Not many know this, but parts of Cambodia enjoy a “mild winter” season from November to February, when temperatures can drop to as low as 15ºC in the early mornings and rise to 26ºC through the course of the day.
Cool temperatures in dry season make for bright, beautiful days – not to mention cosy nights – and in Siem Reap, and you can make the most of these glorious hours walking along the riverside, browsing the markets or sipping coffee in the city’s many outdoor cafés.
And if you’re looking for adventure, book these limited, seasonal experiences that are best done in the cool weather.
1. Ride a hot air balloon over the Cambodian countryside
What could be dreamier than peacefully drifting across a scenic landscape, hundreds of feet in the air, in what is essentially a basket lifted by a giant balloon? If a hot air balloon ride is on your travel list, book a sunrise or afternoon flight with Cambodia Balloon Adventures, which operates flights from December to March, or for as long as the cool weather holds.
The sunrise tour is totally worth the early start (pickup time is around 5am). The basket fits a maximum of eight, but if you’re aiming for a romantic couples’ ride, you can also buy out the entire basket for two (get a quote through your hotel or directly from the company).
Rides last anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour, depending on wind direction. And you can ride with ease knowing the company maintains their balloons according to the strictest international safety and quality standards. All pilots are licensed in the UK and the US, and have decades of experience in aviation.
The Angkor temple complex is a no-fly zone, so instead you get breathtaking views of the lush and spectacular Cambodian countryside just as the sun comes up. You’ll see swaths of green as far as the eye can see, punctuated by ponds, clusters of sugar palms and tiny villages. If the conditions are right, you’ll even drift over the gorgeous Bakong Temple, a sandstone mountain temple, among the earliest built during the Khmer Empire.
2. Cruise along the Tonle Sap
You can visit the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, any time of the year, but there are certainly ideal months for it. The lake – famous for shrinking and expanding as the Tonle Sap River reverses course – fills up in rainy season, which ends around early November. After that, it’s cool and dry, with mostly clear, cloudless skies that make for perfect sunset cruises.
Private premium boats like Saam Paan Villa are perfect for small to mid-size groups (the boat can accommodate up to 15). Saam Paan has lounge beds and tables, an upper deck, a clean toilet onboard and chillers for ice and drinks. Pre-book the boat, pack some snacks and your drinks of choice, and head to the Chong Khneas embarkation point (about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the centre of town).
If you have the time, opt for the half-day cruise that includes a visit to the flooded forest – near the floating village of Kampong Phluk – where, for a little extra, you can row a canoe through the treetops. It’s a magical experience you shouldn’t miss. End the day by dropping anchor somewhere in the lake for a front-row view to an enchanting sunset .
3. Hike up Kbal Spean
Lace up your hiking shoes and get ready for a rewarding hike along the forested foothills of Banteay Srei’s Kulen Mountains, all the way to Kbal Spean, an archaeological site also called the River of a Thousand Lingas. It’s an ancient sacred site full of riverbed carvings, depicting Hindu deities and phallic symbols of fertility.
The 1.5km hike uphill takes anywhere from 40 minutes at moderate speed to an hour and a half if you’re taking it easy and admiring the jungle flora. The trail narrows and widens, and features the occasional wooden stairs, muscular tree roots and boulders to climb over. It’s hard to imagine doing this during the hot season, but in cool weather, it’s a rewarding hike that nevertheless makes you sweat.
Pair this day with a visit to other highlights of the Kulen mountain range, which includes a 16-century monastery with a reclining Buddha.
4. Explore more temples – slowly this time
The usual temple itinerary includes the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon (the temple of faces) and Ta Prohm (often called “the Tomb Raider temple”), after which most people tap out to escape the bright noonday sun. But the cooler months give you a chance to carry on exploring more temples, like the Grand Circuit, without baking in the heat.
Temples such as the 12th century Preah Khan, built in the reign of King Jayavarman VII, widely considered as the greatest emperor of the Khmer Empire, responsible for the massive building campaign that included schools, hospitals and the whole walled city of Angkor Thom. Built in honour of the king’s father, Preah Khan was one of the biggest projects of its time and the details – such as carvings of Garuda all around the outermost enclosure walk, and of Kenorei (half-woman, half-bird) along the wainscotting – are nothing short of spectacular.
The most rewarding discoveries lie in the act of walking itself. Here’s an insider tip: Grab at meal at Tevy’s Place on Wat Bo Street 26 where you can pick up one of Lucas Varro’s booklets on Angkor temples and the art of entering and experiencing them. The Siem Reap-based artist and writer has spent years going on daily pilgrimages to the temples, and you can pair your visit with some of his insights that have been distilled into collections of slim but elegant guides.
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Siem Reap, visit singaporeair.com.
