Has anyone been to Angkor Wat or any of the other ancient temples for Pchum Benh?

Since I am moving to Siem Reap the week before, I've invited some Khmer friends to go to the temples over that weekend.
Any tips or advice will be appreciated.

I have been to Angkor Wat during a festival which I think was Phchum Benh. The traffic is bad even at the best of times and during a festival it is horrendous. Even on a small motor cycle the traffic was impenetrable and there was nowhere at all to park at the temples. I would suggest going to an ordinary temple during that time (they will all be crowded) and seeing Angkor Wat and the ancient temples at a quieter time.

Ha!

I hope you have great patience! At least you'll be with some Khmers that will be able to navigate the madness

Keep in mind that you have to purchase a ticket to go - $37 I believe is the current rate. Last time I went you could still purchase a ticket at the office on route 6 just slightly out of town on the way to the airport (on the left hand side - sorry I don't remember the businesses next to it). Its been a while so you'd want to ask around before going off to buy the ticket as I think someone told me they were thinking of moving the office - and take your passport for ticket purchase).

I don't want to turn you off from your idea but just be prepared for a long hot day.

I would say don’t go during any national holidays, it’s torturous. If you must endure the torture I would go very early but not for the sunrise viewing because that gets too many people as well in the main viewing area.

It’s tough as you’d like to get on the piss at night but also go to temples early next day. When sun is full blast mid day and crowds peak it’s rough.

I love Pchum Ben and I love the temples.
I’m not asking to be convinced not to go lol.

I was more asking for specific places to go for making offerings etc.

There is kind of a "mud daube" Buddha--that's what we used to call it, near Angkor Wat, in a dark, cavelike area. I wish I could remember where. I could review my records. Great place to offer. I'll look for photos later.

Cinnamoncat wrote:There is kind of a "mud daube" Buddha--that's what we used to call it, near Angkor Wat, in a dark, cavelike area. I wish I could remember where. I could review my records. Great place to offer. I'll look for photos later.

There’s a room in SR at my place if you ever want to visit the temples.

rozzieoz wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2019 10:00 pm I love Pchum Ben and I love the temples.
I’m not asking to be convinced not to go lol.

I was more asking for specific places to go for making offerings etc.

You might be interested in a temple out near the airport. If you go to the airport and continue on around the perimeter road you eventually come to a large temple complex. Its very popular for offering prayers and, although its not ancient, I believe it is old with a long history. Your Khmer friends may know more about it. It will be crowded but not too difficult to get in. There are of course lots of other temples in the countryside but I dont know how to describe the way.

samrong01 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2019 1:27 pm I have been to Angkor Wat during a festival which I think was Phchum Benh. The traffic is bad even at the best of times and during a festival it is horrendous. Even on a small motor cycle the traffic was impenetrable and there was nowhere at all to park at the temples. I would suggest going to an ordinary temple during that time (they will all be crowded) and seeing Angkor Wat and the ancient temples at a quieter time.

Will be crowded and expensive. Think Sr has taken over as the destination of choice for khmer and public holidays. For some reaon they dont seem to enjoy Sihanoukville as much as they used to

pczz wrote: ↑Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:11 am Will be crowded and expensive. Think Sr has taken over as the destination of choice for khmer and public holidays. For some reaon they dont seem to enjoy Sihanoukville as much as they used to

That's ok, I have plenty of money and I don't mind crowds.
My Khmer friends are coming from Phnom Penh and have never been to Angkor, so that will make it overly wonderful.

I just love the way someone posts advice on where to go and what to do - and the advice given is - it's too hot, too crowded and you won't be able to afford it.
Bloody sad, miserable existence some of you have.

I am taking some friends on an adventure and want to make it as awesome as possible.