The Kingdom of Wonder has a rich fauna and flora, which attracts nature lovers from all over the world. This list of 5 unique animals you can find in Cambodia is just the tip of the iceberg. Cambodia has been known for centuries for its rich bio-diversity, the traces of which can be seen on the bas reliefs at Angkor.

Like many other countries, however, Cambodia’s wildlife has suffered greatly from deforestation, development, and poaching. Animals such as tigers have not been seen in the wild for ages now, and every day more and more species come under threat. That being said, the country remains a great destination for nature lovers.

Kouprey

The Kouprey, also known as the “Grey Ox”, is a species of bovid that lives in forests and feeds off grass. An adult kouprey can weigh up to 900 kilos and measure up to 2 meters tall. Sadly, as they are prized for their meat, horns, and skulls, they have become a critically endangered species. Today, you’ll only be able to see them (if you are extremely lucky) in Cambodia, where they can be found in Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri. They’re so hard to find in fact that the last confirmed sighting was back in 1983!

Fun Fact #1: The Kouprey became the national animal of Cambodia in the 1960s, designated as such by Prince Sihanouk.

Giant Ibis

The Giant Ibis is the national bird of Cambodia, one of the many rare bird species that can be found in the Kingdom of Cambodia. It is the biggest bird in the Ibis family and can measure up to 100 cm tall and weigh more than 4 kilos! The majority of the bird’s population can be found in Cambodia. In fact, this is one of the reasons why Cambodia is such a popular birding destination. This impressive bird likes to live in marshes, swamps or around lakes and nearby water. It’s diet consists of insects, seeds, amphibians, and reptiles. No wonder the Tonlé Sap is one of its hang out spots.

FunFact #2: The Giant Ibis only lays 2 eggs a year and only during the monsoon season.

Sun bear

Sun bears are one of the 8 species of bears that exist in the world today. Though they used to be found across Southeast Asia, today, they are mostly seen in northeastern Cambodia. Sun bears live mostly in trees and are omnivore and love to eat sweet fruits, small rodents, birds, insects, and of course, honey. In fact, Sun Bears love honey so much that they are also called “Honey bears” sometimes. Because a sun bear’s life is tied to that of forests, it should come as no surprise that deforestation is a great threat to these animals. The fact that they are sought after for traditional medicines certainly does not help either!

Fun fact #3: The sun bear is the smallest species of bears in the world

Sunda Pangolin

Pangolins are unique-looking animals that are full of surprises. These scaled mammals spend most of their life in trees so you’ll find them mostly in forests around Cambodia. They live off of ants and termites which they hunt for with their large claws, ideal for digging into the ground. These amazing animals depend mostly on their excellent sense of smell, which makes up for their poor eyesight. Sunda Pangolins are an endangered species. Deforestation is one important reason but most importantly, they are sought after across Asia for their meat and for traditional medicines.

Fun Fact #4: The Pangolin is the only scaled mammal!

Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle

The Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle is considered one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. They can measure up to 2 meters long and weigh over 50 kg! That’s pretty big. In Cambodia, Khmer people call these turtles “frog head turtles”. Why? Because they see similarities with the features of, you guessed it, a frog. These exceptional animals can live up to 200 years. Once very common, these turtles are now an endangered species that can mostly be seen on a 30 kilometer stretch of the Mekong in the north of Cambodia. Decades of collecting eggs their eggs for food has brought these turtles to near extinction though conservation efforts are trying to turn the tide.

Fun Fact #5: These turtles were rediscovered in Cambodia in 2007!

Hopefully you will have a chance to spot some of these animals on a visit, we recommend touring Cambodia by bicycle to best immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. If you would like to find out even more about wildlife in Cambodia Wikipedia has an extensive catalog of species to be found.

Travel inspiration can come from all directions! That includes a good book, people we meet, happenstance, and even great movies. These five particular favorites movies inspired members of our staff, triggering curiosity, fond memories, and ultimately played an important part in their desire to explore the world. Set aside some time, a bowl of popcorn, one or two of these great flicks and see what sparks in yourself.

Tracks 

I read Robyn Davidson’s 1956 memoir when I was in my early teens. It inspired me to think about the emotional rehabilitation that an expedition or a journey can deliver. It gave birth to a fairly long list of expeditions, some that I’ve completed and others that I hope I might get around to completing at some point. 

Watch the trailer here!

~ Adam Platt-Hepworth, CEO

I Lost My Body

A gripping metaphor of dealing with internal limitations and going out of bounds to re-access a forgotten memory of lightness and freedom. This movie’s protagonist reunites with his childhood dreams in the denouement of this poetic picture. “I Lost my Body” was not the piece that originally instilled my wanderlust. I will always attribute the surreal animated adventures of Moomins I watched in my childhood to this. Yet, this movie will surely shake you out of stagnation and make you reconnect with your wondering self. It’s not an entirely happy movie and, as with many timeless works of cinematography, this instant classic offers many ways to read it. Well, this one is mine. Watch it on Netflix.

Watch the trailer here!

~ Pawel, “Mr. Self-Guided”

Alfred Hitchcock Films

In his early films, Alfred Hitchcock often used Europe and other exotic locations around the world as settings.  A master storyteller and arguably a filmmaker ahead of his time, Hitchcock’s films and locales intrigued me even at a young age. Favorites include:

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), James Stewart & Doris Day in a British spy thriller. (Yes, the songstress Doris Day)

The Lady Vanishes (1938) A distinguished English lady disappears aboard  European train, with Michael Redgrave.

To Catch A Thief ( 1959) Cary Grant & Grace Kelly star in a romantic jewel caper set along the French Riviera.

Notorious (1946) A WW II Nazi spy thriller set in Rio de Janeiro, featuring Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman.

Watch the trailer here!

~Steve Grace, Brand Ambassador 

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 

A real feel-good movie, and one to watch with the family, proving its never too late to travel. It made me want to visit India, travel more and dive into the culture. It inspired me to consider running my own elderly home in a foreign country! A handful of elderly pensioners decide to outsource their retirement to exotic — and less expensive — India, in this 2011 dramatic comedy. Lured by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and imagining a life of leisure in lush surroundings, they arrive and find that the Marigold hotel is actually a shell of its former self. Although their new home is not quite what they had imagined, the retirees find that life and love can begin again when they let go of their pasts.

