goldeyk

Is there a preference for either sunrise or sunset from those who have done both? Is there a wonderful hotel close by that can be recommended? Any tour operator that you would again, recommend?

Kathie

All of the hotels in Siem Reap are close to the temples. None are within walking distance. You'll need a car and driver, or if you are very heat-tolerant, a tuk-tuk and driver for your time there. There is no need for a tour operator.

There are many licensed guides. Decide if you want a driver and guide or just a driver. Your hotel can arrange a driver for you, or you can look at some of the recommendations here. (Start by choosing Cambodia from the drop-down menu at the top of the page - this will list all of the posts about Cambodia.)

You'll want to be out viewing temples at both sunrise and sunset. We had a wonderful sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, where were were the only people there other than a few monks. We were able to do an hour of walking meditation in the temple before other visitors starting arriving. ANother day, we watched the sunset from Phonm Bakeng, on a hill above Angkor Wat.

It takes three full days just to view the major temples at Angkor. If you are very interested in the temples, you'll want more time. If you are easily "templed out" you'll want less time. We spent a week and would have loved even more time. There are many dozens of accessible temples in the area. There is no way you'll see them all.

Do your research ahead of time to get a sense of how much time you'll need there. Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: Cambodia's Wonderous Temples is a great guide.

Take a look at our photos to get a sense of Angkor: www.marlandc.com

goldeyk

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I think your suggestion is perfect. I read in a blog something about a hike to a waterfall which would be a great way to break up the templetime. I can only do so many temples but I do love a good sunrise AND a wonderful sunset. Read of a private guide which I will arrange as I really hate crowds. Again, thank you so much. kg

marmot

We did both sunrise and sunset -- sunrise at Angkor Wat and sunset at Pre Rup. If I had to choose one or the other I'd go with the Angkor Wat experience but frankly neither was extraordinary. You can read my whole trip report on this board.

We took tuktuks everywhere and self-guided using the Dawn Rooney book that Kathie recommends. It's hard to avoid the crowds, at Bateay Srei especially and at certain times of the day at Angkor Wat and the Bayon.

My suggestion is to stay out during the siesta time, noon to 3:00 p.m., when everyone else is lunching or napping.

dgunbug

Be sure to try for both. We were unfortunate as the skies did not cooperate for either and clouds covered the beautiful view.

lcuy

But make sure you ask your driver if he wants to go at lunchtime. Many Cambodians eat their main meal at mid-day. Several guides we spoke with said they HATE when guests spring that upon them, especially if the guest does it at 11 am when the guide is already hungry!

merckxxx

I cannot see the point of either frankly. I also think it is British (mad Dogs &...) to stay out betw noon an 3 as the temps are really high. On the days I was there, there were probably 400 people at the main - initial temple at 0900, but by the 2nd set of temples, that dropped off to about 100 and it was less and less as we continued on to more interesting temples further out. I never saw a "crowd" except at the entrance very briefly. I used a Tuk Tuk as they are much more comfortable and drivers less goofy than India or Thailand and being in the open breeze is almost like cycling, plus the park situation is far too nice to be inside an A/C auto.