Sezer's Travel Blog: Eylül 2008

Cambodia, especially Siem-Reap is a must to visit, if you intend to go Indo-China. Angkor Wat and its surround is full of temples and shrines, heritage of more than 1000 years back. In this regard, I will provide the web address useful, who intends to visit the area. I found Siem Reap more developed, with their newly completed hotels, looking like Antalya Kemer too much.

Most useful publication is the freely provided ‘ Siem Reap Angkor Visitor’s Guide’ which are available almost every travel agent in Siem Reap. This publication could be obtained through their website: www.canbypublications.com

Cambodia is not having foreign representatives at all countries. Entrance visas are obtained at the custom gates. It could be obtained through their web page; http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh , but I couldn’t because web page is not operational. It cost $ 20. If you don’t have photo with you, you have to pay $ 2 more.

Cambodia weather was hot and humid at beginning of july. It was told that Cambodia becomes cool & dry in between November to February, hot & dry between March to May, hot & wet between the June to August and cool & wet between September to October. Monsoon rains falls between june to October, when I was there afternoons there were rain fell for a few hours.

In Cambodia, accommodation is available in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels classifies with stars, but not so expensive. 3 star hotel costs around $ 30, but guesthouses are cheaper than hotels. All of them are very clean. I watched out that Buddhists are clean people, I hope due to their religion imperative orders, especially they cleans their teeth early morning and when going to bed. This cleaning teeth subject is valid for hindus, but not for body cleaning.

I advise you to walk around with tuk-tuks. When you leave airport, you can find motorcycles, tuk-tuks and taxi. Cheaper one is motorcycles. Those costing you to reach Siem Reap $ 1 only, if you agree full day visit all around historical sites costs you $ 25. If you prefer to travel with tuk-tuk (trailer with 2 seat towed by a motorcycle) costs you a little bit higher, but if you are couple, cheaper than motorcycle. If you travel by taxi, prefer airconditioned. Because all Cambodia, including Siem Reap having high humidity in summer time. If you stay longer, you can rent bicycle, motorcycle and car. Everybody speaks English and you can find so many kid guides to help you around ruins. Many of them guides you well, as they are well trained.

To walk around the historical ruins, you have to pay $ 20 for 1-day trip, $ 40 for 3-day visit, $ 60 for 7 day visit. It is a must because it was asked when you arrived different sites. This tickets are having your picture. I’ve seen this first time in my life. You can see it below. Guidebooks are available, when you started to visit the sites. Kids are selling those, and say 1/3 of the price they told and be stubborn. If you make a basic tour it takes at least 3 days. 1 day is not enough to walk all around.

It was told there are helicopter and balloon travel facilities over the historical ruins, but I did not watch. You can approach them their websites stated below:

Sokha Helcopters: www.sokhahelicopters.com

Helicopters Cambodia: www.helicopterscambodia.com

Hotels:

Viroth’s Hotel: www.viroth-hotel.com

Encore Angkor Guesthouse: www.encoreangkor.com

Tara Angkor: www.taraangkor.com

Imagine Angkor: www.imagineangkor.com

Battambang Angkor Hotel: www.bbangkorhotel.com

River Garden Guesthouse: www.therivergarden.info

Kingdom Angkor Hotel: www.kingdomangkor.com

Salina Hotel: www.salinahotel.net

The Villa Guesthouse: www.thevillasiemreap.com