We are planning our first trip to Vietnam from the middle of September for 3 weeks and are unsure if we should try and include a few days at Angor wat, Cambodia. Any advise for our trip would be appreciated. <BR> Thanks, Brian.

Write us with questions, if you wish. We spent three days in Cambodia, flying over from Bangkok to Siem Reap and visiting both Angkor Wat and the floating villages of the Tonle Sap. Highly recommend both. Angkor measures 15 miles by 7 miles, so it is enormous. The main temple is almost a kilometer square all by itself...not including its huge moat. Of the many places we have been, Angkor Wat ranks up near the top -- including Machu Picchu and the Forbidden City. In Siem Reap, we found the Angkor Hotel to be very comfortable, clean, good food, good service. You will be glad you made the trip by air; the land route, we were told, is very rough.

Hi Brian <BR> <BR>go to Angkor Wat - maybe there is a direct flight from Saigon or Danang to Siem Reap (or maybe in planning). <BR>Otherwise Bangkok Airways is flying direct from Bangkok to Siem Reap. <BR>In Siem Reap we stayed at ANGKOR VILLAGE HOTEL (EXCELLENT VALUE - BUILT IN KHMER ARCHITECTURE). <BR>Angkor WAT is definitely worth to visit <BR>(I think it is also one of the worlds wonder...) Go there until Angkor will be completely overrunned by tourists. <BR>have a nice sunday <BR>Bruno <BR>

hi brian-- <BR> <BR>definitely make the side trip to siem reap (ck out www.vietnamairlines.com for schedules) and give urself at least 2 full days. depending on ur budget, i also second recommendation for angkor village--last yr i think we paid $150/nite for a 2-story bungalow that slept 4. flights btwn siem reap and ho chi minh city were no prblm, and americans can get visas on arrival w/ passport photos (can't remember how much--$10? $20?). seeing angkor, esp in the early morning and late afternoon/dusk, is an amazing, awe-inspiring experience. u'll be kicking urself later if u get all the way to vn and let angkor slip by!

I have been in Vietnam y Camboya in September 2000. Camboya is highly recommend. The Angkor is wonderful. My opinion you must include a few days in Angkor vat. Three days is enough for visit Angkor vat. <BR> Careful in September in Vietnam y in Camboya raining. In my trip I had few problems with the rain. <BR>The people in Camboya and Vietnam are very friendly. Vietnam in general is very safe you can walk in the street without problem but careful in Ho Chi Min with the pickpocket. My wallet missing in the street in Ho Chi Min. <BR> The food is very good you have a lot good restaurant. <BR> <BR>If you want more information about my travel in Vietnam y Camboya send me a e-mail. Excuse my English. <BR> <BR> Good holiday. Fernando Suarez (spain) <BR>

How easy is it to get around Cambodia and Vietnam? I am thinking of travelling to those two countries with my sis something in Oct. Do you recommend us to hire a local guide when we get there? <BR> <BR>Thanks.

ABSOLUTELY, you must work in Angkor Wat. It is undoubtedly one of the most amazing sights on this earth! I had three days there, and would have liked to have one more day. <BR> <BR>Now is definitely the time to go, as quite a bit of restoration has been done (although they are leaving some sites in their natural state), but the tourist levels are still relatively low. I’m sure that the pace will pick up tremendously in the next couple of years. <BR>

Hi Brian. <BR> <BR>Just returned from a short trip to Siem Reap and it was one of the more amazing experiences of my well-travelled life. You MUST include this in your itinerary. I can highly recommend LY Ponheary as a guide. She is a registered guide and can be contacted on (855) 012910759 or by email ([email protected]) <BR> <BR>This women is fluent in English and French and is very knowledgeable about the sites. You should beware that there are lots of people offering their services as guides, but many lack the language capability or have memorized a set dialogue for each site. Guides are necessary in order to gain a full appreciation of the historical, archeological and religious importance of the Angkor area. She will also arrange your car and driver, as well as hotel/pension if you like. <BR> <BR>I would recommend making reservations before you go. Rates will be in USD and plan to pay in USD. <BR> <BR>Couple of other points: <BR> <BR>-- Think about doing a little research/reading before you go so you can appreciate more fully the culture and the importance of Angkor. <BR> <BR>-- Get your visa upon arrival for $20. Have cash ready because there is no money exchange in the airport. <BR> <BR>-- Plan on at least 3 days to cover the major sites, particularly if you want to venture up to sites outside of Siem Reap. Your day will start at 8:00 a.m. and then you'll be dropped back at your hotel between 12 and 2 for a siesta, which seems to be norm in Siem Reap. Touring resumes from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.. I didn't go to Bantey Srey due to State Dept warnings, but the locals claim it's safe and definitely worth seeing. <BR> <BR>-- Physical security is something to bear in mind, but not do not worry unnecessarily. A good guide will be sure you don't venture into sites that are known to be unsafe, either due to banditry or vulnerable architecture. Remain vigilent at night and limit your wondering through the streets, especially if alone, as streets are not lite well. <BR> <BR>-- Bring USD cash and travellers checks. USDs are accepted everywhere so you don't have to think about dealing in riel. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip. You are wise to be going now because if the country remains stable, tourism is going to overrun Siem Reap.