Cambodia Dos and Don'ts

Local food is available at the Bayon, Bayon II, and New Bayon restaurants. Try the local delicacy, chicken eggs, or fried noodles if you don't like the idea of feathers.

I took the local bus from Bangkok to Siem Riep and it was great. If you like dust and being cramped and doing things the local way with no aircon then you'll enjoy your sweaty bum being stuck to these seats. You can exchange money at the border and this is fine. Just make sure you do so on the Cambodian side as the rate is better. When u get off the bus in Siem Riep you will be approched by locals trying to get you to go to their hostels. This is fine, but I found it best to have a place in mind so check the travel guides. Someone on a motorcycle can take you and your backpack there without a problem. I am a woman and travelled alone without any problems. I ran out of money infact and a kind american helped me out. Thank-you! There are many VERY poor families in Siem Riep and they will ask you for money and the usual stuff. My suggestion: take milk when you walk the streets. There are always small thin children carrying even smaller thin children and they will be grateful for the calcium. This can be bought at many shops in the city. I was strapped for cash so spent my time at the local markets. There are some fancy restaurants that have popped up for the tourists but nothing beats a meal prepared right in front of you for next to nothing. It helps the man on the street and gives us tourists more of a human face. With regards to the awsome Angkor City, the best tip I have for you is go as early in the moring as possible! This way you will avoid the crowds and see the sunrise. Two days spent here is enough. The best transport for me to the city was on the back of a motorcycle, the best way to see the area.

This is the main base for people visiting Angkor Wat. The American dollar is valued more than the local currency.

If you get up early enough head to a local market. Some of the food is pretty disgusting but definately worth a look - the Khmer people fry up anything for breakfast including snakes and spiders. Best bet is to stick to the fresh fruit which is delicious. Oh and as you're walking around be careful not to stand on any skinned frogs which have escaped the chopping block!

Choose your guesthouse wisely if you are not keen on an army of ants running up your wall and under your bed and/or take 50+ proof deet bug spray and spray along their trail - they will drop dead in minutes and never return. Guesthouse employees are pushy to sell you all your essentials and more. My fiancée and I felt like we had to sneak by them to go out and eat elsewhere or to find our own tuk tuk. One time they caught us and nearly forced us to sit and eat a pizza that they went and got take out for us because they assumed that we would want western food??. They wanted 15 US dollars for a small 10 inch pizza - be prepared to be ripped off and don't be afraid to say no. We told them to give us back our money for that particular pizza and they did! When you go out to the killing fields bring some pastries or something for the kids that hang out there, but watch your bags and/or wear your money belt regardless of the heat and humidity. Tuol Seng prison and the killing fields are eye openers and a half and worth your time and attention. At Tuol Seng I would recommend hiring a guide between you and some other random tourists that you meet at the gates.