Siem Reap - The Lost City to the World

1st April, 2006 @ Siem Reap

I had just completed a 3 days 2 nights excursion to Siem Reap. I went there with a friend and the ticket was complimentary from Air Asia. Visit AirAsia for free or promotional tickets http://www.airasia.com

Before the trip, I started to visit Fodor's Forum for tips. I learnt some of the places to do, the right time to visit the temple for sunrise and sunset, and also the accomodation around the town.

For me, I had chosen La Villa Lotti. The owner is a French guy named Daniel. I enjoyed my stays there because the staffs were really friendly. Besides, the villa was decorated with Balinese style's furniture. Lotsa trees and dining under a coconut hut. However, bring mozzie repellant with you, the hotel also provides mozzie coil and insect spray. The room I had was reasonable with A/C and fan. The hotel rate provides breakfast, free laundry - underwear only, and also u can borrow the bicycle for free for 2 hours. I have to say I enjoy La Villa Lotti better than the guesthouse/shoplots at the towncenter.


Visit the hotel site for more details - http://www.lavillalotti.com

Since we went there on our own, we need a good tour guide to explain to us on the history of Angkor Wat. Otherwise, every temple will looks the same to us. Through Fodor's forum, I found the legendary Miss Pon Heary. She is petite with tanned skin (due to her job), and speaks good English. She is formerly an English teacher. This gutsy lady has proved to me that she is proud of her country. For example, she will tell the visitors at the temple not to sit on the sculpture or stones which is the country's heritage. Also, she will organised party for underprivileged children, donated by the foreign visitors. Her goal is to put the children to school. In Cambodia, it's tough, but it has to start from somewhere. I found Pon to be friendly and she tells interesting stories. Bring her some sweets if you visit Siem Reap and would like to hire her as a guide.


Write to Miss Pon Heary - mailto:ponheary@yahoo.com (petite lady 2nd from left)

Refer to Day 1 to Day 3 activities in the next blog.