About Cambodia
Planning a Trip to Cambodia
Guess what? You can be the first to write something about planning a trip to Cambodia! Share your travel knowledge! |
Siemreab, Cambodia
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.
Good tip?
(+1)
Siemreab, Cambodia
I had the unfortunate timing of going to Siem Reap during lunar new years, so the place was mobbed with locals, and they were all taking up the cheaper accomodations. After a difficult two hour search, we finally found the Siem Reap Hostel. This place is brand new, has a pool, bar, free internet, pool tables, comfortable beds, restaurant, etc. for $10 per night. This was by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at, and if you ever make it to Siem Reap, I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
The Angkor Wat temples are a class apart ... simply not to be missed if you are anywhere near that part of the world... could not understand how they never made it to the new list of the seven wonders... while there, spend more time on the few main temples rather than covering all...the temples are laid out over a vast area and you need conveyance to go from one to the other... best organised from Siem Reap in the form of a private 3 or 4 wheeler that takes you to Angkor, shows you around and brings you back for the night (no hotels/restaurants in Angkor)... within the temples there is much to be mesmerised by... climb up the temples too if you can for another perspective... if you get a chance, chat up the few monks you may meet there ... they are lovely people and some are very keen to talk to you ... also when you come out, its worth buying a little postcard or souvenir from the little children there... they have written it with their hands, it puts a smile on their faces, and its a loving memory of the place...
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The bus station In Phnom Penh is small and crowded. I would highly recommend buying bus tickets through an outside travel agency than trying to fight the crowds here if possible. It’s an easy Taxi or Tuk Tuk ride to most of the hotels. If you don’t have reserved seats on your bus get here early to grab the best seats. There are refreshment stands at the bus station if you want to buy any provisions for your trip. As the bus station tends to be rather crowded, be aware that it is difficult to find a place to sit to wait for your bus and it is HOT and sunny most of the time. If you are arriving here from outside the city it is generally easy to find a taxi, tuk tuk or motorbike here to take you to your desired destination with in Phnom Penh.
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is by bus. There are a variety of busses to choose from and they run several times a day. The rates start at $5 US for the local bus. This option is the cheapest, and the best way if you want to travel with the locals. We opted to travel on this bus and there were very few other tourists among us, but we felt completely safe the entire ride. This bus makes two pit stops along the way and as there is no bathroom on this bus, the pit stops are very important as it is the only time you are able to relieve yourself on the ride. At the pit stops you will also be able to obtain food and drink. We even saw fried scorpion and tarantula for sale at the pit stops! The other bus options rise in price up to $10 US (keep in mind these prices are one way). The $10 bus is the most luxurious bus and the one most often booked by tourists featuring bathrooms, air conditioning, and even movies on some busses. Check with a travel agent to arrange tickets and times. Even on the $5 we had reserved seating. They estimate the trip from Phnom Penh to take 5.5 to 6 hours but in reality our trip only took 5 hours including two stops. It’s cheaper and faster than taking a boat up the river, by far, and a great way to see the Cambodian countryside.
