Russian Market

Told my many that this is a must-go for everything is there under a roof. The best ice-coffee in Phnom Penh is said to be served at Stall 543.

By another traveller...
"This market has been known by its English name since 1980s, probably because there were many Russians and Russian goods alike then at this covered market. Here you'll lots of tourist buying gifts and souvenirs. There is also a large section where you can try local dishes or buy a refreshment.

There are clothes, shoes, silks (sampots) and handbags, woodcarvings, compact discs, antiques or pottery.

Unlike Bangkok, the clothes with brandnames are real ones here. They are manufactured in Cambodia, but due to some (mostly minor) mistake not good enough for export to the western countries. For a tiny amount of money you can get for example good quality Colombia zip-off pants.

Also backpacks are a good deal at this market!

Don't buy anything without bargaining! Sometimes you can bargain more than 50% off"

3rd round of confirmation

Westin Kuala Lumpur (1 night - 3rd Oct 2008) - BOOKING CONFIRMED!
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1443

Room Type : 02 X Deluxe city view King Bed (non-smoking room) @MYR335 ++

01 X Deluxe city view Twin Beds (non-smoking room) @MYR335 ++

Subject to 10% service charge + 5% tax per room per night

No breakfast

Guarantee : Hold all the rooms until 4PM on 03OCT08

**Please note that our check in time is at 3PM**

Smacked right in the center of town.

Loven Ramos

Random clicks landed us on this page - the House of Joyce - in his blog. This house is that of an American author who has written several books about Angkor's world heritage temples, snapped so eloquently that we thought "wow, we should go have a look".

So i exchanged mails with Loven, sadly it is not open to public viewing... but Loven offered to show us other interesting spots in Cambodia when we arrive.

I have just made my first friend in Cambodia.

Savong - Part II

When Savong replied to my mail, he posed me a few questions, to which i replied:

On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM, Lee Ming <bubbles_222@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi Savong,

Thank you for your reply and sorry for taking so long to reply you. I'm shocked to know that you're only 27 because I am 27 too! And you have already achieved something so great, you should be very proud of your endeavors.

To answer your questions:

1.Why do you want to donate the people in my country ?

There is no specific agenda or reason for choosing to donate to the Cambodians. It is by chance that we want to do something meaningful and memorable for the place we are visiting. And research led us to your school.

2.Is it very main and useful to you in helping the people ?

I think I speak for all 8 of us when I say it is definitely rewarding to be able to help anyone in need in any possible ways. Though we are unable to help you to the extent of running your school or in any long term arrangements, we are able to offer once-off donations, to each person's discretion. We are also keen to share some knowledge, perhaps a new language? or coordinate some activities with the kids during this short visit.

3.If you already helped them after what do you need from them ?

At this point in time, we have no reservations as to the way you manage the school and we do not expect anything in return. Our gifts and time are unconditional. The only thing we expect out of these children is to be able to enjoy their time with us.

We are planning to visit your school either on the 1st or 2nd of October for half a day. Some of the questions i have for you is:

1) In what currency do you prefer donations to be in?
2) What time does school start and end, and on what days of the week?
3) Will we be spending time solely with just 1 class?
4) Are there any specific stationeries/books we can offer to you?
5) Do the children speak basic english?
6) Can you suggest some activities that you think will be appropriate for the children?
7) These children are generally of what age?

Thanks Savong!

__________________________________________________

Tonight, i received an email from him:

From:	savong svay (svaysavong@gmail.com)
Sent:	Thu 8/21/08 2:51 PM
To:	Lee Ming (bubbles_222@hotmail.com)

Dear Lee Ming,

Thank you for emailing me back and have some questions to ask me and I am happy to let you know what you want to know.

The school starts opening from 1:00 to 7:00pm and I also have teaching from 5:30am to 7:30am only one English class. And opening from Monday to Friday.

