Two week Thailand Cambodia vacation tips?

[Lala07]

Hi, I am planning on traveling to Thailand and Cambodia for two weeks this August and was wondering if anybody had any tips. I have not done much traveling in my life so I am thinking about the best way to start this planning process because I really have no idea where to begin.  I don't want to spend a ton of money but enough to enjoy myself. I would really appreciate any tips on places to see, how to get around, etc., so anything would help. Thank you!!

[vw08]

First, I would think about what you are interested in, generally speaking.  Do you want to go hiking, see beaches, visit temples/museums?  A combination of these activities is very possible, but if you have a specific interest, it can help you with planning.  Also, do you want to go alone, with friends or on a tour?

I'd book your main flights leaving and coming back to Korea sooner rather than later.  Once you have those booked, you can fill in the rest.  Personally, I prefer to fly between countries in SE Asia rather than taking a bus or train because of the convenience and speed, but I know of other people who swear by the buses.  I recommend Air Asia.  They have great prices if you book early and fly between most of the major cities in Thailand and Cambodia.  You can also take AirAsiaX from Incheon to KL and connect from their hub in Kuala Lumpur to either Thailand or Cambodia for significantly less than flying there directly from Korea. 

I've been to Bangkok and Koh Tao in Thailand and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap/Angkor Wat in Cambodia.  Most likely, you will have to pass through Bangkok since it is a major hub for travel in the region.  It's nice for a day or two, but I don't recommend spending a ton of time there.  Koh Tao is great if you want to get your PADI SCUBA license for a reasonable price in a beautiful location.  I really enjoyed Siem Reap and wish I spent more time there as opposed to Phnom Penh.  Phnom Penh is worth a visit, especially for the historic places, like the Killing Fields and S22. 

I've heard great things about northern Thailand, but have yet to visit.  Check out the other posts about where people have been in Thailand and Cambodia, they will offer you more tips about where to stay/what to do and how to travel between different areas.  I also recommend checking out WikiTravel.  It has great information on traveling in SE Asia and is usually my first stop when planning a trip.

[Lala07]

Thank you for the advice! I basically want to see all types of things but still want some time to relax and I will be going with one other person. I will research more and start planning soon! I am excited!

[popeye2u]

I might be joining you in Cambodia as well.  Doing my research now.  I'm just spending 9 days in Cambodia.  Hopefully try to see as much of the country as I can.  Anybody have recommendations on youth hostels and transportation in siem reap? 

[vw08]

I might be joining you in Cambodia as well.  Doing my research now.  I'm just spending 9 days in Cambodia.  Hopefully try to see as much of the country as I can.  Anybody have recommendations on youth hostels and transportation in siem reap? 

I know that it not a youth hostel, but when I visited Siem Reap about three years ago, I stayed at Rosy Guesthouse.  I was impressed by the prices, services offered and lovely rooms.  They also offer free pick-up at the bus terminal or airport, or at least they did when I stayed there.  It is located close to the market/bar area, but not directly in it, so it is a bit quieter. Their website is http://rosyguesthouse.com/.

As far as getting there, your two big options are flying in from any number of cities in SE Asia or taking the bus from Phnom Penh. There may be buses from Thailand, but I'm not sure. There is also a boat between the two cities, but it is supposed to be a long and sketchy ride, so I'd avoid it.  You can book the bus from any hostel or travel agency(there are many) in Phnom Penh.  Don't worry about booking before you get there, you can easily get bus tickets for either that day or the next day.  There are several companies that offer a wide range of bus qualities from less than city bus quality to "VIP" buses.  One way should cost you less than $10USD and it takes between 5-7 hours between cities depending on the quality of the roads that day.

For transportation in Siem Reap, the center of the city where the markets, bars and restaurants are is pretty walkable.  If you are going Angkor Wat or one of the sites away from the city, there are plenty of tuk-tuks available.  Your hostel/guesthouse can help you negotiate a fair price with a reputable driver for the day, especially if you want to do Angkor Wat.  You can also rent bicycles/scooters/motorcycles to go around Angkor Wat.  I liked having a tuk-tuk and a driver since he was able to tell us more about what we were seeing and help us plan our day.

