| A Trigg |
14 May 2004 |
Stayed at Angkor Century Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Loved Angkor which surpassed my expectations. However can only take so many temples and after 2.5 days was "templed out". Hired driver and car through hotel and he was excellent. Sorry can't remember his full name right now. "The" was the name he called himself and think C18 was his car number. Didn't bother with guide and relied on guide book which suited me fine. Pleasantly uncrowded in May but weather was hot. Need lots of water and stops for coconut drink. Child beggars and hawkers quite agressive near Angkor Wat but otherwise no problems. Ended up buying lots of T-shirts and postcards I didn't really want. Siem Reap town very pleasant with plenty of bars & restaurants to eat & relax in. In May the trip up the river from Phnom Penh is tedious with two changes of boat due to low water. Decided to pay the extra money and take the plane back!
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| D Fralix |
05 May 2004 |
Stayed at Borei Angkor Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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We had read about The Red Piano - and it proved to be a terrific place for dinner. Our guide Prom Chomrong was extremely knowledgeable and tailored his typical tour to our schedule - which involved having some pool time in the afternoon. This time we went up "to watch the sunset" - but we did it around 4pm to avoid the crowd on top at sunset. The pictures we took this time of Angkor Wat from the top were better and we didn't have to jockey around crowds of people to get the pictures.
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| K Newcombe |
20 April 2004 |
Stayed at Borei Angkor Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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We hired an English speaking driver at US$20 per day. The weather in April is VERY hot so having the airconditioned car to travel around was well worth the money.
A Tuk Tuk into town is only US$1. They will wait around with you for a couple of hours if you want to do shopping or dinner and will only charge $4-$5.
Highly recommend the FCC for good quality cheap food & drinks.
The early morning 5am rise to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat is well worth it. It was peaceful and quiet - much better than later in the afternoon when the crowds are out.
The weather in April is very hot, so make sure you have hats & lots of sunscreen and plan to have early starts & a big break out of the sun in the middle of the day.
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| C Murray |
18 April 2004 |
Stayed at Passaggio Boutique Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Cambodia was my favorite destination on this trip (that included Bangkok, Phuket and Hong Kong). The people were the nicest, which is saying a lot compared to Thailand, and the sites, obviously, are incomparable. We hired a guide and a car and driver, which, in the 110 degree April heat, really made a difference. A lot of guides/books recommend Angkor Wat at dawn, but the best part about that is that it's not as hot or crowded - the lighting is not particularly good. My favorite temple was Ta Prohm - left in its more original state - very romantic and exotic.
The Aspara dinner & dance and Angkor Village was well worth the experience - I actually wish I'd stayed at that hotel. Overall, it's becoming savvy to the travel business quickly, if you're considering going, sooner is better.
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| P Del rosario |
12 April 2004 |
Stayed at Passaggio Boutique Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Siem Reap is an amazing place. The temples are truly something to see. Don't pay the extra money to see the Kbal Spean river carvings unless you have time -- best to spend your time exploring the other temples. In town, try the homemade ice cream at Kokoon.
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| G Coon |
03 April 2004 |
Stayed at Cambodiana Hotel - Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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Destination - little scared about visiting Phnom Penh, proved foundless as I encountered no problems with pick-pockets or crime. Places visited - National Palace (Same as National Palace in Bangkok, but with many Nagas). National Museum - Thousands of Buddha statues, and Naga statues, but not much else. Pol Pot museum - Wow, you gotta see this place, a real wake up call to reality. "Killing Fields" - Not much to see, but glad I went there. Large "Stupa" filled with human skulls 40 feet up....another wake up call to the harsh reality of the world.
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| D Hagerman |
15 March 2004 |
Stayed at Raffles Hotel Le Royal - Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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Arrive at Tuol Sleng/S-21 as soon as it opens to have the place to yourself. The absence of other tourists and their guides allows for quiet contemplation undisturbed by voices. Same advice for the Killing Fields; we arrived just before 8am, and others, including a few large groups with booming guide, began arriving around 9.
Baan Thai has excellent Thai food -- ask for it spicy if this is your preference, and the chef will deliver. Head to Phreah 136 (near Central Market) at the Total station for a small strip of authentic Chinese eateries, especially dumplings and handmade noodles. The riverfront is the place to be at sunset on Friday, Sat and Sundays, but don't hole up in the FCC and miss the chance to mingle with friendly locals. Otherwise, the quiet Restaurant-Bar Deauville, next to Wat Phnom, truly *does* live up to its advertisement as the place pouring the "stiffest drinks in town." Moto taxis are a great way to get around the city.
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| I Hafen |
12 March 2004 |
Stayed at Passaggio Boutique Hotel - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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After the adventure trip with the old Antonow planes from Siem Reap to Stung Treng, from there to the Laotian border visiting the Mekong Water falls and heading by car from Stung Treng to Battambang where several Jungle trips were staying on the dailys list, we headed back to Siem Riep enjoying some quiet days at the Passagio Boutique hotel before we bordered to Thailand. Very nice trip for adventure lovers, just ask the Manager of Lolei Travel!!!!!
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| C Dreher |
06 March 2004 |
Stayed at Raffles Hotel Le Royal - Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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Phnom Penh's Royal Palace is wonderful. Having a guide ($5) is a must. The riverfront opposite the palace is bustling with life starting late afternoon. Many photo opportunities. The genocide museum (S-21 prison) is haunting.
How can people do these horrible things to others?
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| G Ross |
05 March 2004 |
Stayed at Cambodiana Hotel - Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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Take a taxi to the killing fields, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, I thought I was immune to showing my emotions, believe me you cannot fail to be moved to tears.
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Traveller's Tales: Places to go and see in Cambodia
