Ambitious, comprehensive 1-day tour with our guide Chet
First I'll discuss the particulars of our tour guide Chet, then some generalities about the tour itself. I found Chet to be very personable and energetic, and open to questions after explaining some of the more interesting features and contextual history of any given site that we toured. His wealth of information made the tour far more engaging than if we had just walked into the various sites with no background information.
We were fortunate to have a small tour group of 7, and I felt he was very even-handed in apportioning his attention to each sub-group (2 couples, and 1 adult daughter touring with her parents). Although beyond the control of any tour guide, I think we also lucked out in getting a group that was well traveled, articulate, and mindful of a mixed international group dynamic.
Chet was also very accommodating in being our de facto photographer upon our request and in locations based on his recommendations. I even learned from him that you can use the panoramic view vertically as well horizontally, great for covering those tall banyon trees and temple spires in their entirety!
Now, I'm always skeptical of reviews that give only glowing commentary without providing critical constructive feedback, so here's mine. I felt sometimes Chet spoke a little too fast at times, but perhaps this was an inevitable function of trying to stay on schedule while providing as much information as possible. To his credit, he would repeat or further clarify information if there was something someone in the group missed or didn't quite understand the 1st time. For that reason, I don't feel the need to dock a whole star just for that minor quibble.
Now for the generalities. The tour was comprehensive and I felt like I learned a lot while still taking the time for photo ops, although don't expect to be able to wander off on your own very much given the number of set locations that this particular tour package must cover.
I was worried about the prescribed restaurant that was included for the tour lunch, because I sometimes find those packaged experiences to be a bit if a side hustle based more on a kickback or cronyism than actual consideration of quality, but in this case I was happy to find the food was quite tasty--their fish amok was cooked to a delicate texture; their lemongrass chicken was good but maybe a bit to spicy for more sensitive painters; papaya salad was a bit of a disappointment--too much chicken in proportion to the papaya, and for my tastes, the papaya was cut too thinly making the texture a little too limp.
Finally, to take on a tour like this, make sure you have decent endurance and are able to handle yourself well in hot, humid weather. There's a lot of walking involved, often in uneven surfaces, between the shuttle van conveniently taking you to each of the key sites. Thankfully, they do supply plenty of complimentary bottled water. I don't recommend this particular tour for families with toddlers or people with sensitive temperaments. But otherwise, it's well worth it if you've got the pluck and verve! But you will be tired and in desperate need if a shower by the end of it! :)
Review of: Small-Group Explore Angkor Wat Tour with Guide from Siem Reap
Written Aug 11, 2019