Watch the trailer here!

~Claire Wyatt, Cambodia Country Manager

Thelma & Louise

Well, the ending of the movie did not inspire me, but escaping and leaving everything behind inspired my first 12 month sabbatical in Asia back in 2004. Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American female buddy road film directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise, two friends who embark on a road trip which ends up in unforeseen circumstances. 

Watch the trailer here!

~ Sven Zika, Sales Manager 

Studio Ghibli

The drawing style and intriguing storyline behind Studio Ghibli’s films, like Spirited Away (2001) and My Neighbor Totoro (1988), first began my fascination with Japanese culture. I enjoyed the surprising characters and spirits, the unexpected story turns, and the very unique perspective on nature coupled with such beautiful music. I respect the time and value that Japanese place on their crafts, including movies like these, and this sparked an interest to experience many different cultures across Asia. Experiencing Japan one day is still at the top of my bucket list! 

Watch the My Neighbor Totoro trailer here!

~ Christie Pink, Communications Team 

What a journey these 15 years have been! Great pictures are added to our library often, and some bring particularly special memories to mind. We recall awe-inspiring natural wonders and unique people and situations on these cycling adventures. There’s never a dull moment. Join us in exploring these select images and the tales behind them from 15 years of memories.

1. Photo Fascination

Myanmar based tour leader, Chan Nyein, shares an image with some curious Shan (ethnic minority) ladies on tour following the road out of Pindaya in the Inle/Shan area. These hardy ladies dig lime-rich gravel out of a small quarry. They mix the gravel with cement and set it into compressed, non-fired bricks. These become the main building material for houses in the area. Riders often remark on these buildings as they look like something out of the North American countryside.

2. Sheryl and the Birds

Being part of a group tour means we also get to experience each other’s interests and see new things from another’s perspective. An avid bird-watcher named Sheryl joined a Mekong Bike and Boat tour. Binoculars around her neck and bird book nearby, no feathered friend went unnoticed. At every rest stop and during our river coasts, she recognized familiar songs. On our ride through the wildlife sanctuary heard every new tweet. Soon enough, each of us noticed whistles and calls that would have otherwise been missed. Her excitement over finding a new bird and her extensive knowledge of the bird-world affected our group wonderfully. We all walked away with a bit more appreciation in that area. 

3. Scene of the Crime

It was the second day of riding on our inaugural Hokkaido tour. The group was all strong riders and everyone was on their own ride bikes. We were moving at quite a clip. As we came over a rise, someone tapped the brakes and someone behind went down. I can’t recall who tapped the brakes, but I don’t think it was Chris (man offering wrists to the police). It was more a case of him acting as the fall guy. It was all in jest. The police came because we called an ambulance. A police car always accompanies an ambulance for roadside issues. The victim, Karen, battled it out in a wheelchair for 3 days before she went home to Sydney. She had a few breaks.

4. Talent Discovery – Laos

We sent Nguyen, one of our tour guides from Vietnam, as a photographer on a trip to Laos. Nguyen dabbled in photography alongside his tour guiding. He was leading trips and sending more and more spectacular images into our office. Suitably impressed, we sent him along on his first trip to Laos with a camera and drone in hand. His sole mission was to capture the magic of this country in some still shots. The result was a fantastic gallery of images from northern Laos. Two favorites are here — the first is a spectacular sunset shot captured by drone in the dramatic mountain scenery Northern Laos is well known for. We have seen lots of beautiful shots of sunsets and mountains, but to this day Nguyen’s is still a favorite.

5. Talent Discovery – Riding with the Buffalos

Another favorite from Nguyen’s gallery is this rider with local buffalo. In this typical roadside scene with water buffalos, you can see Laos is not all about mountain-scapes. It’s a playful shot that captures some of the simplistic charms of everyday life in much of Laos. 

6. Anderson Cooper joins us in Myanmar – Dec 2016

One of our 15 favorite memories includes a celebrity. Team Myanmar was a little star-struck after a visit from journalist and tv personality Anderson Cooper, who joined us on our Bike, Boat & Kayak tour at Inle Lake, Myanmar. It was an absolute joy to have him along for the ride!! A genuinely nice guy and, not surprisingly, he has some fascinating tales of his own. Thanks for joining us, Anderson.

Photo (L to R): Sai Win Maung (Guide), Aung Kyaw Thu (Operations Manager), Anderson Cooper, Steve Locke (former Myanmar Manager) and Khine Thazin Oo (Sales Team)

7. The Red E-Bike & the Red Cat

This was taken at the entrance to our day tour shop in Siem Reap. When it was first opened, Adam (Grasshopper CEO) and his wife, Marie, lived above the shop in two small rooms and had two cats and a dog. The dog was completely mad but was good security for suspect looking passers-by and the customers always enjoyed patting her. The cats draped over the customers’ laps. Sometimes they stretched out on the customer service desk, interfering with the keyboard. On this particular morning, Adam wanted to zip out to the mart to pick up some yogurt. The red cat jumped on board, clearly also wanting something from the mart. Probably out of envy, the dog chased the cat around the place like mad only 10 seconds later. The red e-bike was purchased just a few months earlier. A participant in a charity challenge ride suffered from MS and could do the ride with her daughter on the e-bike. It came in handy, but the e-bikes now are so advanced that they are almost unrecognizable from this antique. 

8. High Fives

Children really impact 15 years of memories. Local children get very excited when a group of foreign cyclists, decked out in colorful gear and sporting friendly smiles, come streaming through their village. Nowhere is this more true than in Cambodia. They call “hello” from their simple thatch homes set back away from the road. Some run to line up along the trail as you navigate the red roads and palm trees. Others ride their own bicycles on the way to school or to the rice fields for some fishing. Their contagious enthusiasm and high-fives leave both sides feeling like something special just happened. This was a particular little group of rambunctious boys. They just finished giving their biggest high fives and silliest faces to the most mischievous rider of our group.

