Education And Entertainment at Angkor Wildlife And Aquarium – Siem Reap’s Best Activities

Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium: A Must-See Attraction in Siem Reap

If you’re looking for a unique and family-friendly day out in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium should absolutely be at the top of your list. Opened in November 2022, this one of a kind $70 million wildlife and marine park is a welcome addition to the list of fun things to do in Siem Reap for tourists and locals alike.

Located about 25km west of Siem Reap town along National Road 6, the venue is easy to reach by tuk tuk, shuttle bus or car. If you’re driving yourself, there’s plenty of free parking available on site. Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or just fancy doing something a bit different, it’s a great day out and a fun way to learn a bit about Southeast Asia’s interesting bio-diversity.

Scroll down for the full schedule for the free shuttle bus from Siem Reap to Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium!

Ocean World & Wonders of the River

Your adventure at Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium begins inside the air conditioned main building, where you’ll find two major aquarium exhibits: Ocean World and Wonders of the River. These sections are home to hundreds of native Southeast Asian aquatic species, including colourful tropical fish, river dwellers, and fascinating creatures from Cambodia’s rivers and coastal waters.

Expect to see everything from clownfish and rays to catfish and freshwater stingrays. Educational boards and interactive displays line the walkways, making this a fantastic learning experience for kids and adults alike.

Don’t miss the touch pool, where children (and curious adults!) can gently interact with rays and other marine creatures. It’s a perfect opportunity for little ones to “find Nemo” in real life. Friendly staff are always on hand to answer questions and share interesting facts about the animals and exhibits.

The Wildlife Park

After exploring the aquarium, head outside to the beautifully landscaped Wildlife Park, where you’ll encounter a variety of animals living in thoughtfully designed, spacious enclosures.

Unlike some other zoos in the region, Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium is genuinely committed to animal welfare. The animals look healthy and well cared for, and the staff are passionate about their wellbeing.

The park has partnered with an international conservation NGO to provide care for animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking and hunting. All animals are ethically sourced, and their environments are carefully maintained to replicate natural habitats.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices

One of the most impressive aspects of the park is its strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Here are a few things they’re doing right:

– Using solar panels to supply part of the park’s energy
– Collecting and recycling rainwater and wastewater
– Repurposing organic waste – for example, leftover fish heads and bones become food for carnivorous fish and crocodiles
– Creating fertiliser from deceased fish to use in the park’s gardens
– Aiming for a zero waste future

Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium is a fantastic example of how tourism can be done responsibly.

Explore More: Butterflies, Big Cats & Reptiles

As you continue your journey, pass through the peaceful butterfly garden before branching off to one of several different exhibits. Highlights include:

– Tigers relaxing in the shade
– Playful otters splashing around
– Adorable but endangered sun bears
– Ancient looking crocodiles basking in the sun

If you’re brave enough, check out the Reptile House, where you’ll come face to face (safely, of course) with snakes, lizards, toads, scorpions, and even a King Cobra and Burmese Python.

Food, Facilities & Family Fun

There’s a small but charming picnic area and food court with options like hot dogs, local food dishes, cold drinks, and fruit juices – perfect for a midday break. The food court area (and small gift shops) are designed like a Cambodian floating market and we think it’s pretty awesome. The prices of the food and refreshments here are VERY reasonable – something we were pleasantly surprised about!

Clean toilets, shaded rest stops, and helpful staff make the whole experience smooth and enjoyable, especially for families with small children.

Tickets, Opening Hours & Getting There

Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Along National Road 6, around 25km from Siem Reap centre

Tickets:
Adults: $20 (includes 10% VAT)
Children: $11
Children under 90cm: Free entry

Big discounts are available for Cambodian residents including both Cambodian locals and foreigners with valid work permits/long term visas.

Tickets for Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium can be bought online or at the entrance.

Getting There: Free Shuttle Bus from Siem Reap

For a hassle free journey to Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium, take advantage of their complimentary shuttle bus service operating daily from Siem Reap city center. The shuttle departs from three convenient locations: Ibis Styles Siem Reap at 8:15 AM, The Heritage Walk at 8:25 AM, and Angkor Enterprise at 8:40 AM, arriving at the aquarium by 9:25 AM.

The return trip leaves the aquarium at 11:45 AM, dropping passengers back at the same locations. An afternoon shuttle is also available, departing from Ibis Styles Siem Reap at 12:35 PM, The Heritage Walk at 12:45 PM, and Angkor Enterprise at 1:00 PM, with arrival at the aquarium by 1:45 PM. The return trip for the afternoon shuttle departs the aquarium at 3:45 PM.

Please note that advance reservation is required for the shuttle service. You can reserve your seat by scanning the QR code available on the official Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium website or by contacting them directly. 

Events & Private Bookings

Did you know you can book Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium for private events, weddings, or school field trips? They regularly host special events and educational programs, so it’s worth checking their official website for the latest news and updates.

Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium is a fun, educational, and ethically run attraction that brings something fresh and exciting to the Siem Reap experience. Whether you’re an animal lover, travelling with kids, or just want to escape the temple circuit for a day, this spot is well worth a visit.

So if you’re searching for things to do in Siem Reap beyond Angkor Wat and you’ve got a curious mind, don’t miss out!

If you’re looking for other things to do whilst you’re in Siem Reap, don’t forget to check out Phnom Kulen National Park!

For more great information or recommendations for Siem Reap and Cambodia in general, don’t forget to follow our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok accounts for regular fun and updates!
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Any information in the article above about Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium was correct at the time of posting to the best of our knowledge. If you notice any issues or would like to chat to us about the article please get in touch with us via our “ABOUT” page. If you’re the owner of a business we’ve written about and would like to discuss any out of date or incorrect information, please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help! Any opinions expressed in our articles are our own and may not be representative of everyone’s experience.

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