiced for centuries and is based on the principles of traditional Khmer medicine. It involves the use of rhythmic pressure and stretching techniques to help release blocked energy, reduce stress, improve circulation and increase flexibility. This ancient healing massage can be experienced at the Memoria Spa at Memoire Palace Resort & Spa.

Floating village boat trip

7. Drift through a secluded floating fishing village

Embark on a 45-minute expedition to Kompong Pluk or Mechrey, UNESCO World Heritage fishing villages. Discover Khmer life on a wooden boat, observe fishing net repairs and local children’s playful antics against the backdrop of floating pigpens. Encounter fishermen and diverse boats, enriching your immersive experience on the expansive lake.

Floating village siem reap

8. Experience life on the water in a local community

Embark on a morning voyage to Kampong Khleang village, where daily life unfolds along the water’s edge. Witness the unique blend of high stilt and floating houses, cruising through the village’s canals. Explore diverse flora and fauna en route to Tonle Sap lake, followed by a traditional Khmer lunch and local house visit before returning to Siem Reap.

Floating village siem reap

9. Channel your inner Lara Croft at ancient temples

Embark on a captivating full-day expedition to UNESCO-listed Angkor, starting with the iconic Angkor Wat. Explore the enigmatic stone faces of Prasat Bayon and traverse the impressive ‘Terrace of the Elephants’ and ‘Terrace of the Leper King.’ After lunch at the hotel, venture into the Banteay Kdey temples and the atmospheric Ta Prohm, renowned for its atmospheric charm and its role as a famous movie set.

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