9. A Shy Mountain

Marie stopped for a drink overlooking Fansipan, Indochina’s highest peak. She and Adam were accompanying a tour of a small group of people who would eventually become close friends. This was still the early days of Grasshopper and the last day of a tough, now discontinued, tour which started in Laos and finished in Northern Vietnam. Many parts of the journey existed over truly rugged terrain, and each day typically involved a minimum of a 25km hill-climb. The descents rewarded us kindly. On the last climb of the tour and after many nights in rustic rural accommodation, everyone needed several weeks rest. The brilliant ascent up, switchbacks and winding roads lasted for about 30km. Adam did this climb about 8 times previously yet this is the only time he ever caught the peak in all its glory. He describes it as, “Normally fogged in… a shy mountain.” 

10. Brown Gold

Food is an important part of any 15 years of memories! One of our favorite things about riding in Vietnam… the coffee!! The smooth liquid collects in its unique drip fashion. Then it pairs with condensed milk, smoother than an average blend with a hint of chocolate to its taste and aroma. Residents serve this rich dark drop on every corner of the country. The perfect way to kickstart a great day exploring the country by bike!

11. The Memorable Seaplane

After traveling all the way over to the east coast of Sri Lanka in the space of a week or so, there had been some good riding, but also a lot of driving. The driver and his “pedal to the floor” or “Sunday grandpa” driving extremes put Adam in dread of entering his vehicle. The driver mentioned that he had been in the army; his foot shot and his scalp grazed by a bullet. Maybe he suffered from PTSD or maybe he just drove erratically. Either way, at the prospect of a 10-hour drive to return to Colombo, Adam was less than enthusiastic. Then an associate, Ruben, mentioned a seaplane that flies on a schedule from Batticaloa. This meant one could just buy a seat without chartering the whole plane. So it came that Adam flew on this neat little seaplane. At one point they came in fairly low over a national park where there where around a dozen elephants drank by a reservoir. The happy pilot even did a few circles so they got a good look. It was one of the most memorable aviation experiences!

12. Memories of Making Pone Yay Gyi

In a small shed, come factory, in Bagan (Myanmar) a ‘Pone Yay Gyi’ producer prepares his latest batch. This product is unique to the town. The location is one of only about three such places that produce it. This makes a thick salty paste, usually made from fermented soybeans. The dark paste becomes a condiment added to salads, rice, and other dishes for that extra jot of flavor. The method for making it goes back many centuries. Guests often report that this is an unexpectedly interesting highlight of our morning tours in Bagan.

13. Oh boys

Another research ride, this time Sri Lanka. Our group spent a night up in a beautiful tea estate villa. We stumbled upon it the day before. Then the group enjoyed a ripping descent down into the valley that morning. Adam followed a GPS track that he thought came from his colleague Blair. However, this particular track was snuck into his files by some kind of saboteur. It was one of the most brutal climbs he’d ever done. Crazy steep and done in 36-degree temps, 4km out of 16km of the trail formed loose rubble. A cliff lined one side and a set of deep ruts formed the other. Adam was fried by the time he reached a school at the top of the climb. Greeted by anyone other than these smiling, friendly school kids, he might have been a rude, blathering mess. All he could really get out in croaked words was “water?” They kindly directed him to their favorite local shop. Finding the water sold out, we received a massive bottle of sprite.

14. The Mapmaker

Lot was our Cambodian guide for many Mekong Bike and Boat trips. Not only did he know every detail about his country and surroundings and treat the guests with special care, but he also revealed a hidden talent. On particular evenings, during our briefing of the next day’s adventure, he would pass around copies of original hand-drawn maps! Completed only the night before, it included small details like fish in the rivers, tiny grass huts, fruit fields and a key at the bottom of what the colored routes and tiny symbols represented. We realized we had an artist in our midst. This stolen shot of Lot gazing out over the Oudong Temple to the countryside he knew so well, was too good to pass up. 

15. Memories at Mount Popa Sunset

Situated poolside atop Mount Popa we relax and watch the sunset over the Myanmar landscape. The towering Taung Kalat (pedestal hill) sits in the foreground with its striking Buddhist monastery perched on the ancient volcanic rock which rises over 650m above sea level.

This is an important pilgrimage location for the local Burmese and popular overnight stop for those who join our Multi-day tours that pass through the region. After a sharp, but relatively short ascent at the end of a solid day’s cycling the hotel’s pool is extremely welcoming to a set of weary legs and the view is just as rewarding.

These are just a smidgen of the gallery of memories we’ve collected in this past amazing decade and a half. We look forward with anticipation for the adventures yet to be! Thank you to everyone who has joined Grasshopper Adventures and gathered your own treasured memories. See you on the road!

Grasshopper’s Country Manager for Thailand and Myanmar, Katharina, shares one of her favorite quick and easy Thai recipes to prepare at home, with a little twist to make it her own – This crisp and zesty Thai Green Mango Salad is perfect for hot days, as a side dish to fish or chicken, or just a light lunch or snack.

Som Tum  Mamuang –  Green Mango salad

My favorite Thai recipe prepared with some variation.

I am a big fan of fresh leafy salads, which are rather rare to find in Asia, and so the green papaya salad and green mango salad have become my favorites. I like the fresh, crisp taste of the vegetables and it’s perfect for a quick and easy light lunch.

You will find street food vendors for Som Tum (green papaya salad) and Som Tum Mamuang (green mango salad) everywhere in Thailand and it’s always freshly made. Originally the dish comes from northern Thailand and Laos, from where it spread throughout the whole country and to its neighbors. When you go to a street food stall, you can choose from a selection of different variations: different levels of spicy and sour to adding crab, snails or rice noodles. At home, I usually make a variation of green mango salad with the ingredients of the green papaya salad, simply because I love mangoes, but prefer to add a few more ingredients to make it a complete dish. I use a bit less seasoning and spices, as I like to taste the vegetables themselves. In traditional Thai cuisine, I feel the seasoning usually overpowers the vegetable’s taste. The indications for the seasoning are approximate, varying depending on my mood. I added some of the traditional ingredients in brackets since I personally do not add them to the dish. In western countries, green mangos may be a challenge to find. Firm yellow mangos may be substituted and will add sweeter flavor to the dish, which can be balanced out with more citrus.

