Is boat shuttle at Marriott a hassle?
Jul 18th, 2006, 07:40 AM
#83
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Kathie - sounds like you got a great deal on the earring jacket. I've got several small loose diamonds and maybe can get something made while in BK. Will me being there only for 3 full days be a problem - how fast can people work?
Terry - I'm glad to hear that your daughter liked the Majestic. It certainly helps me in my decision that someone actually stayed there and liked it. Thanks again to Carol and Bob for the suggestion. Terry, I also read up on your report to Siem Reap. It seems that some see a lot of poverty and sadness there and some people don't seem to get that much exposure to it during their time in SR. I guess it's just "luck of the draw". I'm mentally & emotionally getting myself ready to experience some of the sadness but was there certain things that really shocked you (I figure it's best for me to know now). BTW, I'm also a big animal lover (thus the reason for being a vegetarian). Are there certain things in SE Asia I should know about when it comes to "animal cruelty" before arriving? I know the concept of animal cruelty is very subjective - what I may find to be cruel is someone's only way of having food on their table. I'm NOT the type to go up and yell at someone when I'm traveling in their country because I think they are being mean to animals (although I did once tell some kids to stop throwing rocks at roosters) but I am the type to cry over the incident if I see it (I know, I'm a SAP!). My husband thinks the sadness of the Cambodian people and the cruelty of animals in SE Asia will totally ruin my trip. I think I'll be okay as long as I know going in with my eyes wide open.
BTW, sorry to be such a newbie but what does ttt mean?
Terry - I'm glad to hear that your daughter liked the Majestic. It certainly helps me in my decision that someone actually stayed there and liked it. Thanks again to Carol and Bob for the suggestion. Terry, I also read up on your report to Siem Reap. It seems that some see a lot of poverty and sadness there and some people don't seem to get that much exposure to it during their time in SR. I guess it's just "luck of the draw". I'm mentally & emotionally getting myself ready to experience some of the sadness but was there certain things that really shocked you (I figure it's best for me to know now). BTW, I'm also a big animal lover (thus the reason for being a vegetarian). Are there certain things in SE Asia I should know about when it comes to "animal cruelty" before arriving? I know the concept of animal cruelty is very subjective - what I may find to be cruel is someone's only way of having food on their table. I'm NOT the type to go up and yell at someone when I'm traveling in their country because I think they are being mean to animals (although I did once tell some kids to stop throwing rocks at roosters) but I am the type to cry over the incident if I see it (I know, I'm a SAP!). My husband thinks the sadness of the Cambodian people and the cruelty of animals in SE Asia will totally ruin my trip. I think I'll be okay as long as I know going in with my eyes wide open.
BTW, sorry to be such a newbie but what does ttt mean?
Jul 18th, 2006, 09:02 AM
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(ttt mean to the top - it's a way to bring a thread up)
If you want some custom-made jewelry, go to the jeweler the first morning you are there. They should be able to do it, and they will deliver it to you at your hotel. SJ opens at 10 - you can call in earlier - and ask for a car to pick you up. Make your choices that morning, being clear when you need it. I've had them deliver things to be the night before I fly out many times.
If you want some custom-made jewelry, go to the jeweler the first morning you are there. They should be able to do it, and they will deliver it to you at your hotel. SJ opens at 10 - you can call in earlier - and ask for a car to pick you up. Make your choices that morning, being clear when you need it. I've had them deliver things to be the night before I fly out many times.
