OOps. A wise reader would insert those rogue last two lines up where I discuss Bantei Srei.

And my post makes more sense if you follow my directions on this map:
http://siemreaptuktukdriver.com/images/angkor-map.jpg

Katie..

You have to toughen up :-) Sure, in a Tuk Tuk you get the dust and if you are in a lot of traffic, so exhaust fumes, but, travelling by Tuk Tuk lets you experience the place better. Also, you acclimatize better, as you become used to the heat and humidity. Getting in and out of a cool car may be nice, but, you are far better off just going with a tuk tuk. Drink plenty of water and dont rush.

Dogster:
Disagree with your advise about Banteay Srei.
Read any book,and they all state that Banteay Srei has the finest carvings there.
The amputees are at the western end of Banteay Srei and did not bother me at all. In fact, you dont see them unless you go out the western entrance.

You are correct about Bayon and the coaches, but, in my opinion, Ta Prohm is a crazy place.
Heres a link to a few shots in August. In fact, they should have a system at Ta Prohm, where you take a number,and stand in the queue to get your photo taken at the " Angelina Jolie Door", and the other place just through the Eastern entrance. Walk through the door, and there are 50 tourists, all aimimg their cameras at someone standing in front of the tree over growing the temple. Its been ruined by the addition of the wooden walkways and ropes, of course.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...0&l=c9617d96c0

lol gearsau, disagree away. That's what forums are for. A couple of points in reply:

I'm thinking more about the dynamics of the OP's trip, the <i>theatre</i> of it, rather than a prescribed dose of culture. So I've provided what I think would be a far better 'show' rather than a dusty shlep out to see 'the finest carvings...'

As my misplaced words above say: 'Yup, the apsara's are finer there - well, if you can tell the difference on day one, you're a better man/woman than me...'

As for Ta Prohm; it's because of the above I suggest going at sunset - although, in my five or so visits there - BECAUSE I avoid the tour buses, I've never seen what you describe. I don't doubt it goes on.

It seems like you had a guide that took you on the same circuit, at the same time as every other guide. Which means he's not a very good guide and that's a pity. You deserve better. Your enthusiasm for one of my fave places shines out.

So you're right - and so am I. It's just a question of style over substance. Both are good. Don't need a guidebook to tell me that.

Dogster;
Agree to disagree :-)

No, I didn't have a guide that suggested this temple etc etc.

Went to Siem Reap on three occasions this year, and just stating what I felt suited me. First time in March, a mate and I spent three days there, and basically did the five most popular places. Didn't have a guide book because we forgot the books and left them in my mates car at the Thai / Cambodian border.

All I really knew before I first went to Siem Reap was Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon. We saw those, plus Preah Khan and Banteay Srei.
I became intrigued with the place after the first visit, and went back in July for a week. In August, I was in Bangkok, and decided to go back for a few more days,before returning to Australia.
I am only speaking from my experiences. My Tuk Tuk driver actually took me to most temples in July and August, and I am commenting on my experiences. My driver was great.

In August I went back to Ta Prohm briefly to photograph a few things, and it was so crowded in there. In July, I left Ta Prohm around 5:00PM as well.
On the last trip to Banteay Srei, my driver and I were the last ones out. It was 5:30PM when we left. I had been there earlier, but the light wasn't the best for photography.

I tried for afternoon photos on three separate occasions at Angkor Wat and it absolutely poured rain on two of the three. On the other occasion, it was really good light, until I arrived at Angkor Wat at 5:00PM. Then it turned to grey, and I stayed 10 minutes.

My camera has Geo Tagging capability, and its interesting to see that I have covered most places there, even the smaller places that dont get mentioned so often.
Also covered Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Keo, Banteay Samre, Banteay Kdei, Hall of the Leper King, North Gate (up on the wall), Vistory Gate( Ditto), Banteay Prei, Krol Ko, Neak Prean, Roluos Grop and Beng Mealea.

I dont claim to be an expert on the place at all. Tried to see what was there, not just the big 5.

That's life.. Easy to understand why people go back there. In fact, I found a cheaper,and more comfortable hotel for the third trip. Will use it again so I can afford to stay longer next time.

All the best...

lol O.K. Credentials established.

Like you, I implode when surrounded by tour groups. So I do everything backwards. Where they are, I aren't. Where collision is impossible, I cough loudly and announce I have Bird Flu. That clears those newly-installed wooden decks.

Dogster

No problems..
This is what happens when you go to Angkor Wat in the afternoon. Of course, when we went there, the weather wasn't too bad, and the intention was to get sunset shots. This shot was take at 4:05PM, and we left soon afterwards. Only got as far as the library on the entrance,and it bucketed down for ages.
Eventually, we walked out, and the bus loads of people were still coming in..crazy.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...0&l=e2c84b3c6d

Oh, my gawd. Horrible.

Thanks you guys! Lots to think about. Now I really can't wait to get there, and will try to miss the crowds as much as possible.

I am going to try to get a trip report out soon, but here's some quick feedback.

We LOVED Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. In fact, I wish we had stayed 4 nights instead of 3. You never know. I have mixed feelings about using a guide though, and probably would have only done it for one day, not two. And after all that, I missed Banteay Srei. Oh well, just an excuse to go back one day. Hotel Be Angkor was great, and don't miss out on a "Fish Massage" or some Khmer Curry.

Angelina Jolie door.... what tremendous sacrilege and abject stupidity!

Sealstep,

Glad that you enjoyed Siem Reap. I am going back AGAIN in January. 4th time in 10 months.
Five days there this time,as I am also going to Harbin for the Snow and Ice Festival. Talk about differences in temperature.