Countryside Life and Dining

Beyond the temples lies a rural landscape which is often little changed since the days of Jayavarman VII. To depart Siem Reap having seen only the temple ruins is to miss contemporary Khmer culture.  As infrastructure and technology encroach upon the countryside, this opportunity will soon be lost.  

After a short drive from Siem Reap visit a colourful contemporary pagoda to learn more about the importance of Buddhism in rural communities and seek a blessing from the monks.

This evening joins us at ABOUTAsia’s country villa Chandara, situated in a beautiful and tranquil village to the north of the Western Baray. An impressive engineering feat, this man-made reservoir was once integral to the complex Angkorian rice irrigation system.  You will travel to Chandara by boat (depending on the water level) late this afternoon.

To relax here for a while is an opportunity to slow down and just watch, cold drink in hand.  The tempo of the Cambodian countryside is truly meditation in motion. At the end of the day, you will likely see ox-carts returning from the fields, children washing their water buffalos, or playing and laughing as they jump from the bridge into the stream. 

While our chef prepares your Classic Dinner, you can wander across the levees of the rice paddies, look for fish traps, or walk to a viewpoint over the ancient reservoir.  Listen to the elegance of traditional Khmer music played by local musicians, before being seated for your evening meal.