Cambodia with my Dad - what's the best way of going about it?
Apr 2nd, 2010, 07:59 PM
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Cambodia with my Dad - what's the best way of going about it?
Planning a trip to Cambodia with my Dad who is 75 yrs old - he has always wanted to visit the heritage sight and I want to make a special trip with him. Have been told to take a local tour guide and book hotel and flights separately and also some who have said to a comprehensive tour package. Tips on hotel and tour package, please? We will be flying out of Singapore.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 08:17 PM
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the usual gateway is from bkk on bangkok air, but perhaps there are some flights from singapore also...??
it is very hot there and humid, so for a 75 year old you will want to take it easy and have a driver and probably a guide to....that might run about $50-60 US per day, but at least the car is essential....the footing in the temples is not the best...can your dad handle that??
suggested stays are 3-4 days but you might want more in order to move slowly....
it is very hot there and humid, so for a 75 year old you will want to take it easy and have a driver and probably a guide to....that might run about $50-60 US per day, but at least the car is essential....the footing in the temples is not the best...can your dad handle that??
suggested stays are 3-4 days but you might want more in order to move slowly....
Apr 2nd, 2010, 10:12 PM
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Just came back from there. Enjoyed it and want to go back, and I am a fit 61 year old, and my buddy was 67 year old. Its hot and sticky in Siem Reap, so, be prepared to drink lots of water, and have a few rest breaks in the day.
How fit is your father? We had 4 days in Siem Reap, and spent 3 days at the temples, and enjoyed it, but , were pretty weary at days end.
We went by road from Bangkok to Siem Reap and return. Its the least expensive way, as the Bangkok Air flights are expensive. For two people, you could budget around US $900 or so for the flights.
Yes, thats what they show on Bangkok Air web site. Maybe a better travel agent could do it cheaper, but, you wont get there for $100.
How fit is your father? We had 4 days in Siem Reap, and spent 3 days at the temples, and enjoyed it, but , were pretty weary at days end.
We went by road from Bangkok to Siem Reap and return. Its the least expensive way, as the Bangkok Air flights are expensive. For two people, you could budget around US $900 or so for the flights.
Yes, thats what they show on Bangkok Air web site. Maybe a better travel agent could do it cheaper, but, you wont get there for $100.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 11:22 PM
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What you do and how you schedule your visits really depends on your father's mobility and tolerance to heat. Agree, many of the temples are physically demanding. A lot of steep steps and uneven paving stones. At midday it is very hot.
Having said that there are others that are fairly level and offer a good deal of shade. You need to choose a balance.
Angor Wat and the Bayon at Angkor Thom are especially demanding (but also especially rewarding). Ta Som, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm require less climbing.
We took tuktuks from our hotel to the Angkor area and actually prefered this to car transportation. The tuktuks were breezy and comfortable. For Banteay Srei which is about an hour outside of town we took a car.
We really liked our hotel -- La Residence D'Angkor -- though be aware that unless you get a suite there's not much privacy in the shower. This hotel is one of the more expensive but was really charming. Good breakfast and lovely grounds. There were three of us so we had a suite and spent a lot of time relaxing on the veranda.
We didn't use a guide but found Dawn Rooney's book to be indispensible.
Favorite restaurants were Abacus and Selantra.
Silkair from Singapore is an easy flight. On the return our flight made a stop in Phnom Penh but the airport was quite efficient.
If you spend some time reading the various trip reports on this site, you won't need a comprehensive tour. That way you can set your own pace and take it easy when you want to.
Having said that there are others that are fairly level and offer a good deal of shade. You need to choose a balance.
Angor Wat and the Bayon at Angkor Thom are especially demanding (but also especially rewarding). Ta Som, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm require less climbing.
We took tuktuks from our hotel to the Angkor area and actually prefered this to car transportation. The tuktuks were breezy and comfortable. For Banteay Srei which is about an hour outside of town we took a car.
