These tours are specially curated by Melody Villa for our guests and are designed with your comfort, safety and pleasure in mind. You can pick individual Day Tours as you please or choose from the various combination options for 2,3,4 or 7 days that we have matched for you to fit your duration of stay with us. We are committed to making your visit a most pleasant and enjoyable one, feel free to discuss with us any special requests you might have.
The name "Siem Reap" can be translated to mean "Defeat of Siam" (siem in Khmer), and is commonly taken as a reference to an incident in the centuries-old conflict between the Siamese and Khmer kingdoms, although this is probably apocryphal. According to oral tradition, King Ang Chan (1516–1566) had named the town "Siem Reap", meaning "the defeat of Siam", after he repulsed an army sent to invade Cambodia by the Thai King Maha Chakkraphat in 1549.[3] However, scholars such as Michael Vickery consider this derivation to be simply a modern folk etymology, and maintain that while the names Siem Reap and Chenla (old Chinese name for Cambodia) may perhaps be related, the actual origin of the name is unknown.[4]
The traditional tale claims that King Ang Chan of Cambodia tried to assert greater independence from Siam, which was then going through internal struggles. The Siamese King Chairacha had been poisoned by his concubine, Lady Sri Sudachan, who had committed adultery with a commoner, Worawongsathirat, while the king was away leading a campaign against the Kingdom of Chiang Mai. Sudachan then placed her lover on the throne. The Thai nobility lured them outside the city on a royal procession by barge to inspect a newly discovered white elephant. After killing the usurper, along with Sudachan and their newly born daughter, they invited Prince Thianracha to leave the monkhood and assume the throne as King Maha Chakkraphat (1548–1569). With the Thais distracted by their internal problems, King Ang Chan decided the time was right to attack. He seized the Siamese city of Prachin Buri in 1549, sacking the city and making slaves of its inhabitants. Only then did he learn that the succession had been settled and that Maha Chakkraphat was the new ruler. Ang Chan immediately retreated to Cambodia, taking his captives with him. King Maha Chakkraphat was furious over the unprovoked attack, but Burma had also chosen to invade through the Three Pagodas Pass. The Burmese army posed a much more serious threat, as it captured Kanchanaburi and Suphanburi. It then appeared before Ayutthaya itself.
The Thai army managed to defeat the Burmese, who quickly retreated through the pass. Maha Chakkraphat's thoughts then turned to Cambodia. Not only had Ang Chan attacked and looted Prachin Buri, turning its people into slaves, but he also refused to give Maha Chakkraphat a white elephant he had requested, rejecting even this token of submission to Siam.[5] Maha Chakkraphat ordered Prince Ong, the governor of Sawankhalok, to lead an expedition to punish Ang Chan and recover the Thai captives. The rival armies met, and Ang Chan killed Prince Ong with a lucky musket shot from elephant back. The leaderless Thai army fled, and Ang Chan allegedly captured more than 10,000 Siamese soldiers. To celebrate his great victory, King Ang Chan supposedly named the battleground "Siem Reap", meaning "the total defeat of Siam".
In reality, surviving historic sources make this folk tale appear very unlikely, since they date the decline of the Angkor kingdom to more than a century before this, when a military expedition from Ayutthaya captured and sacked Angkor Wat, which began a long period of vassal rule over Cambodia.[6] The 1431 capture coincided with the decline of Angkor, though the reasons behind its abandonment are not clear. They may have included environmental changes and failings in the Khmer infrastructure.[7]
From the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, infighting among the Khmer nobility led to periodic intervention and domination by both of Cambodia's more powerful neighbors, Vietnam and Siam. Siem Reap, along with Battambang (Phra Tabong) and Sisophon, major cities in the northwest of Cambodia, was under Siamese administration and the provinces were collectively known as Inner Cambodia from 1795 until 1907, when they were ceded to French Indochina. In fact, during the 18th century, under the rule of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it was known as Nakhorn Siam (Siam's city), not as "Siam's Defeat"."[8]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siem_Reap
Sisophon, Battambang& Angkor Wat received by King Sisowath, 1907
Angkor Wat (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត or "Capital Temple") is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world,[1] on a site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres). It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (Khmer: យសោធរបុរៈ, present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.