Jul 18th, 2006, 09:15 AM
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Hi Haliburton33,
I think that anytime one visits a developing country for the first time, it's best to be as prepared as possible...to what you might expect to find as conditions abroad can come as a shock or be upsetting to the new traveler. Yes, there's a huge amount of poverty in Siem Reap which is heightened so in contrast to all the new 5-star hotels being built there by leaps and bounds. Our family of four (with 2 daughters, ages 22 and 18 at the time) did not feel so sad as much as "educated" and struck with all the contrasts and contradictions along with deeply appreciating the sheer resiliency, gentleness, and good will of the Cambodian people and children. I do hope that my posting on SR conveyed that sense. But there were some upsetting scenes of landmine victims and people following you all over to have you buy from them...it pays to be prepared. I don't agree with your husband that seeing certain scenes will ruin your trip, if you don't create that for yourself, but it will certainly elevate your level of social awareness and consciousness...and help you appreciate the people's struggles and how they continue to survive through many challenges....after all, isn't that part of the reason why all of us continue to travel?! Out of our sense of exploration and curiosity of the world around us as well as wish to learn from other cultures different from us? I always find myself much more expansive and a better person when I return from such a once-in-a-lifetime trip. (By the way, I never saw any animal cruelty when we traveled in SEA, but I'm sure it exists like anywhere else, including on our continent).
Also, if you have any inclination to want to help out the people in SR in any ways possible when you are there, as in "voluntourism," to help keep their kids in school so that they can experience a better future for themselves than the generation before who had survived the Pol Pot regime, then a wonderful site for you to consider is the Ponheary Ly Foundation, www.the plf.org, created by two travelers to SR last year following their first visit there, like you'll be doing. Ponheary Ly is a well-known tour guide in SR who was also an educator before the Pol Pot regime who is also an incredible social advocate for the poor. There are many threads about her and her brother's tour guiding work as well as the Ly family's work in giving to the poor. Our family also know this first-hand as our older daughter did volunteer teaching in SR back in March of this year and lived at Ponheary's guesthouse and was privileged to see Ponheary at work with the poor. The foundation's immediate mission is to identify children in the villages surrounding SR (with assistance from Ponheary Ly) who are not currently in school or to help them stay in school by providing them with the required uniforms, shoes, and school supplies that they need in order to attend. $12 a year is all it takes to send one child to school there! In an effort not to forget the Cambodian people, our family has continued to donate to the Ponheary Ly Foundation long after we have returned home, as other Fodorites have, since we know that they are doing great and important work.
Terry
I think that anytime one visits a developing country for the first time, it's best to be as prepared as possible...to what you might expect to find as conditions abroad can come as a shock or be upsetting to the new traveler. Yes, there's a huge amount of poverty in Siem Reap which is heightened so in contrast to all the new 5-star hotels being built there by leaps and bounds. Our family of four (with 2 daughters, ages 22 and 18 at the time) did not feel so sad as much as "educated" and struck with all the contrasts and contradictions along with deeply appreciating the sheer resiliency, gentleness, and good will of the Cambodian people and children. I do hope that my posting on SR conveyed that sense. But there were some upsetting scenes of landmine victims and people following you all over to have you buy from them...it pays to be prepared. I don't agree with your husband that seeing certain scenes will ruin your trip, if you don't create that for yourself, but it will certainly elevate your level of social awareness and consciousness...and help you appreciate the people's struggles and how they continue to survive through many challenges....after all, isn't that part of the reason why all of us continue to travel?! Out of our sense of exploration and curiosity of the world around us as well as wish to learn from other cultures different from us? I always find myself much more expansive and a better person when I return from such a once-in-a-lifetime trip. (By the way, I never saw any animal cruelty when we traveled in SEA, but I'm sure it exists like anywhere else, including on our continent).
Also, if you have any inclination to want to help out the people in SR in any ways possible when you are there, as in "voluntourism," to help keep their kids in school so that they can experience a better future for themselves than the generation before who had survived the Pol Pot regime, then a wonderful site for you to consider is the Ponheary Ly Foundation, www.the plf.org, created by two travelers to SR last year following their first visit there, like you'll be doing. Ponheary Ly is a well-known tour guide in SR who was also an educator before the Pol Pot regime who is also an incredible social advocate for the poor. There are many threads about her and her brother's tour guiding work as well as the Ly family's work in giving to the poor. Our family also know this first-hand as our older daughter did volunteer teaching in SR back in March of this year and lived at Ponheary's guesthouse and was privileged to see Ponheary at work with the poor. The foundation's immediate mission is to identify children in the villages surrounding SR (with assistance from Ponheary Ly) who are not currently in school or to help them stay in school by providing them with the required uniforms, shoes, and school supplies that they need in order to attend. $12 a year is all it takes to send one child to school there! In an effort not to forget the Cambodian people, our family has continued to donate to the Ponheary Ly Foundation long after we have returned home, as other Fodorites have, since we know that they are doing great and important work.