We have teaching two languages is: English and Japanese .And I have 6 teachers and 377 students .You can teach from 1:00pm to 7:00pm if you want.And when you are teaching I have teachers to accompany you .Main things are : I need comic books short and long for the library .Anyway,if you have any friends who can help out me computers for the school It will be good for the students because there are too many students want to study computers .

The students can speak basic Englisht some of students.If you want to offer stationaries to children I think that it is not enough because I have many students .and if you can offer comic books for the library it will be useful very much because the comic books are always in the library all the time and it is possible for each teacher if they want to read books.

The students are 9-25 years old .

Finally I have a thing to do for the school .Could you help out me to connect internet at the school .In connectiong will pay $300 in arrangement first and when internet company already connected it I will must pay $45 monthly.so I need you to help out me this .It is very main for me.Anyway,It will be better if we have internet at the school and the students can use it .

And how do you think about my idea ? please you let me know if you have any questions .

I hope that you will can help out me and the school here.

Hoping to get an email from you soon.

Kindest regards

Savong

_________________________________________________

What do we feel about giving them access to a priceless bank of knowledge, and a heap pile of rubbish out there in the cyber world . . . .

Golden Muscle Wine

Said to be one of the most advertised drink on bus rides. It's made from deer antlers and assorted herbs and usually can only be found at local joints. Some say it's like wine though packs 20% alcohol.

Others said it taste better by adding tonic water or cola. Sold at "$2 for a 350 ml flask of the original and a budget-busting $3 for the "X.O." version".

Alot of people got a kick from the billboards that shows a Cambodian man holding his Golden Muscle Liqour glass and 5 attractive Cambodian women crowded around him. Maybe it's trying to create an impression that after drinking this you'll magnet alot of chicks. Huahuahua...

Wanna bet KungfuBoy and Uncle Mental will try this and even bring it back to Brunei!? $5 bucks on the table!!

Happiness Served!

on a pizza... *still in disbelief* at HAPPY HERB PIZZA, Cambodia's 1st franchise restaurant.

http://happyherbpizza.com

Before you start wondering what is so special about this pizza and start digging through it's menu, you will not find its secret recipe written anywhere on it's website nor it's menu.

The happiness that is served by the slice is sprinkles of marijuana/cannabis (a traditional Khmer spice). *GASP* And it comes in dosages of "happy", "very happy" or "ecstatic".

Comments were "it's tastier than with oregano". Despite it's claim of making one happy, some say it has made the local cops very unhappy... so it's unsure if they're still serving "happy" pizzas.

"Waitharrrr... can you make me a happy woman?"

I think we should check it out, purely for the pizza.. just because it's said they are very generous on the cheese. And i l.o.v.e cheese. *snort*

Update 10/09/2008: Read that Happy Pizza is banned, since April 2008. Oh well...

Butterflies Garden

Butterflies Garden Restaurant features 1,500 tropical butterflies and a koi pond in a romantic, private garden. Creative tropical cuisine, including unique Khmer specialties, is served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. An array of fresh juices, shakes, beer, wine and cocktails is also available. Butterflies Garden Restaurant specializes in group events of all kinds from corporate retreats to children's birthday parties.

This came highly recommended by travellers, i'm not a big big fan of butterflies but i had sparkly eyes when i read that:

1. They celebrate Butterfly Happy Hour at 4-6pm when the butterflies start to sleep; and..... it comes with complementary aromatherapy foot baths. Sipping ice cold beer while soaking your feet in a hot bath, omg... i wonder what that would do to me.

2. 11am on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the kids providing the butterflies to Butterflies Garden will release hundreds of them into the garden, which some has said is a magical sight.

I think i'm more for 1. TeeeeHeeeeee...

From the Old Market, cross the Siem Reap River. Take a hard left and continue north along the river until you reach the next bridge. Turn right and continue 50 meters to Butterflies Garden Restaurant. Look for our signs.

Heli or Hot Air?

Must try either one!