I'm hoping to go back this September after my contract ends to see more.  I was in the country for about 6 days as part of a longer trip around SE Asia with 3 days in each city.  I'd recommend more time in Siem Reap or Sihanoukville, which is supposed to be a spectacular beach town, and a bit less in Phnom Penh.  It is worth seeing the Killing Fields and S22, but I found the city to be similar to many others in SE Asia.

Hope you have a great trip!

[popeye2u]

I'll look into that guesthouse.  I will fly into siem Reap but maybe take a bus to Phnom phen after a few days.  Yes, Sihanoukville is a place I'd like to see also.  How many hours does it take between siem reap and shihanoukville by bus?  Might help me to plan the excursions a bit more.

[popeye2u]

I looked into Rosy guesthouse but went with another in Siem Reap.  $7 a night is not too bad.  Really hard to find one online for $5 or less. 

[popeye2u]

Any advice on guesthouses in Phnom Phenn, Cambodia?  Are they fairly easy to get just walking in or reservations needed in Aug?

[SupaTeacha]

I always book with hostelworld.com. I tend to read a lot of the reviews that people write because I wouldn't want to wander around looking for a place to stay late at night. I like it because you can compare different places.

[popeye2u]

I looked at Hostelworld and some of their rates for places were highter than just emailing the hostels themselves.  I guess its for their commission. 

[livzy]

I just walked into them the first time in Phnom Phen but that was in February. Last time I was there (last August) I booked ahead and stayed in the hotel the bus from Vietnam dropped us off at. It was WAY, WAY away from anything of interest and expensive but comfortable. Don't do that. Stay somewhere near the Royal Palace (touristy but central) or near Boeung Kak lake if it hasn't been filled in yet (totally cool, hippy, laid back, just remember your drugs tests when you get back here!!).

[popeye2u]

I decided to do couchsurfing in Phnom Phenn.  Going to stay with a local.  Beats paying for a room.  Plus they will tell me all about the area. 

[DPmiddleschool]

Thailand is a big place with lots of things to do. If you're planning on visiting both Thailand and Cambodia I'd really recommend choosing a maximum of two destinations in both countries otherwise you'll be spending the entire time travelling with no chance to explore each area. I lived in Thailand for 5 months and my favourite part was the north-east Chiang Mai/Pai/Chiang Rai area. You could easilly spend the entire two weeks there, it's also fairly cheap compared to the islands and Bangkok. I haven't been to Cambodia so I can't comment on that.

[Kaldaan]

I just walked into them the first time in Phnom Phen but that was in February. Last time I was there (last August) I booked ahead and stayed in the hotel the bus from Vietnam dropped us off at. It was WAY, WAY away from anything of interest and expensive but comfortable. Don't do that. Stay somewhere near the Royal Palace (touristy but central) or near Boeung Kak lake if it hasn't been filled in yet (totally cool, hippy, laid back, just remember your drugs tests when you get back here!!).

I am going to that area and was considering in... indulging... Anyways. My contract isn't up till the end of November, any chance they would make me take another physical before my contract was up, (like right when I get back?) 

[livzy]

I just walked into them the first time in Phnom Phen but that was in February. Last time I was there (last August) I booked ahead and stayed in the hotel the bus from Vietnam dropped us off at. It was WAY, WAY away from anything of interest and expensive but comfortable. Don't do that. Stay somewhere near the Royal Palace (touristy but central) or near Boeung Kak lake if it hasn't been filled in yet (totally cool, hippy, laid back, just remember your drugs tests when you get back here!!).

I am going to that area and was considering in... indulging... Anyways. My contract isn't up till the end of November, any chance they would make me take another physical before my contract was up, (like right when I get back?)

Who will you to be travelling with? On your own, no way Jose. You'll be robbed, guaranteed.

[Kaldaan]

 

I just walked into them the first time in Phnom Phen but that was in February. Last time I was there (last August) I booked ahead and stayed in the hotel the bus from Vietnam dropped us off at. It was WAY, WAY away from anything of interest and expensive but comfortable. Don't do that. Stay somewhere near the Royal Palace (touristy but central) or near Boeung Kak lake if it hasn't been filled in yet (totally cool, hippy, laid back, just remember your drugs tests when you get back here!!).