Terry
Jul 18th, 2006, 09:17 AM
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Re: jeweler - sounds good Kathie. Will do. Anybody at SJ International I should ask for in particular to deal with? It seems like we're going to stay at the Majestic (once again, thanks to everyone who made suggestions - you guys are all awesome). Just sent the hotel link to the hubby to see if he's okay with it. How far is SJ from the Majestice (long ride?)? I'll probably call for a taxi instead of calling the store to send me a car (this way I won't feel obligated if things don't work out and I don't buy anything).
Jul 18th, 2006, 09:43 AM
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Terry, thanks. I agree with you on why most of us travel - to expand our minds, our horizons and our hearts. I have read tons about Ponheary on this site and do intend to give back to the people of Cambodia. Also, through Shinta Mani, one is also able to contribute beyond the $12 for school uniforms. Their programs include among other things, the ability to puchase a bike for a child or a water well for a family of 5. We haven't decided yet which program we intend to contribute to. BTW, I'm glad you didn't see animal cruelties (hoping I'm going to be as lucky).
Now that we've decided on the hotel in Bangkok, I'm off doing research on hotels in Siem Reap. Our budget for SR is the same as BK (US$100/night). Unfortunately, we're going during high season (Dec) so a lot of the really nice places are beyond our financial means.
Now that we've decided on the hotel in Bangkok, I'm off doing research on hotels in Siem Reap. Our budget for SR is the same as BK (US$100/night). Unfortunately, we're going during high season (Dec) so a lot of the really nice places are beyond our financial means.
Jul 18th, 2006, 09:49 AM
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Ask for Lily at SJ. They will not pressure you to buy. They are glad to send their car for you. I don't know how long the drive is from the Majestic. It's 20-25 minutes from the Royal orchid on teh river.
Jul 18th, 2006, 11:45 AM
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I am sure that whatever organization that you choose to donate through will be most appreciative of your generosity...and it will be so great for you that you can make your donation directly to them while you're there!
Given your budget and the high holiday season when you will be in Siem Reap, have you considered looking at the guesthouse of Ponheary's? I think that it's called the Marina Guesthouse on Bo Phat Road (same road as the Angkor Village Hotel). Perhaps one of their guest rooms may be around your budget? Our older daughter stayed there and told us how comfortable she was in one of their main rooms (it was the slow season when she went, back in March): it was roomy, had air conditioning and a central fan (I think, regarding the fan), had cable TV and a refrigerator, and you will have access to and the resources of the lovely Ly family and all of their growing, adorable children! Just a thought since you mentioned about your accomodation search...I don't know about the other rooms there...just when will you be there in December?
Terry
Given your budget and the high holiday season when you will be in Siem Reap, have you considered looking at the guesthouse of Ponheary's? I think that it's called the Marina Guesthouse on Bo Phat Road (same road as the Angkor Village Hotel). Perhaps one of their guest rooms may be around your budget? Our older daughter stayed there and told us how comfortable she was in one of their main rooms (it was the slow season when she went, back in March): it was roomy, had air conditioning and a central fan (I think, regarding the fan), had cable TV and a refrigerator, and you will have access to and the resources of the lovely Ly family and all of their growing, adorable children! Just a thought since you mentioned about your accomodation search...I don't know about the other rooms there...just when will you be there in December?