Angkor Wat (Wat temple) is the central feature of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the magnificent remains of the Khmer civilization. Angkor Wat's rising series of five towers culminates in an impressive central tower that symbolizes mythical Mount Meru. Thousands of feet of wall space are covered with intricate carving depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The most important are the Carved Bas reliefs of the Hindu narratives. They tell a story about gods fighting demons in order to reclaim order which can only be achieved by recovering the elixir of life known as amrita. The gods and demons must work together to release it and then battle to attain it.
Angkor Thom (Khmer: អង្គរធំ; literally: "Great City"), located in present-day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. It was established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII.:378–382:170 It covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the centre of the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north. Other notable sites are Baphuon, Phimeanakas, The Terrace of the Elephants and The Terrace of the Leper King. The city can be accessed through 5 city gates, one on each cardinal point and the Victory Gate on the eastern wall.
A number of significant temples are dotted around Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom within the Angkor Archaeological Park, including Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, Phnom Bakheng, Ta Keo, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup and Neak Pean. These temples may be visited along the grand circuit or the small circuit routes. Other sites are the Roluos group of temples located to the east of Siem Reap.
The Landmine Museum offers tourists and Cambodians the chance to see (safe) landmines up close, understand how they work, and what they can do to help rid Cambodia and the world of their continuing threat. It is located approximately 25 km north of Siem Reap (30 minutes by tuk tuk), just 7 km south of the Banteay Srey Temple complex in Angkor National Park. On the way to the museum there are quaint countryside villages, rice paddies and wide views of locals working their fields, as well as local handicrafts "outside the hussle and bussle of town." Some two dozen at-risk Khmer children are educated and live, along with staff, at the Relief Center located on the museum property. The organization has plans for building a farm behind the Center sometime in 2016.
The War Museum Cambodia covers the last three decades of the 20th century when the Khmer Rouge was active in Cambodia. There is a vast array of vehicles, artillery, weaponry, landmines and equipment on display. The museum is making use of guides who are war veterans who fought for the Cambodian army, the Khmer Rouge or the Vietnamese army.
Opened on 12 November 2007, the Angkor National Museum offers visitors a better understanding of the area's archaeological treasures. The Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom is presented, including the use of state-of-the-art multimedia technology. The museum covers Khmer history, civilization, and cultural heritage in eight galleries.
The Old Market or Psah Chas is located between Pub Street and the Siem Reap River, and offers a mixture of souvenirs for tourists and a variety of food produce and other items meant for the locals.
Other markets in Siem Reap include the Angkor Night Market which is located off Sivutha Street, Phsar Kandal (The Central Market) located at Sivutha Street which mainly caters to tourists, and Phsar Leu (The Upper Market) which is located further away along National Road 6 but is the biggest market of Siem Reap used by the locals. The Made in Cambodia Market (initially called "Well Made in Cambodia") is a night market for tourists in Siem Reap where all the products sold should be made in Cambodia. The market hosts daily shows and other events in King's Road.
The majority of bars and pubs of Siem Reap are concentrated in on a strip called Pub Street and it's surrounding alleys. Although peaceful during the day, the streets in the Pub Street area which is just a block away from the historic Psah Chas (Old Market), comes alive with lights and music. Tourists, both local and international alike, starts pouring into the bars and pubs and give the streets almost a nightly street party scene.
Started in the late 90s by a local business called Angkor What? Bar and followed by it's rival, Temple Bar, from the across the street, Pub street is often recommended as a must-see attraction in Siem Reap.
Artisans Angkor is a semi-public company founded in 1992 which aims to revive traditional Khmer craftsmanship and provide employment for rural artisans. It is also associated with a silk farm where visitors may learn about sericulture and weaving. It also participates in the restoration of historical Angkor sites by repairing and replacing damaged sculptures.