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Sras Srang If you want to avoid the crowds teeming around Angkor Wat for the sunrise check out Sras Srang. This active pool provides a peaceful venue to welcome the morning, in fact you’ll be surrounded more by the local area vendors waiting for the tourists to arrive for the day then other tourists. This pool, located directly across from the east entrance of Banteay Kdei, was constructed for Jayavarman VII. It was constructed in the mid 10th century but was remodeled in the late 12th century. The architecture features naga (ancient Angkorian snakes) and lions along the balustrade. We visited on our second morning in Angkor. It was pitch dark when we arrived so we didn’t know what to expect. The spot had been a recommendation from our new driver, Happy. In the dark some of the local children helped us to find the public toilets, which we never would have found on our own. The children are sweet and helpful, but they will also be trying to sell you everything from breakfast to scarves to books. Don’t make any empty promises to stop them from harassing you as they won’t forget your promises. Just be direct, and remember these children are professionals – they know exactly how to pull on a tourist’s heartstrings to make a sale. But the heavy sale aside, interacting with some of these kids made this morning special. We actually ate breakfast separately because I had made a promise to eat with the cute little girl who helped me to the bathroom and Marc had done the same with a little boy. I got a handmade picture from the little girl after breakfast as she was running off to school. Directions: Located directly across from the east entrance of Banteay Kdei Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-srahsrang.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
I had the unfortunate timing of going to Siem Reap during lunar new years, so the place was mobbed with locals, and they were all taking up the cheaper accomodations. After a difficult two hour search, we finally found the Siem Reap Hostel. This place is brand new, has a pool, bar, free internet, pool tables, comfortable beds, restaurant, etc. for $10 per night. This was by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at, and if you ever make it to Siem Reap, I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A month-long tourist visa to Cambodia costs $20 US and you’ll need to have an extra passport photo handy. The easiest method of payment is to have US cash handy at the border crossing. When entering Cambodia via AIR the entry process is relatively easy. At the airport head directly to the visa desk and be aware that people don’t queue up so it’s first come first serve, you may have to fight your way up to the desk. At the first desk you will have to hand over your passport and the $20US to a customs agent, then wait with the crowd surrounding the adjacent desk. Here it’s a waiting game until they process your visa. When they are finished they will hold passports to the crowd and if the picture matches claim your passport and head to baggage claim!
IF YOU ARE CROSSING THE BORDER OVERLAND: I heard several horror stories from fellow travelers about the visa process at land crossings. The customs officials will demand more than the $20US fee and you will have to pay in either Thai Baht or US Dollars. I’ve heard stories of extorted fees from an extra $20US on up. If crossing into Cambodia overland I recommend procuring your visa beforehand to avoid the corruption at the border or be prepared to shell out some extra cash.
IF YOU ARE CROSSING THE BORDER OVERLAND: I heard several horror stories from fellow travelers about the visa process at land crossings. The customs officials will demand more than the $20US fee and you will have to pay in either Thai Baht or US Dollars. I’ve heard stories of extorted fees from an extra $20US on up. If crossing into Cambodia overland I recommend procuring your visa beforehand to avoid the corruption at the border or be prepared to shell out some extra cash.
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
If you go here, you know what you came to see: hundreds of ancient temples that had been swallowed by the jungle, particularly the deservedly famous Angkor Wat. You will not stop with AW, of course, as there are also Angkor Tom, Bayon, Banteay Srei, Ta Phrom, and many, many more worth seeing. Getting to the top of Angkor Wat is a strenuous climb and not for those afraid of heights, but is well worth it for those who visit. Visit early in the morning when the heat and crowds are not so oppressive.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Take passport photos with you to get a pass for Angkor Wat
Good tip?
(0)
Kaoh Kong, South Cambodian Coast, Cambodia
Situated at the far west end of the slowly developing Cambodian coast, Koh Kong remains a fishing village inhabited by Thai and Khmer both. It's tagged for development (already underway) and is likely to become a Thai style beach resort and lose it's Khmer character. The Casino's are in place and multiplying, land is being purchased by foreign/Khmer corporations and by other wealthy Khmer. The road from Koh Kong east to Sihanoukville (Snookie for short), is new, little traveled and should have the bridges across two rivers finished now (In April this year we had to take the motorbike on a wooden raft to cross these waters). This is a pristine tropical paradise with a limited life expectancy. Already Chinese backed projects are constructing dams that endanger rare wildlife, including the Cambodian crocodile's habitat. It is likely that the coast will become privately owned beaches belonging to huge resorts, making access by the locals difficult to say the least. The Cardamom mountains have no roads crossing them yet and the trails taken by us few intrepid bikers are often hard to find and present wonderful adrenaline charged challenges. Especially when the bike breaks down meaning a1-2 day trek (wet season makes this especially thrilling, insects, snakes, leeches of course) to find a village (few and far between). Get there and see this area before it's too late! Photo album of "Crossing the Cardamom's" can be found on my Facebook site. This is an open border crossing into Thailand and buses can take you in either direction. There are places to stay and I'm sure these are more numerous in the last four months. The preferred currency is the Thai Baht or US dollar. A cross country style motorbike is my recommended vehicle of choice in Cambodia, minimum 250cc but more powerful if you intend to scale small mountain sides, make the climb to Preah Vihear easily, cross the Cardamom's...you get the picture.
