City Tour & Cooking Class

Explore Cambodia’s rich cultural tapestry through a unique city tour and cooking class experience. Enjoy the vibrant Psar Chaa market, gathering fresh ingredients for an intimate hands-on cooking lesson. Learn to prepare iconic Khmer dishes while gaining insights into the country’s history, including a visit to the poignant Wat Thmey Killing Fields. This captivating tour offers a multifaceted encounter, blending culinary traditions with profound moments of understanding. Uncover the depth and complexity that lies at the heart of this captivating destination.

Good To Know

• Immersive experience blending local food cooking styles, Khmer cuisine, and cultural insights during a private city tour and cooking class.
• Highlights include visiting the Wat Thmey (Killing Fields), exploring the Psar Chaa (Old Market), and participating in a hands-on cooking class led by a local expert.
• Positive reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, the engaging cooking class, and the overall value of the experience.
• Unique homestay option available for a more authentic cultural exchange, with basic but comfortable amenities.
• Participants should bring small local currency, comfortable walking shoes, and a portable phone charger to make the most of the tour.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The city tour and cooking class in Siem Reap, Cambodia provides an immersive experience for visitors to explore local food cooking styles and Khmer cuisine.

With a 5.0-star rating from 4 reviews, this tour offers a rundown of the city’s highlights. Guests can expect to receive cold towels, an English-speaking guide, and hotel transportation.

The recommended duration for full exploration is about a week, allowing ample time to experience the local culture and cuisine.

The tour is a private activity, not wheelchair accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Wat Thmey (Killing Fields)

One of the key attractions on the city tour is Wat Thmey, also known as the Killing Fields.

This site is a grim reminder of Cambodia’s dark past under the Khmer Rouge regime. The memorial stupa at Wat Thmey contains bones and skulls of the victims, providing a sobering testament to the atrocities that occurred here.

While admission to the site isn’t included in the tour, it’s a convenient alternative to the more famous Killing Fields in Phnom Penh. Visitors can spend about an hour exploring the grounds and learning about this tragic chapter in Cambodian history.

Psar Chaa – Old Market

Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Psar Chaa – the Old Market – is the largest local market in the area. It offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and local treats to gold jewelry and seafood.

The market provides a cultural experience for visitors, though English is minimally spoken. Exploring Psar Chaa offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local community.

Some key highlights include:

1. Perusing the stalls filled with a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and traditional Khmer delicacies.
2. Discovering the availability of fresh seafood and handcrafted gold jewelry.
3. Immersing oneself in the lively atmosphere and engaging with the local vendors.

The visit to Psar Chaa typically lasts around an hour, allowing ample time to soak in the vibrant sights and sounds of this iconic Siem Reap landmark.

Cooking Class Experience

A hands-on cooking class allows participants to enjoy the vibrant flavors and techniques of Khmer cuisine.

Led by a local expert, the class begins with a market visit to source fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests then learn to prepare iconic Cambodian dishes like the aromatic fish amok, a coconut-based curry.

Wielding traditional utensils, they chop, pound, and stir their way through the preparation process, gaining insights into the nuances of Khmer cooking.

The interactive experience culminates in a shared meal, where participants savor the fruits of their labor and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Tour Logistics and Details

This tour offers a private experience tailored to the interests of your group.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but confirmation is provided upon booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts for free.

The tour is operated by Easy Angkor Trip, with prices starting at $75.00.

Here are a few additional logistics to note:

1. Personal expenses and unspecified items aren’t included.
2. Attendees are encouraged to bring small notes for purchases at the market.
3. A unique homestay experience is mentioned, with basic amenities available.

Participant Feedback and Reviews

Participants have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the tour’s ability to blend history, culture, and cuisine. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Kosorl and Mr. K, who enhance the experience.

The hands-on cooking class, where visitors learn to prepare local dishes like the popular fish amok, is a particular highlight. Guests appreciate the immersive nature of the tour, which offers a genuine taste of Khmer culture.

Unique Homestay Experience

Oftentimes, the tour’s unique homestay experience is mentioned as an exceptional aspect of the itinerary. This immersive accommodation provides guests with a glimpse into the local way of life.

The homestay typically offers:

1. Basic but comfortable amenities, allowing visitors to fully experience the authentic Cambodian lifestyle.
2. Opportunities to interact with the friendly host family, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
3. Insights into traditional daily routines, cuisine, and customs, enriching the overall travel experience.

Continuous appreciation from returning visitors underscores the value of this unique accommodation, which complements the tour’s blend of history, culture, and cuisine.

Additional Travel Tips

Before embarking on the tour, visitors may want to consider a few additional travel tips. To make the most of the experience, it’s advisable to bring a small amount of local currency for market purchases. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as the tour involves exploring various sites. Plus, a portable phone charger can be handy for capturing memories throughout the day. While the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, visitors should confirm the schedule and location with the operator beforehand. By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience during the City Tour & Cooking Class in Siem Reap.

Tips	Details
Local Currency	Bring small notes for market purchases
Comfortable Shoes	Walking is involved at various sites
Phone Charger	Capture memories throughout the day
Confirm Schedule	Verify pickup and drop-off details
Enjoy the Experience	Make the most of the immersive tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

This is a private tour, so the minimum group size is just one person. The tour operator provides a personalized experience for your group, with no set minimum number of participants required.

Can Children Participate in the Cooking Class?

The cooking class is open to travelers of all ages, including children. Participants can engage in the hands-on experience and learn about Khmer cuisine, though parents should supervise younger kids during the class.

Is There a Dress Code or Special Attire Required?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for the cooking class. Participants should avoid wearing clothes that could get soiled during the hands-on cooking activities.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour accommodates various dietary restrictions. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or halal options for the cooking class. The tour guides work closely with participants to ensure their dietary needs are met.

Can I Request a Private Tour With a Specific Guide?

Yes, you can request a private tour with a specific guide. The tour operator, Easy Angkor Trip, offers private tours where you can select your preferred guide, subject to availability.

Sum Up

The City Tour & Cooking Class offers a unique blend of culture and culinary exploration in Cambodia. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and traditions while learning to prepare iconic Khmer dishes. With a visit to the vibrant Psar Chaa market, a hands-on cooking class, and a tour of the Wat Thmey Killing Fields, this experience provides an unforgettable insight into Cambodia’s rich heritage.