Top 3 Siem Reap Helicopter Tours: Stunning View from Up Above

Seeing the world from a different perspective can often change our outlook on life. As Ernest Hemingway, an American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist, once said, "Never write about a place until you're away from it because that gives you perspective."

Aerial views, in particular, can give us a unique appreciation of our surroundings. Siem Reap, Cambodia, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the region differently through helicopter tours.

In this article, we'll explore the allure of Siem Reap helicopter tours and highlight the top 3 tours offering stunning views from above.

Top 1: The Magnificent Angkor Temples

One of the main attractions in Siem Reap is the Angkor Temples, and seeing them from above is a breathtaking experience. These ancient temples are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people of that time. They were built during the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th centuries, when the nation was a Hindu-Buddhist empire in Southeast Asia.

From the air, you can see the vastness of the temple complex and the intricate details of each temple. Some temples that can be seen from up above include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was built in the early 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II as his state temple and capital city.

Besides, there are many interesting facts. For example, in 2016, archaeologists found hidden chambers inside the Angkor Wat temple complex, which had been sealed for centuries. The chambers contained carvings, inscriptions, and statues that shed new light on the history of the Khmer Empire.

Its sheer size can be well appreciated from above, spanning over 400 acres. You'd never want to miss out on the Angkor Wat helicopter tour.

Bayon Temple

Bayon Temple is a famous and iconic temple in Cambodia's ancient city of Angkor Thom. The most notable feature of Bayon Temple is the multitude of carved stone faces on its towers and walls, which give the temple an otherworldly and mysterious quality.

What's fascinating about these faces is that they follow you wherever you go. This optical illusion results from the face's symmetrical and evenly spaced features. We'd recommend you have a helicopter tour, which allows you to sense its size and complexity better.

You can also see the lush greenery and waterways surrounding it and understand how the area's geography and climate have shaped its history and culture.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is the most photogenic temple in the complex, with its tree roots intertwined with the temple walls. The story of Ta Prohm is closely tied to the history of the Khmer Empire. It was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university. Originally it was known as Rajavihara, meaning "royal monastery," and was dedicated to the king's mother.

While the temple is a popular tourist destination, it maintains a sense of tranquility due to the peaceful sounds of the surrounding jungle. From above, you can see the interplay between the trees and the temple in an impossible way from the ground.

Helicopter tours of the Angkor Temples typically last between 12-15 minutes, and prices start at around $120 per person. While it may seem expensive, the experience of seeing these ancient wonders from above is well worth the cost.

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Top 2: Flying over the Floating Villages on Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and home to several floating villages in Cambodia. These villages are built on stilts, and the residents rely on the lake for their livelihood. Some floating villages include Chong Kneas, Kampong Phluk, and Prek Toal.

Chong Kneas

Chong Kneas is the most popular floating village, known for its vibrant markets and restaurants. Sample some delicious local dishes, such as fish curry or amok (a type of steamed fish). Or you can browse the stalls of a floating market and see the variety of goods traded on the water.

Girls on the boat in Kampong Phluk

Kampong Phluk is a quieter village, and the residents are known for their fishing skills. They use different types of fishing nets, such as gill nets, cast nets, and seine nets. They also use traps made of bamboo to catch crabs and shrimp or hooks and lines to catch larger fish, such as catfish and snakehead fish.

Prek Toal bird sanctuary

Prek Toal is a remote village near Tonle Sap Lake. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to over 200 species of birds, including the endangered lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, and spot-billed pelican. It is a top-rated destination for eco-tourists interested in birdwatching and nature conservation. Visitors can take guided tours of the bird reserve or stay with local families to experience their way of life.

Helicopter tours of the floating villages typically last between 20-25 minutes, and prices start at around $130 per person. The view from above provides a unique outlook on the daily lives of the villagers and the intricate system of canals that connect the villages to the lake.

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Top 3: From Siem Reap to Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville, also known as "Kampong Som," is a coastal city in Cambodia. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the island's crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush tropical landscapes.

Besides the natural scenery, Sihanoukville is also home to beautiful temples, including Wat Leu and Wat Krom. Visitors can learn about Cambodian history while admiring the intricate architecture and artwork.

Otres beach in Sihanoukville

For those who want to see more of Cambodia, a helicopter tour from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville offers a spectacular view of the countryside to visit the diversity of the Cambodian landscape. The flight takes you over lush forests, sprawling rice fields, and pristine beaches.

The helicopter tour from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville takes approximately 90 minutes and costs around $2,000 per person. While it is the most expensive of the three tours, the view from above is unparalleled. You'll see parts of Cambodia inaccessible by land, and the view of the coastline is simply stunning.

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Conclusion

Cambodia helicopter service offers visitors a different way to see the region from above. Many options exist, from the ancient Angkor Temples to the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and the diverse Cambodian landscape from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville.

Tonle Sap Lake view from up above

If you're considering taking a helicopter tour in Siem Reap, there are a few recommended providers. Helistar Cambodia is one of the most popular and has operated helicopter tours in the region for over a decade. Another option is Cambodia Helicopters, which offers a range of tours and can even customize a tour to suit your preferences.

While helicopter service in Cambodia can be expensive, the experience is well worth the cost, and the memories will last a lifetime.