Cambodia - General Info

Although the Ankor Wat is most famous and is a must-see, don't forget the much more impressive Angkor Thom - it is bigger! OH - you'd be suprise if you think there is no gay/lesbian life in Siem Reap...

In Siem Reap you can see the famous temple Angkor Wat, nicer than the other unesco temple Borobodur.

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.

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.