Mey Chrey is one of the only year-round floating villages in Siem Reap Province. This village, unlike many others, is made up of purely Cambodian residents making it one of the most authentic displays of Cambodian ‘floating’ culture available. When putting this tour together, we focused on finding a family our guests could visit and interact with in order to avoid the voyeuristic way that most tourists currently see this and other villages like this in Cambodia. This tour is designed to spread the money brought in by tourism a little further into the community. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase snacks from local shops and to be paddled around by their new local friends to get an in depth look at day-to-day life in this kind of village. This experience is unique as most tourists visit floating villages on large boats and don’t have the chance to meet the residents of the village.
A floating village on the northern reaches of the Tonle Sap, Mechrey is not the loveliest spot in the world, but it offers some great bird-spotting opportunities, as well as a chance to witness a unique way of life for those who live on the lake.
Of course, it’s not quite Prek Toal with its large colonies of waterbirds, whose populations are making a striking comeback according to a 2016 report issued by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Serious birders and nature lovers should certainly put that on their list of things to do. But it’s not as far away, nor as expensive to get to, either. We visited in early 2016, not the best time of year to enjoy the Tonle Sap admittedly, especially after two virtually dry rainy seasons, but we found much to enjoy nonetheless.
Mechrey is on the borders of Puok district, to the west of Siem Reap, and the journey there is in fact far lovelier than the destination. Do not nod off when your transport turns off the main road (National Route 6) onto a red dirt track, as there is some beautiful scenery along the 15 kilometre route that is flanked by waterways, rice fields and villages. We also spotted a huge group of storks whirling in the skies above along here, so keep your eyes peeled.
A community-based tourism station is at the edge of a long, human-built canal that connects with the Kambot River, which flows out into the Tonle Sap. Here communities mainly fish for a living from the ever-dwindling stocks of fish. The Tonle Sap is still the world’s most productive inland fishery, but the fish population faces dire and ever-growing threats. The profusion of fish is directly attributable to the rhythm of the lake, which rises and falls by up to 10 metres each year, and whose area increases six-fold from 2,500 square kilometres to 15,000 square kilometres during the wet.
The construction of dams upstream on the Mekong, and there are more in the pipeline, climate change, rampant over-fishing and conversion of lake areas to agriculture have all taken their toll. In 2015, it was reported that the Tonle Sap River scarcely reversed its flow the previous year; it would be unprecedented for it to not reverse flow, yet that grim prospect seems ever more likely. Without that life-giving rhythm, the future of the Tonle Sap, and the people who depend on it, which is more or less all of Cambodia, looks very murky.
The establishment of initiatives such as the one at Mechrey can’t strictly be called ecotourism, although it does give people alternatives to fishing as a source of income. But they are an opportunity to witness an extraordinary way of life that is also under threat, and to clock up some lovely birdlife.
The tour itself starts off in a pretty smelly artificial canal which you travel along for about a kilometre until the waterway opens out on to the main river and the floating village.
Here you glide by as life continues as it has long done: people shopping in floating markets, doing their laundry, catching a quick meal, going to school, sharing gossip with friends. You’ll be guided through it all, and then stop for a drink, or a meal of you wish, on one of the floating platforms. Lots of Cambodians also farm crocodiles, selling the meat and skins to Thailand, and you’ll get a chance to see one of the crocodile farms too.
Mechrey offers an opportunity to explore life as it is lived literally on the Tonle Sap Lake. It’s not as lovely a spot as the much further away Kompong Khleang, or offer as much cultural insight as Kompong Phluk, but on our visit, it did have the far greater opportunities to see birds. This may be thanks to its proximity to the waterbird colonies at Prek Toal, and also to the fact that it is less densely populated.
To get there, a tuk tuk will take you return for between $15 and $18. There is no entry fee as such, but the boats cost $20 to hire.
Address: Puok district | Siem Reap Province, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Banteay Chas Village, Slokram Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Strategically located in Siem Reap, Laysung Angkor Boutique offers modern and comfortable accommodations with free WiFi access in its public areas. It features an outdoor pool and provides complimentary airport pickup upon request.
The property is just 0.7 mi from Royal Residence and 0.9 mi from the famous Pub Street. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 3.9 mi away, while Siem Reap International Airport is accessible within a 5.6 mi drive.