We really liked our hotel -- La Residence D'Angkor -- though be aware that unless you get a suite there's not much privacy in the shower. This hotel is one of the more expensive but was really charming. Good breakfast and lovely grounds. There were three of us so we had a suite and spent a lot of time relaxing on the veranda.
We didn't use a guide but found Dawn Rooney's book to be indispensible.
Favorite restaurants were Abacus and Selantra.
Silkair from Singapore is an easy flight. On the return our flight made a stop in Phnom Penh but the airport was quite efficient.
If you spend some time reading the various trip reports on this site, you won't need a comprehensive tour. That way you can set your own pace and take it easy when you want to.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 01:32 AM
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I would suggest giving the tour package a miss. Its not essential and it may be better to stay an extra day or two and relax. With a tour they will dictate your pace! Let your bodies dictate your movements. Start early and pick a hotel with a pool to cool off in afterwards.
If you are flying in from Singapore you will probably be at least a bit acclimatized to the heat, assuming you've spent a few days there first.
Also, I suspect that the costs of flights from Singapore are considerably less than from Bangkok. (It cost me a bit over $100US to fly from KL to Siem Reap last year.)
I use a tuk tuk myself but its up to you. marmot has mentioned Banteay Srei. This is well worth a trip as an example of a different style of architecture. Also you go through a few less touristy villages than around Siem Reap. If you are interested in the history of Cambodia stop of at Aki Ra's Landmine Museum on the way back.
If you are flying in from Singapore you will probably be at least a bit acclimatized to the heat, assuming you've spent a few days there first.
Also, I suspect that the costs of flights from Singapore are considerably less than from Bangkok. (It cost me a bit over $100US to fly from KL to Siem Reap last year.)
I use a tuk tuk myself but its up to you. marmot has mentioned Banteay Srei. This is well worth a trip as an example of a different style of architecture. Also you go through a few less touristy villages than around Siem Reap. If you are interested in the history of Cambodia stop of at Aki Ra's Landmine Museum on the way back.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 07:43 AM
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Silk Air has a nice flight from Singapore to Siem Reap. It is more expensive than flying from Bangkok, but if you are already in Singapore, it would be less than flying from Singapore to Bangkok to Siem Reap. Other than the Air Asia flights from KL to Siem Reap, flights there are expensive.
You'll want a car and driver, but there is no reason to use a tour. As others have said, you'll want to be able to set your own pace. Traditionally, you visit temple beginning about sunrise, go back to your hotel before noon, then go out again, perhaps after 3 pm until sunset. Obviously, you can shorten your times. You'll find the air-conditioned car a real relief. Make sure you have plenty of water.
Hotels? take a look at www.asiarooms.com There are hotels ranging from simple to luxe.
You'll want a car and driver, but there is no reason to use a tour. As others have said, you'll want to be able to set your own pace. Traditionally, you visit temple beginning about sunrise, go back to your hotel before noon, then go out again, perhaps after 3 pm until sunset. Obviously, you can shorten your times. You'll find the air-conditioned car a real relief. Make sure you have plenty of water.
Hotels? take a look at www.asiarooms.com There are hotels ranging from simple to luxe.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 03:48 PM
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Definitely see Banteay Srei. I saw it when I was there, but, really, didnt know what I was going to see. I should have taken more photos than I did at the time. There are some really interesting villages on the way there, and next time that I go to Siem Reap, I aim to spend more time in that area. You will really see how the people have to live .
We travelled everywhere in Siem Reap by Tuk Tuk. Cost us US$20.00 a day. Had a great driver, and I can give you his details if required.
There are plenty of guys there, but, the one we had was a cut about the rest, in my opinion.
Tuk Tuk is also a nice way to cool down after a long walk, with the wind blowing through your hair etc.
All Tuk Tuks have roofs, so, you will not get wet if it rains.
I used this firm for the hotel bookings. We paid US$ 68.00 a night for 5 nights twin share incldung breakfast. http://www.angkorhotels.org/accm_search
We travelled everywhere in Siem Reap by Tuk Tuk. Cost us US$20.00 a day. Had a great driver, and I can give you his details if required.
