| By TripSnips on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 10:09 pm: Edit |
The following TripReport snippet is taken from 2003/12 Merlin - Spending the Holidays In Cambodia
Arrival at the Freedom Hotel
The Freedom is a great hotel and the manager, Hak, is very friendly and knowledgeable. If you want detailed info on the hotel, I wrote one in my last trip report 3 weeks ago with a photo of the room.
Drivers are essential
What you will realize about Cambodia, more than any other destination, is that a good, bilingual driver is an absolute must. If you find a good one, they will be your guide, translator and prortector. There are some good ones on staff at the Freedom Hotel.
The drivers charge $20/day, plus extras for long distance travel. Gas is expensive in Cambodia.
Another thing about drivers is that many at the Freedom are certified by the government tourist agency and are insured. I got a good laugh when the driver told me that bandits will not touch a certified tourist taxi (identified by the license plate and stickers) because these Taxi's are under the protection of the police. Keep that in mind.
There are lots of motodops and cars outside the Freedom hotel if you want to use a driver occassionally. They are a hit or miss, and many are not certified.
| By Kindheart on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 02:59 pm: Edit |
The Freedom hotel is still a great hotel with reasonable rates, good food, Clean and respectful of your needs. Internet is poor but can be worked with I was there for five days in November 07 and would definitely recommend it to all.
Drivers are essential In Cambodia, more than other destination; a good, bilingual driver is an absolute must. Be carfull the all mighty american dollar is king and there are lots of scams as most are quite poor. I will quote a previous statement. If you find a good one, they will be your guide, translator and protector. I had the good fortune to find a most competent guide chhayleang yiv (chhay). Chhay can be reached at chhayangkorguide@hotmail.com
Chhay speaks good English and is very knowledgeable on the temples of Angkor Wat, the Siem Reap area as well as the local night life. I was always comfortable with his introductions. You need something or want to see something he was there basically available 24/7 if you need it. I also discovered that he has very reasonable rates, well below many of the other group guide rates. It is best to send him a request via e-mail to ensure he is available on the days you need letting him know the size of your party. You will not be disappointed. chhayangkorguide@hotmail.com Just tell him Gary sent you.