I'm back - still indecisive about the two destinations for our 8 day December SE Asia trip (plus 3 nights in Tokyo at the end). We're a family with 2 teenage boys. We have ruled out Chiang Mai and are now trying to decide between Bkk/Angkor and Bkk/Anantara-Golden Triangle. We prefer just 2 destinations for the eight days, but don't want to miss Angkor. That said, we have been checking hotels and flight reservations and it seems that Angkor will be teeming with tourists during that time. Was anyone there last December?

Siem Reap is indeed busy at Christmas. Golden Triangle will be too. It's the main reason we have planned our visit for our other vacation time, August, rather than Christmas.

But, the time you have is the time you have.

I'd say if you don't want to miss Angkor, just go for it and go. Book a hotel ASAP, and if you have a guide in mind you want, book that too. Otherwise, you can find drivers and guides through your hotel easily enough.

It might be quite fun for the kids to be in a place teeming with tourists because they can meet some friends...at least that's been our daughter's holiday hobby since she was 3.

Crosscheck,

I'll be at Angkor with my 2 teenagers Dec 27-29 (boy and a girl)-if you're around maybe we can meet for dinner.
We are always stuck traveling at busy (and always more expensive!) times due to school schedules. When the kids go to college, my husband and I will actually be able to travel at off-peak times!

The time between Xmas and New Year's is the busiest time of the year for tourism for throughout much of SE Asia. Don't let that prevent you from going where you want to go. But book soon (now!) or you may not have many choices.

We were there last year for the three days prior to the New Year. Ponheary managed to take us to the temples when they were not crowded. It was no issue.

Sorry, peachysmokey, I think we'll be gone by the 27th. KimJapan, Gpanda & Kathie - Will the Golden Triangle be as touristy as Angkor, even on the Anantara day trips?

Also, have you any of you been to Machu Picchu, Tikal, Chichen Itza or Palenque? How about the Egyptian pyramids? How does Angkor compare? I visited some of those other places more than once and enjoyed them much more off-season.

The Golden Triangle area will not be as crowded as Angkor Wat beause it just isn't as popular. But it is peak season there, too, so it will more crowded than it is at other times of year. Go with your gut feeling.

I've been to Machu Pichu in July, which I believe is the high season because it is drier then. There are strategies to beat the crowds there. If you want to go there, let me know and I'll give you my email for more info.

I've been to chichen itza in august. There were a lot of people, but it didn't feel crowded. It was hot and steamy in August.

Angkor Wat is spread out over a large area. Some temples are an hour away from SR. We were there between Christmas and New Years and the only place that was crowded was the hill with elephants for sunset. And even there once we walked the hill and got into the ruins, it wan not crowded. My kids are going this year on Dec. 27 for three days. But I would get hotel reservations asap. Ankor Wat is a must see...The Golden Triangle is good but IMO not a must.

angkor blows them all away....MP is different because it is so remote and up in the mountains which makes it unique