Angkor wat- advice ~ LB-69

Anyone ever visted the temples ? I'm wondering what to expect and any tips on getting around or place to stay. is there any part of the monuments that is especially cool?or a part that isnt really worth seeing?I'm planning on staying in siem reap

Ladyboy Lover Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 21 Points: 45

I've been to the temples twice now. Had a great time on both trips. I was backpacking both times and had cheap accomodation. I spent around 5USD a night on the room, which was actually very nice for 5 bucks. Had a TV , bathroom and fan and was clean. Wish I could remember the name, the people there were great and arranged our guides for the temples. To go in the temples on a motorized vehicle you need a guide. A motorbike guide set me back $5 a day, and was well worth it. I bought a 2 day pass to the temples which at that time they gave you the 3rd day free. Its $40 for the pass. You dont really need 3 days to do it, but its nice to spread it out over the 3 days. Otherwise you might not appreciate the temples as much if you try and cram too much in 1 day. My advice would be to go early the first day and see the sunrise, then check out some of the major temples. The next day go in a little later and stay later to catch the sunset. Then the 3rd day if you want to see more you have the option.
Theres really not a whole lot to do around siem reap besides the temples. There are bars, but its not like thailand. Hope this helps...enjoy the trip!

Ladyboy Newbie Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 4 Points: 24

Went to the temples area in 2005 in March. It's pretty hot (35C) at that time (similar weather trends to Thailand). European winter time would be more comfortable.

If more than one person, a car and a driver isn't too expensive (cUS $20 per day) - he will stay with you while you enter the temples and take you out in the evening within the same amount. You can obviously tip at the end if you're happy. Even getting a guide for a day isn't a bad option (US $20) as it can help point you in the direction of some of the details and explain why/how/what - it can all get a bit complex

As the previous response says. take a two/three day pass - it's a huge area. I think you can actually get the pass on the evening (after 4 ?) beforehand (takes about 15 minutes to organise) and that ensures that you can go off first thing the next day. There's a place (sorry no names) where people go opposite Angkor Wat complex where you climb up to see the sunset but it's gets pretty crowded.

"Bayon" with all the faces on the gate is an obvious highlight as is the famous Angkor complex. But get a simple guide and you can tour around to your heart's content. After 3 days you'll probably be temple-ed out. And the temple area with all the huge tree trunks is pretty amazing.

Evening out to see a show isn't a bad thing - buffet meal watching the dancing.

It's worth it - very enjoyable

Ladyboy Hunter Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 101 Points: 125

After about 3 day's you tend to to get a bit "templed out". Make sure you either have lot's of either small US1$ or Thai 20 baht notes as well.

Having a cruise on the lake one afternoon is a interesting little trip.

I stayed the Sapphire Hotel which was basic but really nice owner had internet downstairs as well.

thanks for the tips, i plan on going for just 2 days i think that will be enough for me.

Yes you must go. The Angkor Wat site is a truly awesome experience and make sure you go up in the baloon attached to the wire. Two days there is long enough and in Martini's disco, Siem Reap you'll find a few ladyboys. Laughing