| D Vandewalle |
21 March 2003 |
Stayed at Passaggio Boutique Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
For visiting the temples, hire a local motorcycle or tuk-tuk. Much cheaper than a taxi. Unless you know nothing about the temples, forget about the official guides--they're not worth the money. Much better to study beforehand, and then explore by yourself--with your motorcycle driver waiting for you...
|
| D Steiner |
16 March 2003 |
Stayed at Bopha Angkor - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
I spent 3 days touring with a guide and driver - 2 days of the temples that everyone else has mentioned (that's enough time) and 1 day on Tonle Lake and visiting a silk farm/school and wood-carving school.
I hired the guide before I left on the recommendation of a friend, and he was wonderful. I paid $45 a day for him and a driver in an air-conditioned car. He even met me at the airport and took me back to the airport when I left on the 4th day at no charge. His name is Moun Monirom (email/monirom2002@yahoo.com) (phone/85512630621) I was a woman traveling alone and I felt very comfortable with him.
Stayed at the Bopha Angkor and ate most of my meals there. Loved it for the price.
|
| A Attie |
12 March 2003 |
Stayed at Bopha Angkor - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
We loved exploring the Angkor temple complexes. An unforgettable and richly rewarding journey. We hired a driver and guide for a full three days, although you could probably do it justice in two, so long as you start early (7:00-7:30).
For excellent, sophisticated Thai/Khmer food, don't miss Madame Butterfly on Airport Road. It's in a lovely, romantic home, tastefully furnished in colonial style by the amiable French owner. It may be a bit more expensive than other places in town, but it's the best and is still a very good value relative to western prices.
|
| B Taylor |
11 March 2003 |
Stayed at Angkor Century Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
2 days was about right for the temple tours. We hired an English-speaking guide (who could've been better at the language) for $25 per day and a car/driver for $25/day and had them pick us up from the airport and drop us off late the following day to return to Bangkok. We saw about 7-8 temples, Ankgor Wat and Ta Prohm being the most interesting.
|
| N Wright |
04 March 2003 |
Stayed at Bopha Angkor - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
Cambodia was everything it was cracked up to be. Despite their trials, the people are exceptionally friendly. Angkor temples were great, but two full day's touring was plenty. We used a great driver named K.A. He can be contacted at: ttasrp@camintel.com.
|
| M Valder |
03 March 2003 |
Stayed at Angkor Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
For anyone even remotely interested in history or archaeology the Angkor temples and sites must be among the world's most amazing and fascinating phenomena.
We found it easy enough to reach the various sites from Siem Reap by hiring a car or "motorcycle trailer." It is not essential to join a tour, or even have a guide. In fact you might possibly be better without these as the amount of time you would want to spend at each place is a very individual matter. But do take plenty of film.
Cannot say too much about restaurants but do remember the "Arun" restaurant as serving delicious food at very reasonable prices.
|
| M Mcmullen |
23 February 2003 |
Stayed at Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
We loved seeing the variety of temples. One highlight was the helicopter ride over Angkor Wat in the late afternoon!
|
| M Meardi |
20 February 2003 |
Stayed at Angkor Saphir Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
I had an excellent foot massage at Bigfoot massage which is right around the corner. I did that 2 days in a row during the break between temple visiting and it was worth it ($6/hour) because your legs and feet can get very tired with all the uneven walking.
Renting bikes to get around for a morning ir evening is an excellent way to see Siem Reap. Dodging the traffic is good fun. The landmine museum not far from the entrance of the main temples is worth seeing, not the big government museum.
There is a butterfly garden with a sitting area near the old part of town.
We also went to see a shadow puppet show at La Noria hotel, all proceeds go to the childrens group that puts on the puppet show.
|
| C Bartholomew |
19 February 2003 |
Stayed at Angkor Village Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
Do not miss Angkor Wat and Siem Reap!! Go now, before the tourist trade gets out of hand. the prices are getting higher and there are at least 6 new large hotels going up in a town that boasts 1 set of traffic lights!
Take several copies of your passport photo, One to get into the country and one for your visitors pass for the temples. Take insect repellant, hats, and cool clothing, Good walking shoes. We did 8 temples in the first day and were exhausted.
I would not recommend this trip for families with young children. Some of the temples are difficult to climb around and after the first one they will get bored.
Local transport is good. We hired an excellent guide from through the hotel and there is a taxi service provided as well. All the guides have had at least 1 years training at the government school so they know their stuff. It cost US$20 per day for the guide and was money well spent, there is so much to learn on the way.
|
| J Mongeau |
15 February 2003 |
Stayed at Ta Prohm - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
|
The temples are astounding. Plan on a minimum of three days. I spent 4 days and intend to return and spend at least a week.
I wouldn't bother with an organized tour. It's easy to hire a guide ($20 per day) and a car and driver (another $20 per day) and set your own pace.
|
Traveller's Tales: Things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia
