Siem Reap visit (30 Aug-2 Sep): Update #1

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Hi all,

Some of us have had some side discussions on the proposed Siem Reap, Cambodia visit, and as JK and family will be back in Asia around Aug/Sep timeframe, and possibly CLK will join too, we would like to coincide with their trips from halfway round the world if possible.

So the specific dates are:


Arrive Siem Reap: morning of 30th Aug, 2009

Leave Siem Reap: 2nd Sep 2009


Tuan Sinos, who is obviously well-connected there, has been most kind to check out a great program for us. Although we will not have our dinner under the stars at Angkor Wat itself, since the pricing is exorbitant, Sinos' alternative proposal sounds very good. For accomodation, one of the best new 4-star hotels, Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, is currently being considered. The rate seems very reasonable.



The next section, which is directly from Sinos, gives us more details ...

Itenary & expected budget for your visit ( based on what I used to recommend/arrange for friends). Of course, it is not final and can be changed to suit your needs or likings, Sir. Budget is all in US dollars as this is a dollarized country

• Hotel: US$45 net per room per night inclusive of breakfast & airport transfer. ( 2 days, 3 nights)
• Angkor Wat pass- US$20 per person per day. You can also buy 3 days pass for USD40-00 per person
• Mini-bus rental ( if many are coming)- US$ 70 a day with gas & driver. Of course, we can use tuk-tuk ( motor cycle trailer): 4 persons in one tuk-tuk @US$18 a day. This is more fun & better way to see the country & sites.
• English speaking guide-US$ 25 ( We can do away with the guide as they are plenty of guide books in English) But the choice is yours, if we are lazy to read the guide books !!
• Lunch & dinner: depends on food preference. Wide choices of food available..western, Asian, Khmer, Chinese, Indian, Thai etc) We have M'sian restaurant here but mahal lah. Say, US$20 a day?
• Dinner with traditional Khmer Apsara show: US$8 per person for buffet
• Boats to cruise the Tonle Sap lake.. Floating fisherman village: US$20 per boat for 2 hours boat ride & excursion. Each boat can carry 15-20 paxs
• Airport Passenger Service Charge ( airport tax) is US$25 for adult foreigner and US$13 for child below 12 yrs old. Plse take note, this tax is not included in your ticket. Pay as you exit.
• Visa for non-Asean passport holders is US$20 for tourist. Apply upon arrival. M'sian: No visa required.

You may change a small amount of local currency called Riel. 1US$= 4100 riel. For small purchases, tips etc.. US$ is most welcomed here.

All the above, would be equally divided among all coming and it will be lesser when done that way, such as for bus rental, boat rides, guide fees.

Possible Program

• On arrival: if you all arrive together on one plane, it will be much better & easier to arrange "something" but no worry your host will arrange something.
• Day 1: If arrival is before lunch, a visit to the Tonle Sap lake is recommended. From 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm. 7 km from the Siem Reap town.
• See the magnificient sun-set at Phnom Bakheng temple. This is FOC after 5.00 pm. A great site.
• 1st evening: Dinner with traditional Khmer apsara show ( buffet)
• After dinner, suggest you all balik tidur awal as next day will be a long day. Those who are energetic..night out is OK.
• Day 2: Visit to the Angkor Wat temple complex. There are many great temples to visit but I recommend you don't cramped it all in or esle you will be templed-out ( mabok!!). Start around 8.00 am while it is still cool.
• Lunch at Angkor restaurant infront of Angkor Wat ( choice of western & Khmer food available)
• Continue the temple visit till around 5.00 pm. back to hotel, relax.
• Dinner can be at the Pub Street. A long stretch of pubs, bars, restaurants. Lively & interesting.
• After dinner, visit the Night Market.. Interesting places for shopping & looking around
• Day 3: Free & easy. visit Phsar Chas ( Old Market), or visit the Silk Farm ( 15 km from town).

OK, ladies and gents - this is Update #1, the first of several updates as we move closer to the date. However, at this point we need firm feedback from those interested ...

ACTION REQUIRED: What we specifically need at this time is for you to give Sinos a firm indication of whether you can make it, and how many people in your party (wife, children, girlfriends, etc etc). Can you revert before end May?
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More Celebrities in Cambodia

Here's another highlight of Sinos Bartholmew's time in Siem Reap, Cambodia ...

Sinos said that this photo was taken in August 2004 when Jackie Chan visited Siem Reap as UN Goodwill Ambassador.

Hmmm, maybe next stage of career for you as kung fu superstar, huh Sinos? Haiiiiiyyyaaaaaa !!! (to be screamed in the best Bruce Lee / Jackie Chan fashion)

Very interesting role you play there in Cambodia.

Photos from Siem Reap

Our friend Sinos Bartholomew shared this photo recently.

Place: old Siem Reap airport.
Date: August 2006
Special visitors: TYT Yang Di-Perdua Negeri Sarawak,
Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin
and his entourage.

TYT and his wife and friends were on a private visit to Cambodia, and Sinos was asked by the embassy to help host.

Rubbing shoulders with the VVIPs, eh Sinos? Well done, my friend. Hope TYT enjoyed Siem Reap.