Ingredients: (2 servings) 

1 green (unripe) Mango 1 carrot 1 small cucumber 2 tomatoes A spoonful of roasted peanuts Fresh or dried shrimp (optional)

Seasoning: 

1-2 garlic cloves [½ red onion] (not added, as I’m allergic) Chili (either fresh or chili paste, depending on how much spicy you can take)  Juice of ½ fresh lime 1 spoon of vegetable oil 1 spoon of fish sauce or alternatively soy sauce [½ spoon of palm sugar] (I usually don’t add this as I don’t like too much sweet in a salad) 

Instructions: 

In Thailand papaya salad is made with a giant mortar and pestle, if you do not have these at home you can also use regular a bowl and the back of a wooden spoon (don’t pound too hard, though).   Garlic and chilies are first crushed to release their flavors. Then, dried shrimp and peanuts are added and crushed. This not only tenderizes them, but it also helps them absorb more dressing. You should now add the dressing in approximately the quantities named above but should be varied depending on your taste ( more chilies = more spicy, more lime juice = more sour, more palm sugar = less sour, etc.).  Finally, mix together the tomatoes, shredded mango, cucumber and carrot with the dressing.  And there you have it my hybrid Thai green mango salad. This should make enough for two portions if enjoying it on its own. But if you are using it as an accompaniment to a main fish or chicken dish then this should be enough for 4-5 people to enjoy alongside. 

The splendor of Angkor Wat and its ancient intrigue is certainly reason enough to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia, however, this part of the Kingdom of Wonder has much more awaiting discovery – from deeper parts of the Angkor jungle to the city’s warmly lit alleyways at night. The unique culture and lifestyle of the kind and smiling Khmer people, alongside relatively non-inhibitive business start-up regulations, have succeeded in attracting entrepreneurs – creative and business alike, inspiring them to follow their dreams. Be it culinary, craft or adventure, an excellent variety of experiences is the result of this dynamic and it’s quite easy to fill two adventure-filled days and relaxing evenings. 

Angkor Wildlife

As you explore the temples of Angkor, you will experience some of the ancient forests and most likely more than one macaque. There are opportunities to discover even more, from having a simple breakfast beneath the trees to careening across the canopies… Angkor Zipline: Get a bird’s eye view of the Angkor Archeological Park via zipline! As the only zipline located within a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is an adventure not to miss. Soar above the lush tree line and take in the amazing panoramas with the chance of spotting Siem Reap’s small population of gibbons.  Beng Melea Temple: A massive and spectacular temple complex, Beng Melea sits about 68km north of Siem Reap and is recently included in the ticket price for the Angkor temples. Given the 30 minute ride necessary to see the temple, it’s often missed by tourists. The experience is a one-of-a-kind true Indiana Jones temple hike through jungle-claimed ruins, across wooden walkways, and through mysterious chambers.

Arts & Entertainment

The recent tragic history of genocide has not extinguished the advance of creative talent rooted deeply in the Khmer people. Attention from the international community has been drawn to their variety of artistic expressions and opportunity for growth and development has been the result. Mirage Art Space: This high-end gallery space is set beneath a beautiful tree-lined street in the center of town and is positioned to showcase Khmer artists who fully reflect the cultural diversity of Cambodia. One example of an exhibition includes “Her Sounds” – a collaboration that celebrated the passion, persistence, and power of Cambodia’s women artists through image, sound and story. Any visit to the gallery is sure to instill a powerful perspective into the current Khmer culture and society. Phare Circus: Combining music, theater, dance and circus acrobatics, these performers tell unique stories related to Khmer folklore and often offer a perspective on challenges in modern Cambodian life and society. Trained at the Phare Ponleu Selpak School in Battambang, these artists create an inspiring hour filled with entertainment and carefully orchestrated live music, delivering a unique take on tales and daily life. 

Craft Your Own Souvenirs

Siem Reap has no shortage of markets with local and imported goods for sale, and a few with a focus on Cambodia-made items such as the Made in Cambodia Market at Kings Road. Or try your hand at making your own Khmer craft and create something that gives you the fulfilling experience of dabbling in a Khmer trade technique while building a truly custom souvenir.   Pottery Workshop: Work with a potters wheel, local clay and Khmer traditional tools to create your very own bowl, including some K’Bach (Khmer ornament) and the gentle guidance of the instructors. The Khmer Ceramics Centre offers a two-hour class to create your masterpiece and they’ll fire it in the kiln overnight for next day pickup.  Brass Jewelry Workshop: Ammo Jewelry is well-known for its beautifully crafted brass jewelry, some of which even repurpose bullet shells. Choose a necklace base piece, then set to work adding your own design with a jewelers hammer and a multitude of stencils with the owner, Maddy, or one of her team of skilled jewelers at your side. 

Unique Regional Dishes

You can find delicious local cuisine in many Siem Reap restaurants. Here are some that really shine above the rest. Pou Restaurant and Bar: The dishes at Pou are truly a spectacular version of Khmer cuisine. Trained at Siem Reap’s renowned hospitality school, Ecole de Paul Dubrule, Mengly and his team prepare delicious combinations served in delightful presentations. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of Cambodia’s most unique dishes – like the Grilled Beehive Salad and the Red Ant dishes that end up favorites for almost everyone willing to try! 60 Road Picnic: The carnival atmosphere of 60 road is alive and well every evening of the week. Food carts, stalls, pop-up restaurants and grills line both sides of the street as well as the intersecting Apsara road. If you fancy true local picnic-style seating and a casual atmosphere, this is a fantastic place to find a variety of Khmer traditional foods, including prepared dishes, grilled meats and seafood, and a full selection of local fruits. A favorite evening spot for many Khmer, youth and families alike, you can be sure your food is prepared Khmer style. If you’re a fan of grilled chicken, order some from your grill of choice (we recommend following the local crowd and going for the most popular spots) add some rice, and grab a seat on a mat. Your gracious hosts will bring a drink basket and all of your foods on a tray with some tasty sauces including chili garlic sauce and green tamarind paste – excellent accompaniments to chicken!

