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Update.
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Ticket Price:
I have just got my new temple pass. The 6 month pass is doubled to 1 year. This offer is extended to all passes, $37=1 now 2 days, $62=3 now 5 days $72=7 now 10 days, all available to tourists. For resident expats there is a $100=1 month now 2 months, $150=3 months now 6 months and $200 =6months now 12. This offer was advertised to last until the end of 2021, some good value tickets if you are lucky enough to get in before 2022.
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Quarantine.
Unfortunately 14 day quarantine remains for unvaccinated, 7 days for fully vaccinated* (now dropped). The powers that be suggesting there will be a ‘sandbox’ scheme introduced similar to the Thai scheme. New arrivals will be required to stay in the vicinity of a certain hotel for five days and will be able to travel onwards after this period and a negative covid test. Details of this scheme are unclear. This is due to be introduced to Siem Reap in the new year, probably due to the ongoing road workings.
Roomers are circulating that the quarantine period will be dropped at the end of the month. Given the state of the roadworks here in Siem Reap, I expect any such measures will not be implemented until end of the year. Please check official government websites for the latest information. -
Siem Reap Roadworks.
The ambitious one year scheme to re do 130 km of sewage / supply water, new granite walkways and all new road surfaces is well under way. This project is due for completion December 2021. Observing as a resident, the finish line looks a long way off. However, rumor has it project management have been told by the top man to ensure the December deadline is achieved. Workload on the project has certainly increased in recent days. A great source for progress reports and photographs can be found on the facebook page Reaper Roadworks.
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Angkor Park Improvements.
Most of the roads within Angkor park have been relayed. They are slightly wider in places with a reasonable depth of tarmac. There is now a cycle path which runs through the jungle around Angkor park. Temple reconstruction in various locations if for ever ongoing. Most noticeable is the reconstruction of a central structure at Sra Srang. The road along Terrace de Elephant has been moved to the south of the open green area. This, I think, is a great improvement. Many entrances to temples have been beautified, some fitting vegetation and stricter parking.
The main entrance to Angkor Wat has had a major overhaul. Parking is now a few hundred meters from the cause way, with a smart shopping / cafe area suitably places between. The floating walkway to Angkor Wat remains but I am hearing the main cause way is due for completion soon. -
Pub Street / Central Siem Reap.
As of this week, mid November, venues on Pub Street are starting to open. There are two restaurants currently open, with the old Soup Dragon, now part of temple group set to follow. Latino’s, a personal favorite, will follow suite. Work is far from complete but improving by the day. The greatest activity for bars opening is down Sok San road. There is a scattering of restaurants opening up for dine in, a shadow of Siem Reap’s former splendor.
With all the improvements, things are certainly heading in the right direction. It is still early days. Until quarantine is dropped*, visitor numbers will be low. Talking to staff at ticketing, around 30 visitors a day are purchasing a pass, of which most are resident within Cambodia.
Lichen on a Davata carving. One of the reasons for my trip to Angkor was to get some detailed photographs of this for a 3D modeling project I am working on. Shot with an old Canon FD 50mm macro, hooked upto a Sony A6300. Focus peaking really works well for this type of shot.
Blending in. This lizard was well hidden amongst the sand stone and lichen. I was looking at the lichen detail and this little chap done a runner.
Beautiful greens on this Devata shot with the FD 50mm macro, which gives wonderful detail. A tripod was necessary for this long exposure as it is hidden away in the lowest of light, Preah Khan temple.
2 comments. Leave new
Thank you for the corona and ticket information.
The Preah Khan covered in green looks even more beautiful.
I hope to be able to go to Cambodia.
No problem. The greens had died but are coming back with recent rains. Tourism is slowly coming back as people gain confidence in Cambodia being open and relatively easy to enter. PCR test required 72hrs before arrival and free lateral flow test on arrival, no quarantine now. Good luck!