Terry
Jul 18th, 2006, 12:11 PM
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Hi Terry,
We're going to be in Siem Reap from Dec 9-13 (after Bangkok and Luang Prabang). Thanks for your advice on the Marina Guest House. I'll have to look them up. I've stumbled upon a place called Day Inn Angkor www.dayinnangkor.com which looks pretty good and has gotten good reviews on tripadviser. The price is decent too. I'd love to know if there have been any Fodorites that have had person experience with Day Inn Angkor.
I forgot to ask you something earlier. After reading your trip report, I was going to ask you what the etiquette is with tourguides. I understand tourguides don't have to pay the park fee. However, if we choose not to go back to the hotel for lunch but instead lunch out at a local restaurant, would it be okay for us to invite the driver & tourguide to lunch with us (we would of couse pay for their meals)? Or would they prefer to be rid of us for an hour so they too can take a break and do as they wish while we have our lunch?
We're going to be in Siem Reap from Dec 9-13 (after Bangkok and Luang Prabang). Thanks for your advice on the Marina Guest House. I'll have to look them up. I've stumbled upon a place called Day Inn Angkor www.dayinnangkor.com which looks pretty good and has gotten good reviews on tripadviser. The price is decent too. I'd love to know if there have been any Fodorites that have had person experience with Day Inn Angkor.
I forgot to ask you something earlier. After reading your trip report, I was going to ask you what the etiquette is with tourguides. I understand tourguides don't have to pay the park fee. However, if we choose not to go back to the hotel for lunch but instead lunch out at a local restaurant, would it be okay for us to invite the driver & tourguide to lunch with us (we would of couse pay for their meals)? Or would they prefer to be rid of us for an hour so they too can take a break and do as they wish while we have our lunch?
Jul 18th, 2006, 12:32 PM
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While we invited our tour guide and driver to lunch with us, they declined and lunched on their own with other guides and drivers, which may be the custom. One day our tour guide, Dara Ly, lunched back at his home with his family while his driver lunched on his own and waited for us at the restaurant which Dara recommended. I am sure that this mid-day break is a welcome for them as the tour guides are pretty "talked out" by then and recouping in order to tour the rest of the day. Has this been other people's experience as well?
Jul 18th, 2006, 02:14 PM
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So I should invite them to lunch (because that's the polite thing to do) but expect that they will decline. Right? Probably a good thing anyways because my husband would need some "quiet" time too.
Jul 18th, 2006, 03:52 PM
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That makes sense to me. The 2-hour break in the middle of the day will be very welcomed by you and your husband. After lunch, the driver took us back to our hotel for a short break so that we can all put our feet up and gather strength for the touring and walking in the afternoon.
Jul 18th, 2006, 08:02 PM
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reward them with a nice tip instead of lunch as thier manners and tastes will differ from those of westerners probably...i do not mean that in a creul way just a factual way...they may have better manners than you----to shut people up in advance!!
diamonds....we did buy a pair of princess cut diamonds a couple of years ago and feel we saved about 1/3 off the internet american (NY) price...generally diamonds are not a huge saver however...semi precious stones of all kinds can be had for a huge savings: topaz, and the like...odd stones you have never heard of in fabulous colors are also available...just ask for a color and they will show you things....sapphires come in a range of colors...my wife's current favorites are pink and dark green...
diamonds....we did buy a pair of princess cut diamonds a couple of years ago and feel we saved about 1/3 off the internet american (NY) price...generally diamonds are not a huge saver however...semi precious stones of all kinds can be had for a huge savings: topaz, and the like...odd stones you have never heard of in fabulous colors are also available...just ask for a color and they will show you things....sapphires come in a range of colors...my wife's current favorites are pink and dark green...
Jul 19th, 2006, 02:24 PM
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I just spent 10mins writing a reply and it got deleted!!! ARGHHH!! Here I go again...
Hello all! We've got a winner. After spending almost 2 weeks getting advices and suggestions from everyone, we have decided on the Majestic Grande. We just placed a 1 night deposit down with Sawadee (oddly enough, the hotel site said there were no rooms available during the period we requested but we found availability on Sawadee). Thanks to everyone for their kind advices and suggestions (and I don't just mean on hotels). Thanks to Bob and Carol for finding us the winner. All you fodorites are wonderful! Keep the advices coming!