HOT AIR

Located approximately 500 meters west of Angkor Wat, this stationary balloon offers panoramic views of Angkor, Siem Reap and the Barays. This helium balloon is tethered 200 meters above the ground, about 1 km from the entrance to Angkor Wat, on the road to the airport. The duration of a balloon ride is approximately 10 minutes, with maximum capacity of 30 people. Schedule: Rides run continuously from sunrise to sunset.

USD15 for 15mins. Only crap thing is it's tethered, though i wont know if i can hold my bladder if it was mobile.

Other people's experience: "Even though I'm afraid of heights I had to do it for the views and Angkor wat looks amazing from a few hundred feet up. A great experience, once the terror is overcome!!!!!"

HELICOPTER RIDE
http://www.helicopterscambodia.com

8 minute scenic flight

This flight is highly recommended if you are a little pressed for time. You will see the wide, flat expanse of the plains and Tonle Sap Lake, with the town of Siem Reap spread below you. A slow turn takes you to the fringe of Angkor Wat temple area, with its rectangular moat clearly visible. The sophistication and extent of the architecture and civilization of the Angkor Kings can be truly appreciated from the air.

Flight Details: USD75 per person

Other people's experience: "Wonderful. Great views of the temple, town & lake."

2nd round of confirmation

The Pavilion Boutique Hotel (1 night - 27th Sept 2008) - BOOKING CONFIRMED!
http://www.pavilion-cambodia.com/

"An historic villa transformed into a charming boutique hotel."

- 1 suite with 2 bedrooms for 4 @ 80USD net/night
- 1 twin room for 2 @ 55USD net/night

The villa is believed to date from the 1930s when it was built for an aging Queen Kossamak, mother of Retired King Sihanouk, who wanted to be nearer to Wat Botum.
With so many of Phnom Penh's historic buildings being pulled down to make way for ugly apartment blocks, the owners of the Pavilion deserve credit for preserving this old classic.

Singing Tree Cafe

http://www.singingtreecafe.com/

Must check-out!

Their programs are incredible! There have pilates, meditation, dance classes, monk chats and yoga scheduled for the whole month! Right out here in a garden, jus 4 minutes away from downtown Siem Reap.

Not only do they serve acclaimed good health food, they provide space for community services and presentations on development projects and environmental issues. They also support projects in Cambodia such as wildlife conservation, clean water and street children. Occasionally they sell paintings by children from Sihanoukville (a town i dont think we have time to see).

1st round of confirmation

Ok, so the rats (Queen of LeeLand, Kungfu Boy, Guardian, Mental Teacher, Shakira Shakira! and British) have purchased their tickets!

We're one step closer to CaaammmbOooOOodia.

The next bit is to confirm our hotels before other rats get their dirty paws on it!

*One tip for travellers to Cambodia is to book your accomodation in advance, some hotels that i had initially wanted to stay in, such as FCC, and The One, is booked out and left with outrageously priced rooms even 1 months in advance*

Our choice for accomodation in Siem Reap has come down to (after countless choices and decisions, we ended up with 2 places which is completely none of the ones we listed before. But we're v.v.v.happy with the choices and it fits in nicely with our budget and the idea of staying at both extremes):

Molly Malones Irish Pub and Guesthouse (3 nights - 28th Sept to 1st October 2008) - BOOKING CONFIRMED!
http://www.mollymalonescambodia.com/

We'll rough it, crawl home, kill some mozzies, crush some beers and prolly pick up a bar fight or something.

.The 1st authentic Irish pub in Siem Reap.

At the end of pub street and 1 min away from Old Market. Excellent location!

Room - Deluxe Double (1 left) - $35USD incl. tax per night
- Standard Double (2 available) - $25 USD incl. tax per night
- Twin Share (1 available) - $25 USD incl. tax per night

"While an Irish Pub may well be just about the last thing you'd expect to see in Siem Reap, the rooms at Molly Malone's are an excellent choice for the mid-range traveller looking for a comfortable western-pub style set-up. Spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated, the very spacious rooms have four-poster beds and are all decked out with air-con, TV and hot water bathrooms. Some even have large corner bath-tub units. There's an upstairs terrace area where you can relax and there's free WiFi throughout. The location above the pub is handy as there are some very good eating options nearby. Recommended."

