A great deal has happened in 20 years, the level of development has been unprecedented. On first arriving in 1993 the immediate impression was not enough services open to the tourist. Certainly there 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 little else to accomplish if one wished to have a break from visiting the temples. Fast forward 20 years and the specific situation has completely changed via 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 have experienced are keen showing off their wonderful country and take the opportunities they have. It's also been possible as numerous Khmers who escaped during the Khmer Rouge era are returning with the knowledge they have 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 consider a tour to Siem Reap as merely a quick temple visit. That a moment to own a glance at what else is on offer and how it enhances the local economy.

Horse-riding in Siem Reap is one particular tour, for those with only 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 really are a fun solution to break up visiting the temples or perhaps for experiencing different things on a tour to Cambodia.

For individuals with a mind for heights and wanting 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 as it is attached with a rope but ascends around 200 metres for a 10 minute trip which lets you get some good great photographs and an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the planet!

If you discover 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 college term without fail at 7pm. It is totally free but do create a donation to their worthy cause if visiting. If you're visiting during rainy season there is a rain cover so don't let that place you off. It's well worth the visit.

There are of course a great many other attractions and activities to pick from on your short trip to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Keep the mind open and don't forget how far Cambodia has come within the last few 20 years!