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. 

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.

Meet up with other travellers at your guesthouse and go in together on a taxi with a guide. Bring american cash, you might even not buy Cambodian riel. I believe that it costs $40 USD for a three day pass into Angkor Wat.. and you'll need at least that much time there. There are many beggars with severe physical injuries do not be shocked and keep in mind that if you give money to one you will probably have the entire street asking for more within minutes, but it is hard not to want to be generous even if you're a poor backpacker like me.

If you take the high speed boat al the way down to Pnom Penh and you're the last one on, wear earplugs! Sitting next to the engine is really deafening! No joke!

1. Recommended hotel - Princess Angkor Hotel
2. Mode of transport - tut-tut (USD5/trip)
3. Where to eat - many good small restaurants around
4. Where to shop - Local bazaar (old quarter)
5. Accessibility - shopping eating places are within walking distance (in town)
6. Use US Dollar for all transactions - better deal.

If you wish to visit the Angkor Wat's temple area, spare a few days to do so because 1-day trip will not cover the parameter of ancient temples.

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...

You won't trust your eyes. Cambodia rocks! Lovliest people I have ever met who always smile. It's another day for you in paradise...

lej en knallert for 3 dage med guide og se alle "pyramiderne" de ligger lige uden for byen. man kan flyve direkte fra bangkok hertil. Det er en skod tur at tage bussen tilbage til thailand, især ved grænsen, pas på dine ting.

Siem Reap not reab, is a great base for exploring angkor wat.
Hire a guide for a few days, it will be cheaper and faster, and you can go at your own pace.