Breakfast Specialties

Breakfast in Siem Reap is certainly best when you know where to go. These two spots are certain not to disappoint… Missing Socks Waffles: What’s this waffles and socks talk? The best waffles in town are served at Missing Socks Laundry Cafe, a super cute spot with a laundromat outside… for its dormitory customers upstairs. Waffles come in delicious combinations of fruit, ice cream or even surrounding a burger patty, the waffles are crispy on the outside with a soft tasty center and come with an excellent deal on coffee or tea.  Breakfast Bagel: Little Red Fox Espresso has the most excellent breakfast bagel in Siem Reap. A stack of crispy fried bacon, solid chunks of cheddar cheese, and fried egg are arranged with cream cheese and green olives inside a delicious bagel sandwich. Go ahead, indulge. Order their large cappuccino for an impressive sized and delicious morning start.

Cafes

Coffee culture has quickly become popular in Cambodia and shops with a variety of tea and coffee selections can be found everywhere. Here are a couple of the tastiest options tucked into the main streets of town. Crane Cafe: This cafe is one for really getting your creative juices flowing, and everything they serve from unique cocktails (like The Brown) to the Crane fresh fruit punch to a flavor-packed oh so healthy “Green Bowl” will send your taste buds singing.  Dialogue, Lime Latte: Indeed, a combination of refreshment and invigoration, this iced latte with lime syrup was a signature drink of the owner Piseth’s 2018 barista winning award! All their drinks are given precision treatment for a delicious experience each time. Their Red Truck craft brew is also amazing, though maybe for a different time of day… maybe. 

Evening Drinks

Pub street is definitely not the only spot in town with evening drink options! Take in sunset views with a unique cocktail or stop into a friendly lounge to meet up with fellow travelers. Siem Reap has some great spots to enjoy a great atmosphere alongside great drinks and some snacks to go along with. Jaya House River Park: One fantastic location for sunset drinks is the rooftop at Jaya House River Park. Located on the riverside, the atmosphere is classy, very comfortable and the staff are always on point with a warm welcome and attentive service. As if taking in a gorgeous sunset from such a spot wasn’t enough, they even have a happy hour from 5-7 pm. The Pineapple Chili Margarita: This is a cocktail combination not to miss. Who knew such flavors would mix so well? Well, the Khmer for one, as much of their fresh citrus fruit is often served with a sweet chili garlic paste. You’ll find the Pineapple Chili Margarita, with just the right amount of spicy, served at Marum restaurant in a warmly lit garden atmosphere. Marum is also known for their unique tapas of Khmer varieties, so go ahead and order a few snacks while sipping your new-found favorite cocktail. Happy hour is 4-7 pm!

Sweet Fixes

A number of craft dessert locations have made their mark in Siem Reap, has become a favorite for visitors and locals alike. Bang Bang Cakes: Every piece is scrumptious – from the Chocolate Fudge to the Cherry Cheesecake, oh and the Carrot Cake and we can’t leave out the Apple Crumble. Go with an appetite and time to decide, as many minutes can be spent staring at those confectionary delights. Try not to get snagged by the perfect chocolate chip cookies waiting by the register either – we warned you! Kampot Pepper Chocolate Ice Cream: Nothing cools the heat intensity of tropical weather like a scoop of creamy, flavorful craft ice cream. Gelato Lab is a small shop, tucked into an alley full of character. The menu boards with ice creams “Creme” and sherbets “Sorbetti” are listed in their Italian names with assorted flavors all sounding more exotic and delicious than the previous, so be sure to take full advantage of the taste-testing. One very unique flavor worth trying while you’re in Cambodia is Cioccolato al Pepe di Kampot – a combination of rich chocolate ice cream and pepper from Cambodia’s world-renowned province of Kampot. The first flavor you’ll notice is the chocolate, then the pepper surprises you and adds a fantastic punch that remains. It’s one for the adventurous, but if you’re at all a fan of pepper might just love this. Make sure to note some of your favorite suggestions down, or bookmark this page if you’re visiting Siem Reap, and take in the best of this corner of Cambodia! In fact, Grasshopper Adventures offers a tour extension that will knock a few of these off the list immediately. With our 2-day extension, you’ll experience the marvel of an Angkor Wat sunrise before a cycle ride through the Angkor forest, to include a jungle breakfast. Take in Siem Reap by night on the back of a Vespa, when your driver whisks you off on a fantastic evening that includes 60 Road as part of the food tasting fun, and enjoy a Phare circus performance on another evening. The range of interesting activities continues beyond this, but this list highlights some of the best and gives you a great start to making the most of Siem Reap and taking home some unforgettable memories.

Cycle touring Bhutan – an impossibility up until the 1970s – has a variety of experiences to feed the thrill of adventure, delight with scenic views and natural beauty, and invite the curious to connect with a culture opening up to the rest of the world. One notable construction, the Punakha Suspension Bridge, caters to many of the aforementioned cravings and there’s no more thrilling way to experience this engineering wonder than on two wheels. At an incredible 160 meters in length, it holds the title of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, and it spans high over the swift currents of Po Chhu (River) connecting Punakha city with Punakha Dzong (fortress) and the small villages throughout the Po Chhu valley.

Construction and History

Suspension bridges have a particularly long history in mountainous regions of the world, and Bhutan certainly boasts plenty of high peaks and deep gorges to host these. Truly a masterpiece of engineering work, the Punakha Suspension Bridge dates back to 1637 when Panukha was in its glory as of the capital city and Punakha Dzong was both the religious and administrative center of Bhutan. It has undergone refurbishment over the years but the key design and function of the bridge still remains efficient and strong and the sheer breadth of the span alone is a sight to behold  – take a look at it yourself on Google Maps The Punakha Suspension Bridge is constructed with a wooden deck of solid planks hanging below suspension cables, these cables are strung from bank to bank and anchored in huge cement blocks, allowing the bridge to span 160 meters uninterrupted. Stabilizing cables that run alongside and flare out at either end, allow for some flexibility and slight swaying in the winds, but make the overall experience surprisingly stable. So although a ride over it will certainly get the adrenaline rushing, you won’t be compromising on safety. 