_______________________________________________________

Hotel BE Angkor (2nights - 1st Oct - 3rd Oct 2008) - BOOKING CONFIRMED!
http://www.hotelbeangkor.com/

We'll be pampered, as there are only 3 rooms in this hotel, all to us! And we can have spa treatments in our room. It's like having your own little apartment in Siem Reap.

This is one unique hotel that BoonBoon found. I'd be sooooooooooo sad if i couldnt stay here. It has received so many press coverage, for e.g. Forbes, Travel + Leisure, DestinAsian, Wallpaper!!, and even made the Conde Nast Traveler HOT LIST for 2006.
Check out the Rooms!

KungfuBoy and I has taken the liberty to choose the Bamboo Room. kekeke... going for $150 USD incl. tax per night.
Natural fibers and materials set the stage and integrate beautifully with the bold art of Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich. His famed sculptures coax rattan and bamboo into exotic forms that have earned him acclaim as a national art treasure. . Framed drawings of his signature artwork grace the walls, along with woven textured features throughout the bedroom.

A specially designed dividing “wall” separates the bedroom from sitting area and depicts a two-dimensional lattice work of swirling tree branches. A two-level pied-a-terre, the first level of the Bamboo Room (located on Be’s third floor) offers a Catalan patio style sitting room and bedroom looking out onto the garden atrium. Above, relax on the daybed of your private roof terrace with beautiful views over town, including the Old Market, trees along the riverbank and stunning sunrises.

Amenities

• Air-conditioning
• King size bed
• Sitting area
• Rainfall shower
• iPod docking station
• 32" LCD television
• Roof terrace with sunrise views and panoramas over the Old Market
• Complimentary wireless internet access
• Electronic safe
• Mini-bar
• Swimming pool access at nearby hotel

Shakira Shakira! and British, please choose between Sepia Room or Saffron Room.

Sepia Room going for $150USD incl. tax per night.
Sepia-tinged photographs of Angkorian monuments fill the room’s soaring space. In the two-story atrium living area and the intimate bedroom, enjoy images by John McDermott, hailed as the Ansel Adams of Angkor by the New York Times .

Stairs lead to your private roof terrace with daybed and sunset views. Whereas, Saffron and Bamboo are defined more by stylish whimsy, the Sepia Room embodies sophistication, strong lines and photographic drama. A very comfortable urban loft, in one of the world’s more far-flung destinations. A little bit of Manhattan, with the surreal ruins of Angkor.

Amenities

• Air-conditioning
• King size bed
• Sitting area
• Rainfall shower
• iPod docking station
• 32" LCD television
• Roof terrace with stunning sunset views and scenic panoramas over Siem Reap rooftops
• Complimentary wireless internet access
• Electronic safe
• Mini-bar
• Swimming pool access at nearby hotel

Saffron Room going for $95 USD incl. tax per night.
Enter Saffron via a steel bridge that spans the second floor of a three-story light filled atrium. The room greets you with natural woods and steel and glass fittings. Against the backdrop of the sleek modern interiors, find the vibrant artwork of Siem Reap-based Filipino artist Loven Ramos. As can be expected by the name, rich and golden saffron hues dominate the art, from the human mandala in the bedroom to whimsical canvasses scattered throughout the walls of the sitting area. On your balcony overlook the charming walking street of “The Passage”.

Amenities

• Air-conditioning
• King size bed
• Sitting area
• Rainfall shower
• iPod docking station
• 32" LCD television
• Balcony
• Complimentary wireless internet access
• Electronic safe
• Mini-bar
• Swimming pool access at nearby hotel

Hotel Be has a sister Hotel, The One Hotel Angkor, that has only 1 ROOM! An entire hotel to yourself; private rooftop terrace, your own jacuzzi, outdoor shower, your own chef, all for$250USD. I want i want.. but i guess this will have to wait.. if cambodia is worth a 2nd visit.

