Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIEM REAP FOR CHILDREN
Siem Reap is a great city for children these days thanks to a range of activities beyond the temples.
Many of the temples themselves will appeal to older children, particularly the Indiana Jones atmo-
sphere of Ta Prohm and Beng Mealea, the sheer size and scale of Angkor Wat and the weird faces at
the Bayon.
Other activities that might be popular include boat trips on the Tonlé Sap to visit other-worldly vil-
lages, swimming at a hotel or resort, exploring the countryside on horseback or quad bike, goofing
around at the Cambodian Cultural Village, playing mini-golf at the Angkor Putt, exploring the Angkor
Butterfly Centre, or just enjoying the cafes and restaurants of Siem Reap at a leisurely pace. Ice-cream
shops might be popular, if a little naughty, while the local barbecue restaurants are always enjoyably
interactive for older children.
Jungle Junction
(7 Makara St; 11.30am-10pm) is specifically aimed at children with indoor
and outdoor playgrounds and a small cinema. For big kids, there is a great little restaurant and bar to
pass the time.
Sleeping
Siem Reap has the best range of accommodation in Cambodia. A vast number of family-
run guesthouses charging US$3 to US$20 a room cater for budget travellers, while those
looking for midrange accommodation can choose upmarket guesthouses or small hotels
from US$20 per room.
Touts for budget guesthouses wait at the taxi park, Phnom Krom (where the fast boat
from Phnom Penh docks) and at the airport. Even if you've not yet decided where to stay
in Siem Reap, don't be surprised to see a noticeboard displaying your name, as most gues-
thouses in Phnom Penh either have partners up here or sell your name on to another guest-
house. This system usually involves a free ride into town. There's no obligation to stay at
the guesthouse if you don't like the look of it, but the 'free lift' might suddenly cost US$2
or more.
There are plenty of great midrange deals available thanks to an explosion in quality
boutique accommodation. Most rates include a free transfer from the airport or boat dock.
Many top end hotels levy an additional 10% government tax, 2% tourist tax and some-
times an extra 10% for service, but breakfast is included. It's essential to book ahead at
most places from November to March, particularly for the glamorous spots.
In the low season (April to September), there are lots of special offers available ranging
from 'stay three, pay two' to big discounts in the range of 30% to 50%. Top-end hotels
usually publish high- and low-season rates.
