just some info needed...

Hi there-

Im planning to do some travelling around Thailand for 4-5weeks in the summer, but Ive always been interested with Siem Riep and Angkor Wat temples etc. Few questions regarding about going there!

is it only bangkok airways that go to siem riep from bangkok? or are there other airlines or other methods to get to cambodia?

Since it is a trip to thailand, i wouldnt have a large amount of time to stay in cambodia- prob between 2-4days. apart from the temples, is there anything I should do or see? i havent done a lot of research- i still have to tell my fellow travellers about my ideas! From the forums i see that it is advisable to get a tour guide for the temples? Is this obligatory? any info regarding what I should do would be great!

Thanks

just some info needed...

I always fly from BKK to Cambodia via Thai Air (usually to Phnom Penh).

I%26#39;d recommend spending the entire 4 days seeing the temples at Angkor- there is so much to see. When you arrive in Siem Reap, you can hire a tuk-tuk driver at your hotel and have him take you to get your Angkor Wat pass (3-day pass is $40). If you go after 4:30pm, you can get in to see the sunset. Most drivers know the routes so you could see the Small Circuit(group of temples concentrated in one area) + Angkor Wat one day, the Grand Circuit (temples spread out around the Angkor complex) and the Roluos Group (13 kms out of town) and then on the third day visit some outlying places such as Banteay Srei or Beng Mealea. Grab a guide book and do some reading before you go. I have been to this area twice and have seen pretty much everything, and have never used a guide. I prefer the solitude of going at it alone, at my own pace. Guides are not necessary, but some folks like to hear historical information and be led around the temple sites. Cheers

just some info needed...

yes at the moment it is only bangkok air that flies from bangkok to siem reap so its very expensive but very quick..can go via pp but time is taken up with the pp to siem reap bit..approx 6 hours on the bus..recommend seeing the floating village and or flooded forrest as it will show you how cambodian live on the great lake.tour guides are not needed as its a very easy town to get around and the temples are well documented in books and mags ect.check out the markets,landmine musimum,lakes,silk farm,pub street ect ect...have a great trip

don%26#39;t bother with a guide - get a copy of Lonely Planet (either a genuine one from home or buy a %26#39;copy%26#39; from one of the kids near the temples) and away you go. I%26#39;d recommend before you go so you can do some reading and decide what you want to see.

Check out my JBR ';Cambodia... Just Wonderful'; for an idea of what we did in 3 days (I wish we%26#39;d had more)

you can also check out

canbypublications.com/siemreap/sritinerary.h…

good place to start, also gives you a general idea of how much time you need to spend at each of the various temples.

If you%26#39;re coming all the way from Dublin it would be crazy not to do a side trip to Angkor - twist your travelling companions arms if necessary but do visit.

have fun

Helen

You can get from Bangkok to Cambodia via Poipet. See talesofasia.com for information. It is best to get evisa to make it a bit easier. We did this in October and it wasn%26#39;t bad at all. We did hire someone to meet us on the Cambodia side which I highly recommend. It does take a full day to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap.