Travel Forum / Destinations / Asia / January 2006

You could shave off a few dollars here and there, for example by taking
a tuk-tuk instead of a car for the short trips (10$ per day) and you
may not need a guide for every single day. We did not go to Beng Mea
Lea, so I can't judge that for you.

We stayed in Two Dragons guest house which was 15$ for two people.
You can read all the details in our travel update (including an
overview of costs and other practical tips):
http://www.7is7.com/otto/travel/20050327.html

Furthermore if you are planning to travel overland from Thailand to
Cambodia, you should read this first:
http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-overland-bkksr-package.htm

And finaly, there are no ATMs so bring cash USD (small bills).

doesnt sound terrible- a three days pass is $40 dollars and a car is $20  a
day. A tuk tuk is cheaper $10-$12 , I Suppose it depends how interested you
are in archeology - I never bothered with a guide - though again the going
rate is indeed  $20 a day - and they all seem excellent

Accom- the jasmine or eathwalkers are both nice- though not hugely central.
$1 into town- so you can afford to go in when you want.  Avoid the floating
villages, and go to the land mine museum instead   Then you are really
helping cambodia as I suspect the flaoting villages boat fee does not go to
the very poor people of the area.  I hated the floating villages- and you
will probably be in  a boat alone- so you just feel lousy floating past al
these people

You minght get a bit 'temple'd out in three days. apparently the flooded
forest is worth a trip - though it's out in the sticks a lot

Ta prohm is fantastic- and watch out for the fake monks!

My friend and I will be going to Siem Reap for the first time in late
May 2006.

I got in touch with a guide recommended by another travel forum. He
proposed the following itinerary with a total price tag of US$170 for
guide fees and transport costs for the three days that we will be
touring. He did mention that the transport costs may be "higher" as
some of the places he is thinking of taking us are further out. I
believe he may be referring to Beng Mea Lea. For that the transport
costs are US$60.

Do you think his charges are fair?

Also, does anyone have a good guide/driver to recommend should I not
decide to use the services of the guide mentioned above?

We are also looking for accommodation preferably at less than US$30 per
night. We do not need anything fancy or luxurious. Just a clean and
simple twin-share room with an attached bath. Also, it is terribly
essential to stay at a hotel in 'town' as recommended by the guide?

Many thanks in advance for your suggestions and advice.

"Pooh Cub"

--------------------------------
ITINERARY PROPOSED

* DAY ONE *

Flight Arriving in Siem Reap at 7:05am

· South Gate of Angkor Thom
· The Bayon
· Baphoun
· Phimean Akas
· Elephants Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King
· Angkor Wat
· Viewing of the sunset
· Evening in town for dinner and/or Khmer traditional dance show

COSTS:
Transportation (car) = $20
Guide = $20
3-day entrance fee to Angkor Temples = $40 per person

* DAY TWO *

· Banteay Srei
· Banteay Samre
· Leper King Terrace
· Banteay Kdei
· Srah Srang
· Ta Prohm
· Evening in town for dinner

COSTS:
Transportation (car) = $30
Guide = $20

* DAY THREE *

· Beng Mea Lea
· Roluos Group
· Prah Ko
· Bakong
· LoLei
· Tonle Sapl Lake by boat cruise (1 hour) to Floating Village
· Les Artisans D'Angkor-Chantier Ecoles
· Evening in town for dinner

COSTS:
Transportation (car) = $60
Guide = $20
Boat fare =  $10 per person
Beng Mea Lea fee = $5 per person

* DAY 4 *

Flight departing Siem Reap at 7:50am

COSTS:
Airport transfer = $5