aboutsiemreaptravel

Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia

2012-01-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

First of all I’d like to thank you for all your kind comments, email and tweets about The Travel Files! I appreciate that many of you took the time to send in their favorite hotels and hot spots. Today’s post features a resort that is not open yet. The Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong Archipelago is a very exclusive and luxurious resort that is due to open in late 2011. It will feature 27 luxury overwater, rainforest and beach villas built with sustainable materials and with the deepest respect for the natural environment.

Song Saa Private Island is as seductive as the name implies. Think intimate. Think luxurious. But above all think harmony – with all the elements of nature that make this place so special. But all this luxury and exclusiveness comes with a price tag: Song Saa is for the wealthy castaways only!
At the resort’s heart is a world-class restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline and surrounded by sea. A short stroll on the boardwalk will leave you perfectly positioned to take in dramatic sunsets, seascapes and starry nights. Other resort facilities include an infinity edged pool, gym, spa & wellness centre, yoga & meditation centre and a beachside water sports centre offering a range of activities such as sailing, diving, kayaking and snorkeling.

The resort spans the islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve they have established to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life including dugongs, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish.

Most of the islands remain undeveloped – deserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches. Guests can explore the islands’ reefs, wander among virgin rainforest and lie on the pure white sands of Song Saa’s beaches.

Though the interiors will be all high-end contemporary minimalism, the villas will also draw inspiration from traditional Cambodian fishing villages, especially with features like thatched roofs, and rough-cut natural wood and driftwood being used in the furniture.

Even prior to the resort opening, Song Saa Private Island has already been selected as “The Hottest New Trips for 2011” by the Financial Times, “Stylish, chic, and sexy: this year’s best new places to stay” by the Times and “2011 Where to go, what to do” by The Independent.

Source of link: http://travel-files.com/song-saa-private-island-cambodia/

More information about Cambodia Tourism: http://www.angkorgate.com

Siem Reap Nightlife Bars and Girls

2011-12-31T03:44:00.000-08:00

Angkor Night Market
A place designed to give visitors a safe, secure, and enjoyable shopping and dining experience in a vibrant, contemporary Khmer environment. As well as a wide variety of stalls offering diverse range of goods and services in a hassle-free environment, the Angkor Night Market includes the ambient Island Bar and food court serving all the usual drinks, cocktails and large menu of Asian and Western cuisine from the afternoon until late night.

Happy Shopping at Old Market Siem Reap
"Most of the popular bars, both Cambodian and Western in style, are at the Old Market in Siem Reap, on what else but "Pub Street" and the smaller side streets branching off from it. Nightlife goes on until the morning some nights in this area." While the above was true once, nightlife around town is changing, with Pub Street becoming a bit more of a dinner street than a nightlife street. The Angkor What? bar and the Temple Club are the exceptions, with ground shaking music going on well into the evening, or morning, and plenty of backpackers shaking to the beat. Off of pub street the following places also see a fair bit of night time action. The X Bar is now by far the post 3 AM venue of choice, rocking on through dawn virtually every night. Good food, movie nights regularly.

Sok San Club (The Hottest Club in Siem Reap)
Siem Reap hottest and most talked about club continues to amaze and enthrall everyday from 7am till late! still leaving the party people screaming for more!. It is the only palace to dance and chill and continues to pull in the sexiest. Most up-for-it crowds. Offering fantastic music. Resident as well as special guests on rotation spin pure delicious funk. R&B, Rap, Hip Hop, Classic and cutting edge house like only they can. This party grows every week and whips the tops-off sexy crowd into a disco frenzy.

Top Town Club in Siem Reap
If you want to relax away from pub street and drinking beers near and around the old markets, there is another place that you will find what you want. I am talking about Top Town club which is the local club running by Khmer owner but actually they provide the pleasure services to tourists with their little girls. Most of them are Cambodian girls and they sitting inside the club and waiting requirement from guests and tourists who prefer to enjoy the extra experiences in Asian countries. Not so far from the city center and just about 10mn walk. But am sure you will need some guy who can bring you there because it would be a little hard to go there by yourself and as well as make the right conversation with Mama san (club manager) and express what you want. If you travel with tour guide who is the man then you can talk with him friendly and he will be so happy to bring you there because he can get some extra commission from club for taking client to their places. Generally the prices always different from one person to person depend the bargaining and discussion with mama san. Normally the prices rang from US$25 to US$50 per sexual time and if you bring them out, the price would be a bit more expensive than you prefer a short time at their place. Top Town club has the rooms for short time requirement and room rate added on is US$5 more for 1hour-2hours used.

