CAMBODIA
Siem Reap
Playing golf in Asia is a must for anyone who wants to include culture, varied cuisine’s and difference in their golfing breaks. When you think of the history of Cambodia you are perplexed by how the wonderful people can be so happy, so friendly and so welcoming. You will have an amazing time in Siem Reap, every turn of a corner has something new to give.
Golf in Asia is an absolute must-do. I will be making my way around the countries of Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and the small country of Laos bringing together some great packages of enjoyment for all us golfers.
Exotic Mekong River Itinerary
Cambodia Golf Courses (Siem Reap)
Phokeethra Golf Club
From Siem Reap you have about a half-hour drive to Phokeethra GC. It is well worth the drive. The golf club has had a really good makeover and it is an absolute pleasure to play.
As you would expect, lush green fairways, greens that were very well maintained, bunkers with sand to give you confidence.
The golf course, the caddies, the spacious clubhouse all go together to provide a great Siem Reap experience.
Faldo Course
The course has a definite feel of Sir Nick, if you’ve played Faldo courses in other parts of the world you will know what I mean.
Wide fairways, strategically placed hazards, and difficult greens.
The caddies at the Faldo course were fantastic, so friendly, so happy and very very good at their job, if a putt was missed it was my inability, not theirs!
Booyoung Golf Club
The third course to be played was Booyoung. This is more of a private club which has opened its doors to the public and golf tourism.
In my opinion, this course has the opportunity to be the best of the three in the Siem Reap area.
It just needs a small touch of TLC to make it quite stand out. The whole feel of this course and layout felt pretty special. It didn't have the feel of a resort course (because it isn't) and it didn't feel like a member's course either. It felt extremely welcoming, the team there were very good.
Definitely add this to your itinerary.
View our blog and find out what we got up to on our visit to Cambodia
What golf tourists should expect when visiting Cambodia
Well Maintained golf courses
The three golf courses in Siem Reap are well kept with very good layouts. They are all different which makes it all the more interesting to play.
Things to Do
The list is quite endless, Angkor Wat, Ton Le Lake and floating village, Pub Street, the markets and Ta Prohm Temple to name a few.
Dress Code
There isn't a formal dress code in Siem Reap. Being so hot and humid casual dress is most definitely the order of the day. Golf courses are the usual shorts and golf polo.
Extremely Friendly Welcome
Cambodian people are so so friendly and so humble in their demeanour. You will be treated like Kings and Queens. Just read the information in the blog on my Tuk Tuk man.
Culture - so friendly, so helpful
The culture is so different to what we are used to and you will see sights you haven’t seen before or for a long time. Example being a group of young children on a street corner playing with sticks and stones and boy were they happy! No electronic games for most! Refreshing and humbling.
Is Cambodia/Siem Reap safe
Siem Reap and Cambodia in general is safe and no different to many other tourist destinations. As ever though care has to be taken as a tourist.
Food & Drink
The food is what you want it to be. There are some superb restaurants in Siem Reap and indeed the hotels provide very good food also. If you go to central Siem Reap and the Pub Street area you will find lots of curry houses and an eclectic mix of Cambodian and Western Food.
Hotels in Siem Reap
Sokha Siem Reap Hotel & Conference Centre
This is the hotel that I stayed in. A very big complex, very spacious with great facilities. The food was excellent. It is about a 20 minute journey from the airport and about a 15 minute journey by tuk tuk to the heart of Siem Reap and the Pub Street area. Although a large complex it is of a very high standard. It is quiet so if you are looking to be away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap then this is a perfect venue for you.
Raffles Grand Hotel Angkor
This hotel I visited and had a fantastic function here.
This is a really nice property, as you would expect with the name Raffles. The hotel exudes luxury and provides a perfect base to explore the wonders of Siem Reap.
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is a wonderful hotel of the highest order. This 5* hotel in the heart of Siem Reap has a wonderful colonial feel from a bygone era. You can feel the aura, the elegance and luxury it exudes. There is a real throwback to the French orientated lifestyle that used to exist.
The hotel is located in a prime position very near to the centre if Siem Reap and extremely close to the “Royal Park”. The hotel is a short walk to the old Market and the bright lights of Pub Street. To make things even easier it is 7km from the Siem Reap International Airport and 6km from the Angkor Temples.
This is a lovely property which makes you feel you are engrossed in Cambodian values and culture.
FAQ’s about playing golf in Cambodia (Siem Reap)
When is the best time of year to play golf in Siem Reap?
The best time to go is from November to March. This is the drier season. The best months to avoid are June, August, and September.
Is there a language barrier in Cambodia?
English is the main foreign language to be used in Cambodia. You will have little trouble in finding someone who can speak at least a little English.
What is the temperature in Siem Reap?
The temperature very rarely dips below 30C as the country is blessed with a tropical though sometimes wet climate.
Do you need a visa to enter Cambodia?
Yes, traveling from the UK requires a tourist visa.
What is the flight time to Siem Reap?
The flight time is approximately 11-14 hours with a stopover in Bangkok.
What is the time difference?
Cambodia is 6 hours in front of GMT
Contact us.
For more information, enquire about a bespoke itinerary or to book a holiday to Cambodia, please complete the form to the right and we will be in touch.
“For me this is the overriding impression of Cambodia. Visit to Ton Le Lake - The story of my TUK TUK Man. He picked me up from my hotel, took me to the lake and waited for me. Between paying for the river boat, tipping the small rowing boat guy, paying for sweets for the children I had no money left to pay the boat guide as he was very good. I asked him if there was a bank machine at the port, no was the answer. He did say go to my tuk tuk man he would lend me some money. He duly did, $20. Guide was paid and off we went to Siem Reap.
First call was a bank machine, money got I went to pay the tuk tuk man and give him his money back. He said ‘no no no’ I come back for you at 16:00 and take you to hotel’
So off he went without being paid for his time and $20 short in his own wallet. How trusting, how amazingly human. Of course I was waiting for him at 16:00 and he got paid his money. And indeed he then took me to the airport and was well paid again. What a lovely human soul, trusting a complete stranger. As said, lots to learn!
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