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Here are the updates of Siem Reap Travel Guide from a4trip

admin :: 19 Dec 2007 :: Asia Travel, Cambodia Travel, a4trip Guides :: 1 Comment »

The Angkor site was declared as an UNESCO World Heritage in 1992 and its high artistic value shall be preserved for the next generations. Followings list down the things you can do to preserve Angkor Heritage Sites while visiting Siem Reap

1. Say NO when you are being offered with the artifacts looted out from the pre-historic sites, which include glass and stone beads, pottery, stone tools and metal objects.

2. Keep the heritage sites clean by disposing of your rubbish appropriately

3. Respect the temples as they are active religious monuments.
- Refrain from wearing bikini or being topless in the heritages sites
- Ask for permission before taking photo of monks

4. Refrain from touching the stone cravings and bas-reliefs.

5. Be an environmental friendly traveler.
- Ride bicycle while visiting the Angkor Archeology Park.
Get free Angkor Cycling Route from a4trip
-Conserve water in Siem Reap to prevent of water table dropping.
The descent of water table may cause the collapse of heritage monuments.

6. Help the Siem Reap locals in poverty.
- Make a donation to hospital and NGO.
- Dine in or sponsoring a student in school of restaurant
- Purchase Cambodian-made products and handicrafts produced by physical disabilities.
Check where you can help out in Siem Reap Travel Guide from www.a4trip.com

admin :: 18 Dec 2007 :: Asia Travel, Cambodia Travel :: 2 Comments »

When travelling to Asia, many visitors indulge in the wonderful practice of shopping. But shopping can both be rewarding and disappointing. Who hasn’t heard the story of the traveller who bought an expensive vase, only to see an exact replica of it for a quarter of the price somewhere else? Or the one where an uncle had a good bargain, only to find that the workmanship was terrible when he opened the wrapper.

 Here are some tips which may help you get the best out of shopping.

1) Don’t seem too interested.

This is easily the most likely reason for buying something you don’t need. The moment you spend more than a second looking at something, you will be swamped with locals all trying to sell you the item. Only stop if you know for sure you’re buying something. Otherwise, you’ll just be wasting your time, and theirs.

2) Take your time when buying.

Many foreigners tend to jump at the item after hearing the price as it’s usually a lot cheaper than if they were to get it back home. Don’t. For two reasons. One, prices are usually marked up way higher for foreigners as they believe in your buying power. Two, why pay for one, when you can get two for the same price?

3) Always inspect the goods before leaving the shop.

The trick most locals use, is the item swap. First they show you the item, and it’s really nice and all. Then you haggle for a good price which they agree to. Then to show you their hospitality, they offer to wrap up the item. The moment they turn their backs to you, they swap the item for an inferior one and you end up taking home something broken or faulty.

Once a friend wanted to buy some ‘Dockers’ pants at a street market but couldn’t get the right fit. The sales attendant went to get him a better fit and came back with a pair with some weird brand on it. He claimed it was the same pants. We both walked out without another word.

4) Bargaining is the way to go.

Bargaining is the best way to shop in Asia. All you have to do is ask the price. Think about it for a while and tell them you want it cheaper. They will ask you to quote a price and then proceed to tell you they can’t give it for that much. Tell them someone else offered you that much and they will try to negotiate for more giving all sorts of excuses included sob stories and all. Now is the time to stand by your price. If they disagree, walk away. They will come running after you and agree to your price. If you really want that item, you’ve got yourself a deal. If not, you should have been out of there a long time ago.

5) Always shop at the end of the trip.

One common mistake many travellers make is to go shopping early during the trip. First, you’ll have more luggage to carry and secondly, you’re more likely to come across the same items for a much cheaper price. Wait and see. It gives you time to look around and find the best bargains in town. You might also meet people who can recommend to you the best places to shop.

pin :: 13 Dec 2007 :: Travel Insights :: 1 Comment »

admin :: 12 Dec 2007 :: Cambodia Travel, a4trip Guides :: No Comments »

1. Estimate your budget
Your budget for traveling in Asia is the core factor to determine which type of hotel you should select. Guesthouse or budget inn will be the gem for backpackers who just need the basic accommodation facilities, i.e. bed and bathroom. These budget accommodations usually will cost you less than USD 20 per night.

Mid-range or 3 stars hotels, with price range from USD 20 to 50, are popular selection among the family travelers. These hotels provide you a more hygiene and comfortable environment for staying. Some may provide swimming pool, business center, shop and restaurant services.

Due to the benefits from currency exchange, the price of 5 stars hotels in Asia might be inconsiderable. Choose these hotels to ensure a pleasant and memorable vacation in Asia.

2. Decide the location
There are hotels near the airport, near the beach, near the tourist hotspot or at the city center. Hence, pick a hotel near the location you would visit the most frequent during the trip. This can help to save the transportation costs in long run.

3. Review the recommendation
After narrowing the scope of your hotel picks by the price and location, it’s time to review and compare them by recommendation, testimonial and facilities. You should at least visit the hotel webpage for detail information or send email for further clarification if necessary. If possible, refer to third party testimonial of the hotel for more reliable recommendation.

Good Sources for hotel hunting:
Guide book from http://www.a4trip.com
- It first categorizes the accommodation into three price range - Budget, Mid-Range and Splurge and then further categorizes each of the hotels by location inside each price ranges. Website, email contacts and traveler’s testimonial are provided.

Asia Hotel http://www.asiahotels.com
- This webpage help you to list down and book hotels in Asia categorized by rating and type.

admin :: 10 Dec 2007 :: Asia Travel :: No Comments »