Siem Reap, Gateway to Angkor Wat
Dear Traveler,
Situated in Cambodia's northern province, in the outskirts of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. Stretching over some 400 square kilometers, this religious complex-the largest in the world houses magnificent remains from different capitals of the Khmer Empire that flourished between the 8th-13th centuries.
Angkor Wat
Travel Tip:
Bangkok is one of the main hubs in Southeast Asia and as such, you can often save a couple of hundred dollars if you first fly there and take a connecting flight to your second destination.
From Bangkok, Thailand there are daily non-stop flights that take less than 1 hour to Siem Reap, Cambodia, a gateway to the Angkor complex. The local airport was built 15 years ago and it's quite modern. Travel Tip:
Once in Cambodia, there is a Visa on Arrival requirements for US Citizens $30, cash only (ATM available). Bring your own passport pictures, but in the event you forget, it's just a $2 extra charge for pictures to be taken.
From once a small town, Siem Reap's local economy has grown thanks to the tourist business. From international hotel chains to a locally run boutique hotel, there are many options to choose from. If you can, select a boutique hotel in French Colonial Style design. Our property, Pavillion d'Orient, had arranged for a driver who was waiting for us at the arrival gate and made our transfer quick and seamless.
From once a small town, Siem Reap's local economy has grown thanks to the tourist business. From international hotel chains to a locally run boutique hotel, there are many options to choose from. If you can, select a boutique hotel in French Colonial Style design. Our property, Pavillion d'Orient, had arranged for a driver who was waiting for us at the arrival gate and made our transfer quick and seamless.
Travel Tip:
To save money, arrange a hotel transfer ahead of time. The main reason travelers visit Siem Reap is to see Angkor Wat, and the locals have, shall we say, "tuned-in" to the popular demand from tourists (in fact, sometimes you can hear the term "scam-bodia" jokingly applied).
The Pavillion d'Orient Boutique Hotel was recommended to me, so I had a vague idea of what to expect, but our stay very much exceeded any expectations. As I mentioned earlier, are many choices in terms of luxury and/or Western-ized accommodations in Siem Reap, but what elevated this hotel among the others are the people who work there. Pavillion delivered 5-star personal service at 4-star rates, so was just an outstanding value. Designed in a French Colonial Style, the hotel is located slightly outside of the city center, but just 5 min. away from the Angkor ticket center. We later learned that is a family-run property with a French owner. We were welcomed by the hotel manager with a refreshing towel and delicious, home-made, lemongrass tea cocktail. A book of Ancient Angkor was handed to us to use during our stay (we ended up purchasing one!). Our reservation included breakfast and a private tuk-tuk driver for our entire stay.
Travel Tip:
If possible, reserve a tuk-tuk driver for your entire stay, if he is good and speak English, it's a great way to support the local economy, and he/she can be your go-to local source!
The hotel grounds were well-manicured, quiet, with lush exotic trees and infused with an aromatic sense of jasmine flowers. Our room was spacious, with artfully-designed, locally-sourced furniture & artwork, and a balcony overlooking the infinity-design style pool (see video). A fresh fruit basket welcomed us and was replenished daily. Every night the hotel staff left us a paper note on the door -- it was a local Cambodian tale, meant to be read before going to sleep. On our last night besides the note we found a pair of a hand-made Cambodian tablecloth to take home.
Due to the low season, there were just a few other parties, and my husband and I had the entire infinity pool for ourselves. The French-style a la carte breakfast was delicious and featured freshly made smoothies. Lastly, our tuk-tuk driver really made a difference in our stay! He was the one who drove us to the Tonle Sap floating village, which was about a 30 min. drive each way (complimentary), arranged for us a private boat tour on the lake, and took us to Siem Reap downtown for ATMs and refreshments. He spent the entire day with us at Angkor Wat complex, drove us between the temples, and kept a cooler full of ice-cold water.
The hotel grounds were well-manicured, quiet, with lush exotic trees and infused with an aromatic sense of jasmine flowers. Our room was spacious, with artfully-designed, locally-sourced furniture & artwork, and a balcony overlooking the infinity-design style pool (see video). A fresh fruit basket welcomed us and was replenished daily. Every night the hotel staff left us a paper note on the door -- it was a local Cambodian tale, meant to be read before going to sleep. On our last night besides the note we found a pair of a hand-made Cambodian tablecloth to take home.
Due to the low season, there were just a few other parties, and my husband and I had the entire infinity pool for ourselves. The French-style a la carte breakfast was delicious and featured freshly made smoothies. Lastly, our tuk-tuk driver really made a difference in our stay! He was the one who drove us to the Tonle Sap floating village, which was about a 30 min. drive each way (complimentary), arranged for us a private boat tour on the lake, and took us to Siem Reap downtown for ATMs and refreshments. He spent the entire day with us at Angkor Wat complex, drove us between the temples, and kept a cooler full of ice-cold water.
Siem Reap is a fast-growing city, and the economy largely contributes to interest in the Angkor Wat archaeological complex. The downtown had a quite different feel compared to Bangkok downtown. Yes, it was busy, but the traffic wasn't as hectic, and somehow felt more exotic and adventurous. The scooters and tuk-tuks are the most popular way of transportation. The "downtown" is pedestrian-friendly and has a wide mix of trendy, Western-style restaurants and locally run establishments. This is the place to bargain for local souvenirs and textiles that can accommodate every budget -- you can find flea markets next to boutique artisan stores.
Travel Tip:
Travel Tip:
US dollar is widely accepted in Cambodia, at some places is preferred.
Lastly, you can reward your feet after a long day at Angkor Wat with a traditional Cambodian Massage for only $3 or, if you feel more adventurous you might choose a Fish Massage :)
Lastly, you can reward your feet after a long day at Angkor Wat with a traditional Cambodian Massage for only $3 or, if you feel more adventurous you might choose a Fish Massage :)
In my next article, follow me for a half-day trip to Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and its people living on one of its "floating villages"!
Are you ready to start planning your journey to Southeast Asia?
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