SECOND TIME ROUND TO SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA AND ANGKOR WAT

In early April 2011, I went on a weekend visit to Siem Reap with a group of friends. This was my second trip there. I enjoyed my first trip there and was also looking forward this time.

I was impressed with the airport the first time round and after a few years, it is still very well maintained. In fact, I think it looks better now. It has a resort feel to it. I managed to take some photos of the airport..............

For this trip, we stayed at the Raffles Grand Hotel. It is an old hotel renovated and now managed by the Singapore Raffles Hotel. Based on reviews on the internet, it was very highly rated. I must say it was as rated, the level of service and attentiveness was immaculate. The food in the hotel was also very good and one night, we had french food and it was fabulous and great service.

One of the best thing was the cold wet towel which they gave out each time you get into the hotel. With the heat, it was most welcoming.

The lounge area was very inviting and very good for a cocktail or tea.

The swimming pool was really nice and deserted too.

I like this frangipani garden very much

An exhibition of Buddha statues and painting.

After checking into the hotel, we went on our way to Tonle Sap. The lake is also a World Heritage Site and it is very interesting to see how the people live there. During the rainy season the lake will grow 4 times it size during the dry season and occupy a very large portion of the country. It is also the primary source of fresh water fish for the whole country.

"wan dorrar, wan dorrarr"

However, one bad thing, is that it is becoming too touristy and too many children begging for money. They are aggressive too!!! A lot of construction are ongoing to build more infrastructure for the  growing number of tourists. I was told by our guide that soon there will also a cruise between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh via the Tonle Sap and river connecting to the capital.

They keep calling out "One Dollar" at all the tourists.

At a stop for drinks and souvenirs, the floating shop also keeps crocodile.

We also visited Hotel de la Paix for lunch and this hotel is also very highly rated in its review. The food was also of very high standards and the hotel also looks very nice. They also won some awards from Conde Nest travellers magazine. Maybe the next time I will stay there.

The picture of the lobby area and food which I took did not give them their due. Trust me the food was good, both western and local dishes. Bread was also freshly baked.

I had the local set lunch but the portion could have fed 3 persons.



Of course, the main attraction to Siem Reap is the Angkor Wat and other temples and buildings. However, as we had a short time, we only visited Ta Phrom, the overgrown temple where they shot the movie, Tomb Raiders. So, its one of the more popular temples.

There also seem to have a lot of restoration going on, compared to the earlier visit. The country received quite a lot of aid to restore these temples. However, it is funny to see tower cranes with the temple sites. One must also take note to plan the visits to the temples properly as all visitors need to pay to visit the temples. The cost is US$20 for a 1 day pass and there are also 3 days and 1 week passes.

Both times, I have visited during the low seasons which is good as I was informed that during high seasons, it may be quite chaotic and prices for hotels, food and others also increased quite drastically during this time. With the low season, one can get 5 star hotels for as low as US$40 per night.

We also visited a handicraft centre opened by a charitable foundation. They also manage about 7 factories producing handicrafts and souvenirs made from stone, silk, wood, lacquers and paintings. They have trained many locals, even those handicapped and those who are hearing and speech impaired. The quality of work is commendable and kudos to them.





We also visited a temple with a small "killing field". The temple is located near a field (which is now a few blocks of new buildings). Bones collected have been housed outside the temple.

When we were there, the temple was hosting a ceremony and the Deputy Governor of the Province was giving a speech.




Apart from those who are on a tour group, most others just hire a tour guide and van and they charge by the day. Prices are generally fixed and can be easily checked on the net . However, all food, entrance tickets,etc are additional.

Siem Reap is a nice place to go for a short holiday or weekend even if you have been there before. There actually have many many temples to explore. Of course, for those who love history and old things, this is the place to be. However, the people, food and atmosphere are also other factors that will attract you to the place. Hopefully, they will not turn this place into a tourist trap and in the process, lose the charm and historical values of why it became popular.

As it was my second time there, I did not take many pictures. Sorry about it.

Until the next time, cheers.