Superb Local Guides! Could not have asked for better!
Cambodia | Nov 17 - Nov 26, 2024

N
Nana N.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2024

Lynn and Sokin were superb guides. They were passionate about their country and provided a lot of highly interesting stories and facts. They clearly spent a lot of time studying their history, architecture, and culture. We could not have asked for better local guides. They were both friendly, curious, and professional. They engaged in real conversations with us.

Hotel Reviews
Treeline Urban Resort
Siem Reap

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. The aesthetic was divine, as was the service. The food was also outstanding. Great coffee in the room too.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel was designed by a Cambodian architecture and was sublime.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Phnom Penh

The location could not have been better. It was an oasis in the busy city. The pool was beautiful!!! The food was also outstanding, especially the breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Soriyabori Resort
Koh Trong

Staying on the island of Koh Trong was a superb experience. We biked around the circumference of the island, which only got electricity five years ago. The agrarian practices appear to be very traditional from what we saw, and the homes were also traditional. Felt very local. The resort was very pretty, and also quite an oasis. The pool was refreshing and very much needed as there is no A/C. I wish the resort put more effort into flavoring their food, as it was the blandest food on our trip. The staff was young and inexperienced. It was hard to get a clean towel for the pool and the basket overflowed with dirty towels most of the day. The one area where improvement would be most welcome is to upgrade the mattresses and pillow in the rooms. The mattresses were very hard and our bodies ached during the night. The mosquito also need felt dirty. The tone of the resort was cool, but the comforts were lacking, especially for the price.

Authenticity & Character
The resort had an authentic feel, but it could have been much more comfortable. Please add A/C, better mattresses, more flavorful food, and it would be perfect!
Location
The island of Koh Trong was magical!
Staff
They were young and inexperienced.
Cleanliness & Comfort
There were cobwebs in our room and the mosquito need was dirty. Very hard to get clean towels for the pool, which was essential because it was so hot!
Activity Reviews
Champey Academy of Arts
Champey Academy of Arts
Phnom Penh

Do not miss this activity. The kids were adorable. It was a very authentic local experience. We were the only people in the audience. The kids invited us to dance with them, after dressing us in the sari-like pants.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Koh Trong to Siem Reap with kayaking to see dolphins (shared tour)
Koh Trong to Siem Reap with kayaking to see dolphins (shared tour)
Cambodia

This was the absolute highlight of our trip. Our guide, Ben, was superb. The river was gorgeous. We saw the Irrawaddy dolphins, who can very close to our kayaks multiple times, and Ben know how to find them.

Quality of Experience
The Mekong is an amazing river! Loved every minute of it.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Ben was superb! He was professional and fun and knowledgable.
Transport
Central Market
Central Market
Phnom Penh

The market was cool, but not one of the greatest. I would recommend going to the wholesale market, Orussey, for a more local experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Royal Palace & National Museum
Royal Palace & National Museum
Phnom Penh

Definitely a must see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Phnom Penh to Mekong Island of Koh Trong via Kompong Cham
Phnom Penh to Mekong Island of Koh Trong via Kompong Cham
Cambodia

Super cool island. Go for a day trip, if you are staying in Kratie, to ride around the island. The ferry is a super local experience. We were the only "barang" on our return trip to Kratie.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The ferry was unpredictable and smelled of fumes. But it was very memorable and local.
Historic Rickshaw (pedicab) tour
Historic Rickshaw (pedicab) tour
Phnom Penh

Not to be missed!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Angkor Wat  morning visit by remork
Angkor Wat morning visit by remork
Siem Reap

One of the wonders of the world!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Steve Lidgey
Steve
Steve Lidgey
Local specialist in Cambodia | Replied on Dec 04, 2024
Dear Nana,
Thank you for taking the time to give such detailed comments about your trip to Cambodia.
I'm especially pleased to read your comments about our two regular guides. I've already shared the comments and thanked them again.
For Soriyabori I will mention the feedback to their owners. I know they do have limitations on the island and I'm not sure if installing a/c is practical. Maintenance might also be an issue due to the lack of trained repair workers in the provinces. I live in a...
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Dear Nana,
Thank you for taking the time to give such detailed comments about your trip to Cambodia.
I'm especially pleased to read your comments about our two regular guides. I've already shared the comments and thanked them again.
For Soriyabori I will mention the feedback to their owners. I know they do have limitations on the island and I'm not sure if installing a/c is practical. Maintenance might also be an issue due to the lack of trained repair workers in the provinces. I live in a wooden house and know some things are challenging. Whilst staff will have little experience and come from the island, there is no excuse for cobwebs or a lack of towels. So I am sure they can and will do better.
I was delighted to hear that the dolphin kayak tour was the highlight of the trip. Due to the location of the dolphin pools and the fact most visitors do not have the time to visit Kratie, it is especially satisfying when 'off the beaten track' adventures meet, and exceed expectations.
Thank you again for travelling with Travel Asia a la carte and Kimkim in Cambodia. Do share the experiences with your friends and family and encourage them to visit too.
Best regards from Siem Reap,
Steve.