Forest Walk in Angkor Park: A Wellness Event for Expats in Siem Reap

The Forest Walk is a recurring wellness gathering organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Siem Reap inside the Angkor Archaeological Park. It blends three slow activities — yoga, guided meditation, and silent walking — designed to reconnect participants with the natural environment surrounding the temples.

• Date of the 9th edition: May 10, 2026.
• Audience: Open to expats, locals, and visitors — no prior yoga or meditation experience required.
• Setting: Quiet zones of the Angkor Park, away from the main tourist routes.
• Group size: About 100 participants per edition. Spaces are limited.
• Cost: Free or pay-what-you-want, depending on the edition.

The Forest Walk follows a slow, structured rhythm starting just after sunrise. The programme below reflects the format used at the 9th edition and similar past gatherings.

Times are approximate and may shift by ±15 minutes depending on weather and group pace.

The 10th edition is being planned and registration usually opens 2–3 weeks before the date. Here is how to secure a spot:

1. Follow the official Facebook page. JCI Siem Reap publishes every announcement there. Verify the page is the official one (blue checkmark or admin handle).
2. Watch for the registration post. Spaces are limited to roughly 100 participants and tend to fill within 48 hours.
3. Register through the official link. Use only the form linked in the JCI post. Ignore any third-party site asking for payment.
4. Confirm your slot. Some editions ask you to reply to a confirmation message 24 hours before the event.
5. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early. The group leaves promptly — late arrivals can miss the silent-walk start.
6. Bring your Angkor Pass if required. Some editions take place inside the paid zone of the park; check the announcement.

The Forest Walk takes place outdoors at dawn in a forested setting. The right kit makes a big difference:

• Yoga mat or large towel — the ground is uneven and sometimes damp.
• Water bottle (1L minimum) — no shop access during the activities.
• Light, breathable clothing — long sleeves recommended against mosquitoes.
• Comfortable closed shoes — sneakers or trail shoes, not flip-flops.
• Mosquito repellent — essential at dawn near the forest.
• A small snack (optional) — for after the meditation.
• Your Angkor Pass — if the edition is held inside the paid zone.

If you missed the Forest Walk or want to go deeper into outdoor wellness in Siem Reap, several other recurring events welcome expats and travelers:

• Outdoor yoga at Phnom Bakheng sunset — informal group sessions organized by local studios on weekends.
• Sunrise hikes to Phnom Kulen — a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap, organized by expat Facebook groups once or twice per month.
• Cycling tours of the Angkor outer loop — slow, low-traffic itineraries that pair well with meditation stops.
• Volunteer clean-up walks — community groups organize regular trash-collection walks in and around the park.

Check the main expat Facebook groups (Siem Reap Expats, Siem Reap Community) for upcoming dates and meeting points.