Yes, there is no doubt that the ruins of Angkor are the most attractive spots in Siem Reap for tourists. However, not only them! There are much more ways to enjoy Siem Reap you don’t know yet. How about visiting the places where the locals spend their day off and the very hot spots opened recently, spending a modest luxury time at hotel without accommodating, or enjoying
some other unique options? Find another Siem Reap with NyoNyum!

Locals’ favourite picnic spot! Eating char-grilled chicken and chilling in a Hammock

West Baray is home to the giant man-made reservoir that was made during in the Angkor Era. The island in the middle has temple ruins, and of course they are listed in travel guides. However, it is little known that it is a popular location for the locals to visit as a leisure spot. Around the reservoir can be found food stalls selling the area’s local specialty, fragrant char-grilled chicken.
Down the embankment is a rest area with huts. The locals rent one of these huts and enjoy the waterfront with a picnic. They lay out a mat with friends or family and eat, drink and play cards. They also enjoy napping in hammocks attached to the hut’s pillars. Some people also go for a dip in the water. Visit Angkor ruins or relaxing at your hotel is nice, but how about trying out the local way to spend a day off?

MAP

The water levels of the reservoir vary widely depending on the season – rainy or dry

①West Mebon (Temple ruins)

You can’t enter due to renovation works, but you can take a boat (or boat and tractor when the water level is low) to the island, and take a look in from behind the fence.

②Ak Yum (Temple ruins)

The temple ruin is half baried on the south shore of West Baray.

The rest area

The rest area huts are available for about 10,0 0 0 riels for one space ($2.50), with no particular time limits. Sand is laid out the front of the huts giving a beach feel.

The local char-grilled chicken

The local char-grilled chicken are sold around 25,000-30,000 riels ($6.25-$7.5). There’s also grilled fish and frogs.