On first arriving in 1993 the immediate impression was insufficient services offered to the tourist. Certainly there clearly was still the tuk tuk drivers eager to drive you on a tour of the temples of Angkor for the day. Hotels were popping up but other services were limited. There were no ATMs and very little else to do if one wished to have a break from visiting the temples. Fast forward 20 years and the problem has completely changed by way of a great deal of investment, knowledge and innovation. This has been possible through development aid. The tenacity of the neighborhood those who despite most of the atrocities they've undergone are keen showing off their wonderful country and take the opportunities they have. It's also been possible as much Khmers who escaped during the Khmer Rouge era are returning with the knowledge they've gained abroad bringing positive change to the area community.

With many local businesses planning for the brand new tourist season starting in October don't just think of a tour to Siem Reap as only a quick temple visit. That the moment to have a look at what else is being offered and how it increases the local economy.

Horse-riding in Siem Reap is one such tour, for individuals with only a little adventure in mind why not have a horse riding tour for 1-3 hours through rural countryside passing streams, rice fields and local villages. The tours are suitable for beginners and children and certainly are a fun solution to separation visiting the temples or simply for experiencing something different on a tour to Cambodia.

For those with a head for heights and attempting to catch some aerial views and photographs of the majestic Angkor Wat here is another balloon ride over Angkor. The German made helium balloon doesn't actually move because it is attached with a string but ascends around 200 metres for a 10 minute trip which lets you acquire some great photographs and an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the entire world!

If you find yourself in Siem Reap on a Sunday evening a great experience is a traditional Khmer dance show with live traditional music put on by the Cambodian Children's House of Peace, an orphanage in Siem Reap. The show is held every Sunday during the school term without fail at 7pm. It's free but do make a donation with their worthy cause if visiting. If you should be visiting during rainy season there's a rain cover so don't allow that put you off. It's well worth the visit.

You can find obviously a number of other attractions and activities to pick from in your short visit to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Keep your brain open and don't forget how far Cambodia has come in the last 20 years!