How long in Siem Reap v Luang Prabang? | Cambodia - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 05:32:22 +0000

Taking the wife for our anniversary to Siem Reap and Luang Prabang for almost one week--arriving in Siem Reap on the Wednesday morning, and flying back from Luang Prabang the following Wednesday morning.

Anyone who's been to both places got any advice on how to split our time between the two places? As we arrive at late morning in Siem Reap and the onward flight to Luang Prabang is in the late afternoon, there are only two real options:
1) 2 full days + 2 half days in Siem Reap and 3 full days in Luang Prabang
2) 3 full days + 2 half days in Siem Reap and 2 full days in Luang Prabang

Any advice greatly appreciated.

ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:12:51 +0000

Depends on you and your interests...for me,I'd do the second (I like Angkor a lot more than i like LP ;-)

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ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 07:15:59 +0000

Agree with #1. I find SR far more interesting. Though LP is certainly beautiful.
Fees for SR:
$20 for one day, $40 for 3 day.

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ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:45:52 +0000

as above although the city of Siem Reap is not at all to my taste these days (I was lucky enough to see it before it became "westernised")

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ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:51:46 +0000

I also suggest (2). I am one of those people for whom one day spent seeing the main temples of Angkor was enough. But there are may other nice things to do around SR - Visiting small villages out in the countryside, floating villages on the lake, cycling, visiting a pagoda(s) / water blessings etc.

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ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:53:40 +0000

Many thanks for all the advice--which all seems to point in the same direction. Looks like Siem Reap it is. Just have to figure out what to do over 3 full days + 2 half days.

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ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:10:32 +0000

Good luck. I think SR is the right choice but you are in a win-win situation.
Let us know how it went

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ONLINE

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:58:48 +0000

Beware the floating village tours, some of them are a total ripoff.

http://tripleacambodia.com/siem-reap-floating-villages-what-to-expect-and-why-choose-to-go-to-kompong-khleang/#.VBIo-C5dUio

If you are looking for a good day trip from Siem Reap, I recommend hiring a car and driver to take you to Beng Mealea. I think Banteay Srey is on the way too.

I think you can buy a 3 day nonconsecutive pass to Angkor, to break up your templing experience. Beng Mealea is outside the Angkor zone and has it's own fee to the best of my memory. Not sure about Banteay Srey.

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ONLINE

Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:09:52 +0000

Many thanks. That's great advice.

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ONLINE

Sun, 14 Sep 2014 11:24:32 +0000

I was in Siem Reap in July 2014 and my father and sister were with me as well this time. We hired a modern air-con van, driver and english speaking guide for two days. The first day we went to Beng Melea and a number of small villages out in the countryside. The second day we went to a couple of large community pagodas, where local celebrations were taking place - we met a number of monks and many local people. In the afternoon we went to the floating village of Kompong Khleang, as mentioned above. The price was around $100 USD per day. The driver and guide were among the best that I have used in South-east Asia. I am happy to send you a message with the name of the company if it is of interest to you.

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