Just back - Here's what I thought

We stayed at the Le Meridien Angkor for 4 nights during our honeymoon in August.

The hotel is the closet to the ancient temples of Angkor. It takes around 10 minutes by car or 15-20 by Tuktuk to Angkor Wat.

On arrival we were greeted with cool face cloths and refreshing drinks. The check in was quite slow, but eventually we were taken to our room. Our room was decorated in a typical Asian style, had a large comfy bed, big bathroom and a nice view over the pool area, there was also an aromatherapy oil burner. The grounds in the hotel are beautiful and very well kept. The pool area was beautiful.

We had a meal one evening at the famous Grand Hotel D’Angkor. We got the Dynasty menu, which consists of 11 Cambodian dished followed by 4 desserts. It was delicious! After our meal we went downstairs to the Elephant Bar and enjoyed a few cocktails and played some pool. I had the Femme Fatal – a cocktail made for Jackie Kennedy, which was Champagne, Cognac and crème fraîche, it was yummy.

We hired the taxi driver who brought us from the airport to drive us. He charged $40 per day. We took a trip out to Kbal Spean, also know as the valley of a 1000 Lingas. It consists of a number of carvings on the Stung Kbal Spean river bed. Its located in the Kulen Hills and its about 25km from Angkor. It’s a 1500 metre up hill hike with no path and the tree roots form natural steps in parts. To be honest we weren’t very impressed. It was just a small area of carvings. The hike up was tough going in the heat, but the scenery was beautiful. On the way out we stopped at Banteya. It’s a beautiful temple and definitely worth a visit. There weren’t as many tourists out here as there are at the main Angkor temples which made it even nicer.

We also visited the main temples, Angkor Wat, Thom, Bayon, Banteay Srey %26amp; Ta Prohm.

Banteay Srei is stunning, the carvings are so intricate – it is a must see!

Ta Prohm is beautiful and feels quite magical. Its just amazing seeing how the jungle has grown through the temples.

Angor Wat is impressive in size, its just stunning.

The faces of Bayon are so detailed.

Its hard to describe how it feels walking through the different temples. Each place has a different atmosphere. They are all individually beautiful in different ways.

The poverty in Cambodia is bad. Having previously visited poorer parts of Thailand and even Egypt, I sort of knew what to expect, but some sights just broke my heart! If you haven’t experienced little children begging you could find it tough at times here.

We really enjoyed our stay and the memories of the temples will stay with us forever. It’s a stunning country and the people are beautiful.

If you have any questions or if there’s anything I can help with – fire away.

P

Just back - Here's what I thought

Thanks for your report, I enjoyed reading it! We felt our trip to Siem Reap was the highlight of our 5 week Asian tour. We were so impressed by this beautiful country and it%26#39;s wonderful, kind people that we hope to return again.

Just back - Here's what I thought

Thank you so much for your report. We are headed to Siem Reap in 4 days and can%26#39;t wait! We are doing a bike tour and look forward to getting off the beaten path. Thanks to all here who helped me plan our trip. This site is a God-send!

Will report upon my return!

laaa coon!

Susie

Hi Pauline,

Sounds like a fantastic place. I%26#39;m trying to work out what time of year is the best time to visit. What was the weather like in August? It looks like there might be a dip in the rainfall around August - is this true? I%26#39;m wondering if its best to avoid the crowds in November - Feb when the weather is cooler etc. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks, Simon.

Hi Simon,

I think you will be really interested to read an article written for the Washington Post titled '; When it rains, you score';. The author really provides good reasons to travel OUT of the peak season. This may help you make up your mind.

I googled it for you and this is the link below.

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/20… -

Hope this helps

Cheers Cooperellie

Hi Cooperellie,

Wow - an amazing article - thanks so much (I hope not too many people read it though) - I will almost definitely go. Looks like there is still a fair amount of sun in between the rain. Overland from Bangkok during the rainy season - is it do-able - i%26#39;ve been through S.E.A. b4 so am used to the usual difficulties, but will this be too difficult I wonder? Thanks again.

Hi Again Simon,

Glad you liked the article.

I have no personal experience with the particular border crossing you will use - Aranyaprathet/Poipet -

but I urge you to go to this site for all things Cambodian.

www.canbypublication.com

Add it to your favourites as I guarantee you will refer to it over and over again.

When you log into the home page click on the green button on the left-hand side that%26#39;s called ';Overland International Border Crossings'; and read down to the Aran/Poipet details. It mentions the rainy season as well as the dry.

I think you should also look on this forum for ';Poipet Border Crossings'; as there are heaps of posts about visa%26#39;s and there are lots of mentions of scams at the border. (which nearly everybody seems to get sucked in to!). This way you will be forewarned. There%26#39;s no danger from what I can gather just money rip-offs for visa%26#39;s and taxis. You should also look at the site of the 2 Dragons Guesthouse in Siem Reap who insist on picking you up at the border (for a price) to avoid all the scams and hassles. I think they are above board. The guy who owns 2 dragons also has a good website called ';Tales of Asia'; and supplies lots of information for travellers in Asia. but particularly Cambodia. Definatley worth a read.

www.talesofasia.com

Cheers Coopy

Hi again,

I%26#39;ve just been reading about how the top or third level of the angkor wat temple is closed - for renovations or safety or both. Is this still the case? If so, should I wait until it%26#39;s open again? (or will it?).

Thanks again for any info,

Simon.

That article in the Washington Post really argues well for a trip to S. Reap during the off season.

The steps to the top level of Angkor Wat are roped off and have been for a while. I dont know whether they are actually planning on reopening them as they have been deemed too dangerous as they are. There are many other temples with top levels and steep climbs though. Many just as steep as Angkor Wats. Ta Keo has some very scarey climbs but a pretty good view, Bakheng%26#39;s steps are an easier climb and due to its commanding position on top of the only hill for miles the view is unmissable (go after sunrise or before sunset to miss the crowds)Bayon has a view from its upper level and even the tiny Baksei Chamkrong has soome serious try it if you dare steps. There is plenty to choose from.

I was at Angkor at a coupel weeks ago and the steps were roped off and there was some scaffolding on the middle tower. I climbed to the top for some great views 2 years ago, but it was not possible this time around.

Re: traveling during rainy season-

If you are on the maintourist route it will be no problem but if you attempt to visit outlying temples or more remote places, some of the roads (usually dirt) will be impassable. You can consult with your driver as to the current situation when you arrive.