Pyramid Club (New)
Pyramid Club is the newest club and big entertainment place in Siem Reap. There is the one stop place for enjoy the nightlife and big discoteque in Siem Reap. Located in the east of Siem Reap city center along the national road number #6 or anyway you just tell the name to your driver or someone you know then they can show you clearly about this popular club. Karaoke in Khmer, English, Chinese, Vietnamese and as well as another languges are available upon request, big disco, hip-hop club and many hostests are waiting and sitting in the line at entrance of the club for your selection. Pyramid Club is popular for local guests and younger people becauses it has been designed with modern style and make the ultimate enjoy with their demand.

Source:
http://www.angkorgate.com
http://www.aboutsiemreaptravel.com

Recommended Tour Operator for Cambodia Tours

2011-12-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

www.angkorgate.com

Your reliable tour operator with affordable prices for Indochina Destination, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

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Angkor Gate Travel and Tours has designed many package tours to fit your demand and flexible upon request on time. We are always at your convenience and free to provide all tourist information once there is inquiry. A low cost and reliable service is everything that you can trust.

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Siem Reap Restaurants

2011-12-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

Siem Reap

The vast majority of places to eat and drink are clustered near the centre of old Siem Reap, on and around the aptly named Bar Street. A plethora of choices await, and looking at the construction in this area a lot more places are on the way. Expect a very Western-orientated experience. If you want cheap Khmer food, head to the Old Market.

Cafes and bakeries
Blue Pumpkin remains arguably the best cafe/baking house in Siem Reap with a slick, air-con interior and fine food the day through. Anyone familiar with Bangkok with be struck by just how Bed Supperclubbish the place looks. Wireless internet is available. The acoustics upstairs are poor. Very white.

Out Angkor way, the Angkor Cafe enjoys a choice location directly across the road from Angkor Wat. The outdoor seating area is filled with flowers and manicured shrubs. Food and drink are supplied by Blue Pumpkin and the sleek wooden ambience by Artisans d'Angkor.

Cafe Central is located in the old building diagonal from Central Market where Ivy Guesthouse once was. It's a huge, upscale space with exposed brick and large, open windows. It opened in December 2008 and still seems unsure of whether it wants to be a cafe, restaurant or bar. We visited in the afternoon and saw lots of latte-sipping foreigners taking advantage of the free WiFi, with low house music playing in the background. A big Western menu includes pastas, sandwiches, salads and burgers. Cocktails are available too, and happy hour's from 16:00 to 19:00.

Angkor Cafe-- Opposite Angkor Wat, Siem Reap. T: (012) 946 227. Open daily 08:00-18:00.
Blue Pumpkin-- Near Old Market, Siem Reap. T: (012) 946 227. Open daily 06:00-22:00.
Cafe Central -- Near Old Market, Siem Reap T: (017) 692 997 Open: 07:00-23:00.

International
Set in the centre of Bar Street, Kamasutra delivers very good Indian cuisine in a slick setting, at pretty high prices for the area. Service can be a bit on the snobby side, but the food is very good.

A block north of Kamasutra, Maharajah does equally good food, without the fancy setting -- nor the fancy prices. FCC Angkor has a superb setting overlooking Siem Reap River, with a menu that will be familiar to any who eat at the more famous sister restaurant in Phnom Penh. Excellent service and a fine place to hang out.

Red Piano is another Western-owned establishment with friendly staff delivering good Western and Khmer food. For pub grub try Molly Malone's, while if you're in the market for a barbecue, Villa Siem Reap has barbecues in their garden restaurant every Tuesday and Friday.

El Camino Taqueri, on the southwest corner of The Passage near Linga Bar, serves satisfying Mexican and tasty margaritas. The imported ground beef is just the right spice, the taco shells are fresh and crunchy, and the fantastic guacamole satisfied a craving we'd maintained since arriving in Cambodia. The menu includes all the standard Mexican fare -- tacos, chimichangas, fajitas, nachos -- and nothing more, which we consider a sign that a restaurant knows what it does well. The house margaritas, at $2, are cheap and delicious. There's an assortment of high-end tequilas too, as well as homemade lemonade and Sun Tea. From the stainless steel bar to the mosaic walls and the wrought-iron sombrero chandelier, it's a bit too nice to feel authentic, though you can't really expect that trait at a Mexican joint in Southeast Asia. Better than Viva nearby.

