Travel Tips - Cambodia - Thailand - April 2008

When visiting Angkor Wat when you choose a hotel it's all about location, location, location. The question is when you arrive what is it you would like to do? If you enjoy walking and prefer to stay at t hotel within walking distance of the activity in Siem Reap OR away from it all - DR BEAT IN SIEM REAP - Cambodia's UCB Bank Offers - BEWARE OF BANGKOK & THAILAND TAILORS - Bangkok Hotel Locations For Rapid Get Away Access

Monday April 28, 2008 - National Radio Text Service

VISIT ANGKOR WAT? ANGKOR WAT SIEM REAP ACCOMMODATIONS

When visiting Angkor Wat when you choose a hotel it's all about location, location, location. The bottom line is when you arrive what is it you would like to do? If you enjoy walking and prefer to stay at t hotel within walking distance of the activity in Siem Reap then one of the best choices is the Sokha Resort which is located within walking distance of all of the happenings.

The hotel is opposite the Royal Residence and the Royal Independence Gardens. It is in walking distance of the Tourism Office, Police Office, Siem Reap River and the Post Office. The CAB and ANZ Royal banks are close by. The hotel states that it is a 10 minute drive from the airport. Factor in the time of day you travel and traffic conditions.

Sokha Resort has 276 rooms including 144 Superior rooms, 96 Deluxe rooms, 24 Club Suites, 4 Junior Suites, 6 Executive Suites and 1 Apsara Suite. Each room features a coffee and team making facility, mini bar, cable television, in room safe, a separate shower and broad band Internet service.

A baby sitting service is available as well as a limousine service, in house clinic and a doctor on call 24 hours. A business Center, Beauty Salon, 24 hour restaurants, tour and Travel service and car rental are also provided by the hotel.

Initially one should consider how strenuous walking around the Angkor Wat Temples is. It is recommended that you purchase a three day ticket to see everything properly and at a not too frenetic pace. Many opt for a four day Temple visit. It's up to you.

The Sokha Resort has a spa on the premises that provides numerous treatments. The hotel also has an Irish Pub to help you unwind.

Over the past nine years Siem Reap has exploded with activity and the Pub Street in the Old Market area is the foreigner's prime destination of choice. Given the name the Pub Street is exactly that a street lined with pubs and restaurants. In the evening it can get loud. The street starts to quite down at midnight.

Pub Alley is a short ½ block distance away between the Old Market and the Pub Street. It is quite and quaint with several shops and restaurants. The Old Market has plenty of clothes, souvenirs and curios available. Fruits and vegetables are also sold on the premises.

The streets surrounding the area also have shops and restaurants, health spas and massage parlors. Beware of the massage parlors some are very shady and one could find themselves out of pocket. One of the most popular restaurants for those with a taste for Western food is the Tell restaurant which previously specialized in German cuisine but has expanded their menu.

www.sokhahotels.com

ANGKOR PALACE RESORT & SPA

If you prefer to be away from the activity and prefer to be in a more spacious and recreational environment the Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is an alternative. Located slightly off National Road # 6 it is between the airport and the Sokha Resort. A free shuttle bus service is provided to town to the Old-Market area every single hour between 1900hrs-2300hrs.

The resort is situated on a secluded 11 hectare estate and has a spa and outdoor Jacuzzi, two tennis courts and a gymnasium. Additionally there is a driving range that can accommodate 16 golfers which is available between 0600hrs-1800hrs. Angkor Palace resort is a partner of Angkor Golf Resort designed by Nick Faldo which is located 10 min from the resort.

Angkor Placae Resort has 259 rooms (70 Deluxe Rooms, 174 Premier Deluxe Rooms, 7 One-Bedroom Suite and 7 villas. The one and two bedroom villas with a patio include indoor and outdoor bathing areas and a choice of private pool.

Rooms include an in room safe; cable television, Internet access and private balcony. The resort provides 24-hour in room dining, same day laundry service, business center, and 24 hour concierge service. Banquet facilities are available to accommodate up to 200 people

www.angkorpalace resort.com

NOTE

The famed ruins of the ancient Temples of Angkor Wat is recognized by many as one of the wonders of the world. It is also recognized as being one of the foremost architectural wonders of the world. The temples are the jewel and primary attraction of Cambodia's tourism industry.

Siem Reap town is just five kilometers from the Angkor Wat Temple gate. The temples are spread out over a vast area so you will need the transportation to get around through the course of the day. It's virtually impossible to see all of the Angkor Wat area temples in one day since there are 100 or so.

It is recommended to take at least five days to see them at a leisurely pace. Using a tour guide is advisable. The sandstone carvings on the walls of the temples each tell a story. A good guide that knows the history and can explain the stories that will help make your visit more informative and enjoyable.

DR BEAT IN SIEM REAP

Dr. Beat Richner is most notably known for two things... building children's hospitals in Cambodia and playing the cello. Dr. Beat performs in Siem Reap in the auditorium of Jayvarman Hospital Saturday nights at 7:15pm.

CAMBODIA'S UCB BANK OFFERS NO CHARGE FOR CASH WITHDRAW

Something for free is hard to believe but the Union Commercial Bank in Cambodia (UCB) offers just that with their no charge by them for cash advances. UCB has offices in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and Battambang.

BEWARE OF BANGKOK & THAILAND TAILORS:

Thailand is known for its abundance of tailor shops. A tailor made suite can be a good buy. That's the good news. The bad news is some tailor shops lure customers through their doors by advertising that they will give the tourist a package deal that includes two suits (or more), shirts and ties for $99 to $199.

When you request the promoted package you are shown old material that has been sitting on their shelves for years that the tailor can't sell. More expensive material is then pointed out to you. The price then increases radically.

If you express that you have little time and are leaving the country you may be told that you can pick it up in one or two days Give yourself enough days/time to see if the garments fit. Also give yourself enough time for the alterations to be done properly. If you leave Thailand before the clothes fit to your satisfaction, factor in how much it would cost to have the alterations completed in your country.

Many tailor shops are using brand names without authorization from the brands named company

BANGKOK HOTEL LOCATIONS FOR RAPID GET AWAY ACCESS

When booking a hotel in Bangkok location is a major factor to consider. With the horrendous Bangkok traffic problem you should consider if you prefer to spend your vacation sitting in traffic or see the sights.

In the past we have been stuck in stand still traffic for over an hour. Sine that time there are several alternatives for getting around Bangkok. In our next issue of Travel Tips we will point out some of the remedies and preferable hotels to stay and have access to rapid transport to the major tourist locations in the city.