It has been 20 years since I first travelled to Cambodia and the magical town of Siem Reap. A lot has happened in 20 years, the level of development has been unprecedented. On first arriving in 1993 the immediate impression was lack of services offered to the tourist. Certainly there was still the tuk tuk drivers eager to operate a vehicle you on a tour of the temples of Angkor for the day. Hotels were popping up but other services were limited. There have been no ATMs and very little else to complete if one desired to take a break from visiting the temples. Fast forward 20 years and the specific situation has completely changed through a great deal of investment, knowledge and innovation. This has been possible through development aid. The tenacity of the area individuals who despite all the atrocities they've experienced are keen to exhibit off their wonderful country and take the opportunities they have. It's already been possible as many Khmers who escaped throughout the Khmer Rouge era are returning with the information they have gained abroad bringing positive change to the area community.

With many local businesses getting ready for the newest tourist season starting in October don't just think about a tour to Siem Reap as only a quick temple visit. That the moment to own a review of what else is available and how it adds to the local economy.

Horse-riding in Siem Reap Cambodia is one tour, for individuals with a little adventure in your mind why not have a horse riding tour for 1-3 hours through rural countryside passing streams, rice fields and local villages. The tours are ideal for beginners and children and really are a fun way to separation visiting the temples or just for experiencing something different on a tour to Cambodia.

For those with a head 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 because it is attached to a rope but ascends around 200 metres for a 10 minute trip which allows you to get some good great photographs and an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the planet!

If you find yourself in Siem Reap on a Sunday evening a great experience is a traditional Khmer dance show with live traditional music wear by the Cambodian Children's House of Peace, an orphanage in Siem Reap. The show is held every Sunday during the school term without fail at 7pm. It is free but do create a donation with their worthy cause if visiting. If you should be visiting during rainy season there's a rain cover so don't allow that put you off. It's worth the visit.

You can find needless to say many other attractions and activities to pick from on your own short trip to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Keep the mind open and don't forget how far Cambodia has come within the last 20 years!