Workshop Visit and Sombai Liqueur Tasting

If you’re visiting Siem Reap and want to get a taste of local culture beyond temples and street food, the Sombai workshop and tasting offers a fascinating and delicious window into Cambodia’s simmering spirit scene. With a friendly guide, a short but insightful tour of their infusion room, and a generous tasting session, this activity is a perfect mix of education, entertainment, and a chance to bring home a truly unique souvenir.

What we particularly love about this experience is how accessible and affordable it is — for just $5, you’re transported into a world of vibrant flavors, handcrafted bottles, and stories behind each infusion. The highlight is the tasting itself, where you sample over eight to eleven flavors of Sombai, from sweet to spicy, including three kinds of alcoholic jams. That’s excellent value for the price and a fun way to explore Cambodia’s creative side.

A potential consideration is the fairly brief duration — about 1 hour 30 minutes — which might leave some craving a deeper dive into the full production process. Also, while the tour is small and personal, the timing can be a bit flexible, as reviews mention ad-hoc opening hours, so planning ahead is wise.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy local craftsmanship, love tasting new flavors, and want an experience that combines culture with a bit of fun. Perfect for those looking for an inexpensive, authentic activity that’s a little different from the usual temple visits.

Key Points

• Affordable & Value-Packed: At just $5, it offers a comprehensive experience with a tasting of more than eight flavors.
• Small-Group & Personal: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring attentive and friendly guides.
• Educational & Tasty: Learn about the infusion process while sampling unique Cambodian liqueurs.
• Beautiful Setting: Inside an old Khmer wooden house decorated with traditional and modern art.
• Flexible & Convenient: Open Tuesday to Sunday, with the option for a tour in English or French.
• Perfect Souvenir Opportunity: Sampled bottles can be purchased, many hand-painted by local artists.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Location & Setting

The tour begins at Sombai Cambodian Liqueur and souvenirs in the Wat Damnak area of Siem Reap. The shop’s interior is a charming mix of traditional Khmer accents and modern artistry, with bottles of infused spirits displayed amidst traditional paintings. It’s a cozy, welcoming environment that feels more like visiting a local artisan’s studio than a commercial tourist stop.

The Tour Itself

Most reviews mention that the tour lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, which makes it perfect for fitting into a day packed with temple-hopping or other excursions. The guide, often praised for being knowledgeable and patient (with Kim frequently named as a standout), takes you upstairs to see the infusion room where fruits and spices are used to flavor the spirits. The process seems straightforward but fascinating — you get a glimpse of the craftsmanship involved.

Despite the brief duration, the tour covers the essentials: how the rice wine is infused with flavors, the traditional techniques used, and the importance of local ingredients. As one reviewer noted, “the process of creating the flavors was a fairly basic introduction,” but the tasting makes up for that with a wide variety of flavors.

Tasting & Flavors

This is the real star of the experience. You get to try 11 different flavors, ranging from sweet to spicy, with some reviewers mentioning that they were presented with over eight varieties. The tasting includes three alcoholic jams that add a fun twist to the experience, and many mention how the flavors are very distinct and “yummy.”

Reviewers rave about the quality of the flavors and how they challenge the palate — perfect for those who enjoy trying new tastes. One traveler remarked, “The flavors are yummy and very distinct. The jams are to die for,” highlighting the appeal of the infused spreads as well.

Buying & Taking Home

Part of the fun is browsing the hand-painted bottles, each uniquely decorated by local artists. Many guests leave with a bottle or two, often citing them as perfect souvenirs or gifts. The shop does not pressure you to buy, but reviews suggest that after tasting the flavors, many are tempted — whether it’s the banana cinnamon or the fruity infusions.

The Value & Practicalities

At just $5 per person, including the tasting and snacks, this stands out as an incredible value. What you get in return is more than just a drink — it’s a glimpse into Cambodian craftsmanship and flavors that you won’t easily find elsewhere. The small-group setting guarantees personalized attention and friendly interaction, making it more engaging than a typical self-guided tasting.

The tour is inside a shop, so there’s no need for additional transportation, and it’s accessible to most travelers, including children accompanied by adults and service animals.

Reviews & Authentic Insights

Many travelers express how this activity became a highlight of their trip. One reviewer shared, “Kim, our guide, was very patient and kind,” emphasizing the friendly nature of the staff. Others appreciated the informative yet concise introduction about how the spirits are infused and bottled, making it accessible for those unfamiliar with the process.

A recurring theme is that the tasting experience is the best part — with many saying they’d happily return just for the flavors. Some reviewers mention that they initially didn’t plan to buy anything, but after tasting, they couldn’t resist, often purchasing multiple bottles to bring home.

Logistics & Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended, as it’s popular and often booked 42 days out.
• The tour operates Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 9:30 pm.
• No private transportation is included, so plan for your own transport.
• The activity ends back at the starting point, making it easy to include in your day.
• For non-drinkers or children, the shop offers the opportunity to enjoy the ambiance without participating in tasting; free for those not drinking.

Who Should Do This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous foodies and culture lovers wanting an authentic taste of Cambodian craft. It’s a fantastic option for those on a budget, seeking a quick yet memorable activity with friends or family. If you enjoy trying local spirits, learning about traditional methods, or hunting for unique souvenirs, you’ll find this worth every penny.

It’s also perfect if you prefer short, informal tours that don’t require hours of your day but still give a meaningful connection to the place. Kids can join, as long as they’re accompanied by adults, making it suitable for families looking for a fun cultural outing.

The Sum Up

The Sombai workshop and liqueur tasting in Siem Reap is a delightful blend of culture, craftsmanship, and indulgence. For just a few dollars, you get a guided peek into how Cambodian spirits are infused and bottled, along with a tasting of a wide variety of flavors that are as visually appealing as they are tasty. It’s a great way to add a quirky, authentic experience to your Cambodia trip, especially if you’re into spirits or artisan products.

The small-group format and friendly guides make it a personal, engaging activity, while the chance to purchase beautifully hand-painted bottles makes it more than just a tasting — it’s a souvenir you’ll cherish. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a seasoned foodie, this experience offers genuine value, memorable flavors, and a fun story to tell back home.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate local craftsmanship, enjoy tasting new flavors, and are looking for an activity that’s affordable, authentic, and a little different from the usual tourist fare. Pack your curiosity and a smile — you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Cambodia’s spirited side.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The tour itself involves tasting alcoholic beverages, but non-drinking guests can enjoy the tour and ambiance.

How long does the tour last?
Most reviews mention that the entire experience takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a quick yet fulfilling activity.

Are the guides friendly and knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviewers highlight guides like Kim for being patient, kind, and well-informed. They take the time to explain the infusion process and answer questions.

Can I buy bottles after the tour?
Absolutely. The shop sells the hand-painted bottles you see during the tasting, which are considered excellent souvenirs or gifts. Many guests leave with at least one bottle.

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation isn’t part of the package. The activity begins at the shop, and you are responsible for your own transportation to and from the location.

What flavors can I expect to taste?
You’ll sample a variety of over 8 to 11 flavors, from fruity and sweet to spicy and complex. There are also alcoholic jams included in the tasting.

How can I reserve a spot?
Booking can be done in advance, as the tour is popular and often booked 42 days ahead. The activity is available Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 9:30 pm.

In essence, the Sombai workshop and tasting is a fantastic, wallet-friendly way to experience a slice of Cambodian culture, sweeten your trip with unique flavors, and take home a piece of local artistry. Whether as a solo adventure, a group outing, or a family activity, it’s sure to be a memorable part of your Siem Reap journey.