Anyone been to Siem Reap & Angkor Wat recently? If so let me know and I'll ask some questions. I'm going myself in 2 weeks time and would like to know a few things.

Thanks, BOB

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The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn

Hi Bob,

Not that I want to encourage you do defect to another forum, but if you need to ask any specific questions on Angkor, the Asian travel forum on Fodors is a wealth of information. Mind you, it is pitched towards the high end traveller, so bare that in mind when reading their comments.

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I love Thailand this much

Noooo! Don't go Bob!

I last went to Siem Reap/Angkor Wat about four years ago now, so not particularly recent. From what I read, it was changing rapidly at that point in time, so I imagine it has raced on in terms of development and accommodation even more since then. I can answer any questions about what to see in terms of Angkor Wat, but I wouldn't have a clue about anything such as accommodation, bars or restaurants...

I was banned from Fodors a couple years back, called a spade a spade and got branded a racist. They seem like the snootiest, up themselves bunch. I stay away from them. Thanks for the tip anyway shanek.

Siem Reap: Is there anything to do and see other than Angkor Wat? Can you see & do Angkor in one day or do you really need a 3 day ticket? Any tips on going to the Angkor sites?

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The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn

Hi Bob,
Sorry, missed your post. I really enjoyed the Angkor Wat complex, but I felt a packed day of exploring was preferable to spreading it out over three days. Part of this reasoning was the cost; it was US$20 per day when I went, and as a budget traveller I just couldn't justify $60 on entry fees when that amount could go so far on other things.

Suggest you make a long day of it; start early, and get yourself a trustworthy motorcycle taxi guide who'll wait for you at each site and buzz you round the different ruins. They are truly impressive; I especially enjoyed the Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm (sp?) which features huge trees growing all over the remains.

Two main annoyances in Angkor: tourists and locals ;) Tourists get everywhere, and it's hard to appreciate the beauty of the site with a bunch of Koreans crawling all over it and doing v-signs. At least the feeling is mutual, though, as you unwittingly stumble into someone's carefully-lined-up photo for the fifth time that day... also between sites (especially at the ranks of restaurants/shops) you get really persistent kids and adults trying to sell you trinkets, instruments, beads etc. Worse than anything I've experienced in Thailand; you just have to stay patient, calm and just say a firm "No" with a sympathetic smile, as I'm sure you're used to doing.

Re: the 1 day/3 day thing, I've heard people swear by the three-day thing and who think it's sacrilege to spend any less time at such a special and unique site, so don't take my word as gospel... perhaps try it on for size for a day and then if you're hungry for more, get another day ticket to mop up the remaining temples that interest you.

What are all you people (could use very impolite words here)doing at Angkor Wat well not looking at anything thats for sure 6 days I spent there did I see anyone look at at any of it no of course why do that, savour absorb it, contemplate it , no no you just spend your whole time taking photos on your insatiable digitals , and constantly asking me to move in the process , Ta Proahm was an absolute joke , couldnt stand anywhere for a moment without someone shoving a camera pratically up my nostrils , never saw face without a bloody metal box attached to it , what is wrong with the moment just be there , you will delete most of it anyway , but before that you deleted the experience . your business ok but why should I have to accomodate for you all the time , constantly constantly taking photos , get a life the lot of you . a man with a built in memory

@ "Guest" - while I'm sure you believe in your post, please refer to the Manual of Life, page 2,589, paragraph 4, sentence three, "Live and let live".

Seriously though, it is a shame that the world renowned, and publicized, tourist spots have become world renowned and touristy. That will not change anytime soon, but your outlook might. You choose to go to these place, you do so with full knowledge of what you're encountering.

PS - Love the line, "insatiable digitals" - good prose :)