Prayer Flags

  On the first venture out over the bridge, one is greeted with the splash of colors in a traditional Bhutanese Buddhist expression – prayer flags. These are believed to carry good merit to everyone and the surroundings as the blowing wind carries the prayers throughout the valley and beyond. The monks often string them along with prayers associated with the five colors, which represent the five basic elements and the five pearls of wisdom of Buddhism:  – Blue: sky & health and longevity – White: air & good fortune – Yellow: earth & victory over obstacles – Red: fire & wish fulfillment – Green: water & compassion

The View and the Fortress

Further down to the bridge center, wonderful spanning panoramas invite a pause to take it all in. Rural Bhutan stretches out in all directions with the charming, clear glacial waters of Po Chhu river flowing below. On either bank and throughout the valley, beautiful mountainscapes rise to peaks full of lush greenery. It’s the perfect spot for a few snaps before finishing your crossing to explore Punakha Dzong, a magnificent piece of 17th-century architecture and the official residence of Bhutan’s central monk body. The exhilarating Punakha Suspension Bridge and culturally-rich Punakha Dzong are just two of many high points on our cycling tour in Bhutan – Tiger’s Nest Monastery being another notable site. 

How long should you stay in Siem Reap? That’s a good question to ask. The one that follows usually is: what to do in Siem Reap other than the temples? Well, spoiler alert, there are tons of activities in the Reap, as we locals like to call it. It’s with these questions in mind that Grasshopper Adventures and Phare – The Cambodia Circus, decided to collaborate. The result is the following video, which is meant to inspire travelers to spend longer in Siem Reap by showing them that there is so much more to see beyond the temples.

Things to do in Siem Reap besides the temples

From bird watching, to art galleries, bike adventures and unique entertainment, we are confident you’ll find plenty of things to do in Siem Reap to keep you busy for many days. Here are some highlights which we featured in the video above.

Stay for the Adventure: Siem Reap off the beaten path

Siem Reap has much to offer for the more adventurous type and the best way to explore the area is by bike.

Grasshopper Adventures: Siem Reap bike tour

Grasshopper Adventures runs a number of different tours in Siem Reap to the temples and beyond. Whether you want to dive into the past by hitting the hidden trails in the Angkor Archeological Park or learn about rural life in Cambodia on land or on water, Grasshopper has a tour for you and will take you well off the beaten track, and away from the crowds. Our Hidden Angkor Conservation Cycle is a must for any responsible traveler seeking a unique experience. After exploring the off the beaten track temples, travelers have the opportunity to partake in a reforestation project led by a local pagoda! A great way to have a positive impact while on holiday.

Stay for the Entertainment: Eye-catching shows with a heart

Phare – The Cambodian Circus

Phare is a must-see for anyone coming to Siem Reap. The performances are not only breathtaking but also support a great cause.  Phare performers are all students and graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training center in Battambang. 4 young men founded the school in 1994 after returning from refugee camps which has grown ever since. Phare Ponle Selpak offers free arts education to the most talented and needy and have become a pillar of the Cambodian cultural renaissance.

Bambu stage and Cambodian Living Arts

Bambu Stage is a great venue in Siem Reap to catch cultural shows. Besides their own productions, they also collaborate and welcome performances by Cambodian Living Arts. Cambodian Living Arts is an NGO that focuses on preserving the Cambodian cultural heritage by seeking out old masters and recording their skills and traditions for future generations. They do an excellent job of raising awareness of Cambodia’s rich cultural past with Cambodia and beyond.

Stay for the nature: Siem Reap, a bird-watcher’s paradise

The countryside around Siem Reap offers plenty of opportunities for animal lovers to observe unique wildlife.

Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation

If you are a nature lover then Sam Veasna should be at the top of your list when visiting Siem Reap. The nearby Tonle Sap and its iconic floating villages are fascinating (check out our pedal and paddles tour) but this massive freshwater lake holds another gem: the Prek Toal  bird sanctuary. You can book a number of different bird and eco tours with Sam Veasna and you can be sure you’ll be in good hands. The guides are a busy bunch so be sure to book in advance.

Stay for the culture: Ancestral skills

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was Angkor!

Artisans Angkor: Caring for the past, crafting for the future

Artisans Angkor is a major institution and social enterprise in Siem Reap, providing training to hundreds of Cambodians and making sure ancestral artisanal skills are handed down to the next generation. This social enterprise offers free guided visits of their workshops in Siem Reap, where you’ll not only be able to pick up incredible gifts and souvenirs but also see how they are made.

Stay for the arts: a surprise at every corner

As of late, Siem Reap has attracted more and more artists and art galleries. Art lovers are sure to find their fill, whether they are looking for up and coming local talent or foreigners so inspired by Cambodia they had to stay.

Theam’s Gallery: Siem Reap’s finest

Theam’s Gallery, a personal favorite, is hard to describe. It not only boasts incredible artwork by the eponymous Theam but also showcase an amazing and unique collection of Khmer cultural artifacts. Set in Theam’s gorgeous house, all visits to Siem Reap should include a stop here.

Stay for the food

Siem Reap is a great destination for curious food lovers.

Siem Reap has a bustling food scene with some incredible local talents. 

Pou Kitchen & Café: Siem Reap most charismatic chef

Pou Kitchen & Café is a great way to discover Cambodian cuisine. This Khmer-owned, fun and creative restaurant is a popular dining spot for locals, expats and tourists alike. With original dishes and great cocktails, Pou Kitchen & Café should definitely be on your list of restaurants to check out. A special thanks goes out to Antal Gabelics Photography for creating such an awesome video!  

Headed to Thailand for the first time? Then you should probably read up on customs in Thailand as well as Thai traditions and holidays. Follow these dos and don’ts of Thai culture to be a respectful tourist in the Kingdom of Smiles. Customs in Thailand are important so please take note!

Customs in Thailand: a Culture of Respect

In Thailand, respect is important. This means respect for elders, respect for others, and respect for religious icons. In fact, while driving into Bangkok you will see many billboards stating the importance of respecting Buddha and not using his image! As a tourist, if you follow these guidelines you will not only honor this culture but also receive respect from locals in return.

Thailand tips for travelers: Thai Monarchy

Historians believe that the tradition of Thai monarchy dates back to the early 13th century, although the current dynasty began in 1782. The king of Thailand is the head of state. He is also the head of the Royal Armed Forces, and Upholder of Religions. The current king is Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). He has been in power since 2016 when his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away. Thai people love the king and have the utmost respect for the monarchy. Thai kings also have a large influence on the country’s politics, making the monarchy an integral part of society. King Rama IX, for example, played an integral role in transitioning the country into a democratic system in 1992.

