Feeling “templed out” in Siem Reap? Get away from the tours by taking a short drive out from town – look for these lesser-known attractions that provide a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
You can explore the birthplace of the Khmer Empire at Phnom Kulen, go birdwatching at Prek Toal, or experience life on Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Khleang. Add a visit to the Cambodia Landmine Museum for a sobering reminder of Khmer resilience. Put them all together – and you have a Siem Reap getaway worth remembering!
Birthplace of an empire: Phnom Kulen
The plateau of Phnom Kulen holds a pivotal place in Khmer history as the birthplace of the Khmer empire. In 802 CE, Jayavarman II proclaimed himself a devaraja (god-king) here; it remains Cambodia’s most sacred mountain, attracting pilgrims on weekends and festivals.
Its summit features Wat Preah Ang Thom, home to an eight-meter long reclining Buddha carved into sandstone. On the southwest slopes of the Kulen Hills lies Kbal Spean, an Angkorian site famous for intricate riverbed carvings of lingas and yonis which are intended to sanctify the waters flowing over them.
Other highlights include Prasat Rong Chen, the first Angkorian temple-mountain, and the striking stone guardians of Sra Damrei (Elephant Pond). Phnom Kulen lies about 60km from Siem Reap, ideally accessed via private car or shared minivan.
Avian paradise: Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, located in northwest Tonle Sap Lake, is one of Southeast Asia’s most vital breeding grounds for endangered waterbirds.
Spanning 31,282 hectares within the Tonle Sap UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Sanctuary shelters over 150 bird species, including Greater and Lesser Adjutants, Milky Storks, and Spot-billed Pelicans. From December to March, receding waters attract thousands of local and migratory birds, making it an ideal time for birdwatching.
Visitors can cover the 26km from Siem Reap by car, then tour the sanctuary by small motorboat, observing rare waterfowl and visiting the Prek Toal floating village. Key operators like the Sam Veasna Center and Osmose offer guided tours led by conservation-trained rangers, featuring bird observation towers, village cruises, and eco-tourism insights.
Warning from history: Cambodia Landmine Museum
The Landmine Museum, founded by Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier, highlights Cambodia’s ongoing battle with landmines and their impact on communities. Located 25 km north of Siem Reap, near Banteay Srei Temple, the museum features four galleries that document the dangers of landmines.
The museum supports demining efforts through the Cambodia Self-Help Demining (CSHD) NGO, established by Aki Ra in 2008. An attached Relief Facility cares for children from impoverished backgrounds, offering education, housing, and support.
Visitors can explore the museum while contributing to its mission, with guided tours available in English and Japanese. Open daily from 7:30 to 17:30, entry costs $5 for adults, while children under 10 and Cambodian citizens visit for free.
Community on the waters: Kampong Khleang
Kampong Khleang, located 55 km east of Siem Reap, offers a serene, authentic experience compared to the more tourist-heavy Kampong Phluk and Chong Kneas. As the largest community on Tonle Sap Lake, it is home to around 6,000 people living in stilt houses that rise up to 10 meters above the floodplain. During the wet season, water levels rise to just below the buildings, creating a striking landscape.
Upon arrival from Siem Reap, visitors can explore Kampong Khleang’s floating platforms, observe daily life, and visit a central island housing a market and pagoda. The local boat service is community-owned, ensuring proceeds support the residents.