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Silver Pagoda The Emerald Buddha One of the major tourists attractions in Phnom Penh is the Silver Pagoda. Admission to the Royal Residence includes the Silver Pagoda, which is on the premises. The draw of the Silver Pagoda is the fact that the floor is made up of 5329 sterling silver tiles. The other main feature, and probably more spectacular is the Emerald Buddha housed within the Silver Pagoda. Be aware there is a dress code while visiting the Royal Residence and Silver Pagoda: No hats, no short skirts or shorts and no tank tops. A good rule of thumb is shoulders and knees should be covered. They will provide shirts as a cover up to wear while touring the structures. Admission is $3US and there is an additional $2US charge if you wish to use your camera during your visit. **Photography is prohibited inside the Temples. Hours: 7:30 – 11:00 am and 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Address: Samdech Sothearos Blvd. Directions: left from the entry to the King´s Palace
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
First of all, learn to say it right: "Penum (light "o"/"u") Pyen"(gentle "eee") - There's no need to change your currency as even the tuktuk driver accept the mighty greenback dollar bills - they only give back riels if the change is too small. If you're staying at 5stars hotel like the Intercontinental -there's only a few of them- you can have them arrange for transportation which ranges from rented cars, taxi, and tuktuk (the last one is the most fun). I thought Shanghai, Jakarta, and New Delhiite taxi drivers drive fearlessly, they all pale in comparison... in Phnom Penh drivers are creative, but since traffic is scarce the danger is not really felt. You can see four fully grown adults sharing a ride on a Japanese motorcycle... without wearing any helmets -beating Jakarta's record. Some visitors might focus on the dark side of this city's history, like Tuol Sleng killing site, some wants to sit at the famed Foreign Correspondence Club and get a lofty view of the Mekong Delta sunset... or rummaging through the tiny alleys of the Russian market... the city mixes day-and-night contrasting sights, hardworking man-on-the-street hauling a cartload of goods and people taking naps on the ubiquitous hammocks, slums and luxury cars, hot and humid sun-nuked urban stretch with riverside lunch under a shady tree. Boutique restaurants highlight the local cuisine - wine selection is great thanks to the French - ATMs are present - but then again, your US dollar works perfectly here. Don't forget to visit the palace... The electrical sockets accommodate most plugs.
Going there... the process to get your visa is the most impressive since everything's online - from filling the application - paying online with paypal - and the delivery of the visa... it's all net-and-email-based. Try www.evisa.mfaic.gov.kh
It's sooo convenient!
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Paragon Hotel came recommended to us by another popular (but completely booked) guesthouse in Phnom Penh. We were able to reserve a river view room with a double bed for $25 US a night. They offered airport pickup for $7 US (which we declined because we didn’t know our arrival time). When we arrived we were informed that they didn’t have the river view with the double bed, only 2 twins for $30 US or a room with a double bed and a partial view of the river for $20 US. We opted for the partial view. The room was clean and spacious. It featured TV, hot water and ac. It’s in a great location – easy walking distance to bars, restaurants, the Silver Pagoda and other attractions. The staff is friendly, helpful and speaks relatively good English. But like all other guesthouses in the area the management is always trying to “up-sell” you by booking tours, travel, visas and transportation through them. The problem we encountered here is the manager turned slightly unfriendly when we refused to book bus tickets to Siem Reap through him. (We did book airline tickets and got our visas to Vietnam through him but he completely overcharged us!) Overall I would recommend the Paragon Hotel, but I would suggest booking all visas, travel and tours through a travel agent instead of here.
Unique Qualities: Wrap around balconies accessible to all hotel guests with great river views, air conditioning, in-room mini-refridgerator, hot water.
Prices: US$20-40
Phone: 011-878343
Address: #219B, Sisowath Quay
Website: http://www.canbypublications.com /phnompenhads/paragonhotelpage.ht m
Other Contact: info_paragonhotel@yahoo.com
Unique Qualities: Wrap around balconies accessible to all hotel guests with great river views, air conditioning, in-room mini-refridgerator, hot water.