Traditions in Thailand: Thai Buddhism

The official religion of Thailand is Theravada Buddhism, making up nearly 95% of the population. Therefore, Buddhism is largely woven into the identity of the Thai people and influences their daily life. Almost everywhere in Thailand, you will see spirit houses outside of homes and businesses. These represent the Thai traditional beliefs formed through centuries into a blend of Animism, Hinduism and Buddhism. People place daily offerings on these small houses in order to appease the spirits who guard their house or business against evil. When traveling in Thailand, you’ll see many pagodas and monasteries — and plenty of monks! In Thailand, it’s a tradition that young men become novice monks for at least a year or two. Most Thai visit the pagodas regularly to make offerings, receive blessings, and celebrate religious holidays.

Holidays & Festivals in Thailand

Thailand celebrates many national and Buddhist holidays, as well as local festivals. You can experience these particular holidays at different times of the year. For a full list of public holidays in Thailand, follow this link.

Makha Bucha Day

(Celebrated in February or March) This holiday marks the occasion of when 1,250 of Buddha’s disciples gathered to hear him speak. To honor this day, Buddhists visit temples from early morning until evening for a candlelight ceremony.

Songkran: water festival in Thailand

(Celebrated April 13th-15th) This Thai New Year festival is also known as the water festival in the summer season. Celebrations of this day vary from region to region. Traditionally, family members come together for this occasion to receive blessings from respected senior members in the communities and family elders. Songkran is also celebrated with playful water fights, which can be good wet fun for visitors!

Visakha Bucha Day

(Celebrated in May) Visakha Bucha Day commemorates the birth and enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. This is typically celebrated with rituals at local temples for merit all day, from early morning until evening for a candlelight ceremony.

Asanha Bucha and start of the Buddhist Lent

(Celebrated in July) Asanha Bucha is a national holiday which commemorates the Buddha’s first public sermon. This takes place during the eighth month of the lunar calendar, usually July. Following the first sermon of Buddhism, and during his lifetime, at the start of the rainy season, monks wandered around, thus disturbing the plants of the farmers. Buddha asked his followers to stop their physical religious journeys and instead focus on their inner religious journeys. During this period, the tradition of Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent, began to bring candles to offer monks staying at the temples and monasteries during the 3-month wet season. From this, the well-known candle festival of northeast Thailand was started. This developed into the decoration of these candles in elaborate traditional Thai patterns. The candle decorating has become a big competition among local artists, one that is famous both nationally and internationally.

Loy Krathong Festival

(November 22nd) Although the history of this festival remains unclear, it can be traced back to at least 700 years. Thai people hold Loy Krathong in order to honor the water goddess with gratitude and ask forgiveness for maltreatment of the waterways. Locals believe that worshipping the footprint of Buddha on the beach of the Nammatha River in India can wash away your previous sins and misfortunes. This is also known as the Festival of Lights, which owes its name to the tradition of floating candles and incense on banana leaves down the rivers. For more information about Loy Krathong Festival and the best places to experience it, check out this blog post.

Tips for travelers in Thailand: Do’s and don’ts in Thailand

When in Thailand, DO…

– Take your shoes off when entering a home or temple or where there is a sign asking to take the shoes off – Bow when greeting someone with your hands in a prayer pose with your thumbs at your nose – Dress conservatively when entering any religious place, and somewhat conservatively when in public – Show respect to locals, elders and monks – Use your right hand when passing something to someone — especially food — as the left hand is considered dirty – Stop respectfully when you hear the national anthem played twice a day.    

When in Thailand, DON’T…

– Point with your feet at anything or anyone, especially any statue or painting of the Buddha, as this is considered rude – Touch someone on the head, as it is considered sacred – Point. Instead, gesture with your entire hand so as not to seem rude – Express any disrespect towards the king – you can get in big trouble! – Yell or lose your composure, as this is considered extremely rude – Women should avoid touching or sitting next to monks    

Paweł and Sumi tried their muscle on the Self-guided tour Ride the Vietnam Ocean Road. What follows is some personal mementos of the tour from Paweł, who got hooked so much, he is now our Self-guided Guru.

