Capital of the province of the same name, this small, French colonial-style town is situated picturesquley along the banks of the Siem Reap River approximately seven kilometres from its national and international airport.
Hotel
A variety of accommodation is available in central Siem Reap, including the new Faffles International luxury Grand Hotel d'Angkor, a few mid-range hotels and an increasing number of guesthouse varying modest to quiet basic.
Deluxe
Grand Hotel d'Angkor One of the Faffles INternation Group, has been running since the end of 1998 follwing an extensive and meticulous renovation. Its wonderful gardes surround one of the most beautiful swimming pools. There are tennis
courts, a fully equipped gym with sauna and steam baths. There are two restaurants with excellent South-East Asian cuisine and well stocked bars steeped in the history of Angkor. It is by far and away Siem Reap's leading hotel providing both comfrot as
well as an dinsight into the wonders of Angkor. In collaboration with the World Monuments Fund, the hotel promotes many special cultural events. It has 113 deluxe rooms and special luxury suites as well as a full range of international standard facilities. Price
Rang:$320-1,900$.
Restaurants
Some hotels have eating facilities, but there are reasonable local restaurants. Arun Restaurant Located north of Route 6100 mtrs up river east side. From a wooden shack to a smart modern guesthouse the Arun has not lost its charm or reputation for
good food (Moderately Priced). 10am-9pm, Tel (8551 12)638 469.
Banteay SreiOn the airport road, good local food.Bayon Restaurant1&2 Located at the northern end of Wat Bo Street and just beyond. One of the first and still most popular courtyard style restaurants with an extensive seafood munu. Also
a good wine list. Second restaurant recently opened by popular demand(Monderately priced)6am-p:30pm; Tel(855 12)855 219.
Transport
The best way of seeing the monuments is to hire a private car or a MOTO. A car and driver can be hire for $20-$30 per day. A motorcycle with a driver(it is not possible ato hire just the motorcycle) $5-$8per day. Most drivers can double as basic guides. As
Banteay Srei is no longer considerd a security risk area and is now open to visitors cars, motor and tour buese, it is likely the daily charge for th vehicle will be double.
Passes
A pass to visit the temples is required and can be purchased only at the new drive-in ticket counter and check point located on the main rodad to monuments just before you enter the forestd area. Passes are available for a single day, for three days or for one week. The
Passes are valid for all the sites within the Angkor area, including Roluos and Banteay Srei, but they are not valid for the Kulen Hills. The price as of January 2001 are:one day $US20; three days $us40l and four days to one week $US60.
All passes are required to have a passport photograph of the purchase. As of December 2000 passport pictures are free at the ticket counter. Visitors should carry their passes at all times as they are checked at the entrace of all the major temples. Anyone found without
a pass is liable to a fine of $US20. A visit to the Kulen Hills requires a separate $US20 entrance fee collected by a private company.
ADDED: DAWN ROONEY BOOK
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