Opened on 24 September 2003, the Cambodian Cultural Village assembles all the miniatures of famous historical buildings and structures of Cambodia. There are 11 unique villages, which represent different culture heritages, local customs and characteristics of 21 multi races.
2 Day Tour Package Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean Itinerary
Includes all entry passes, licenced guide, transportation, 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, snacks, drinks
3 Day Package Tour Angkor, Bantey Seri, Kbal Spean, Tonle Sap itinerary
* Please note that this itinerary can be done over a week as the Angkor 3-day pass is valid over a 7 day period.
Includes all entry passes, licenced guide, sunset cruise, 5 meals, snacks, drinks, cruise
4 Day Package Tour Angkor, Phnom Kulen, Bantey Seri, Kbal Spean, Tonle Sap itinerary
Includes all entry passes, transport (tuktuk, car, boat), licensed guide, 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 1 buffet dinner, snacks, drinks, sunset cruise.
7 Day Package Tour Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, Tonle Sap, Kampung Phluk, Siem Reap itinerary
Includes all entrance passes, tuktuk, car & boat, licensed guide, gifts for villages, airport pickup and dropoff.
Not included is food, tips, and other miscellaneous expenses
Food in not included here but we highly recommend catering a tiffin for the Angkor Wat and full day tours. We can discuss this when you arrive.
Day Tour Options
Includes all entry passes, transport (tuktuk, car), licensed guide. Golf Charges include all fees except shoes and club rental
Angkor Golf Resort
The Sir Nick Faldo designed Angkor Golf Resort opened in January 2008 and is, without doubt, the finest golf course in Cambodia.
All year round this course is presented in immaculate condition. The tees, fairways and greens are maintained to a high standard. The course measures 7,279 yards from the back tees. But don’t let the length deter you as there are a further three tee boxes on each hole. Maybe the blue course measuring at 6,666 yards is more appealing to the mid-handicap golfer.
Each hole will make you think from the tee. There is an abundance of bunker and water hazards throughout the course. But thankfully these are clearly visible when negotiating a hole. A quote from the course states, “Our fairways are typically generous, but our bunkering style is impressively bold. The greens have plenty of subtle undulations and they reward and encourage a variety of approach shots”.
By the time you reach the 16th hole you will be looking forward to a refreshing drink in the impressive contemporary clubhouse. But first you must negotiate the difficult final stretch. The 16th is a monster 593 yard par 5 that only the very long hitters will be reaching in two shots. Whilst the 17th is the longest par 3 on the course measuring 208 yards with water guarding the green on the right side. Finally the 18th hole, a par 4 of 437 yards requires you to skirt the water down the left hand-side of the fairway to give the best approach to the dog- leg hole.
A visit to the 300 meter grass driving range prior to your round is recommended. This a great practice facility to hone your game with an abundance of target greens and a chipping area. This is an exceptional course and you’ll most probably want to play more than once.
Phokeethra Country Club
Phokeethra Country Club is a Sofitel managed international standard golf course which has hosted Asian PGA Tour events.
Designed to a championship standard, this impressive layout will test your strategic skills to the full. Water comes into play on all but one hole, plus the final hole requires the player to negotiate a double water carry.
Sweeping fairways and generous greens gives Phokeethra Country Club its distinctive feel. Natural lagoons and water hazards are abundant which just adds to the beauty of this 7,327 yards course. Four tees are available on each hole ensuring golfers, without the ability to play a tour length layout, can enjoy their game.
There is a pitching green and putting green located close to the clubhouse allowing you to perfect your skills before your round commences. A very inviting clubhouse and restaurant awaits on completion. Whilst on the course make sure you get a view of the restored Khmer ‘Roluh’ bridge between the 9th green and 10th tee. As the club’s moto states, “Tee-off in the 11th century, finish your round in the 21st century”.