TESTIMONIALS
Here are the things that my clients have said about spending time with me in Cambodia :)
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Great time visiting Angkor with San Park
I visited Siem Reap and the Angkor temples in November 2007. A friend in the US recommended Mr. San Park to me. This was my first time to Cambodia and I didn't really know what to expect. I had bought and read a couple of books about the Angkor temples, brought a good map with me, and basically thought that all I needed was someone to take me around as I don't speak Cambodian and wouldn't know how to arrange for the transportation myself. What a pleasure it was to have Mr. San Park as a guide and travel companion in the next 4 days, from the time he picked me up at Siem Reap Airport to the time he dropped me off for my flight home. I enjoyed his courteous and quiet sense of humor, appreciated his sincerity and honesty, and especially his excellent knowledge of the temples and the history behind them. The Angkor temples are marvels by themselves, but visiting them with San Park makes the whole experience all the more interesting. He can explain the details of the bas-reliefs, points out hidden statues, and conveys the history in such a way that books just don't do. He knows what a good time to visit a certain temple to avoid the tour bus crowds, and is always flexible and patient when I want to take more time for pictures. Be it early morning to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, or late afternoon to see the sunset at Phnom Bakheng, he's always accommodating and is always prompt and reliable. It was truly a pleasure to experience Angkor with such a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide like San Park. I will definitely seek him out for my next visit, and highly recommend his service to anyone who plans to come to Siem Reap and Angkor. --Thanh Lam Arlington, VA USA |
--Carol Bell
USA I can't begin to describe the wonderful time I had touring the beautiful country of Cambodia. This was kind of a spur of the moment trip and we didn't have long to prepare, but we had recommendations from friends about this wonderful tour guide named, San Park. He arranged so much for us and made us feel so comfortable and safe. He would escort us to the ATM before beginning our day and would accommodate any need we had. He was amazing. He is so knowledgeable about his country and especially the temple areas. He was able to offer so much more that any tour book and he speaks fluent English along with several other languages. Even when we changed our plans, San was always ready to do whatever it took to make sure our experience was perfect. He would meet us at any time and stayed late one evening after we added on a River Cruise to see the floating villages, which I highly recommend. San takes his job very seriously and professional but also has a great sence of humor that was always so refreshing and we thoroghly enjoyed. After spending time with him you soon come to realize how blessed you are to have such an honest and trustworthy guide. I will be taking my children to this country to witness the kindness and beauty of the Cambodians and will make sure I make my plans way in advance this time to make sure we get the best tour guide in Cambodia. Thank you, San. This was one of the most memorable trips and a large part of our pleasure was having San at our side. :) |
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I met San Park quite by chance, when i and my travelling partner Scott opened the door of our Siem Reap apartment and decided to head off to see the temples. This was right back when San Park was getting his foot on the tour guide ladder and our chariot for the day was a motorbike trailer. I can't easily put into words the day i had touring the temples, except that you just have to go there for yourself! All i know is, it would not have been nearly as amazing without San Park looking after us. The best thing he did in my opinion was to take us to the quieter, less well known temples in Angkor. It was the most amazing feeling to be climbing around these beautiful mysterious ruins and feelig like you were the only person who had ever been there. San Park was also a very protective and vigilant guide, helping us find the best places to eat and stay, even down to taking us to the best place to buy a guide book without being ripped off. He also knew tons about the temples, and i know he has studied since then, so he's probably now better and more interesting than any guide book you can get. On our last day, he insisted on driving us to the airport , gave us a big hug goodbye and we practically had to force our money on him. Since that trip in 2004, San Park and I regularly exchange emails, and just last week he sent me a cambodian silk scarf for my birthday! So what else can i say? You will get an extensive, safe, fun, educational, unique tour and maybe even a friend for life at the end of it!
---Leanne - Portsmouth U.K |
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About Preah Vihear Tour , 2012
The bad thing about traveling solo is that you have no one to split the cost with you. Finding a transport to Preah Vihear Temple for a day trip that is reasonably priced for a solo traveler is like finding a needle in a haystack. Thankfully i manage to find San Park to drive me there at a very reasonable price as compare to the other contacts which i have sourced. You can contact San Park at [email protected]
Punctuality is one of the virtue for a Khmer as San Park arrived at 7.00am sharp as promised, to pick me up for the journey to Preah Vihear. San Park speak pretty fluent english as compare to some of the Khmers which i have met in Siem Reap due to his past working experience in the UN as a radio operator. Preah Vihear province is just next to Siem Reap, however the journey there takes you through Oddar Meanchey and takes approximately four and a half hours drive including half an hour break before arriving at the destination.