True to its name, Le Bistrot de Paris is a complete replica of a Parisian bistro, from its mahogany bar right down to the red-and-white checked tablecloths and vintage French advertisements hanging on the walls. The Corsican owner lives upstairs and can be found hanging around the restaurant unless it's afternoon siesta time. The food is authentic -- virtually all imported. It's heavy on meats, with foie gras, homemade pate, and sausage from Tolouse. Of course, browse a fine wine selection.

V&A Restaurant, a new entrant to the market-area restaurant scene, is pure vegetarian -- meaning no chicken stock or fish served. It's next door to Cafe Central and owned by the same people as Ivy Guesthouse II. It serves an array of Mediterranean-style dishes like couscous, potatoes and vegetable soups. It's a cosy, small space with only six tables, straight-back chairs, and modern decor. The wine list is well-priced with an impressive assortment. When we visited (anonymously), we were given a complimentary appetiser of carrot chips with balsamic dressing.

Samot Fine Wine &Cuisine fed us our best meal in Siem Reap. The prices are a bit higher than we like to pay (but at about $8 for an entree, still not exactly steep). We tried the snapper special, which was $5, fantastic, and came with a complimentary appetiser of smoked salmon on toast. The desserts sounded great too. The former chef from Sofitel Angkor opened the place in May 2008. It's set down The Passage's quiet extension, and feels a world away. Walls are painted baby blue, with seashell curtains on the patio, and a wine cellar in the rear. Wines start at $4 per glass. Recommended.

El Camino Taqueri -- The Passage, Siem Reap. T: (092) 207 842. Open daily 10:00-24:00.
FCC Angkor -- Pokambor Ave, Siem Reap. T: (063) 760 283. http://www.fcccambodia.com Open daily 07:00-late.
Le Bistrot de Paris -- Near Old Market, Siem Reap T: (092) 964 790. Open daily 07:00-23:00.
Kamasutra -- Bar St, Siem Reap. Open daily 11:00-late.
Maharajah -- Block north of Bar St, Siem Reap. T: (092) 506 622. Open daily 11:00-late.
Red Piano -- Bar St, Siem Reap. T:(063) 963 240. http://www.redpianocambodia.com/. Open daily 07:00-24:00.
Samot Cuisine &Wine -- Passage Extension, Siem Reap. T: (092) 410 400, http://www.samot-restaurant.com/. Open daily 16:00-24:00.
V&A Restaurant -- Next to Cafe Centrale. T: (012) 800 860. Open dinner only.

Khmer and Asian
Khmer Kitchen is one of the best spots in Siem Reap to really have a go at Khmer food in an accessible, English-speaking environment. Nearby neighbours include Amok and Champey -- in all three cases prices are a good deal more expensive than the offerings in the market, but the setting is far more pleasant -- even if the beggars and postcard sellers can be persistent. For back to basic Khmer food, look no further than the Old Market -- they've even got English menus, so you've got no excuse but to check it out.

For upmarket Khmer, look no further than Viroth's over in Wat Bo. Fine Khmer cuisine in a well-serviced modern setting. Prices are moderate -- consider it a splurge to sample some fine Khmer offerings.Away from the market, Cafe Indochine does Khmer and other Asian food in a great old house which unfortunately sites right on busy Sivatha Rd -- food is good, though the place often packs out with tour groups.

One of the wackier places in town, the Dead Fish, does Thai and other Asian food, but their Thai swings between excellent and very ordinary, so choose with care. Walking over a crocodile pit to reach the bathroom has a certain novelty value. Another Thai place worth considering is Chilli Si Dang, on the east side of Siem Reap River in Wat Bo.

A little out of town, on the Airport Road, Madame Butterfly offers Thai and Khmer cuisine toned down for a foreign palate. The ambience is seductive, but its popularity with tour groups and relatively high prices takes away some of the charm. Back in town, the Soup Dragon is known for its Vietnamese and Chinese food, and if you like playing with your food check out the beef or shrimp fondues. A mastery of chopstickmanship is required as you boil your meat in a vinegar hot-pot before wrapping it in a soft spring-roll pancake laced with coconut juice and green banana. Packed most evenings.

