Siem Reap attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, who line up at all hours of the day to visit the enormous 12th-century temple complex of Angkor Wat. And with good reason.
Deemed as one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological destinations, this 162.6-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site contains the majestic remains of the ancient Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th century and has been considered as both a Hindu and Buddhist place of worship throughout the duration of its existence.
Thanks to the massive and time-consuming restoration efforts, the Angkor Archaeological Park, with its countless temples and sculptures, can seem frozen in time to both old and new travellers. However, the vibrant town of Siem Reap and the lush villages located on its outskirts are constantly changing with the seasons and years, making the province an attractive travel destination in its own right!
If you are spending only 48 hours in Siem Reap, let Discova take you on an immersive journey into its heartland, laying bare centuries of history and culture coinciding with the humdrum of daily life.
On your first day, after settling in and having a good night’s rest, we take a step away from urban life to uncover the charm of Siem Reap’s untouched outskirts. Our morning excursion takes us to the nondescript village of Trei Nohar, where visitors can engage with friendly villagers living in close-knit communities and witness the ingenuity of locals who recycle plastic by weaving it to make mats and baskets.
