Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Cambodia cultural holiday, independent reviews
 Reviewed 26 Sep 2007 by Helen Carter |  |
I've only been back in Dubai a couple of weeks and am missing Cambodia so very much. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the itinerary, and certainly left the country more knowledgeable than when I arrived!
The accommodation I stayed in was perfect. The Auberge Mont Royal, was a perfect introduction to Cambodia--its staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The Villa in Battambang was my favourite place, again due to the staff, but also its location. I enjoyed the Pavilion, its location was ideal and the staff were brilliant--the only reason I wasn't as taken with the Pavilion was because I was swamped by gap-year students who were all on their laptops around the pool, instead of out exploring the wonderful city of Phnom Penh. (I'm only 32, and never did a gap year, but that just seemed very un-gap-year-like to me!).
Everything to do with the trip was perfect. From the pick up at the airport, to the guides I had. I can't say how wonderful both Bunsarng and Ro were. Bunsarng was exceptionally knowledgeable on all things Angkor, and seen as there's a fair few Wats and Temples, Hindu and Buddhist, that's saying something! Although it was just me in the group (!), I think the guides and I got on fabulously, we often had long chats about things other than Angkor history, which made my days far more enjoyable for me.
Without exception, I'd like to make a special note for Ro (Phyro). I feel very honoured to have met him. Naturally, with his experiences with Poll Pot's brutal regime, it made the whole Phnom Penh experience all the more poignant. Ro was exceptionally knowledgeable throughout Battambang, and I appreciated his taking me to the NGO camp, and on the Bamboo train. The days on the back of the motorbike were the highlight for me...not only for me being to channel my inner-Lara Croft(!) but also for being able to see the rural Cambodia and its people, whom I will never forget.
This operator has a very strong bond as a team--which was a great feeling to have, knowing I had used a company who respects its employees.
All in all, I cannot, and would not fault a single thing about my recent trip to Cambodia. From the outset it was a trip to remember.
Both the most memorable and exciting part of my trip was riding on the back of the motorbike with my guide, through the countryside surrounding Battambang. Without a doubt, this was the real Cambodia--seeing rural life, villages and people. A real adventurous and beautiful 2 days.
Know your history. From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh there's a lot to know as you pretty much travel through the centuries, Siem Reap starts with pre-Angkor and Angkor, ending in Phnom Penh’s recent brutal history. I had read a few books on Pol Pot so had a vague understanding of the history of the country, but to benefit from all you see, and to understand the Khmer people, I think its important to have some background knowledge on this amazing country
Yes mostly. I guess I felt guilty being a person group, and having a car drive me around, but ultimately it was the only way to see what I saw in such a short space of time. I appreciated going to NGO centres very much.
One of the best trips I have taken, and most definitely a humbling experience. Cambodia may well be one of the poorest countries in the world...and considering its recent history you could forgive it for having a downbeat approach. However, the Khmer people have sustained their culture and values which are still very much evident today both in the cities and rural villages. I hope Cambodia can continue to bring tourism in to its country without destroying the very essence of its being...one of awe and wonder both in architecture and in spirit.
The accommodation I stayed in was perfect. The Auberge Mont Royal, was a perfect introduction to Cambodia--its staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The Villa in Battambang was my favourite place, again due to the staff, but also its location. I enjoyed the Pavilion, its location was ideal and the staff were brilliant--the only reason I wasn't as taken with the Pavilion was because I was swamped by gap-year students who were all on their laptops around the pool, instead of out exploring the wonderful city of Phnom Penh. (I'm only 32, and never did a gap year, but that just seemed very un-gap-year-like to me!).
Everything to do with the trip was perfect. From the pick up at the airport, to the guides I had. I can't say how wonderful both Bunsarng and Ro were. Bunsarng was exceptionally knowledgeable on all things Angkor, and seen as there's a fair few Wats and Temples, Hindu and Buddhist, that's saying something! Although it was just me in the group (!), I think the guides and I got on fabulously, we often had long chats about things other than Angkor history, which made my days far more enjoyable for me.
Without exception, I'd like to make a special note for Ro (Phyro). I feel very honoured to have met him. Naturally, with his experiences with Poll Pot's brutal regime, it made the whole Phnom Penh experience all the more poignant. Ro was exceptionally knowledgeable throughout Battambang, and I appreciated his taking me to the NGO camp, and on the Bamboo train. The days on the back of the motorbike were the highlight for me...not only for me being to channel my inner-Lara Croft(!) but also for being able to see the rural Cambodia and its people, whom I will never forget.
This operator has a very strong bond as a team--which was a great feeling to have, knowing I had used a company who respects its employees.
All in all, I cannot, and would not fault a single thing about my recent trip to Cambodia. From the outset it was a trip to remember.
