I am going on a family vacation to China and Hong Kong end of December 2003, and I am interested in going to see Angkor Wat in Cambodia since I'll be in that region. Does anybody know how easy it is to get a flight from Hong Kong or China to Cambodia and the approximate cost for short trip to see Angkor Wat? Also, is the end of December a good time to go to Cambodia at all (weather)? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

It's just my guess, but you might have to go via Bangkok??? From there it's a 1-hr flite, plus VISA fees and departure fees - and, of course, hotel which can be from 5* down to "no star".

Why not put in your dates on one of the airline sites (Expedia, Travelocity or Thai, ANA, JAL, any of the Asian carriers) and see what comes up for Hong Kong/Siem Reap (REP) or whatever your China City to REP.

A short trip can be 2nt/2dys and you will see most but not all temples. Definitely Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Phrom, Elephant Terraces - after that depends whether you are completely exhausted from the weather.

Expect very hot and humid. While some people are very adventurous and go with private guide on back of their motorcycles, I would suggest if with family you have driver & guide in an air conditioned car. They'll also have plenty of cold water and frozen handiwipes for you.

Is your trip to China/Hong Kong being booked through a travel agent or tour operator? Maybe they can help you with this.

I was in Siem Riep last July. I am almost positive that you can only get to Siem Riep from Bangkok, Saigon, or PP by airplane. The flight from Bangkok to Siem Riep is about $250 round trip on Bangkok Airways. My room at the Angkor Hotel (4-star)was $150 a night. I had a private car, driver, and guide. I think they cost about $120 per day, but that included the pass to get into Angkor Wat for three days. Food is extremely cheap in Siem Riep. You can eat a nice meal for a few dollars. A visa costs $20. Now, you can do this trip much cheaper, staying at a 2-star hotel or guesthouse and hiring a guide on minibike. I am just giving you a rough estimate of what I spent. There are many others who post here who have spent much less on seeing Angkor Wat. If you want any info., just email me at [email protected]

bangkok airways flies from two places in china, one being xian to chiang mai, thailand from which you could reach siem reap via the same airline....they also fly to ho-chi-ming city in vietnam and to phenom phen from which you could get to SR i am sure...check it out...

the weather will be hot and fairly nice...i went last year at the beginning of december and it was hot and clear...one shower one afternoon for 30 minutes...

I suggest you contact a HK travel agent, since they can do very inexpensive bundles.

I fly to Phnom Penh and then catched a flight, which I think is cheaper.

You can stay at a very nice place for $25 to $30 with attached bathroom. check out canbypublications.com. food and transport is very cheap. I paid $20 a day for air-con car with driver.

I think you are making a very good decision - Angkor is absolutely amazing!!

There are direct flights to Siam Reap (the city near Angkor) from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Singapore, as well as Bangkok. I seem to remember that there was a direct flight from Shanghai as well that we wanted but couldn't get on because it was full, but I can't find any information on it.

Whatever you do, DO NOT book online or even with your overseas based agent unless you've called some local travel agencies for prices and compared - if you wait until you get here you'll get much better prices, but there is a risk that the flights will be sold out.

Good luck!

There are direct flights from Hong Kong and Shanghai to Siem Riep? What airline flies this route? It would be nice to know for future reference. I was always under the impression you had to fly to PP or Bangkok first, then on to Siem Riep.

Topping so someone will answer my query.

Did you take my suggestion and checked out HK travel agents?

If you type in HK, travel agents, I fould a few on the Internet with competitive rates of roughly $3,000 HKD for 4 day packages, inclusive of airfares, hotel and tours. sometimes, a little internet search can save you time.

I was in Siam Reap the end of Dec. and actually spent Christmas at the Grand Hotel D'Angkor. Weather was wonderful & mild. No rain.

ThinGorjus - I'll post back with an answer Monday or Tuesday - I'll need to call our travel agent, who is closed over the weekend (and I'm playing tour guide to my mom on Monday!).

Thanks, I appreciate it. You'd think Kathy would answer my question. She is such a know-it-all about Cambodia. Maybe she is still in jail???

Are you referring to this Kathie? I haven't been in jail, just in Honolulu.

Actually I don't know about flights from China to Siem Reap. I do know that Silk Air has a non-stop from Singapore if that's of any help to you, Thingorjus. Also, VN Air flies from HCMC non-stop to SR. We'll all have to wait for Andrea to hear about flights from China to SR.

Singapore to Siem Reap 1 hr 10 min/nonstop on SilkAir or Hong Kong to Siem Reap with 1 stop no chane of planes on Mekong Air.

Yea, finally an answer!! Jail, Honolulu, same thing.

December is one of the best months weather-wise to visit Angkor. Rainy season is over, and the hottest months are still ahead. Enjoy -- you will be so glad you made the effort to see it.