Vanna

I am going to be in Phuket for a few days and was planning to visit Angkor Wat. Should I stay overnight? Or, can I see enough in one day trip? If I stay overnight, any suggestions on hotel?

Marilyn

The short answer to your question is "Omigod yes". If you are interested enough to go to Angkor at all, it will take you several days just to see the major sites. You couldn't see it all even if you stayed a week.<BR><BR>We love the Angkoriana Hotel. It's about US$50 for a double, probably $45 for single occupancy, breakfast included. website is www.angkorianahotel.com<BR><BR>Last time I checked you could not fly directly from Phuket to Siem Reap. You need to research the trip to Angkor much more thoroughly. For example, you can get your Cambodian visa at the airport in Siem Reap when you land, but you need to have a passport size photo with you. I really don't think Angkor is a "day trip" from anywhere -- it's more complicated to get there and to see it well. FYI, the flight roundtrip from Bangkok to Siem Reap is about $275.

Jen

I've never even been but plan to eventually... and I've heard over and over again that you need at least three days to even make a dent, and at least a week to cover a decent amount of it.

Kathie

If you want to check it off a list that you've been there, then a day trip is fine. If you have an interest in seeing and experiencing the temples at Angkor, you'll need at least three days. I spent a week, and would have enjoyed even more time. Get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor, and do your homework. That will give you the info you need to decide how much time to spend there. You can see a preview of a trip to Siem Reap and the temples at www.marlandc.com

Marilyn

Let me also add, for anyone reading this thread, to please buy Dawn Rooney's book BEFORE you get to Siem Reap. It is truly one of the best guides to Angkor, but all the copies being sold in Cambodia are knock-offs. They look just like the "real" thing, they aren't any cheaper, and the author does not get a penny from their sale.

John G

Actually, Vanna, you can see Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm in a day if you start early in the morning. But, there is more to Siem Riep than just the temples. My mother and I also visited the floating Vietnamese village on Siem Riep River/Tonle Sap Lake, the Killing Fields Memorial, and the central market of Siem Riep. I think it is important to see the people and experience the culture of Cambodia, not just spend time visiting artifacts. I think it would also benefit you if you listened to some Cambodian music and watched a performance of the Apsara dancers.<BR><BR>You can email me directly if you would like more information. JG.

Marilyn

What about the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei, Srah Srang, Neak Pean...not to mention farther afield like Kbal Spean, Roluos Group, etc.<BR><BR>And John G is absolutely right about the Tonle Sap, markets, local culture, etc.

Kristina

Yes, you can see the highlights in one very long day, but it's not worth the time and expense to try and do it "turnaround". Allow yourself a night or two in Siem Reap if you are going.<BR>I went in July and you can see my journal and photos of the first couple of days at<BR>http://www.wired2theworld.com

Andrea

I absolutely agree with the above posters that one day won't do Angkor justice.<BR><BR>However, I firmly believe that it's better to see something quickly than to never see it at all.<BR><BR>If one day is all you can (or want to) squeeze out of this trip, I absolutely, positively encourage you to go. The only regret you may have is that you don't have enough time to explore, but in my opinion, that's a far better position to be in than never having been there at all.<BR><BR>I think the best way to see Angkor on a very limited time schedule is to plan to arrive in the afternoon or evening on the first day so that you are there in the morning on the second day. The temples are best seen first thing in the morning, when there are fewer tourists. <BR><BR>Best of luck!

Alisa

My family is only able to spend 1 1/2 days in Angkor Wat. I appreciate Angela's remark about how it is better to see it quickly than not at all. We hope to squeeze alot into that time! <BR>Can anyone recommend a place to stay other than Angkor Village? That place sounds nice and looks amazing from the pictures, but we prefer smaller establishments and perhaps slightly less expensive. Definitely a 'City Center' location. Has anyone stayed at the Angkor Diamond? What about other places? <BR><BR>Also, I am still not sure if we will try to book a guide in advance or get someone once we get there (we arrive the evening before). I have heard different things. Can anyone recommend a guide?<BR><BR>How about places to eat in the City Center? <BR><BR>Aside from the main temples, what is NOT TO MISS during our brief visit to Angkor?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance for any advice!