My observations on apsara dances (based on a limited experience of two, admittedly), is that the quality of the food tends to be inversely proportional to the quality of the show. Having been to one of the big impersonal buffet restaurants catering mainly to asian coach parties, the food was average, but the show was excellent - I went to Amazon, and a couple of friends have recommended Angkor Mondial. I thought the show at La Residence was a bit poor in comparison - although the food is much better.

Thanks Andy!

Hi Mango7,

We were in Cambodia in 2006 and went to see a landmine museum.At that time it was located on the outskirts of Siem Reap I think with help from the Canadian gov't that it is now a new building and school near Banteay Srei.The web site is Cambodialandminemuseum.org also several reviews on trip advisor.We were very impressed with not only the museum but that it is a school for landmine amputees.

"Bantey Srei. This is a jewel of a temple, but by 9:30 a.m. it was mobbed. Go early!"

Or go late, but its usually a zoo between 9 and 3.

Whoops----- we were there in 2004 not 2006.We also went to a Cambodian Cultural Park ,it is rather Disney like but our driver wanted to show us this newly opened park.We were the only tourists there and it was interesting, there was music,dancing,theatre, food and replicas of old Cambodian houses. Our driver was very proud of this park.Might be something to do IF you have lots of time.

Thanks Katy! I'll put it on my list, thanks a lot

The Cultural Park is for locals. Therefore you gain some understanding of what Khmers find entertaining. Its all a bit strange but worth a visit if you have time. This is assuming that this is the one on the road out to the airport.

The Cultural Park we went to was new in 2004 but I'm sorry I don't know where it is located.

in SR, I enjoyed the stilted village of Kompong Kleang. It's further than the other visited village, Kompong Phluk, but always has water (we went in late Jan 09). You can see how villagers live and say hello and goodbye to all the kids who will follow you around. along the way you can visit a local market and on the way back, drive thru "sticky rice lane" (my name for it), a street full of vendors who sell sticky rice in bamboo. delicious!

Hi Mango,

We were in Cambodia last year. In Siem Reap, we really enjoyed a morning out on the Tonle Sap (Kompong Phhluk). We loved the cheap massages at Dr. Foot and Be VIP. Restaurant recommendations are Viroths, AHA, Blue Pumpkin, and the stalls around the temples (the noodle soups and fried rice are yummy!). We also enjoyed the apsara dance performance at one of the smaller venues. And another thumbs up for Artisans D'Angkor.

In PP, a visit to Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields are a must IMO. We enjoyed drinks at the FCC overlooking the Mekong and riverside promenade. Restaurants we loved were Romdeng, Frizz, and Malis. The Central Market in PP was undergoing renovations when we were there, but if it is open, do check it out.

Another memorable experience was our cooking class in Battambang which started with a stroll through the local market to buy our ingredients. Frizz restaurant in PP has classes, so if you have time and enjoy cooking, that should be a fun experience. Ours certainly was.

If you are interested, you can check out our blog and pictures at:
http://culturesconnected.smugmug.com/Travel/Cambodia

Have a great time in Cambodia!

Wow, thanks Seemaskt! I appreciate your insight here, especially for PP, which seems like an area that's underwhelming. Will check out many of the places u powernt out. Cheers,

Kurt

Don't let anyone tell you that PP is not worth a visit. You just need to get out and about. All the usual tourist attractions are a must but also go bike riding with Greeen Grasshopper which goes out into the country.

They use comfortable mountain bikes and the rides are not that strenuous. Take a cooking class at Frizz restaurant which is a great way to learn about the local food but also get to know some more information about the culture.

Thanks Karen we are also going to PP and have 3 days there, i have looked at GH tours. Were they a good company to deal with etc?

Thank u, Karen!

Going swimming in SR hotel after touring all morning!!! It was hot!

I should have mentioned that the most memorable experience was.... "The travel experience that I have most appreciated (I've traveled extensively in Asia, US, Central America and Europe) was the time spent with the schol children that the Ponheary Ly Foundation supports. Check out www.theplf.org. The work is remarkable and I feel so fortunate to have had a chance to spend time with them the last two trips I made to SR. It's an amazing and powerful experience." I did the same and it was special. Even my grandkids still talk about this experience after they hardly remember the temples.