It is a rather comfortable journey as it is flat road all the way. Along the way, you get to pass through dusty town and small villages which opens you up to another side of Cambodia. The unkempt, the dilapidated state of the houses lining along the crumbly road . Houses were built with either bricks, zinc sheets or wood and to my surprise, wooden houses are the most expensive as it keeps the house cooler under the hot sun. If i didn't note down wrongly a house in a city by the road that measure 11m by 49m can cost US$50,000 whereas a very basic house further away from the street cost US$6000 approximately. We stopped at Anlong Veng district in Oddar Meanchey enroute to Preah Vihear for some food. Khmer Rouge used to occupy the Anlong Veng district and the once mighty villain Pol Pot's grave is also here. The Cambodia government have plans to developed this town as a tourist stopover before heading to Preah Vihear Temple. When you spotted the sight of an army barrack, that implies we are reaching Preah Vihear temple soon. If you are unaware, Preah Vihear Temple is a very delicate area as both Thailand and Cambodia claim ownership to it since way before. It was only during 1962 that the International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia. However just last year, some disputes occur between Thailand and Cambodia at the border resulting to some causalities from both countries. Visitation to the temple is not allowed during periods of tension therefore it is always good to read up the news before venturing to Preah Vihear. Before the ongoing tension in the previous year, anyone can get to cross the border into Thailand without a passport and visit the market there by paying a broker a small amount of sum. There is a registration office at the base of the mountain, which you require to show your passport and fill in your particulars. As of now, you do not need to pay for the entrance however there is a very high possibility that you need to do so when the temple become more touristy. Once your registration is done, you have the option to take a motorbike (US$5) or a 4 wheel drive ($US25) up the Dangrek mountain. The first part of the road up Dangrek mountain is being paved at the moment so it is rather fluid, however you still need the motorbike rider to have good skills to be maneuvering around the gigantic tractors and road rollers which are at work. Once you are past the smoothly paved dirt road, ascending up the mountain becomes quite a challenge as the paved road changed into a small path filled with gravels and rocks ascending at 60 degrees. Do note that a bike ride can be quite exhilarating and not suitable for the people who are afraid of heights however it is worth a try if you are seeking for some adventure.
Preah Vihear Temple stretches 800m on top of a 525m cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. It is still a holy place and the Khmers do make their way here to pray even though some do take a few years to save up in order to make a trip here. The structure of the temple provides an impression that seems like it is build for the Gods in the heaven as every steps lead you up to a higher ground. Magnificent and imposing, overlooking the border of Thailand and Dan Ho
Cambodia. The view on the top is worth the exhilarating ride up the mountain.
Preah Vihear Temple is a must to visit, and should you decide to head there, do drop San Park an email at [email protected], a knowledgeable driver/guide who bound to share with you some history of Cambodia.
Cheers.
--Dan Ho
Punctuality is one of the virtue for a Khmer as San Park arrived at 7.00am sharp as promised, to pick me up for the journey to Preah Vihear. San Park speak pretty fluent english as compare to some of the Khmers which i have met in Siem Reap due to his past working experience in the UN as a radio operator. Preah Vihear province is just next to Siem Reap, however the journey there takes you through Oddar Meanchey and takes approximately four and a half hours drive including half an hour break before arriving at the destination.
It is a rather comfortable journey as it is flat road all the way. Along the way, you get to pass through dusty town and small villages which opens you up to another side of Cambodia. The unkempt, the dilapidated state of the houses lining along the crumbly road . Houses were built with either bricks, zinc sheets or wood and to my surprise, wooden houses are the most expensive as it keeps the house cooler under the hot sun. If i didn't note down wrongly a house in a city by the road that measure 11m by 49m can cost US$50,000 whereas a very basic house further away from the street cost US$6000 approximately. We stopped at Anlong Veng district in Oddar Meanchey enroute to Preah Vihear for some food. Khmer Rouge used to occupy the Anlong Veng district and the once mighty villain Pol Pot's grave is also here. The Cambodia government have plans to developed this town as a tourist stopover before heading to Preah Vihear Temple. When you spotted the sight of an army barrack, that implies we are reaching Preah Vihear temple soon. If you are unaware, Preah Vihear Temple is a very delicate area as both Thailand and Cambodia claim ownership to it since way before. It was only during 1962 that the International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia. However just last year, some disputes occur between Thailand and Cambodia at the border resulting to some causalities from both countries. Visitation to the temple is not allowed during periods of tension therefore it is always good to read up the news before venturing to Preah Vihear. Before the ongoing tension in the previous year, anyone can get to cross the border into Thailand without a passport and visit the market there by paying a broker a small amount of sum. There is a registration office at the base of the mountain, which you require to show your passport and fill in your particulars. As of now, you do not need to pay for the entrance however there is a very high possibility that you need to do so when the temple become more touristy. Once your registration is done, you have the option to take a motorbike (US$5) or a 4 wheel drive ($US25) up the Dangrek mountain. The first part of the road up Dangrek mountain is being paved at the moment so it is rather fluid, however you still need the motorbike rider to have good skills to be maneuvering around the gigantic tractors and road rollers which are at work. Once you are past the smoothly paved dirt road, ascending up the mountain becomes quite a challenge as the paved road changed into a small path filled with gravels and rocks ascending at 60 degrees. Do note that a bike ride can be quite exhilarating and not suitable for the people who are afraid of heights however it is worth a try if you are seeking for some adventure.
Preah Vihear Temple stretches 800m on top of a 525m cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. It is still a holy place and the Khmers do make their way here to pray even though some do take a few years to save up in order to make a trip here. The structure of the temple provides an impression that seems like it is build for the Gods in the heaven as every steps lead you up to a higher ground. Magnificent and imposing, overlooking the border of Thailand and Dan Ho
Cambodia. The view on the top is worth the exhilarating ride up the mountain.
Preah Vihear Temple is a must to visit, and should you decide to head there, do drop San Park an email at [email protected], a knowledgeable driver/guide who bound to share with you some history of Cambodia.
Cheers.
--Dan Ho
