The 'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds." The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Tonle Sap Lake and plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers. The best time of year for viewing is the dry season when flocks of migratory birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult.
Chong Khneas
Chong Khneas is the floating village at the edge of the lake closest and most accessible to Siem Reap. If you want a relatively quick and easy look at the Tonle Sap, boat tours of Chong Khneas are available, departing from the Chong Khneas boat docks all day long. Take a motodup or taxi the 11-15km from Siem Reap to the boat docks where there are always boats waiting for passengers. A two-hour boat trip through the floating village may carry as many as 15 other people. The boatman will probably point out the differing Khmer and Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, clinics, schools and other boatloads of tourists. Chong Khneas, while interesting, is over-touristed and is not as picturesque and 'unspoiled' as floating villages further from Siem Reap. The boat trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating 'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other at the very highly recommended Gecko Environment Centre, which offers displays and information introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.
Old Market(Psa Chas)
The Old Market (Phsar Chas) and the Old Market area are 'must sees' when visiting Siem Reap. Of the various traditional markets in the Siem Reap area, the Old Market is the most popular with tourists and visitors, offering the greatest selection of souvenirs and curios of any of the traditional markets. And the area around the Old Market is burgeoning with shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, massage and more. The Old Market is located on the river at the south end of the Old French Quarter. During the day and into the early evening the south side of the market near the river is alive with souvenir and silk vendors hawking a wide variety of Cambodian handicrafts, textiles, statues and curios. The Old Market is also a good place to pick up post cards, tee-shirts and other small items if you haven't already bought them from the vendors at the temples. The north half of the market caters primarily to the locals, vending fruit, vegetables, meats, clothes, appliances and such. A number of inexpensive food stalls line the northern edge, serving local fare in interesting though sometimes hygienically challenged conditions. The Old Market closes at sunset, but many of the souvenir vendors in south section of the market stay open past 8PM.
Night Noon Market
The Noon Night Market is located in the center of town within easy walking distance of the Old Market area and Pub Street. Look for the lighted signs. Open noon till late. Dozens of stalls and shops offering a complete selection of Cambodian souvenirs, Khmer art, silks, handicrafts, massage and more. Al fresco bar and Khmer food restaurant at the back of the market both offering reasonably priced food and drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. Free wifi at the restaurants. ATM in market..Old Market area, just off Sivatha Blvd.
Website: www.noonnightmarket.com
Angkor Night Market
Siem Reap’s original night market, located in the heart of town. The Angkor Night Market opens in the mid-afternoon, stays open until at least midnight, harbors more than 100 thatch roofed shops and stalls offering souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, Asian and international food, drinks, books, DVDs, electronics, jewelry, art and there’s even a travel agent. The shopping atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed and the welcoming Island Bar at the back of the Market provides a nice place to relax and chill over some very reasonably priced drinks and snacks. Off Sivatha Blvd.
Website: www.angkornightmarket.com
Artisans d’Angkor at National Silk Center
Set aside a couple of hours to visit the National Silk Center. The silk farm is a fascinating farm/workshop where you can see the entire silk creation process including growing the food for the silk worms (mulberry bushes), breeding the worms, silk extraction, spinning and refinement, traditional ikat dying, pattern creation, and looming. It’s a very interesting and educational tour well worth the time to drive out to the silk farm. Retail silk/souvenir shop from Artisans d’Angkor. Open 8:00AM - 5:30PM (workshops close at 5:00PM)
Artisans D'Angkor
Artisans D’Angkor Renowned woodworking, stone carving, gilding and silk painting workshops. Free tours of the classes and workshops offer a glimpse into the unique skills of the artisans who were trained in the techniques and styles of classic Cambodian artistry. Retail shop features wood and stone carvings, lacquer wares and silk items from Artisans d’Angkor. Open 7:30AM - 6:30PM
http://www.artisansdangkor.com/