Offering pool views from the balcony, air-conditioned rooms come with tiled flooring, a wardrobe, in-room safe, seating area, a fridge and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Private bathroom includes a bathtub, shower facility, bathrobes and free toiletries.
At Laysung Angkor Boutique, guests may rent a bicycle/car to explore the area and visit nearby attractions. Friendly staff can assist with luggage storage, laundry and massage services. Free parking space is available for guests who drive.
Enjoy alfresco dining at the in-house restaurant, where guests can sample a delectable spread of local dishes. Meals can also be served in the privacy of guests’ rooms.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
City Center, Sok San Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Nestled within private gardens, Central Suite Residence offers accommodation amidst the hustle and bustle of Sok San Road in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
Pub Street is 200 m from the property, while Angkor Wat is 7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from Central Suite Residence. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Rooms come with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. All rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bath. For your comfort, you will find bath robes, slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Bicycle rentals are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
The Grand View Restaurant at Central Suite Residence serves up an array of authentic Khmer Cuisine as well as Asian and Western delights. Guests also have the option of al fresco dining with views overlooking the swimming pool.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Corner River Road & Samdech Tep Vong Street,Wat Bo Village,Sala Kamroeuk Commune, , Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located along the Siem Reap River, Angkor Sayana Hotel & Spa offers luxurious 4-star accommodation with a flat-screen TV. This non-smoking hotel features an outdoor pool, 2 dining options and free Wi-Fi.
Elegant rooms come with modern Khmer interiors, hardwood floors and large windows that provide natural light. Each stylish room has a minibar, safe and private bathroom with a bathtub.
Guests can enjoy a rejuvenating body massage at the spa or take a stroll along the tranquil river. Car rental and ticketing services are provided at the tour desk.
Touch of Lime restaurant serves a variety of Cambodian and Asian dishes. Refreshing cocktails and light snacks are offered at the River Street Lounge.
Hotel Angkor Sayana is a 5-minute walk from the Old market and a 10-minute drive from the famous Angkor Wat. Siem Reap International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Tapul Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
A 10-minute walk from Siem Reap’s popular Central Market, Motherhome Inn offers value-for-money accommodation with WiFi, bike rental and parking all for free. It features an outdoor pool and 24-hour in-room dining.
Motherhome Inn is a 15-minute walk from lively Pub Street and a 10-minute drive from UNESCO heritage site, Angkor Wat. It provides a free pick-up service from the airport, bus station and boat port.
Featuring a flat-screen TV, air-conditioned rooms come with ample storage and desk space. They offer a tea/coffee maker, an electric kettle, slippers and a private bathroom with free toiletries, toothbrushes and a hairdryer.
Guests can enjoy the use of a sauna or relaxing massages by the poolside. Added conveniences include a business centre, tour desk and same-day laundry service. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
Traditional Khmer meals and International dishes are served in the casual setting of the restaurant. After-meal drinks are available at the bar.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.2 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Sok San Road, Steung Thmei, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Golden Temple Boutique offers 19 suites tastefully designed in a handcrafted stonework decor. Just 100 m from Angkor Night Market and 300 m from the vibrant Pub Street, guests can enjoy food at an in-house restaurant or relax at the spa. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
Every suite comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a tea/coffee making facilities. Certain suites offer a seating area and a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the city. All suites feature an en suite bathroom fitted with shower facilities. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
A 24-hour front desk can be approached for currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services. Guests can enjoy swimming at the outdoor pool or indulge in massage treatments at Malis Spa. Other facilities include a business centre and a library.
A selection of Cambodian or International dishes can be enjoyed at Damnak AHA Restaurant. Guests can also have drinks at the on-site bar.
Golden Temple Boutique offers free use of bicycles for guests wishing to explore the surrounding area. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 7 km away from the property, while Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9 km away. The hotel offers complimentary round-trip transfer services from/to the airport, a bus station or a ferry dock.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Sambai Rd, Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap 17245 - Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Situated in Siem Reap, 800 m from King's Road Angkor, Grand Élysée La Résidence features free WiFi access and free private parking. The hotel has an outdoor pool and spa centre, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
Featuring 32 luxurious rooms and suites, each unit is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area where you can relax. Views of the mountain, pool or garden are featured in certain rooms. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.
The hotel also offers bike hire. Pub Street is a 5-minute drive from Grand Élysée La Résidence, while Angkor Wat is a 20-minute drive away. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is a 25-minute ride from the property.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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