In preparation for tomorrow's temple explorations, today, we visit Les Artisans d'Angkor, a renowned social enterprise dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Khmer arts and crafts. As you walk through the workshops, we'll see skilled artisans carving stone and wood, painting silk and creating exquisite lacquerware - all using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. It's a fascinating window into the craftsmanship that helped build and decorate the magnificent temples of Angkor.
We then head to Siem Reap's local market with our tour leader for an introduction to Cambodia's vibrant food scene. The market is alive with colours, sounds and aromas - stalls piled high with tropical fruits, fresh herbs, spices and street food favourites. We'll learn how everyday ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and palm sugar shape the country's cuisine.
This afternoon is yours to explore more of Siem Reap at your own pace. Wander through the town's charming streets, visit boutique shops and cafes, or cool off by your hotel pool. If you'd like to start exploring the temples, consider an optional excursion to Banteay Srei, often referred to as the 'Citadel of Women', admired for its delicate pink sandstone carvings that are among the finest in Angkor.
You could also visit the APOPO Visitor Centre, one of Cambodia's most inspiring and little-known stories of innovation and recovery. Here, you can learn how specially trained African giant pouched rats (nicknamed 'HeroRATs') are helping to clear landmines and make Cambodia safe again.
For a different kind of hands-on experience, visit the Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre, where you can learn about Cambodia's ancient pottery traditions dating back to the Angkorian period. Watch artisans shape, glaze and fire elegant pieces using traditional techniques, or try your hand at the potter's wheel to create your own ceramic souvenir to take home.
In the evening, don't miss a performance by the Phare Cambodian Circus. More than just a circus, Phare combines theatre, acrobatics, dance and live music into a powerful performance that tells uniquely Cambodian stories. The talented young artists are graduates of a social arts school that provides opportunities for disadvantaged young people.