worth the pirce i guess..

We took our children to Siem Reap in April 2002 when they were 9 and 12. Yes, it was hot (over 100 F), but they loved it. We had a guide for four days, and took "lunch breaks" in the heat of the day to go back to the hotel and swim or simply stroll around town.

I would definately arrange a guide for at least a few days for a number of reasons: 1 - The guide knows how to avoid crowds and knows the best time to visit certain temples. 2- The guide can change the itinerary at the last minute to suit your whims and declining energy levels or if you notice too many buses arrive before you. 3- The guide can help you avoid touts and beggers. 4- And as others have already stated, airconditioning is so welcome between temples (the distance between them is much more than I had imagined).

One of my most memorable moments was approaching Preah Khan before 7 am from the west. We walked along a dirt roadway with jungle on either side. It was still and the local wildlife was loud. Early morning smoke from the local villages lent to an eerie "Raiders of the Lost Ark" feel and as we were the only ones there, I felt like an explorer.

We also used Saron Souen and would thoroughly recommend him.
See his website: www.sarontours.com

We took pens,pencils and notebooks for Saron to distribute. This could be something especially worthwhile for your daughters, to involve them in giving to those more needy than themselves.

I agree don't miss seeing Lake Tohnle Sap and the village. Another spot of interest is the "beach" area of West Baray where the locals go to swim and float around in rubber inner tubes.

Oops, just realised you were going in early May.

Barbara, by now your trip to Siem Reap will be over. I hope you all had a great time. Please share your trip with us.

Barbara,
You should be back now ;)
Please give us the trip report

I hope you stayed at the Sofitel

As it turns out, we were unable to get tickets. (Leaving from Beijing during the May Golden Holiday is always tough, but this year it was impossible, especially since we had to coordinate it with getting to Hong Kong for a swim meet the following Friday.)

As it turns out, my next door neighbor (just moved in) has been there several times with her daughters, also the same ages. I am in the process of getting information form her, that I will share. Since I will be in this area for a while, I will make the trip during another holiday... but I will get my tickets before the 1.3 billion Chinese who travel at the same time.