Amok -- The Passage, behind Bar St, Siem Reap. T:(063) 965 407. Open daily 10:00-22:00.
Cafe Indochine -- Sivatha Blvd, Siem Reap. T: (012) 804 952. Open daily 10:30-14:30 &17:00-23:00.
Champey -- The Passage, behind Bar St, through to the Old Market, Siem Reap. T:(063) 964 713. Open daily 10:00-22:00.
Chilli Si Dang -- Wat Bo, Siem Reap. Open daily 10:00-22:00.
Dead Fish -- Sivatha Blvd, Siem Reap. T: (063) 963 060. Open daily 07:00-late.
Khmer Kitchen -- The Passage, behind Bar St, Siem Reap. T:(063) 964 154. Open daily: 10:00-22:00.
Old Market -- Siem Riep.
Madame Butterfly -- Airport Rd, Siem Reap. T: (016) 909 607. Open daily 18:00-23:30.
The Soup Dragon -- Near Old Market, Siem Reap. T: (063) 964 933. Open daily 06:00-late.

Viroth's -- 246 Wat Bo Street, Siem Reap. T: (012) 826 346, F: (063) 760 774. Open daily 11:00-23:00.

Bars
Certainly no shortage of bars when it comes to Siem Reap -- it's not called Bar St for nothing! Molly Malone's is Siem Reap's sole Irish pub and it's a good one, with excellent food and drinks at not too expensive prices. If you're content in a shopfront pretending to be a bar, you'll be right at home on Bar St, with Temple Bar, Angkor What?, Banana Leaf and Le Tigre de Papier among those to choose from. Angkor What? is one of the longest running bars on the strip, but that doesn't mean it's the best -- there's precious little to separate one from another.A block behind Bar St, on what's referred to as "The Passage", is Linga Bar -- Siem Reap's first gay bar. It's a great spot, gay or not.

Miss Wong, a swanky, crimson lounge hidden down a narrow alley one block south of the Passage, opened in mid-2008. Formal portraits of Chinese women hang on the walls, and golden Buddhist statues adorn dark wood and black leather booths and couches. Martinis are $2 until 22:00. Try the Indochine. It tastes like ginger with just a hint of sweet pineapple. There's also decent pub grub there. For $2.50, you can have a pork sandwich, dim sum, or barbecue wontons. Gay-friendly.

Silk Garden Bar &Restaurant, across the alley from Miss Wong, is another distinct new entrant to the nightlife scene. Between the pebble floors and the missing roof, it feels like a jungle hideout right in the heart of the city. The bar is made of bamboo, and there's a thatched terrace for lounging and imbibing. Food is served and the buckwheat crepes seem to be the speciality. $3 cocktails and a DJ nightly.

Angkor What? -- Bar St, Siem Reap. T:(012) 490 755. Open daily 18:00-late.
Banana Leaf -- Bar St, Siem Reap. T:(012) 800 309. Open daily 17:00-late.
Linga Bar -- Bar St, Siem Reap. T:(012) 246 912. http://www.lingabar.com Open daily 17:00-late.
Miss Wong -- The Lane, alley parallel to The Passage, Siem Reap. T: (092) 428 332. Open daily 18:00-late.
Molly Malones - Bar St, Siem Reap. T:(063) 963 533. http://www.mollymalonescambodia.com/ Open daily 07:00-late.
Silk Garden -- The Lane, Siem Reap. T: (092) 964 790. Open daily 17:00-late.

Source: http://www.travelfish.org/eatandmeet/cambodia/western_cambodia/siem_reap/siem_reap/eat

Interesting Siem Reap Activities

2011-12-19T02:52:00.000-08:00

When it comes to activities for adults, Siem Reap is fairly well versed. Aside from a visit to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has plenty of fascinating venues to experience, from traditional villages to an open-air theatre. Make sure to set aside a couple of extra days on top of those dedicated to the many temples in and around Angkor Wat but be prepared to arrange transport as some attractions are outside of Siem Reap itself.

Cinema Angkor Wat
The temple complex is massive, covering just under 100sqkm and a minimum of 3 days should be spent here. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular and you should ask your hotel or a guide about the best viewpoints. You can learn a lot about the temples, beyond just strolling about – and it’s advisable to hire a guide for a day or two, as they can explain the details of each structure. Tickets are sold for 1 day, 3 days or 1 week and should be paid in US dollars. Some of the outlying temples require an extra fee. The temples are open dawn to dusk. Angkor Wat itself was built in the 12th century and is an incredible example of Khmer architecture.

Aspara Theatre
Located within the grounds of the plush Angkor Village Resort, the Apsara Theatre doubles up as a dinner show from 19:00 every evening. The show brings together court intrigue, dancing and singing as the Aspara Ballet Troupe performs traditional Khmer theatre with a heavy emphasis on the life and times of past kings. This is a colourful event that, although aimed at tourists, does represent a genuine form of Khmer theatre. Phone: +855 63 963 363; website: www.angkorvillage.com.

