With a heavy heart, a lot of us had to cancel our travel plans during the COVID-19 crisis. Maybe you were looking forward to a graduation trip with your pals, or a sweet getaway with that special someone, or a fun and exciting family trip.

And now you’re cooped up at home during quarantine, with not much to do. The days seem endless and you’re dying of boredom, wallowing in your sadness over those cancelled flight tickets. Fret not, you can now travel the world from your couch! Thanks to the internet, we are now able to attend virtual tours all around the world.

Take a hike around Yosemite National Park, explore the ruins of Angkor Wat, walk around the Pyramids of Giza… the possibilities are endless. If you’d like, grab a family member to tour the iconic wonders of the world with you. It might not be the experience you expected, but these virtual tours are bound to lift your spirits and cure your boredom.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Located in California, Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations and breathtaking natural environments. Take a virtual Yosemite tour, which allows online visitors to experience over 200 locations within the famous National Park. You can even explore the surroundings as well, in all seasons!

The virtual Yosemite tour was created and photographed by a virtual reality (VR) photographer Scott Highton who lives just outside the park. He has specialised in VR photography for 30 years now. The 360° interactive panoramas are all in high resolution, so you can zoom in to admire all the intricate details. Pan around and take in stunning views from cliffs and waterfalls, and well-known areas of Yosemite Valley.

Explore Yosemite National Park here.

LOUVRE MUSEUM TOUR

The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is the world’s largest art museum and a historical monument. It is also the world’s most-visited art museum, with tourists visiting to catch a glimpse of art collections that span work from as far as ancient civilisations to the mid-19th century.

Due to COVID-19, the museum is now closed until further notice, with no visitors allowed. However, thanks to the official Louvre website, you can now tour 4 famous exhibitions: The Advent of the Artist, Egyptian Antiquities, Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and Galerie d’Apollon online for free.

Go on the tour of the Louvre Museum exhibitions here.

THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA TOUR

Travel back in time to the ancient Egyptian civilisation and take a walk around the highest pyramids ever built, and the oldest of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing proudly at 145 metres high are the Pyramids of Giza. Until now, how the Pyramids of Giza were built is still one of Egypt’s greatest mysteries. They were constructed 4,500 years ago, built to last an eternity. So far, they’ve succeeded in this impressive feat.

In this virtual tour offered by Google Maps, you will be able to learn about the complex history of these pyramids while exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can even view other Egyptian sites, such as the necropolis of Saqqara, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Cairo Citadel, the Hanging Church and the remains of Abu Mena. It doesn’t matter which part of the world you’re at – just drag the cursor and embark on this journey.

View the Pyramids of Giza and other Egyptian sites here.

ANGKOR WAT TOUR

Deep in the remote forests of the Siem Reap province of Cambodia lies the ancient Angkor Wat temples, ruins of a time long past. The Angkor Archaeological Park includes remains from various capitals that existed during the time of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to 15th centuries. The famous Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with its countless sculptural decorations are part of the remains.

The virtual tour is a collaboration between Virtual History Specialists, Archaeologists and Historians who want to bring the history of Angkor Wat to life. It explores several magical temples, including the five towers of Angkor Wat itself; the pink sandstone Banteay Srei; and Ta Prohm (as seen in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), where nature has reclaimed the ruins.

Take a virtual walk around the Angkor Archaeological Park here.

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA TOUR

In northern China resides one of the world’s most jaw-dropping wonders: the Great Wall of China. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Great Wall is an ancient fortification that stretches more than 3,000 miles across Chinese provinces. It is also the longest wall, and one of the greatest sights in the world. Boasting a history of over 2,000 years, it is easily one of the most impressive ancient structures on earth today.

A tour agency called The China Guide was kind enough to create a free virtual tour of the Great Wall, after their business was completely halted due to the current situation. They have all sorts of information on their website, which you can have a read while exploring the virtual tour.

Hike along the Great Wall of China here.

What do you think of when Cambodia is mentioned? If your answer is the Angkor Wat and more temples in the picture, you are not entirely wrong. Let’s just say, there’s so much more to Cambodia than meets the eye. Siem Reap is Cambodia’s burgeoning capital, destined for great establishments and things.

With its own unique traditions, modern establishments, bar-filled streets, workshops and tours sprouting from every corner of the city, Siem Reap is one fine Southeast Asian gem to visit if you haven’t already.

Here are 23 Reasons Why Siem Reap should be the top of your bucket list.

#1 ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM

Located a stone’s throw away from Angkor Wat is Angkor National Museum. For those who are keen on learning about the Khmer empire, the museum has a collection of images, relics and artifacts from the Khmer Kings, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

#2 ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

Behold, one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia. Possessing the most riveting remains of the Khmer empire, this UNESCO-declared site holds the most symbolic structures and religious stories of Cambodia.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

#3 ANGKOR NIGHT MARKET

Situated near Sivatha Street, Angkor Night Market offers a wonderful assortment of handicrafts, souvenirs, apparels and accessories.

