I read your message and wanted to help you, because I have been in Siem Reap a lot of times. The Tara Angkor hotel is a beautiful hotel and is ideally and conveniently located, Tara Angkor Hotel is situated only 6 km from the Angkor Wat Temples, 15 min drive from the Siem Reap International Airport, a few minutes stroll to the Angkor National Museum and a short ride to the city town center with an array of Cambodian souvenirs, shopping and culture. They have a few promotions that you can make use of if you haven’t booked already: Last minute bookings, summer sales, early bird promotion or Angkor temptations. Of course there are a lot more, but have a look at their website. It is not that far to the Angkor temples that I would advise you to see for sure. I would say, grab yourself a 3 day pass and find yourself a decent tuk tuk driver to take you to the farther ruins and for a drive in some of the outlying villages. If you’re up for it consider renting a bike and checking out Angkor Wat on your own. There’s a lot to see and do so a lot depends on your time and budget. A few temples I would strongly suggest you check out besides Angkor Wat itself are Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom and of course Ta Prohm just to see the amazing tree. The Banteay Srei temple is farther out of Siem Reap but has a very different feel than a lot of the others. If you want to do something else as well, you can visit the day and night market. I can really recommend these attractions. If you need to know more, let me know.

The Angkor Wat temples is a must. You can spend 3 days or more there. It is advisable to buy a 3 day card and go by tuc tuc or by bike into the complex. Besides the Angkor Wat temples you can visit the Bayon temple as well. But if you don’t want to spend too much time there, than you can visit a museum or the markets. They have the day and night markets. Another perfect attraction would be to see the Tonle Mekong Lake. According to my sources, it is a perfect hotel with good reviews. If you want to go there, I would say it is a yes!

I really liked reading your blog. I have some questions you might know. Can you answer them? I am going to Cambodia on September this year. Besides Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are also listed to be visited. But still I have a question about a hotel you might have seen during your visit in Siem Reap. I booked the following hotel: Tara Angkor Hotel. You know if it is a good hotel? I heard good stories about it. What are the best attractions to visit in Siem Reap and in the surrounding?

I love your photos. What camera did you use? =)

Hi Ms Veron,

Thank you for the reply and saw your friend’s blog and it is very informative too. may we find a good and reliable, knowledgeable guide and tuktuk driver during the trip. i also read in the net, that the fishing village tour did not have some good reviews e.g. the river is dirty and the tour is expensive. once again, thank you and have a nice day.

abby

Hi Abby, I visited Siem Reap in 2009. You picked an excellent spot to stay in because you would be spending a fair bit of time in Pub Street, where all the pubs and restaurants are. Shopping areas are quite limited. Apart from Old Market and Night Market, I don’t remember having many shopping options.

You can check out my friend Yahya’s blog. He just visited Siem Reap this year and his blog may offer you some fresh ideas on where to go.

i saw your blog when i was searching for a hotel in siem reap. Your infos were very detailed and we might follow your tours as well. we are from the Phils and planning to visit siem reap on dec 26-29. since we are travelling from Philippines, we will be flying via bangkok or vietnam airlines and then transfer again going to siem reap. for our day 1, (dec.26) our one day is already consumed with the trip. we will start our journey on dec 27 and 28 for the trips that you mentioned and leave on the 29th. am planning to stay in Prince D’ANgkor hotel which is near the Old market and the pub street. any other tours recommended that we might add to our plan trip? how about the shopping areas? THank you and have a great day. BTW, when did you visit the siem reap.

thanks,

abby

If I remember correctly, most of them approached me to sell their wares like scarves, drinks and such. I would politely decline. If you have a hard time saying no to people, perhaps you can bring some sweets with you and give them away to the children when they approach you.

You can ask the tuk tuk driver to drive you from temple to temple. Most of the temples are too far apart for you to make your way on foot. Some visitors rent their own bicycles. Most rent tuk tuks.

How much is it to book a tuk tuk for the whole day to go to angkor wat? Do we have to walk alot to visit different temples or can we rent a bicycle?

I’m sorry, I don’t have his number. If he is still stationed at the same hotel, you may have some luck checking with the hotel staff?

Do you have Mr Somart contact info? Would like to see if he does airport pick up?

Thanks!

a tip about tuk-tuks: u don’t really need to book one for the entire day unless u’re going to Angkor and the temples. if u’re just going around town, u can easily hop on one just outside ur guesthouse / hotel, n get another one from town, to other places. trips around town generally cost USD 1 for short trips. tuk-tuks and walking are the best ways to go around siem reap and u really get to see a lot more this way. :) u can always ask sparklette or i on other tips. she had a more luxurious trip, while mine’s more of a backpacker’s trip, so see which suits u! ;)

Thanks Daphne, will check out your suggestion.
It’s my 1st trip there so it’s all about getting the experience and being familiar with the place.