Kampong Phluck
A two-hour drive out of Siem Reap, this traditional floating village makes a fascinating trip with plenty of photo opportunities. This is how the Khmer traditionally lived on Tonlé Sap Lake. To get here, ask at a Siem Reap tour operator or your hotel about arranging a trip. Note there will be delays in the rainy season due to the often poor condition of the roads.

Land Mine Museum
If you need a break from the temples, take a couple hours to visit the Land Mine Museum in Siem Reap. Not your typical museum, it nonetheless offers some handy information about land mines and is interesting.

Psar Chas
Siem Reap’s old market is a charming place to hunt around for souvenirs and to pick up Cambodian handicrafts that are difficult to find elsewhere outside of Phnom Penh. Expect to haggle and avoid supposed ‘antiques’ like the plague.

Want to experience the Chinese-style architecture, Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake? Your destination is Siem Reap. Along with the over all gait up of the city, there lay exclusively the Angkor temples which are regarded as the major Siem Reap Tourist Attractions. Sightseeing in Siem Reap will introduce you to this unforgettable Cambodian experience.

Siem Reap Travel Guide talks elaborately regarding Siem Reap Tourist Attractions. The Angkor temples head the list; so far the points of interest in this Cambodian city are concerned. Here you will watch Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, Terrace of the Leper King in Siem Reap, Terrace of the Elephants in Siem Reap, Beng Melea in Siem Reap and Aki Ra's Landmine Museum in Siem Reap.

Besides, Festivals & Events in Siem Reap are also considered as major participators regarding Siem Reap Tourist Attractions. Throughout the year, dwellers of this city enjoy different facades of life with several festivals. To name a few, one can mention Chaul Chnam (Khmer New Year) in Siem Reap, Angkor Photo Festival in Siem Reap and Angkor half Marathon in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Tourist Attractions include Shopping in Siem Reap as well. At several malls and arcades you can have a glance of a wide range of items which you would like to buy for your near and dear ones. Moreover, Nightlife in Siem Reap reflected in Nightclubs and Bars in Siem Reap has also its own charm to draw tourists.

Moreover, what has to be mentioned regarding Siem Reap Tourist Attractions is the Popular Restaurants in Siem Reap which by virtue of their delicious dishes provide tasty refreshments to the discerning travelers busy in Sightseeing in Siem Reap. Enjoy your trip to this city!

Children's Activities in Siem Reap

2011-12-19T02:43:00.000-08:00

The main attraction in Siem Reap is the Angkor Wat. Touring these impressive temples may spark the imagination in adults as well as children. Although the city does not offer a plethora of manmade attractions aimed directly at children, the city is rich in history and natural beauty and can provide a exciting and educational vacation spot for the entire family to relish.

Angkor Wat in Miniature
Even if you’ve seen the real thing, Dy Preoung’s expanding collection of Angkor and surrounding temples made of sandstone and carvings is impressive. This collection is based at his house and workshop situated just north of route 6, close to the main river road. There is a sign outside and most tuk-tuk drivers should know it.

Elephant trekking
Probably the top family activity would be elephant trekking. There are mahouts ready to take you on a journey around the Angkor complex. Just make sure you don’t send the kids off alone.

elephant trekkingHot-air balloon over Angkor Wat
An unforgettable experience awaits you over Angkor Wat with a 10-minute tethered balloon ride. Although short, it’s great for those who find small amounts of exhilaration to be enough. The cost is moderate and if you have a steady hand you might get some great aerial photos.

Silkworm Farm
Located a little way out of the city, this attraction is ideal for children. The young children usually love the chance to see these lazy creepy-crawlies in action and will even get a chance to feed them. The silk produced by the worms is then used to produce colourful textiles onsite.

Swimming
Even if your hotel does not have a pool, there is probably one nearby that will allow entry for a small fee.

Ta Prohm and Beng Melea
Possibly the most kid-friendly location of the Angkor complex, Ta Prohm is still somewhat engulfed by jungle vines and you could easily pretend you’re in a Tomb Raider movie here. More of a walk on the wild side, Beng Melea is a fun sight with lots of crumbly ruins that are fun to explore. It’s 60kms east of Siem Reap and is usually done on a day trip.

Link source: http://www.fnetravel.com/travel_info/english/siemreap-info/siemreap.html