There are plenty of guys there, but, the one we had was a cut about the rest, in my opinion.
Tuk Tuk is also a nice way to cool down after a long walk, with the wind blowing through your hair etc.
All Tuk Tuks have roofs, so, you will not get wet if it rains.
I used this firm for the hotel bookings. We paid US$ 68.00 a night for 5 nights twin share incldung breakfast. http://www.angkorhotels.org/accm_search
Apr 3rd, 2010, 04:48 PM
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Simple. Hire a guide and driver. Forget the tour package. try Ponheary or Dara at [email protected]. The guide will go as easy as your Dad desires. Typically, one visits temples in the morning, returns to the hotel for lunch and then goes out aggain in the afternoon. It's not grueling, but is disgustingly hot. A good guide will sculpt your temple viewing to your specific needs.
I will say that the temples are the best ancient ruins in the world. They are truly amazing. Nothing like them.
Fly silk Air from Singapore. It's easy. Get a decent hotel in Siem Riep and everything will work out. If you arrange things with Ponheary, you might want to visit a school. Check out ThePLF.org.
I will say that the temples are the best ancient ruins in the world. They are truly amazing. Nothing like them.
Fly silk Air from Singapore. It's easy. Get a decent hotel in Siem Riep and everything will work out. If you arrange things with Ponheary, you might want to visit a school. Check out ThePLF.org.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 06:27 PM
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Check this place out
www.hotelbeangkor.com
better read this if you like the look of it.
thedogster.wordpress.com/live-from-siem-reap/
www.hotelbeangkor.com
better read this if you like the look of it.
thedogster.wordpress.com/live-from-siem-reap/
Apr 7th, 2010, 12:42 PM
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My husband and I were in Siem Reap in February and had a marvelous guide, David, who made the trip memorable. I would highly recommend him to you. My husband and I are contemporaries of your father. It is hectic and it was hot, however with David's help you will see everything and go at your own pace. If you want to contact David he is reachable at [email protected] and he has a website
avidangkorguide.blogspot.com. David had a comfortable, air conditioned car, his english is excellent and his rate reasonable. I suggest you contact him, you wont be sorry.
avidangkorguide.blogspot.com. David had a comfortable, air conditioned car, his english is excellent and his rate reasonable. I suggest you contact him, you wont be sorry.
Apr 7th, 2010, 03:02 PM
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Great advice Gpanda..."Simple. Hire a guide and driver. Forget the tour package. try Ponheary or Dara at [email protected]. The guide will go as easy as your Dad desires."
We had Dara as our guide. He was wonderful! I am a little younger than your dad, but have asthma and a walking problems. Dara tailored the days to my abilities. The humidity was stiffling to me...I am use to hot humid weather since we live on the Texas Gulf Coast, but Siem Reap was terrible for me. Just plan lots of breaks. It is definitely worth the effort to see at least the highlights though.
We had Dara as our guide. He was wonderful! I am a little younger than your dad, but have asthma and a walking problems. Dara tailored the days to my abilities. The humidity was stiffling to me...I am use to hot humid weather since we live on the Texas Gulf Coast, but Siem Reap was terrible for me. Just plan lots of breaks. It is definitely worth the effort to see at least the highlights though.
Apr 7th, 2010, 04:26 PM
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Thank you all. Even my father is now 'hooked' to the fodor's forum, and he is amazed at the genuine help and advice one gets here!
We are getting there - taking a real deal Jetstar (budget airline) package for flight and hotel and am in the process of organizing a guide/driver for the 3 odd days that we plan to be there.
We are getting there - taking a real deal Jetstar (budget airline) package for flight and hotel and am in the process of organizing a guide/driver for the 3 odd days that we plan to be there.
Apr 7th, 2010, 08:51 PM
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We did Hanoi on the same trip. It wasn't hot and humid at all, we just planned our days and walked untill I was tired then hailed a taxi. Taxis are cheap and some were an experience! We had a city map and the names of places on the back of the hotels card.
Go for it and have a good time!
Go for it and have a good time!
