Thursday, May 30, 2013

Siem Reap - Preparation and Travel Tips

Angkor Wat is one main destination sites that I have been thinking of going since I started visiting some of the third world cities in Asia. The Khmer Empire created the largest religious monumnet ever built when they constructed the amazing Angkor Wat and along with it hundreds of other small monuments and large temples.

The best way to see Angkor Wat is to fly in to the city of Siem Reap and stay in one of those boutique hotels for a few days.

Where to stay in Siem Reap?
I've been doing a lot of research on hotels in Siem Reap. My criteria is that:
- convenience: near where there plenty of good and local food and shopping;
- good facilities: gym, swimming pool, free internet
- nice ambience: hotel has to been reasonably in good condition and well maintained
- courteous staff

After some searches, I come to the conclusion that I would stay in Steung Siemreap Hotel (picture below). It is right located on the edges of Old Market and Pub-street where both places are famous to all customers who travel to Siem Reap City. Old Market is a place where travelers could do shopping, especially souvenir products while Pub-street is the place where travelers will enjoy their night life after a tiring day to Angkor Temple.


I book it through Agoda for 3 nights at a special 47% discount, a deluxe room costs only US$38 ( exclude the taxes etc). Location was good and fufilled my criteria above.

Now what are some interesting things we can do in Siem Reap? But first a bit of info on the city of Siem Reap. The main body of Siem Reap town stretches about 2km north/south along the Siem Reap River and roughly 3-4km east/west along Rte. #6. The airport is 6km from town center. The main temple complex lies about 5-10km north of town. All of the hotels are in or near town, and are spread relatively evenly across the town, though there are still concentrations: 1) there are a variety of smaller hotels, shops and restaurants near the Old Market; 2) several large upscale hotels between the airport and town along Rte. #6; 3) two budget oriented areas: one along ‘Wat Bo’ Road and the other in the Taphul Village area; 4) a variety of mid-range hotels and restaurants along Sivatha; 5) budget and mid-range hotels in the Phsar Leu area. See map below.

I list below a few websites which I refer to for ideas on what to do during my 4 day stay at Siem Reap.

1) Trip Advisor Site : Created by Nicky Sullivan - 3 Days in Siem Reap

2) Trip Advisor Site : Visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia, Travellers' Choice® 2012 Winner

3) Angkor Archaeological Park: Getting Started, What to Bring, Admission Passes...

4) Holiday in Angkor Wat

5) If you like some adventure, try this Quad Adventure Cambodia

6) Recommended Tour Agency: Tour Agency-Value for money : Villa Tours
All Villa tours are operated by Beyond Unique Escapes

7) I found this site : Angkor Taxi Services which provides good value airport transfers at US$8 and from the testimonies, they provide good value and professional day tours as well. check it out.

I hope all these sites above are useful and if you come across anything else interesting or good value hotels in Siem Reap, let me know.

Cheers and Happy Holidays!!

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