Just returned from 4nights in Siem Reap after 10days in Vietnam. We all loved our stay in Cambodia. The Cambodian people were delightful and a definite highlight of our stay. Travelling with children made for some unexpected and memorable interactions with the locals.
Stayed at the Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort (formerly Day Inn Angkor Resort). This was a fantastic choice. The interconnecting rooms which are spacious and clean open onto a beautiful pool area. A pool is essential for a post temple cool off. Breakfast is adequate and they packed a breakfast box for our sunrise tour of Angkor Wat.
We did two days of temples which is plenty with children. On the first day we did sunrise at Angkor Wat, then Angkor Thom, Bayoun,
and Preah Khan. Being on a private tour we decided to forgo the siesta/lunch back at the hotel and continue with the last two temples Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei to allow an earlier finish for our 8yr old who was hot and tired by this stage. (9yr old was still going strong). We covered this from 5am to midday which included an elephant ride at Ankor Thom (a must for children and adults).
Day two (8-2pm) was further afield to Boeng Mealea, Banteay Srei and Bantreay Samre. Very atmospheric in the jungle-covered Boeng Mealea and well worth the drive through beautiful rural scenery.
Day three we did the Tara Riverboat day trip to Chong Kneas floating village (very interesting) and Kampong Phluck flooded jungle village (amazing). The latter is truly worthwhile both for the beauty of the flooded jungle but meeting the children in the school and having the opportunity to give them books and pens (provided by Tara guide). Our children learnt valuable life lessons about giving to those in need.
On our last morning before flying out we visited the Ankor Childrens Hospital to give a donation of money.The girls suggested we give an item of their clothing too - proof that our children had "got" the message about how lucky they are.
We also did the hot air balloon ride for a spectacular view of Angkor Wat and surrounding country side.
Restaurants are cheap and beautiful. Walking along Bar St to choose a restaurant (menus posted out the front) is safe and atmospheric. Get an hilarious foot massage by sitting with your feet in a pond of fish that nibble on the dead skin.
For amazing icecream head upstairs at Blue Pumpkin.
Tuk Tuks are cheap, easy and fun to get around town day and night.
Although my 8yr old never wants to see another temple, overall she loved our stay in Siem Reap. Tuk Tuks, massages, icecream, boat rides, hot air balloon and elephant rides all made for fantastic fun for children and adults. For the 9yr old and my husband and I, the temples were truly awe inspiring. Enjoy!