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Both the most memorable and exciting part of my trip was riding on the back of the motorbike with my guide, through the countryside surrounding Battambang. Without a doubt, this was the real Cambodia--seeing rural life, villages and people. A real adventurous and beautiful 2 days.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Know your history. From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh there's a lot to know as you pretty much travel through the centuries, Siem Reap starts with pre-Angkor and Angkor, ending in Phnom Penh’s recent brutal history. I had read a few books on Pol Pot so had a vague understanding of the history of the country, but to benefit from all you see, and to understand the Khmer people, I think its important to have some background knowledge on this amazing country
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes mostly. I guess I felt guilty being a person group, and having a car drive me around, but ultimately it was the only way to see what I saw in such a short space of time. I appreciated going to NGO centres very much.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best trips I have taken, and most definitely a humbling experience. Cambodia may well be one of the poorest countries in the world...and considering its recent history you could forgive it for having a downbeat approach. However, the Khmer people have sustained their culture and values which are still very much evident today both in the cities and rural villages. I hope Cambodia can continue to bring tourism in to its country without destroying the very essence of its being...one of awe and wonder both in architecture and in spirit.
| Reviewed 23 Jan 2006 by Stuart Elston | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning about Cambodia.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it soon.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely.
4. Any other comments?
5* superb.
| Reviewed 15 Feb 2009 by David Messenger | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Temples were amazing - 2 solid days looking at the temples and we only touched on them. The Homestay opportunity - staying overnight with a rural family in the north of Cambodia where their lifestyle is so far removed from the comfortable westernised facilities we are so used to. We were also very lucky and privileged to attend a Cambodian wedding ceremony which was fascinating. Not only that, we were also invited to a huge birthday party - celebrating the birth of one year old twins!!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We were told ATMs were so few and far between we needed to bring travellers cheques. This is not so. They were readily available in all the towns. It is possible to survive on low denomination American dollars. Change was often given in the local currency which was plenty to use for very cheap items.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The Homestay was a wonderful way to see our money going directly to the village we stayed in. An excellent organisation. We stayed in locally run hotels and not the 5 star palaces run by foreigners, so felt we were benefiting the locals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great holiday, very varied activities and accommodation and our Cambodian guide Ro was great company and gave us a real insight into the country.
| Reviewed 29 Dec 2007 by Helen Hathaway | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting Cambodian people, the day out on the motos and of course the temples.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring very little clothing as it is easy to have clothes laundered. Also leave stuff behind in Cambodia to leave room to take home silk and Buddhas. Don't leave your shopping until you get to Sianoukville as there is very little there to buy.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I felt I bought locally produced souvenirs and used local services such as masseurs. I hope I made a difference finding out about Cambodia and to help some of the projects in the future. I wonder about using speedboats between Batambong Siem Reap though.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
| Reviewed 14 Jan 2007 by Tadhg Ryan | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Highlight..a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Cambodian guide.....and..The Cambodian people.....amazing!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Only go in small groups and visit the countryside. Go to sites in Siem Riep early i.e. before 8.00 am and visit the smaller sites later in the day. Bring some medication for upset stomach!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The trip was of some benefit locally...could do more !
4. Any other comments?
Excellent holiday.
Read the operator's response here:
As we are a social enterprise, our profits go back directly into the destination country. In addition, all our tour leaders are local people, who receive ongoing training in environmental awareness and are given opportunities for self-development. The accommodation we use is, where possible, locally-owned and operated. This trip in particular visits a number of not-for-profit organisations, which we personally support and which have also been supported by previous clients.| Reviewed 5 Dec 2006 by Joy Lowe | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I did enjoy my holiday enormously, and the day that stands out most was the visit to Kbal Spein. The road there was unbelievably bad but your driver managed with great expertise and good humour. The walk through the jungle to get there was great and to arrive at the freshness of the waterfall and stream after the cloying heat was simply lovely. The air was thick with huge multicoloured butterflies and the air of peace and tranquillity was simply marvellous. The carvings were fascinating. What a memorable day.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
As far as tips for others are concerned well I would remind them not to underestimate the humidity which is difficult and to carry lots of water. Try and buy Evian water, the local product has a very chemical flavour. Also to simply relax into an environment that to western sensibilities seems quite difficult.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I hope my holiday benefited local people. I did eat at a restaurant in Phnom Penh where they train orphans to be cooks and waiters. It is a little more expensive than the average but the profits go to keep the orphanage running. Whether my trip minimized damage to the environment is another matter, as I went everywhere by car. I was also somewhat concerned to read after the event, in the Rough Guide, that going on the Mekong by boat to see the dolphins might actually be a reason that numbers are dropping. They say you can view them just as well from the bank.
4. Any other comments?
Yes, it was a great experience, so glad I went and I honestly thought your arrangements and your guides and drivers could not have been bettered.