Chinese take over Siem Reap

[craigt3365]

SIEM REAP, 15 October 2014: A massive increase in hotel bookings by Chinese tourists are squeezing out tour groups from other important markets at this popular destination.

Cambodia’s Tourism Minister Thong Khon told local media, earlier this week, that Japanese and South Korean tourists were being turned away from hotels in Siem Reap, due to an increase in bookings by Chinese visitors.

He appealed to investors to build more hotels in Siem Reap to accommodate Japanese and South Korean tourists.

“These two tourist markets often book rooms in large groups and are struggling to find accommodation during the high season,” he said.

Continued:

http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2014/10/chinese-take-over-siem-reap/

[siam2007]

my god, every other building (but probably even more) already is a hotel in Siem Reap.

When this tiny town is being taken over by those yelling hords with no manners whatsoever, this will make REP a no-go area in the future....

[JonathanBP]

I was there in 2012 and joined a monk in meditation in one of the inner temples, only to witness Chinese tourists clambering up onto the altar to have their picture take 'peace symbol' style, my 'inner peace' disappeared instantly. The monk continued to meditate regardless...........the hoards of shouting, spitting, speaking with mouth full, pushing past, queue jumping, smoking and just plain rude hoards are to be avoided...indeed, Angkor Wat is to be avoided in this case.

[WhizBang]

Not more hotels. Siem Reap already has far too many and too many big hotels.

The site is already overcrowded, and they want to build more hotels. Perhaps it is time to LIMIT the number of people allowed on the site at any given time.

[my friend I]

They can have it. Worst town in Cambodia.

[surin]

I was in Siem Reap for a week earlier this month...no sign of the hordes as described in the thread. Love the place...thankfully it's only a couple of hours from here in Surin and I can go there every month. Cambodia's a much better place than Thailand now.

[dddave]

The secret of enjoying Angkok Wat is to find a good driver: tuk-tuk or car or even moto, and have him drive you deep into the complex, far from the crowds that only want to see Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. If you stay at a Guest House, they will usually be able to recommend somebody. Also, many recommendations on Trip Advisor.

The Angkor complex is huge and there many un-restored or only partially restored temples worth visiting and with a little luck, you will be the only people there.

Do go to the main attractions as well but go late in the day when the worst of the crowds have dissipated.

If you are going to spend the $$$ to go to Angkor, spend a little in advance and buy a good guide book or at least do internet research before you go so you have some advance knowledge of these special places. Unfortunately, most of the Cambodian "Guides" offering their services have really canned and superficial descriptions and explanations; pretty much useless. A good book will much better explain the amazing complexity and extraordinary engineering evident there.

Fortunately, there are still many really special Guest Houses relatively untouched by the tour group hoard...far more enjoyable than most of the larger hotels.

Edited October 18, 2014 by dddave

[ldnguy]

The usual xenophobic people are out in force.

[Loptr]

The usual xenophobic people are out in force.

Do you even know what that term means? I think not...

Edited October 18, 2014 by Loptr

[JonathanBP]

The usual xenophobic people are out in force.

Dislikes of hoards of largely Chinese tour group tourists has nothing to do with Xenophobia..........stereotype yes, based on some truth, yes.

[Jip99]

They can have it. Worst town in Cambodia.

Foolish assertion.