One particularly sunny October I went on a cycling tour — a self-guided ride of the Vietnamese coast, to be exact.  I have done some cycling in my life. My first “metric century” ride of 100km, or about 65 miles, was a riverside trip in southeast Poland along trails of medieval castles. I was 16 and the ride took me the whole day! Fast forward a few years, when I mounted a bike to explore Vietnam on a self-guided tour, afraid I would not conquer the Hai Van Pass — a steep climb, but one of the most picturesque rides I’d ever have in my life. Luckily, I wasn’t alone on this uphill ride. I had tech and I had company! A hundred meters or so ahead of me was my amazing girlfriend, Sumi, taking in views of green hills and the South China Sea beyond. It’s no secret that Sumi always kicks my butt on tough climbs, but due to the many kilograms I have on her, she’s no match when racing downhill. With her there, my pride wouldn’t allow me to stop until she decided we had reached a high enough elevation for a break, even if I was gasping for air at times! Well, maybe not that bad. In fact, with Grasshopper Self-Guided you get a top-quality cycling computer to monitor your elevation and distance and to plan sensible breather breaks. Wahoo is easy: it’s like playing the “snake” game, but on a bicycle. Read more about Wahoo ELEMNT here. Once we had pedaled up 500 meters to the pass, it didn’t feel so difficult. There, boasting stunning panoramas, was a roadside restaurant filled with tourists who had been driven up there on the back of motorbikes or in comfortable air-conditioned tour buses. The fatigue from the effort kicked in as we were sipping on cooled coconuts in our cycling jerseys. Everyone who saw us recognized that we conquered the hill with just muscle power. We were quiet after such exertion, but also in awe of the sight of the winding road we had pedaled up and a little nervous for the unlimited speed promised by the downhill ahead. For lack of words (my first language is Polish), think of it this way: every meter up was worth it. All the way from the picturesque peak to the seashore roads of Da Nang.. As we started down, it was clear we would reach the foot of this hill at our own pace. Adrenaline kicked in as soon as I reached speeds I just HAD TO curb. It was startling, at first, how fast I could glide down the sloped roads. I met struggling cyclists pedaling the opposite way, just as we had done not long before. Initially, I greeted each one, but by mid-descent, as I grew accustomed to the pace, I could only lean into the handlebars and scream YEAAAAHHHH. At the bottom, stopping at a conveniently located coffee shop, hands shaking from the iron clasp I’d held on the grips, I jotted down in my trip notes: Let’s introduce a choice of drop bar roadies for the tour, something faster than an MTB. I also added the location of the coffee shop for the Self-guided App. Central Vietnam is a remarkable place where  mountain ranges tower over tiny fishing boats in the clear blue waters. It seemed as if for the fishing industry in Vietnam, time had stopped centuries ago. Soon after the Hai Van Pass, the views from the many bridges of Da Nang display a radically different landscape. This city of over one million inhabitants features a modern skyline, bustling industries, large fishing vessels, traffic, nightlife, a plethora of modern eateries and contemporary housing. Vietnam is a country of stark contrasts. Just a day before, we were sipping on traditional Vietnamese broth in a lagoon-front eatery that was only equipped with an old TV, a table and a couple of red plastic chairs. In Da Nang we dined at a lavish seafront restaurant, feasting on algae salads and sea creatures we never knew existed, surrounded by aquariums with even more bizarre specimens, wondering why it had never occurred to us to pack our travel bags with at least one set of classy cocktail attire. Self-guided explorations come with a lot of freedom when choosing lunch and dinner eateries. It’s all up to you. Your only task, so to speak, is to make it to your hotel. If you don’t, it’s probably also fine, however, it will cause the Self-guided team to send scouts after you if they cannot reach you on the provided phone. Otherwise, you can venture off-route and choose to stop wherever you wish. We went off-the-grid a couple of times, trailing away from the arrowheads marking the route on our Wahoo ELEMNTs, but we always found our way back. We treated ourselves to a strip of beach in Da Nang, forfeited a stretch of the coastal road and went a couple of kilometers inland, instead, to take selfies by the Marble Mountains. On the first day of the tour, we boarded a small boat north of Hue, the ancient Imperial Capital, as we had ridden a bit too far up the inviting alley along the Perfume River. We could just retrace our path, but on the screen of the ELEMNT we saw there were roads on the other bank, so why ride back the same way? We were on our own and no one pressed us to go here or there. This is the grand idea behind Self-guided touring. The seaport town of Hoi An opened up for us with lakes, a colonial downtown and a stream of unending restaurants, riverboats, riverboat ticket peddlers and boat paddlers. It was impossible not to take one, but easy enough to negotiate the ticket price down. One might think that bargaining is a national sport of Vietnam. Despite the scores of tourists that pass through Hoi An, the night boat trip along the city’s main canal-way is meditative and the scare of hitting your head against many of the low-lying bridges is quite real. It’s a little game that your boat “captain” plays with you. Ours steered the boat down the canal, its woodwork gently pushing away countless floating lanterns. Suddenly, our paddler interrupted the romantic cruise by lying down flat only a second before drifting under an ancient bridge, laughing as we floated underneath. Stepping out from the boat, leaving the crowds and venturing into one of the many alleys in Old Town, we saw Hoi An has it all and certainly deserves its reputation as one of the grandest relics of the colonial era. While at times the streets are loud with traditional Vietnamese music and stuffed with street-food carts, you’re never far from contemporary fusion restaurants. When planning this trip, try to pick a departure date that lands you in Hoi An on a full moon, when the monthly lantern festival takes place. The first evening in Hoi An marked the midpoint of the trip. The rest of the journey had us riding further down the countryside roads, visiting the ruins of 9th century My Son. We pedaled south to spend a night on the tiny Tam Hai Islet and even further to the Memorial in Quang Ngai, before we were transferred back to Hoi An to complete the trip. There we met with Loan, a representative of the Grasshopper Adventures team in Hoi An, for a chat and a coffee. Comparing my notes with her inside knowledge, I had to clarify one thing that bugged us throughout the tour. Why were we constantly being honked at by other motorists? Are there traffic rules in Vietnam we were not aware of?  Loan wasn’t surprised by the question as it’s one often asked. Vietnamese driving style seems to follow a different logic than what we had been used to. She said that honking at cyclists is not because of a traffic rule, rather, a way of life and we shouldn’t be too bothered by this. In fact, she added, if we choose to ring our bike bells, the locals would appreciate it! What a magical country, we thought, as we sipped a delicious Vietnamese coffee topped with an egg.

Curious about Vietnamese Egg Coffee? (yes that’s not a typo) See a video and recipe in our Asia Inspired Drink Recipies article.

A tasty cup of coffee can make the difference between a good day and a bad day. When traveling, it can be tricky to find the right place to get one’s coffee fix. Even though Vietnam is packed full of coffee shops, it doesn’t mean they are always up to expectations. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 5 places to find the best coffee in Hoi An and give you a headstart so you can focus on what matters most: making the most of your holiday.

U Cafe

This eco-friendly coffee shop with pleasant river views uses organic coffee from Dak Lak. There are vegan and vegetarian food options, and the ingredients are all organic. A Japanese woman owns the place, and heads many charities that support poor children and other disadvantaged people in Vietnam.

Nha Na Coffee & Co-working Space

This coffee shop provides a great atmosphere for workers, delicious coffee, excellent location and awesome music! Some western dishes are available and incredibly delicious! The Avocado eggs come highly recommended.

The Kom Coffee & Juice

This smoothie and juice bar/cafe is the only place in town that makes its own kombucha! With a charming atmosphere, fresh juices and smoothies, this spot is a favorite, as well as its sister shop The Juicery. Link

The Espresso Station

This is the most famous coffee shop in Hoi An, located down a small hidden alleyway. They roast their own beans, and offer a signature pink latte and dark soul latte. Link

Tri Long Coffee

This shop run by locals is located near Tra Que Village, and offers authentic Vietnamese coffee. If you’re searching for an insider’s look at Vietnamese life, this place is definitely for you! Link

Map of the 5 best coffee shops in Hoi An