Ta Som Guesthouse - Siem Reap

While preparing itinerary for my Siem Reap trip, I came across this popular guesthouse. It boasts good review on the net thus; I immediately booked a single room with a/c for 12 USD per night with free and fast wifi and complimentary breakfast.

I emailed them the time of my arrival by Mekong bus from Phnom Penh; they sent Moori to fetch me from Siem Reap's bus station.

The guesthouse is located near the main road or National Highway 6 and around 100 meters away from the corner of Sivatha road. Because of this, it was pretty convenient for me to stroll up to Pub Street and Center Market during evening.

Upon check-in, I paid in cash and assisted with my luggage up to third floor. Prior to that, they offered me a welcome drink of fresh fruit juice while Moori, one of their tuk-tuk drivers who became my friend, showed me the posted transportation daily rates and schedule for temple hopping. By merely viewing on it, I got palpitation because I was a day away from setting foot in Angkor Wat, one of the great places in the world I dreamed of visiting.

Back to Ta Som, I was surprised and elated to see my room. I was expecting a single bed in a tiny room but I found a double bed inside a huge windowed and tiled room. Additionally, I have a personal ref and a daily supply of bottled water. Not to mention the fluppy towels and spacious and spotless T&B with hot water. By the way, a welcome fruit plate was also promptly delivered to my room by Moori after check-in. Considering these things; I knew that I would enjoy my stay in Siem Reap. Moreover, the cable TV was fantastic! I finished watching the second season of The Walking Dead.

The lobby area is like a typical living room with wooden furniture. There are 3 desktops that the guests can freely use at the lobby area. You can even buy cheap water, cola and beers from here. They also accept laundry job. Further, I noticed that all of the staff were barefooted inside the hotel thus I made it a point to remove my shoes also whenever I returned back to the hotel.

The al fresco style garden restaurant is located beside the entrance of the main building. There was a noisy parrot (?) at the corner. Some of the guests were trying to communicate with this parrot while waiting for their breakfast, LOL. They also offers affordable but tasty local dishes aside from breakfast menu. Actually, I loved to take my lunch here from time to time.

I have been longing to watch an actual Apsara dance since I step foot on Siem Reap. My original plan was to watch it at one of the bars in Pub Street. However, Moori informed me that Ta Som can book me an 8 USD dinner buffet while watching Apsara dance. I obliged and at 6 PM, Moori brought me to nearby covered place where an Apsara dance was being held regularly. I highly recommend to any Ta Som would-be guest to book your Apsara dance at Ta Som, trust me, the experience was great and the foods as well, drinks wasn't free though.

After I have woven Pub Street area during night time, I returned back to Ta Som for much needed rest. Sometimes, I stayed at the balcony and watched the surrounding area. Though nothing special can be seen, the ambiance and fresh air was so relaxing. It reminded me of our province in the Philippines. Night time in Ta Som was blissful due to being far from the town center and many meters away from the hi-way thus the place was absolutely quiet. Added treat was the firm but comfy bed and I can swear that it was bug free.

I believe this is family owned and run hotel. All of them were very nice and approachable. I extended my stay here for additional 3 nights because I enjoyed this cozy and laid back place so much. It was really convenient to stay here since they also arrange visa and tours not only within Siem Reap. In fact, I booked my Bangkok bus trip here for 8 USD.

I recommended this guesthouse to my colleague and he was also extremely satisfied with Ta Som. In fact, they even allowed him to pay his room after few days since his credit card was rejected by the system. When his wife arrived after few days, that was the time he was able to pay his hotel dues. Of course, Ta Som has been informed earlier by Moori that he was my colleague, LOL. He paid 15 USD for double room.

OTHER CAMBODIA ATTRACTIONS:

SR - Photoshoot with Apsara Dancers
SR - Playing Pool at Kampong Khleang

SR - Wedding on Dry Season

SR - Temple Hopping (Introduction)
SR - Angkor Wat

PP - The Killing Fields

PP - S21 (Tuol Sleng)
PP - City of Lexus