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Visiting Angkor Temples

Siem Reap Travel Blog › entry 4 of 4 › view all entries

The Angkor Temples are fast deteriorating.. Would it be right to say "Go See It Now", it could be because of the tourists there.. :) But thumbs up to UNESCO for running conservation n restoration programmes

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Visiting Angkor Temples

July 28, 2009

great place for shutterbugs, dont forget a light tripod. to shoot yourself, or the sunset pics.
moving around places is easy. the "tuk-tuk"-motorcycle-carriage taxis r everywhere. they will holler for u, u dont even have to wave them over. ALWAYS check with the driver first before stepping in. normal fare is around $1-2 for a few kms ride visiting nearby temples. heading back to town will be double that amount. But I do recommend to grab a tuk-tuk for the day, costs approx $15. He will drop you off anywhere n wait for till u get back, hop on-off, so much convenient.
You will need a pass to get access to the temples. one day is US$20, a 3 day pass is $40. Children under 5 or under a certain height hahahaha is free.

The pass will carry ur pic on it, snapped while purchasing. Do not lose it, its non-negotiable.
wear light clothes, climate there is hot n humid.
peddlars, hawkers r everywhere. if u do not need anything, just smile n avoid eye contact, becos the moment u do, they swarm like bees! but if you do need to pick up souvenirs, let them drop the prices by themselves. A 6 feet painting of Angkor Wat that was suppose to cost $45, will cost US$20 in a matter of seconds.
was told most of the paintings were done by orphans, if ur feeling charitable or simply like to see how the work was done, do pay a visit at the orpahnage located near the Ta Phrom temple. the orphange is self-funded, and they rely on the sales of the paintings & crafts. The kids there do go to proper schools. the orphage is also their art workshop.

u will be able to see them brushing away. currently, only 15 kids, 2 of them HIV+. But they all are great. Cheerful, joyful & friendly. The caretaker himself is an orphan, you can catch him at the TA Phrom temple selling their paintings & customised postcards.
Nearly everyone speaks English. No problem communicating.
Best View of Siem Reap - HELICOPTER! US$75 per pax, min 4 for a 10 min ride. Recommend to take the half hour $250 per pax, smaller copter but more scenic, and again children under 5 or under a certain height is Free. Best for shutterbugs. Pilot will bring you to all the surrounding temples, and the view is magnificent. Seeing Angkor Wat from the sky is simply amazing.