SIEMREAP... i cant wait!!

The SiemReapers

Woooooooooooots!!

So our brave and adventurous final contenders are:

1. Queen of Leeland (Lee Ming)
2. Kungfu Boy (Boon Boon)
3. Guardian (Uncle Teo)
4. Mental Teacher (Timothy Chin)
5. The Chief (Debbie Too)
6. Hyena (Yaw Ren)
7. Shakira Shakira! (Chee Ting)
8. British (Eric Kan)

Siem Reap, we are coming!!

Hotel Cost Details

Our preference for hotel is to stay at both extremes, i.e. Option 3 & 4. Option 4 seemed to have break the barrier a little by costing $200 more than Option 3. So we'll go for 3 instead.

We would be able to experience staying at a guest house which according to my sources is decent, clean and comfortable. Good thing is it's right in the heart of bar street. Easy access after a night of heavy bar hopping. Then we'll spend our last 2 night kicking it with the river view at FCC which is said to be the hippiest hotel in town.

If we happened to stumble upon better deals between now and 26th Sept, we'll update this list!

_________________________________________________

Update 21 Aug 2008!

Our ultimate choice is Option 5, hands down!

Flight Cost Details

Hi All,

Above are the available options for travelling to Cambodia. The obvious choice for us is Option 2, which is the cheapest, and have favourable entry and exit from Cambodia, i.e. we enter through Phnom Penh, and exit through Siem Reap. When i checked this morning, the airfare price is still the same! Thank GOD!

By hook or by crook, we will purchase our tickets this weekend... with or without the possible contenders =)

Mission Statement

The proud National Beer of Cambodia....Angkor Beer!

Beside the wonder temples we are so looking forward to, this is definitely the next big thing to do or try when you set foot in foreign land. Wish you live in a brewery??? Ya me too. Picture this, a hard morning wandering around the magnificent ruins of the temples, photographing and exploring among these 800 year old ruins of the once great Khmer Empire. The tropical heat and humidity starts to take its toll...wonder how's the magic taste of Angkor Beer gonna work around my thirst.

Definitely one of my mission statement for this trip! Wouldnt you agree with me, Uncle Chin?

Commercial Description

A light "export quality" lager.
Angkor Beer is a lager beer named after the famous and world renowned ANGKOR WAT of Cambodia. This exotic beer is brewed employing the best traditional European conventional process in a hygenic and modern brewery situated in the port city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia.A name that is famous in Cambodia since the 60s, it is now the National Beer.A rich golden lager, it embodies the full quality of a European beer with an alcohol content of 5.2% to 5.5% by volume. The beer is full bodied with soft bitterness and light hoppy aroma to satisfy any discerning drinker. The smoothness also give you a pleasant after taste. Angkor beer can be found in 640ml bottles, 320ml cans, 320ml bottles and on tap.

Other Brands

The Angkor Beer factory is the biggest brewery in Cambodia, producing more than 250,000,000 cans of fresh beer a year. It produces Angkor Extra Stout, Bayon Beer, Klang Beer, Black Panther Beer & Danish Royal Stout Ginseng. Also the national bottler of Pepsi, Mirinda, and 7UP. And since Carlsberg owns half the company, someday we'll have Carlsberg beer here also. You just gotta wait...

-BoonBoon-

Charity and Humanity

I know there are alot of charity causes going on in Brunei and at most times we may express our interest but never really made the move to actually get involved. So maybe we can fit something in this trip to do some charity work.

Savong's School

To give rural students a chance to find employment, Svay Savong is a young man who has established a school to teach languages to children who cannot afford paid tuition. His school, a modest three classroom building built in 2005 in a small village East of Siem Reap, has met immediate success. Students don't have to attend here – they already go to the State School . But the State system doesn't teach languages such as English or Japanese, and so 330 children willingly attend Savong's School. These students in the photos currently attend Savong's School.

