We are spending Christmas and new year in Thailand and would love to visit the historic Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia. We are on a very tight schedule though. Do you know of anybody that offers two or three day trips? Graeme Nicholson, Leigh

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds:

Many people visit Bangkok and make a side trip to the temples, as there are about five flights a day in each direction and it¹s only 220 miles. Many UK tour operators can arrange a package for you.

First things first though, even if you are on a tight schedule, you should ditch thoughts about only staying for a night. That way disappointment lies, as I guarantee you'll wish you'd stayed longer. You really do need more time to even scratch the surface of the temple complexes if you do, and you'll have no safety margin in case you flight from Bangkok is late or your tour bus in Siem Reep arrives late.

Two nights is the absolute minimum length of stay, and that said, three would be better. Whichever duration though, it's a good idea to have a pool at your hotel. You don¹t need super luxury, and Siem Reep has lots of great restaurants and bars, but it¹s hot and dusty walking around the temple complex, and a dip in the early evening is a godsend.

You r choice of package depends on how you prefer to see the temples; in a group tour, by tuk tuk, or with an air conditioned car, driver and guide.

Perfect for a good value overview is Travel Mood's (800 8407 802, www.travelmood.com) two nights at the three-star Lotus Angkor (www.lotusangkor.com - with large pool) from £235pp, including flights from Bangkok to Siem Reep with Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) and a full day group sightseeing tour of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Phnom Bahheng, and transfers.

Or if you prefer the wind in your hair and something a bit more adventurous, Kuoni (01306 747 008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) can team you up with a reliable Tuk Tuk and driver, A two-night trip is from £292pp, staying at Day Inn (nothing to do with the hotel chains - www.dayinnangkor.com), with flights and two days temple touring.

For the greatest comfort and flexibility, Audley (01993 838 100, www.audleytravel.com) will send you an air conditioned car with a knowledgable local guide and driver from £395pp for two nights, with flights from Bangkok and a three day Angkor site pass.

Or try Trips Worldwide (0117 311 6050, www.tripsworldwide.co.uk) or Trailfinders (0845 050 5871, www.trailfinders.com).

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