#4 ANGKOR WAT

A colossal Cambodian beauty and identified as one of the wonders of the world, Angkor Wat is a sight to behold. This attraction may be packed with tourists during the day, but that does not mean it wouldn’t be an enjoyable experience. The beguiling sight itself will be sure to leave you weak in the knees.

Photo Credit: hakstours

#5 BANTEAY SREI

Made almost entirely out of red sandstone, the details on the walls of Banteay Srei are intricately and meticulously carved. One of Angkor’s outstanding constructions and masterpieces, it is also a well-preserved Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.

#6 BAYON

This mesmerising 12th-century temple is dedicated to Cambodia’s most renowned king, Jayavarman VII. Find out more about Cambodia’s rich history in the 12th century with carvings of everyday life all the way from the Khmer Empire on Bayon’s walls.

#7 COOKING CLASS

There is a plenty of countryside cooking classes at Siem Reap. Bring yourself to a Cambodian market for some local picks and learn how to prepare local Cambodian dishes and treats!

Photo Credit: hakstours

#8 FLOATING VILLAGES

The Tonle Lake floating village is definitely on every tourists’ itinerary. Expect gaudy sarongs, silk scarves, bamboo cutlery, wood carvings and souvenirs. Similar authentic floating villages are Kompong Khleang and Kompong Phluk, and they are located farther down Tonle’s shores.

#9 FOODIE TOUR ON A VESPA

Grab your helmets and zoom around on a Vespa. Join Cambodia Vespa at night to discover authentic Cambodian food at hidden locations. Sit back, relax and let your driver lead the way!

Photo Credit: flickr

#10 HAVE A DRINK AT ‘ANGKOR WHAT’

Angkor What is one of the best bars in Cambodia for a refreshing experience of Cambodian nightlife. If you are seeking a good night to party and find new friends, this bar at Pub Street should be where you should head to.

#11 HONEYBEES

A unique and fun experience, watch how rafter beekeeping has been practised since many hundreds of years ago. Take a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch a Cambodian honey-hunter at work. A rare sight nowadays, tourists are flocking over to watch this diminishing practice.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

#12 HORSE-RIDING

Horse farms in Siem Reap are normally located in rural areas of the city. Relax and unwind with trail rides around bucolic villages of Siem Reap on a horse and explore the countryside the traditional way!

Photo Credit: madmonkeyhostels

#13 HOT AIR BALLOON

Explore Siem Reap with style! Angkor Hot Air Balloon is the first and only hot air balloon flight company to offer trips around Siem Reap. You will get to marvel at picturesque cityscapes of Siem Reap and attain an unforgettable experience around the city.

#14 LANDMINE MUSEUM

How much do you know about landmines? Do you know there are approximately 5 million of them still in Cambodian grounds? Clearing landmines are vital to Cambodians, hence it is imperative that education on landmines are covered.

The landmine museum touches on the dangers of landmines and their origins. There are various types of landmines and it becomes pretty interesting once you’ve learned how to identify them!

#15 LES ARTISANS D’ ANGKOR

Are you fascinated by the Khmer Arts? 2 minutes away from Old Market and Pub Street is a charming site filled with meticulously designed Khmer handicraft. A guide will be of service to share stories of Khmer handicraft and bring you around if you require assistance.

Photo Credit: backstreetacademy

#16 ZIPLINE

Get on the extreme side and strap yourself on a zipline. Angkorzipline offers a brilliant way to traverse across the Cambodian rainforests. The journey along famous zipline courses is sure to be thrilling.

#17 PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS SHOW

If you are a fan of Cirque du Soleil, you won’t want to give Phare a miss! Animal lovers will also be relieved to note that no animals are used for the performance.

#18 PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

For aspiring photographers who want to add on to their photo collections with photos of Siem Reap’s landscapes, opt for a photography tour! Professional photographers are also there to give you tips.

Photo Credit: indochinatravelpackages

#19 PSAH CHAS OLD MARKET

Psah Chas Old Market might have everything on your shopping list—paintings, notes, silverware, carvings and apparels. Bargaining is allowed.

#20 SENTEURS D’ANGKOR

With a wide collection of silk and carvings, the Senteurs d’Angkor carries a vast range of beauty products and spices made by Cambodians themselves.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

#21 SRAH SRANG

Dubbed the ‘Royal Bathing Pool’, Srah Srang is surrounded by lush greenery and a serene and aesthetic spot for meditation and relaxation. Srah Srang is situated across the road from the east entrance of Banteay Kdei.

Photo Credit: latitudes

#22 STREET FOOD

Emerge from the bar-filled streets of Pub Street and locate the street food vendors for authentic Cambodian delicacies. The popular street food you will find at Siem Reap are pancakes, bananas, and noodles.

Photo Credit: angkortuktuk

#23 TUK-TUK RIDE

A Tuk-Tuk ride in Cambodia sure feels the same as taking a Tuk-Tuk ride down Bangkok’s bustling streets. It is a local transportation mode to experience while commuting from one place to another!

Read: 48 Hours in Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 12 Tips on What To See & Do.