Prices: US$20-40
Phone: 011-878343
Address: #219B, Sisowath Quay
Website: http://www.canbypublications.com /phnompenhads/paragonhotelpage.ht m
Other Contact: info_paragonhotel@yahoo.com
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A month-long tourist visa to Cambodia costs $20 US and you’ll need to have an extra passport photo handy. The easiest method of payment is to have US cash handy at the border crossing. When entering Cambodia via AIR the entry process is relatively easy. At the airport head directly to the visa desk and be aware that people don’t queue up so it’s first come first serve, you may have to fight your way up to the desk. At the first desk you will have to hand over your passport and the $20US to a customs agent, then wait with the crowd surrounding the adjacent desk. Here it’s a waiting game until they process your visa. When they are finished they will hold passports to the crowd and if the picture matches claim your passport and head to baggage claim!
IF YOU ARE CROSSING THE BORDER OVERLAND: I heard several horror stories from fellow travelers about the visa process at land crossings. The customs officials will demand more than the $20US fee and you will have to pay in either Thai Baht or US Dollars. I’ve heard stories of extorted fees from an extra $20US on up. If crossing into Cambodia overland I recommend procuring your visa beforehand to avoid the corruption at the border or be prepared to shell out some extra cash.
IF YOU ARE CROSSING THE BORDER OVERLAND: I heard several horror stories from fellow travelers about the visa process at land crossings. The customs officials will demand more than the $20US fee and you will have to pay in either Thai Baht or US Dollars. I’ve heard stories of extorted fees from an extra $20US on up. If crossing into Cambodia overland I recommend procuring your visa beforehand to avoid the corruption at the border or be prepared to shell out some extra cash.
Good tip?
(0)
Paoy Pet, Cambodia
Situated on the Thailand Cambodia border this town has many tourists and expats wanting to extend their visa's visiting it so that they can stay longer in Thailand.
Many dangers here, be careful of locals wanting to take money from you so that you can obtain your visa, Some are ok but keep out a wary eye and if in doubt keep your cash away and out of sight.
Fantastic market here and there are bargains galore, I picked up various items and for one paid 750 baht.....the same item was selling in Bangkok for over 2500 baht....great day out for me..... :)
You can take a luxury bus from Bangkok to get here and the last time I checked it was around 2000 baht. If you want to visit Angkor Wat the cost is around 10,000 baht. If you are going to hire your own car to visit this tourist attraction be advised that the roads into Cambodia are not yet complete and are more designed for your 4 x 4 travellers. I hired a car for the day and must inform you that once you are out of the Bangkok area......the roads signs in English actually disappear so make sure you plan your route in advance and use a good map or better still take a Thai friend with you, that was my first choice.....Oh.....I also took a map, it was just in case.
Well you never know do you!
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Siem Reab, Cambodia
I found I could get my visa for Cambodia via Evisa direct from the Cambodian government. It worked like a charm and processing at the border went smooth and quick. Others that were traveling with me found that applying and acquiring for a visa at the border was tedious and time consuming.
Good Journeys!
Good tip?
(0)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Be careful of the kids when you're going through this checkpoint!! DO NOT GIVE OUT FOOD OR MONEY of any kind!!! They will mob you. The kids in this area are trained to look as cute as possible, but if you watch them, they run and give the money to someone else (usually an adult) who is sitting off to the side and out of site. And a lot of times, the smaller kids get mugged by the bigger ones. Just don't fall for it. I know they're all so cute and you'll want to keep one or two (or all), but just don't do it.
Good tip?
(+3)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Get a 3 day pass to the Temples of Angkor and explore history! Take a break in between.
Good tip?
(+2)
Siemreab, Cambodia
If you choose to travel between Siem Reap and Battambang by boat it1s important to buy many litres of water :o) because it's very hot, and just in the middle of the day you can buy anything in a shop on the river.
Good tip?
(+2)
Siemreab, Cambodia
One of the 8 world wonders, Ankor Wat, built for King Suryavarman II in the12th century as his capital city.
Good tip?
(+1)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Get a foot massage after walking around Angkor Wat. It is cheap and so nice after a full day on your feet!
Good tip?
(+1)
