Phumi Siem Reab Travel Forum

Hi all,

Together with my hubby, we are in our early 30s and need your inputs last minute on the following, thanks in advance:

My itinerary is as follows:
6 Dec at 540pm : Arrive Siem Reap
7 Dec & 8 Dec : Sunrise, sunset - temples visiting (Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei)
9 Dec : Explore the town/old market and shopping
10 Dec at 12pm, depart Siem Reap.
Driver : booked
Passport size photo : done in advance

QN 1 : With regard to accomodation, any VT forumers had put up at (1) Casa Angkor Hotel and/or (2) La Villa Loti and if so, feedback/comments please?

It seems Casa Angkot Hotel is located within walking distance from the "center" of Siem Reap. As for location wise, La Villa Loti is further away from town but I guess it is fine to walk to and fro town? And rooms in La Villa Loti (from its website) seem to have a distinct character of its own. Which is recommended for a couple?

QN 2 : Any suggestion as to what we can do on Day 1 upon arrival at about 540pm? Think with the transfer and check in, we should be ready to explore Siem Reap from about 7pm onwards. Do shops operate till late night?

QN 3 : As we are arriving late on 6 Dec, doubt we are in time (i) for sunset and (ii) to make purchase of Angkor Wat pass for the following day to avoid the q. At this time of the year, I pressume the "Q" would be shorter compared to the peak season and henceforth, we should not worry so much? Planning to capture sunrise on 7 Dec and wonder whether we will be caught in the line.

This trip is a short one and we hope to be back again to visit the rest of the temples.

Thanks for your time and cheers to all!

We looked at staying at La Villa Loti - but didn't, as it was too far from town. We ended up staying in 2 little hotels in town, which were just fine. You can go and see a sunset on the day of arrival if you like - go out and purchase tickets and go in for the sunset. Tip - go prepared with some passport photos, and you won't have to queue for long, if at all, for the passes.

You'll be buying a 3 day pass and only going for 2. If you get a good driver, ask him to take you to the temples early, and, if you need a break, go and do something else for awhile, and then go back in the cooler afternoon hours. We were enthralled with a visit to the Tonle Sap community - wow - what a poverty eye opener - and you can take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap - recommended.

There's not a lot to see in Siem Reap per se - and you don't need to leave a lot of time for this. The markets are OK - but don't really sell anything that's not out around the temples. Worth a look though. There's a great silk shop near the market, which is Cambodian (rather than French) owned, and I bought a lot from there.

Its a wonderful place, and we have been twice - writing this is making me want to do it all over again!

Totally agree with Douglas family's answers.
We did Angkor in a 3 day itinerary similar to yours. We also arrived around 5:00 from Bangkok and as Therese has stated, it will be too late to do temples on that day. You will buy a 3 day pass, only actually use 2 days (which, in my opinion, is enough to avoid being "templed out").
The secret is a good dependable guide. We have one on our pages we have highly recomended with great feedback from those whom have used him.

I would avoid sunset (which will be recomended to you) on that evening. It was not anything spectacular, quite labor intensive as far as climbing and, once you're at the top, you won't see sunset as they will usher you off the mountain before it becomes too dangerous to climb back down!).

Second day, start off early and cover all the main temples. We have also added photography and lighting tips to best enjoy the temples on our pages which coincided with less tourist crowds!
You can enjoy a relaxing dinner that evening and dance show.

Third day, visit far temples such as Banta Srei, and enjoy the country side.
You will return back to your hotel in time to walk to market area but, as TheDouglas mention, we did not find it particularly impressive compared to say, Thailand or Bali.

Hotel: We stayed at the Bopha Angkor hotel and LOVED this hotel! Convinient, set in a great location, within walking distance to markets. Wonderful service and rated as one of the top restaurants in Siem Reap. Also, the owner does alot of work within the Cambodian community.

I hope some of this helps. Enjoy your fantastic trip, I wish we were going.
Homer

Hi to the Douglas family and Homer
Thanks for sharing. I had earlier checked both your websites, and find them very informative and interesting. Glad to hear from you 2. Psst... Charlie just called me this evening, and yes, I had earlier emailed him (thanks to Homer!) to engage him as our driver. Impressive, as he actually called a day before my arrival to follow-up.
I have decided to stay at Casa Angkor Hotel since it is situated nearer town compared to La Villa Loti. Also, we get to enjoy some kind of a staff promotion with the hotel. Was expecting to see/shop a lot in SR (as in like Bali&Thailand) but with both your advice, I guess we may allow for another sunset visit on Sat then, if we got bored, ha. I am into photography, an amateur. OK, in another 12 hours, we will be off ..... Feeling all excited about our trip! Last but not least, may you all be with us spiritually, cheers!

If I would like to do 2 sunrise visits, one should be Angkor Thom and the other? Bakheng Mountain? any recommendations before I leave?
Or maybe Angkor Wat (other than sunset)?

Glad to hear Charlie's contacted you. We've recomended him and have gotten good feedback from our VT friends who've used him. Advice? Hmmm....I found one sunrise to be sufficient, but we were pretty worn out from temple hopping to get up early both days.
Pump Charlie for alot of information, he's spot on as to history and facts.
He's very pleasant and ver knowledgeable. Take time to soak it all in! Angkor is a huge place and you will become templed out in a short time if you're rushing through it all.
If you get a chance, stop and talk to the monks you will see along the way.
Take gifts (candy, school supplies, especially pencils and erasers) to hand out to the children instead of money. Encourage education instead of begging!
Finally, be generous with people who have been afflicted by disease or land mine accidents. These we contributed to. If you find children begging in front of a restaurant or cafe, instead of handing out money, buy a sweet pancake, divide it up and call them over to share. The smiles and thank you's will stay with you a lifetime!
Happy blessings and Godspeed!
Homer

I have to be dragged away from Bayon - and next time I visit, I'm going there for a sunrise! All those magnificent faces!

Have a wonderful trip, and don't forget to come back and tell us all about it.

I second Homer's advice about being patient and good to the people.

Once again, thanks.

Yes, got the stuff prepared for the kids.... and coming from Msia/Spore, its like going back to the 50's. will enjoy and be nice to them all. Till then,
Signing off from the airport, chao.