Blue Badge Style’s roving reporter, Ann, has done some serious roving and is in the middle of a trip around Vietnam and Cambodia. Whilst she’s out there, she’s sending back a series of postcards to BBS Towers, describing what the accessibility is like in the region. After her first stop in Phnom Penh, she’s moved on to Siem Reap, aka the home of the Angkor Wat:
Siem Reap is 5 hours by white-knuckle limo from Phnom Penh and less than an hour to fly. On balance I’d go with the limo to save airport hassle and just trust driver. You can also fly direct from Hong Kong, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City (that’s Saigon to you and me).
Limos are comfortable, safe and cheap. In Siem Reap you can hire one for the day to see the sights for $30-$40!
Siem Reap is disappointingly un-geared to the Bluebadge Pound – something especially galling given the number of disabled people here, the product of years of political turmoil and landmines: Pol Pot has a lot to answer for. But it’s worth the extra effort to see these UNESCO World Heritage sites if you possibly can.
Driving close and admiring from the comfort of the limo is feasible in some places, including the fabulous Angkor Wat, but sadly the insides of most of the monuments and temples are wheelchair no-go areas. Nevertheless, touring round the massive temple complexes like Ta Prohm is a great experience and you get to see lots. At the same time you get to appreciate the gentleness and friendliness of the smiling Khmer people and it’s a cultural experience you won’t forget.
Accommodation wise – I’m not going to lie to you – the concept of of disabled-access rooms is a bit alien even to some of the best hotels in town, but there are some very reasonable options.
Park Hyatt: One thing about the American chains is that you know what you are getting. This is top of the range of the Hyatt brand and benefits from a touch of Cambodian exoticism to lift it out of the ordinary. It’s a definite 5* and the best thing is that they can arrange all your trips – so you have peace of mind that the arrangements will be good and appropriate.
This hotel is fully geared for Blue Badge visitors. This description is taken directly from their website says that hotel:
‘Offers specially equipped rooms for physically challenged guests. Our employees are trained to assist guests with special needs, enabling all visitors, regardless of ability, to enjoy a pleasant and safe stay.
The following facilities for physically challenged guests are available at our luxury hotel in Siem Reap:
· One specially adapted Park Room with roll-in shower, special support in the bathtubs and toilets
· Adjusted sinks, light switch and storage space
· Wheelchair-accessible doors and elevators
· Accessible public toilets on the ground floor
· All meeting rooms and restaurants are accessible
· The Spa, fitness center, ground floor lap pool and first floor free form swimming pool are accessible via elevator
· Audiovisual smoke detectors in guestrooms and public areas’
Residence D’Angkor: Lovely chic boutique style hotel, set right on the river has restaurants, bar, pool, library,TV, DVD player, iPod dock, nespresso machine, the works. There’s a bit of an Orient Express cum spa feel, but with bang-up-to-date facilities. There’s lovely pool, decorated interestingly with a large stone penis (think religious icon, not porn star).
It’s across the river from the hurly burly of downtown Siem Reap, home to backpackers of all nations and the place to go for loud music and cheap food. The Residence is a quick 5 mins away, but not too close to be disturbed by the revellers. The entrance to the hotel is an instantly calming experience- all teak and palms and trickling water.
Good sized rooms with smooth wooden flooring give adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering. The exec suites are huge and have private tubs. Wheel in showers as standard, but no toilet bars, although the bathroom furniture is arranged in a way that makes it just about workable.
The Martini Bar is one of the best bars in town: try the Lemon Drop Martini.