On first arriving in 1993 the immediate impression was insufficient services open to the tourist. Certainly there is 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 little else to accomplish if one desired to take a break from visiting the temples. Fast forward 20 years and the situation has completely changed by way of a great deal of investment, knowledge and innovation. It has been possible through development aid. The tenacity of the area those who despite most of the atrocities they have undergone are keen showing off their wonderful country and take the opportunities they have. It has already been possible as many Khmers who escaped during the Khmer Rouge era are returning with the information they have gained abroad bringing positive change to the area community.

With many local businesses getting ready for the newest tourist season starting in October don't just consider a tour to Siem Reap as merely a quick temple visit. That the moment to possess a review of what else is being offered and how it adds to the local economy.

Horse-riding in Siem Reap is one such tour, for people that have a little adventure in mind you will want to take a horse riding tour for 1-3 hours through rural countryside passing streams, rice fields and local villages. The tours are suited to beginners and children and are a fun solution to split up visiting the temples or just for experiencing something different on a tour to Cambodia.

For individuals with a head for heights and attempting to catch some aerial views and photographs of the majestic Angkor Wat try a balloon ride over Angkor. The German made helium balloon doesn't actually move as it is mounted on a string but ascends around 200 metres for a 10 minute trip which enables you to get some great photographs and an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the world!

If you discover yourself in Siem Reap on a Sunday evening a good experience is just 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 is completely free but do create a donation for their worthy cause if visiting. If you're visiting during rainy season there's a rain cover so don't allow that put you off. It's really worth the visit.

You can find needless to say many other attractions and activities to pick from in your short visit to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Keep your mind open and don't forget how far Cambodia has come within the last 20 years!