Looking for a magical yoga destination in Asia? Siem Reap is the answer. As the gateway to the famous temples of Angkor in Cambodia, Siem Reap offers visitors an unforgettable experience that stands out from other popular destinations like Bali, Phuket, or Koh Phangan. If you’re planning a yoga adventure and travel getaway, Siem Reap should be at the top of your list. Here are the top reasons why a Siem Reap yoga retreat is the perfect way to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
1.Beyond Siem Reap Yoga: Learn about Cambodia culture
There are few places around Siem Reap where you can learn about handicrafts in Cambodia. If you are lucky to be in Siem Reap at the right time there are cultural events that happen in the city center and at the temples of Angkor. The busiest and most festive ones are Khmer New Year (Sankranta) in April, the water festival (Bon Om Tuk), generally during the month of November and Chinese New Year, generally during the month of February.
For those interested in learning more about Angkor temples, there are several museums worth visiting like the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap and the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum
2. Visit the ancient temples of Angkor
With more than 200 ancient temples dating back to the 9th to 14th century, Siem Reap has enough to hold the interest of most history and religious enthousiasts. Many temples are scattered within a 20-kilometer radius around Siem Reap, making it easy to visit several temples during your Siem Reap yoga retreat. Each temple has its unique architecture and fascinating history, and visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.
3. Extend Your Adventure: Unveiling Cambodia’s Best-Kept Secrets After Your Siem Reap Yoga Getaway
After your yoga retreat in Siem Reap, if you have some time left to explore there are many nearby provinces like Battambang or Kratie, cities with some remains of French colonial architecture.
You can also head south and from Sihanoukville take a boat to spend few days in less touristic islands like Koh Rong, Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Rong Saloem.
If you are craving for more temple adventures, explore further away temples like Banteay Chhmar or Preah Vihear, both located near the border with Thailand.
4. Explore Local Cambodian Cuisine
Siem Reap is a great place for foodies, offering a diverse range of authentic Cambodian and international cuisine. The city is filled with local eateries serving up a variety of traditional Khmer dishes. Some of the popular dishes include amok, a rich and creamy coconut-based curry, and nom banh chok, a refreshing Khmer noodle salad. There are many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Siem Reap. Another bonus is that almost all Cambodian food and desserts are gluten free as they use cassava and rice flour. For a sweet treat, there’s banana sticky rice, a dessert made from steamed bananas, coconut and sticky rice.
5. Engage in other sporting activities
You can do many sporting activities in Siem Reap like horseback riding in the countryside or mountain biking riding in the numerous trails of the archaeological park. Also popular are dirt bikes, vespa, jeep or ATV tours as well as zipline in the Angkorian jungle. Moreover, a wake park offers opportunities to try wakeboarding after or during your Siem Reap yoga retreat.