I am going to that area and was considering in... indulging... Anyways. My contract isn't up till the end of November, any chance they would make me take another physical before my contract was up, (like right when I get back?)

Who will you to be travelling with? On your own, no way Jose. You'll be robbed, guaranteed.

Yeah I am traveling alone, thanks for the support. Only spending one night in PP before heading to Sihanoukville, and I don't plan on venturing out within the capital. I have all the hostels booked, and I am a 25 year old male, that knows some self defense (and when not to talk to strangers). I think I'll be okay, thanks. 
 
The question I was trying to ask was in the latter part of my previous post.

[livzy]

I just walked into them the first time in Phnom Phen but that was in February. Last time I was there (last August) I booked ahead and stayed in the hotel the bus from Vietnam dropped us off at. It was WAY, WAY away from anything of interest and expensive but comfortable. Don't do that. Stay somewhere near the Royal Palace (touristy but central) or near Boeung Kak lake if it hasn't been filled in yet (totally cool, hippy, laid back, just remember your drugs tests when you get back here!!).

I am going to that area and was considering in... indulging... Anyways. My contract isn't up till the end of November, any chance they would make me take another physical before my contract was up, (like right when I get back?)

Who will you to be travelling with? On your own, no way Jose. You'll be robbed, guaranteed.

Yeah I am traveling alone, thanks for the support. Only spending one night in PP before heading to Sihanoukville, and I don't plan on venturing out within the capital. I have all the hostels booked, and I am a 25 year old male, that knows some self defense (and when not to talk to strangers). I think I'll be okay, thanks. 
 
The question I was trying to ask was in the latter part of my previous post.

Sorry, no idea about the physical. Maybe start a thread 'Has anyone had a physical before the anniversary date"?

The first time I was there I was alone, but met a totally cool bunch of travelers in a hotel by the Lake and it was so nice I didn't want to leave ;). On the way there (bus from Ho Chi Minh) I sat next to a really nice Ozzie guy who gave me good advice - if you're in town late at night and a couple of dudes come up on a motorbike and stick a gun in your face, demanding money, go for your wallet VERY slowly (other wise they'll think you're going for your gun) and hand it over. They'll ride off and leave you safe. I was there one week and there were two fatal shootings; the local gangsters' (politicians, to you and me) sons are wannabes and it gets messy after 2am. I always carried around just enough for the day.

[echo]

I just walked into them the first time in Phnom Phen but that was in February. Last time I was there (last August) I booked ahead and stayed in the hotel the bus from Vietnam dropped us off at. It was WAY, WAY away from anything of interest and expensive but comfortable. Don't do that. Stay somewhere near the Royal Palace (touristy but central) or near Boeung Kak lake if it hasn't been filled in yet (totally cool, hippy, laid back, just remember your drugs tests when you get back here!!).

I am going to that area and was considering in... indulging... Anyways. My contract isn't up till the end of November, any chance they would make me take another physical before my contract was up, (like right when I get back?)

Who will you to be travelling with? On your own, no way Jose. You'll be robbed, guaranteed.

Yeah I am traveling alone, thanks for the support. Only spending one night in PP before heading to Sihanoukville, and I don't plan on venturing out within the capital. I have all the hostels booked, and I am a 25 year old male, that knows some self defense (and when not to talk to strangers). I think I'll be okay, thanks. 
 
The question I was trying to ask was in the latter part of my previous post.

Just my personal opinion, but don't overlook Phnom Phenh. Yes, you can see the killing fields and the genocide museum in an afternoon, but the city itself is just and awesome place to do some urban exploration in. People are great outside of the touristy areas, in the local markets, parks, etc... I thought Sihanoukville was meh, easily could of been skipped in my two week trip of Cambodia and Thailand. The beach was just littered with rubbish everywhere.

[popeye2u]

Echo, what month did you go to sihanoukville?  I was planning on stopping there for 3 days.  It didnt look back in the youtube videos.  I would like a clean beach and nice women though.  Otherwise I could spend 3 days in Vietnam.

[rubes]

Don't listen to that. You're not "guaranteed" to get robbed. Jeez. Look like you have your wits about you, make some friends, and you'll have a blast. Travelling alone is great. You're bound to make some new friends.