Siem Reap/Angkor Wat Helicopter Ride
Feb 3rd, 2009, 08:07 AM
#1
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Siem Reap/Angkor Wat Helicopter Ride
Has anyone done this? Would you recommend it? The price is a bit steep (7 minutes for $90), but if it’s worth it, I would consider it. I realize that it doesn't actually fly OVER the actual site itself, but thought that it might give a unique perspective/photo op from above anyway. One thing holding me back is that the helicopter seems to hold 5 passengers and the pilot, which means a bench seat holding four people behind the pilot and one passenger. I’m concerned that my husband and I will get the two middle seats (with another couple or individuals getting the two windows seats) and we won’t see anything.
What about the tethered balloon? Has anyone taken that? It's much more reasonable (I think about $10 for 10 minutes). Someone recently described the balloon as being "under-whelming" but for $10 it seems like it's worth a try.
What about the tethered balloon? Has anyone taken that? It's much more reasonable (I think about $10 for 10 minutes). Someone recently described the balloon as being "under-whelming" but for $10 it seems like it's worth a try.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 09:41 AM
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I've not taken either the helicopter ride or the balloon ride. (neither existed when I was at Angkor) Several people have reported the balloon is a good photo op.
For me, I would pause and consider how I feel at some beautiful place when a helicopter buzzes overhead. In a place where the most amazing experiences happen when you are alone in the ruins with just the sound of the crickets... well, you can tell how I feel about them even offering helicopter rides.
For me, I would pause and consider how I feel at some beautiful place when a helicopter buzzes overhead. In a place where the most amazing experiences happen when you are alone in the ruins with just the sound of the crickets... well, you can tell how I feel about them even offering helicopter rides.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 10:22 AM
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We enjoyed the tethered balloon. The view looks like this:
http://craigandjeane.smugmug.com/gal...564_m85nb-A-LB
Not a big investment in either money or time...
I feel the same as Kathie regarding the helicopter ride.
http://craigandjeane.smugmug.com/gal...564_m85nb-A-LB
Not a big investment in either money or time...
I feel the same as Kathie regarding the helicopter ride.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 10:58 AM
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Wow -- helicopters (more or less) buzzing over Angkor Wat? That is a deeply depressing thought.
It is your decision but here's one way to think about it. It is expensive, you may get trapped in those middle seats, and the noise and sight of the helicopter will most definitely compromise others' enjoyment of the site. If you opt for the balloon or stay on terra firma, you can declare moral and financial victories (as well as dispense with anticipatory worrying about jockeying for good seats).
By the way, if you are curious about aerial perspectives but worry about the negative effects of helicopter touring, then here is another way to supplement your balloon-ride view. With some of the cost savings, you could cheaply purchase a dvd that features great aerial views over many of the temples. (I have one that I take out every now and again.)
Sorry if this sounds a little strident. I loved visiting the temples at Siem Reap and the idea of quick burst helicopter flights carrying tourists over those sites is rattling.
It is your decision but here's one way to think about it. It is expensive, you may get trapped in those middle seats, and the noise and sight of the helicopter will most definitely compromise others' enjoyment of the site. If you opt for the balloon or stay on terra firma, you can declare moral and financial victories (as well as dispense with anticipatory worrying about jockeying for good seats).
By the way, if you are curious about aerial perspectives but worry about the negative effects of helicopter touring, then here is another way to supplement your balloon-ride view. With some of the cost savings, you could cheaply purchase a dvd that features great aerial views over many of the temples. (I have one that I take out every now and again.)
Sorry if this sounds a little strident. I loved visiting the temples at Siem Reap and the idea of quick burst helicopter flights carrying tourists over those sites is rattling.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 02:32 PM
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People who have taken the helicopter say it's great, but I agree that it's just one more example of the slow ruination of the experience of visiting the temples.
Cambodians will do anything to please a tourist, even to their own detriment. It's up to us to be responsible for how we tour.
If it's a photo op you're after, do the balloon and save some coin.
Cambodians will do anything to please a tourist, even to their own detriment. It's up to us to be responsible for how we tour.
If it's a photo op you're after, do the balloon and save some coin.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 04:10 PM
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We did the balloon a few weeks ago. Good photo op to see Angkor Wat and get a good overview of the countryside. You will need a telephoto lens for a good pic. They do not let you walk around the balloon enclosure, so get up close to the operator as he is on the AW side of things. I think the cost was $15.00. You are airborne about 10/11 minutes. There was no wait to go up, so the whole experience took around 20 minutes or so. Certainly not a highlight but a good addition to the overall experience.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 04:55 PM
#8
As said above, the balloon was a fun and great little photo opportunity. I only wish we had thought to buy our guide a ticket too. It would have been nice to have him help us get our bearings up there.
There is no way I'd take the helicopter. Beyond safety concerns (up and down every 7 minutes all day can't be good for a helicopter?), or support such an intrusive venture.
There is no way I'd take the helicopter. Beyond safety concerns (up and down every 7 minutes all day can't be good for a helicopter?), or support such an intrusive venture.
Feb 4th, 2009, 02:38 AM
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I'd be concerned about the condition of the helicopter and the skill of the pilot!
The balloon would be a far better experience. However, the day I took the balloon trip there was a lot of haze about and it took a lot of Photoshop work to get a good clear picture of Angkor Wat.
There is something rather nice about looking out from the entrance to Angkor Wat and seeing the balloon rising over the trees.
The balloon would be a far better experience. However, the day I took the balloon trip there was a lot of haze about and it took a lot of Photoshop work to get a good clear picture of Angkor Wat.
There is something rather nice about looking out from the entrance to Angkor Wat and seeing the balloon rising over the trees.
Feb 4th, 2009, 07:27 AM
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Craig, looking at your photos of the schoolchildren, I notice how many have decayed teeth. We also distributed school supplies and lunch. Now I think the kids need toothbrushes and toothpaste. I hope Fodorites who a going to SR soon will bring "teeth" supplies.
Mar 5th, 2009, 05:34 AM
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At the risk of being shunned or chastised, we did the helicopter at Angkor and really enjoyed it. We had been reading an article prior to getting there about the enormous size of the Angkor complex and seeing it from the air really makes it visible. I believe we actually did the 15 minute ride even though it was more money. We love being able to see things from the air and have always enjoyed helicopters. I will also say that while I was on the ground I did not notice the buzzing of helicopters. I think their route stays far enough away that they are not intrusive but yet you get a good view of the temple complex (including many temples that are not visited much if at all).
But I understand people's concerns. It's difficult to find a balance between making a site accessible to people and preserving it at the same time. Experiencing something makes you more likely to work to support it, but at the same time opens it up to damage and overuse.
But I understand people's concerns. It's difficult to find a balance between making a site accessible to people and preserving it at the same time. Experiencing something makes you more likely to work to support it, but at the same time opens it up to damage and overuse.
Mar 5th, 2009, 09:41 AM
#13
I'm sorry, but helicopters thumping overhead is totally annoying, and I hate to see people support this.
It falls into the same category as ski jets off a quiet beach, booming bass stereos in cars cruising quiet neighborhoods, and guides with electronic amplifiers in quiet temples. Great fun for the one doing it, torture for everyone else.
If you want to see aerial views of Angkor, check out a video, or go up in the silent balloon. Experience it the way it was built to be viewed- on foot.
It falls into the same category as ski jets off a quiet beach, booming bass stereos in cars cruising quiet neighborhoods, and guides with electronic amplifiers in quiet temples. Great fun for the one doing it, torture for everyone else.
If you want to see aerial views of Angkor, check out a video, or go up in the silent balloon. Experience it the way it was built to be viewed- on foot.
