Introduction to Cambodia Travel
Cambodia is accessible overland to all its nearby countries and with two open crossings from Vietnam such as Chau Doc and Moc Bai while the other one is in Laos along the Mekong River and north of Stung Treng.
Motorcycles are considered Cambodia’s usual form of transportation and in Phnom Penh they call it motodops and will cost u about 1000 riels for every short trips and price may varied from 1500 – 2000 riels if you want a ride going to another nearby town. But most drivers of these motorcycle prefers dollar to foreigners.
Regular air-conditioned bus services are available and some of the routes you may take with this bus start from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kompong Cham, Kratie, Kompong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Poipet. Bus fares in Cambodia are fixed and reasonable except those busing running to Poipet to Siem Reap.
Toyota Camry taxi, pick-up truck or van may be used to get you in your destinations in different towns of Cambodia and can be shared with other passengers or if you prefer to take your ride alone you may also hire them exclusively.
For your accommodations in Siem Riep, you may check-in with Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor located at 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum. Room rates are $360 for doubles. In Hôtel de la Paix located at Sivatha Boulevard room rates are $400-a-night for duplex suites with rooftop terraces. If you prefer bigger rooms you may try The Amansara Hotel, on the road to Angkor room rates for suites, starts at $650 and $850 for new suite with plunge pools inclusions of two meals a day.
If you have low budget backpacking, you may also try to visit Boeung Kak Lake because they offer of low budget guesthouses, diners Internet shops. But if you are ocean lover and want to spend a relaxing time on a beach Sihanoukville or Kompong Som will delight you. It is a peaceful resort to do your swimming, some diving and a boat ride. For best diving service you may check Scuba Nation.
A visit to Siem Reap will require you to take, tuk-tuk, the usual means of transport or motorized rickshaw, which does not provide enough protection from rain, dust, noise and heat but considered convenient wise. Fare will cost you less than $2 for one way trip. Angkor Archaeological Park can also be found here and some sights you may visit here are Angkor Wat, the Bayon, and Ta Prohm, If you want to explore more of the Angkor you may visit Kbal Spean to get a walk in their jungle and if you want more jungle, waterfalls and more temples Phnom Kulen is a good place to visit also but be prepared for a $20 for the entrance.
A guidebook will help you to go around easily at Angkor but if you want historical facts you may hire tour guides for around $20 to $25 per day. To avail tour guides you may drop by to the tourism office or you may also ask your hotel for their recommendations.
A trip to Angkor will cost you $20 for one day, $40 for 3 days and, $60 for seven days. The tickets in Angkor must be used consecutively otherwise it will be forfeited so if you think it will be a hassle on your part you may try to arrange a prior request before buying the tickets but we cannot assure a positive reply.
Cambodian foods are basically tasty curries and stews, noodles dishes, pharok and ample of rice in a bowl. Meric Restaurant at Hôtel de la Paix offers fine dining of Cambodian cuisine. Khmer kitchen is well applauded to offer great curries, fried pumpkin and spicy meat salads called larb. Dead Fish Tower is also serving peculiar Camboian dinner.