"I'd put Angkor Wat on anyone's “must visit before I die” lists – and if that's the case, then why not visit Savong's School?"

This is a great opportunity to see the project for yourself, take around a few goodies (there's an informal tradition of taking the school such things as soccer balls, volleyballs or Frisbees,) as well as stationery – just ask Savong to see what he needs from the book store in Siem Reap) and, if you're up to it, try a spot of teaching. Savong and the others won't leave you stranded.

.It is really unforgettable!

This seems like a big act by one young man, so i emailed him:

_____________________________________________________

From: Lee Ming [mailto:bubbles_222@hotmail.com]
Sent: 07 August 2008 14:51
To: svaysavong@gmail.com
Cc: Boo-Vun, Teo BSP-SCO/24; Chin, Timothy Y K BSP-EEN/252
Subject: Donations for Savong School

Hi Savong, I've read about your initiation with the Savong School and am deeply moved by your commitment to helping the people in your country. My friends and I are visiting Siem Reap from the 28th Sept - 3Oct 2008. Besides doing all the touristy stuff, we'd like to offer our hands to the local community in some way or another, and we wonder if there is any way we can help Savong School. We can only spare a day to do this and would like your advice on this. Can we make visit the school and make donations? Are there any gifts that the students might like or stationery materials that we can offer? Are there any activities for you to interact with them? Can we conduct a class to teach them some basic foreign language? I look forward to your reply. Best regards, Lee Ming

_____________________________________________________

And the same night, he replied:

Re: Donations for Savong School‏
From:	savong svay (svaysavong@gmail.com)
Sent:	Thu 8/07/08 12:13 PM
To:	Lee Ming (bubbles_222@hotmail.com)

Dear Lee Ming, Thank you for emailing me and want to donate for Savong School and also offer stationary for students it sounds very main and wonderful for my school if it could happen It will delight very much.
Before I talk to you I want to conduct my work.
My name is Savong, 27 years old and I am a director of Savong School and the school was built in 2005. I am a simple person.
I now have 377 students and 6 teachers and give free education to poor children and once year I always arrange programme giving gifts to poor people but this year I can not do that again because I don't have fund anyway,the enconomic is quite high and make me and most citicens get hard to earn money. And now I am getting worried very much about economic. And If have you to support my school I will be happy.
Yes, you can visit my school here and donate what you want to anyway, if you can teach my students too it sounds very good .
In fact, I would like to talk to you about school and what i need for the school if you let me talk . I want to know from you before and then I will tell you. And I have any questions to ask you too.

1.Why do you want to donate the people in my country ?

2.Is it very main and useful to you in helping the people ?

3.If you already helped them after what do you need from them ?

Please you give me answers and if you have any questions to ask me and I am happy to tell you . Hoping to get an email from you soon. Kindest regards Savong Director Phone:(855)12 531 037/92 666 675

_____________________________________________________

The other one i emailed is: Project Cambodia

Help in day centre, orphanage, teach English, build water filters

The project supports a free education programme for the children, centres for orphans and vulnerable children, vocational training, day centre for street kids, community support and a water filter project.

The project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty through education, health care, nutrition and income generation.

The Cambodia project is located in the town of Siem Reap near the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site of the Angkor temples.

Although this is usually a volunteer project that involves 1-12 week commitment, i've emailed them to see what we can do for a day. Fingers crossed!

Hotel Selection

Guys,

I'll send out an excel sheet soon for you to pick your preference of hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If you have a specific budget, please let me know so i can put that into consideration. If you are "anything-can-do", and dont mind saving/splurging, let me know as well and i'll make the decisions for you.

