** Interested in the world of Buddhism. Wat Dam Nak opens their pagoda to the public every Sunday from 2.30 to 4.30p.m. with the resident monks eager to answer your questions.

** In Touch Restaurant: Situated on Bar Street opposite the Red Piano, there is a newly opened restaurant which in this author's humble opinion is serving the best Thai food in town. Upstairs or downstairs, this stylish place has created an atmosphere to match the fabulous food and friendly service. Mains are between $3 and $4 and wine by the glass $2. The Pad Thai is excellent.

** Hash House Harriers: I mean, seriously, is this the correct name for a five-kilometre run through the countryside? Well, for you fitness bunnies out there, this might be just the thing for you on a sluggish Saturday. The idea is that the hounds (the runners) follow a path carefully laid out by the hare with clues, dead ends and red herrings through local villages surrounding Siem Reap. The group meets outside the Post Office every Saturday at 4 p.m., and they always celebrate completing the run with a beer or two as the sun sets.

** Khmer Kitchen: Tucked in a little side street between Bar Street and Psar Chas, this little gem of a restaurant serves delicious Khmer dishes at affordable prices. If you haven't tried amok yet, this is the place. From traditional curries to noodles, all dishes are about $2 to $3.

** BBQ King: It's $2.50 and its all you can eat!! Ok, so you have to cook your own food, but it's over your own personal pot of boiling soup with a "sticky out" BBQ bit in the middle. Beef, pork, chicken or squid sizzles while noodles and vegetables simmer in the broth on the side. Fried rice is also included in the deal.

** Ecstatic Pizza: A little tired after a big day out (or three) at the temples? Dial a pizza! Ecstatic Pizza has a large variety of tasty pizzas in both Happy and Sad versions and the best bit ... they will deliver right to your door for free. Small $4, Medium $6 and Large $9.

Slices of Siem Reap is a regular column that aims to provide information on events and happenings in the Siem Reap area. If you have something to add, e-mail Michael Hayes at: [email protected]