Bob, I like your story about the Princess cut diamonds (diamonds are afterall a girl's best friend). Did you get them mounted? Was this purchase also from Mr. Lee/Porn? Have you ever been scammed into a fake gem? Do you take your purchases home and have them appraised to make sure? I looked up your jeweler and they seem to be close to the MG - is that correct? Walking distance? Sorry for all the questions.
Here's a story I thought some of you can appreciate. I was on the subway this afternoon on my way home from picking up my Bangkok Airways Discovery Pass. Somehow the gentleman sitting next to me got me started on a conversation and Siem Reap was brought up. I then told him that my husband and I was going in December. He responded by saying he and his wife were there last January. Out of curiosity, I asked him where he stayed while in SR. He responded Days Inn Angkor! That's the hotel I've been thinking of booking us into and have been trying to find traveler's review on for weeks (with very very limited success). What a small world! To make a long story short, he recommends the hotel and encourages me to stay there. We both got off at the same station and walked partly home together - he lives 3 blocks from me! It must have been my lucky day. I'm going to have to tell my husband this story but talk about a small world. Should have asked him if he was a fellow Fodorite.
Hello all! We've got a winner. After spending almost 2 weeks getting advices and suggestions from everyone, we have decided on the Majestic Grande. We just placed a 1 night deposit down with Sawadee (oddly enough, the hotel site said there were no rooms available during the period we requested but we found availability on Sawadee). Thanks to everyone for their kind advices and suggestions (and I don't just mean on hotels). Thanks to Bob and Carol for finding us the winner. All you fodorites are wonderful! Keep the advices coming!
Bob, I like your story about the Princess cut diamonds (diamonds are afterall a girl's best friend). Did you get them mounted? Was this purchase also from Mr. Lee/Porn? Have you ever been scammed into a fake gem? Do you take your purchases home and have them appraised to make sure? I looked up your jeweler and they seem to be close to the MG - is that correct? Walking distance? Sorry for all the questions.
Here's a story I thought some of you can appreciate. I was on the subway this afternoon on my way home from picking up my Bangkok Airways Discovery Pass. Somehow the gentleman sitting next to me got me started on a conversation and Siem Reap was brought up. I then told him that my husband and I was going in December. He responded by saying he and his wife were there last January. Out of curiosity, I asked him where he stayed while in SR. He responded Days Inn Angkor! That's the hotel I've been thinking of booking us into and have been trying to find traveler's review on for weeks (with very very limited success). What a small world! To make a long story short, he recommends the hotel and encourages me to stay there. We both got off at the same station and walked partly home together - he lives 3 blocks from me! It must have been my lucky day. I'm going to have to tell my husband this story but talk about a small world. Should have asked him if he was a fellow Fodorite.
Jul 19th, 2006, 04:58 PM
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Haliburton-if I were you, I'd probably stay in town-because it's possible that one of the boats can go down (like what happened this past January) -and it was a real pain to have to wait -I think they were running every 25-30 minutes, instead of every 15 minutes-when the boat first went down, we had to wait an HOUR.
I had the time, and I love the shuttle rides back and forth, so I didn't mind that much. But if you want to get back to the hotel quickly, after doing shopping downtown, then I'd stay downtown.
Have been to the Sofitel Silom but have not stayed there-it's well located-but my favorite downtown hotel is the Grand Hyatt Erewan-very central, with the interesting Erewan shrine in front-you might want to consider staying there as well.
I had the time, and I love the shuttle rides back and forth, so I didn't mind that much. But if you want to get back to the hotel quickly, after doing shopping downtown, then I'd stay downtown.
Have been to the Sofitel Silom but have not stayed there-it's well located-but my favorite downtown hotel is the Grand Hyatt Erewan-very central, with the interesting Erewan shrine in front-you might want to consider staying there as well.