Before i give you my take on hotel selection, maybe you'd like to consider something Boonboon has found on the web, which is quite interesting:

Difference between a tourist and a traveller

I happen to think that there is a difference and several variances. I think on one extreme you have the typical "American Tourist" who brings family along to Disneyland, Las Vegas, or some place like that. This individual will never leave the US and is content with that. (I know a lot of people like this) Then you have levels off that, where some might be bold and venture to Cancun or Cozumel or maybe even Jamaica. Great places don't get me wrong. But this tourist will insist on an American buffet breakfast and probably never leave the all inclusive resort. (Why one would go traveling only to look for the things they have at home are beyond me)Then you have a tourist who may do those things but will go way out on a limb and travel to London, Paris, Rome etc. But that's about it. When you tell someone like this you want to go to Laos or Vietnam they might say "Why on earth would you go there?" Then you have the next level. This tourist will go anywhere. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, North Africa, Middle East etc.. They may go to the touristy areas but do get outside and see the real country. Then you have diehards who go anywhere, see anything, eat anything, sleep anywhere, climb mountains, cross the Sahara, travel for months. The true traveler. Soakin' it up like a sponge. I think I am making my point. Honestly I'm not trying to sterotype, but lets be honest nobody wants to be called a "typical tourist." I admit that I am a tourist but I also consider myself a traveler. Because I want to go to Southeast Asia and travel across Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia etc.. Remember just wanting to go to a destination is the start of something powerful.

So, if you'd really like this trip to be different from any other trips you've taken, you've got to experience things other than the norm.

Personally, at first instinct i'd like to stay at a comfortable hotel with modern facilities but at hindsight, i'd prefer to stay at some place cheap yet comfortable and at the same time allow me to mingle with the locals. Guesthouse usually offer that kind of intimacy that hotels do not.

We might like to stay at such a place for the first 3 nights, saving our money for better causes (see post on Charity Work) then pamper ourselves during our last two nights at a higher-end hotel.

Give it some thoughts.

Hotels in Siem Reap

28th Sept to 3rd Oct 2008 - 6days/5 nights

__________________________________________________________

La Villa Loti (Coconut House – wooaah! Brave enough to try?? Will be something different – we can spend 1 of our nights here if you guys don’t mind packing and unpacking.)
http://www.coconut-hotel-angkor.com/guest-house.php
Along the Siem Reap River on the ancient track to Angkor Wat. The main entrance of the Temple is located at only 2.2 miles (3.5 km), yet we are just a few minutes away from the old market (Psah Chas) with less than a mile.

Checkin: 2pm
Checkout: 12pm
Rates are inclusive of breakfast, 10% govt tax
FREE PICK UP SERVICE FROM AIRPORT OR BOAT PIER

__________________________________________________________

Hotel De La Paix (Andrew say this is the best hotel! Would loveeeee to stay here and live like a KING on the last night but figured we have to fly at 8.35 the next morning, doesnt seem like it's worth it, what’s your take?) http://www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com/rooms.php
Footsteps from the colourful markets and vibrant night life of the bustling community – yet only seven kilometres from the famous UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor Wat.

Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia is the most stylish of the Siem Reap hotels. It´s hip combination of art deco and traditional Khmer design, will inspire and excite you. It´s romantic and luxurious Spa Indochine, will relax and revive you, whilst it´s eco-tourism projects and community support, will motivate and move you.

Checkin: 2pm
Checkout: 12pm
Rates are inclusive of breakfast, 10% govt tax
FREE PICK UP SERVICE FROM AIRPORT OR BOAT PIER
Who wanna spend some mooolahhh??

Overlooking a Khmer-inspired swimming pool and water garden, the 3 story Spa Indochine offers a haven of peace and tranquility.
3 Double and 2 single treatment rooms, an open-air deluxe suite, Thai massage and expansive rooftop relaxation terrace offer the ultimate in style and indulgence.

__________________________________________________________

Viroth’s Hotel (HOTHOTHOT!! This is my favourite for value vs money! Nice and modern. Only 7 rooms so we have to book early!)
http://www.viroth-hotel.com/
Conde Nast Traveller - Hot List 2008 World's top new 136 hotels

Situated in the center of the city, and yet presenting you with a tranquil and soothing ambiance. Behind Bopha Hotel, damn central!.
Checkin: 2pm
Checkout: 12pm
Rates are inclusive of breakfast, 10% govt tax, wifi
Experience tranquility and rejuvenation in a private tropical garden with a saltwater pool or indulge in a relaxing massage in the rooftop spa, perhaps dine under the stars this latest addition to Siem Reap. Promises privacy and exclusivity with only 7 guestroom.
The hotel is designed in the Khmer new architecture style with bare white walls beautifully contrasting the elegant objets d'art made from materials found in the Cambodian natural landscape a truly inspiring fusion of man and nature.

Viroth confirmed their availability with me for the dates 28th Sept to 1st Oct. so GREAT! Nett USD70. Other nights we can stay somewhere else.

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Ivy Guesthouse (Highly Recommended by a4trip.com (guide book) guys! They said it's cheap and it's a good experience!)

http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-ivy-ivy1.htm
Central City (walking distance from bar street!)

Checkin: ?pm

Checkout: ?pm

Tastefully decorated rooms offer comfortable beds, cable TV, A/C, en suite facilities, wardrobe, and balcony.
The restaurant and bar downstairs offers the finest food in Siem Reap at budget prices. The menu, created by a western chef graduated from one of the top culinary schools in the United States, is an eclectic mixture of western cuisines.

The Ivy Guesthouse and Bar is western owned and all bar staff speak English. Popular with tourists and expat residents, the Ivy is an excellent source for information on Siem Reap and on Cambodia in general.

For more information call 012-800-860. International callers dial 855-12-800-860.
Or e-mail: ivyasia@hotmail.com

Review:
This is a great place to stay. It's very central with comfortable rooms, a great atmosphere, good music, really nice, friendly staff - and the best food we tasted in the whole of our Thailand/Cambodia trip. The menu is a mix of western/Khmer and it was all fab - but make sure you try the traditional Khmer curry. Superb!

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Ivy Guesthouse 2 (Highly Recommended by a4trip.com (guide book) guys! They said it's cheap and it's a good experience! This is sooo friggin' cheap and it looks cosy!)

http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-ivy-ivy2.htm
Central City (walking distance from bar street!)

Located along the Siem Reap river just minutes from the Old Market area, the Ivy 2 Guesthouse offers clean spacious rooms with en suite facilities. Outdoors is a comfortable lounge area with full bar and restaurant, pool table, music, and more. The menu, offering an eclectic mixture of western and Asian dishes, was created by a western-trained chef, graduated from one of the finest culinary institutions in the United States.

An upstairs balcony offers several hammocks, a television area, and plenty of space for rest after a long day at the temples.

The Ivy 2 offers bicycle rental, reliable information, and much more.

Review:
cool chillin place.... food is great... very friendly. Staff could not help enough and all this for next to no dollars. If you want a place that does not have all the trappings that seem to come with the ever evolving bar street (getting worse each year - if you are american think wildwood NJ if you are english think Southend on Sea) then stay here. Owner is very cool and has a wonderful cambodian wife who can help you if you need real local knowledge...

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FCC Angkor (Comes highly recommended from Jasmain though abit pricey! Restaurant is said to be fantastic. We can stay here for our last 2 nights maybe?)
http://www.fcccambodia.com/angkor/angkor_photos.php?img=26
Central City (walking distance from bar street!)
Checkin: 2pm
Checkout: 12pm
Rates are inclusive of breakfast, 10% govt tax, wifi

Review 1:

We have just returned from a two week trip in Cambodia and this hotel was definitely the highlight in terms of our accomodation!

Review 2:
This is the BEST hotel I've ever stayed in! Even better than the Four Seasons in terms of value and service - this coming from a road warrior who stays in hotels more than 100 days/year

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