Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CabbageTownRoyals]

anyone else? I'm there from the 11th-29th and will be flying in and out of Siem Reap so will probably spend most of my time at Angkor Wat.
I've traveled around Vietnam and Thailand for 3 months alone, but for some reason feel weary about Cambodia after some stories I've heard, sounds more dangerous than I thought.
Or isn't it?

[Paul_Zerzan]

That's a really long time to stay in Siem Reap. I know you're not asking for any recommendations, but that's a money-sucking tourist trap now. You can see everything you need in 5 days.

My advice to you is to do your few days and take the speed boat down the Mekong to Phenom Penh and stay at California2 Guesthouse, or take the bus down to Sihanoukville to stay on the beach.

Check out http://www.khmer440.com/

Cambodia is safe enough if you're careful. Tuk-tuk drivers are a lot better than in Thailand. Don't take taxis in Cambodia, and be ready for a lot of poverty mixed in with extreme wealth.

There are lots of fun things to do all over that country. The tuk-tuk drivers make the best tour guides too.

[Kepler]

I'll be there from Feb. 1-10. I've been there before and have talked to people who have travelled and worked there. There have been reports of travellers getting robbed at gunpoint late at night, but the chances of that happening are minimal. Another thing to watch out for- rich young Cambodian guys like to show up at nightclubs with their armed bodyguards. They may try to do things like hit on or harass western female tourists. Never try to interfere or get into any kind of altercation with these guys. Also don't get off the beaten path as there are still plenty of landmines around. Street food may not be safe to eat. Overall, I thinks it's pretty safe if you exercise some common sense and are aware of what to watch out for. If you choose to rent a motorbike the police may target you because you are a tourist. There is no such thing as a metered taxi so always agree on a price before accepting a ride. If you're going to be there 19 days then you'll definitely have enough time to see the capital and the beach in Sihanoukville (which I hear is very nice). Just take a bus.

[pesawattahi]

Have they cleaned up the beach? Last time I was there it was filthy, I didn't even want to get in the water.

[demaratus]

Paul's advice is spot on. 5-6 days is plenty for Siem Reap, make sure if you are really into the temples to check out the roulous group (unique), Kbal Spean (a good little hike and cool carvings in a riverbed, see them before looters ruin them for good), Beng Melea (really old and run over with jungle, a great drive out there and a look at the real Cambodia on the way). The landmine museum is also a must.

I would say take the Mekong express bus rather than the boat simply for comfort and speed. It is also cheaper I think. In Phnom Penh I stayed at guesthouse #5, any of the bigger guesthouses on the lake are good though. They are really cheap and there are lots of other travelers to befriend.

Cambodia is safe as long as you use common sense, I felt safer there than I did in Thailand (which is also safe btw).

[crazylemongirl]

I spent two weeks in cambodia and loved it! make sure you check out the dead fish tower and the angkor by minature which is by the peace of angkor guest house!

[CabbageTownRoyals]

thanks everyone for the great advice/recommendations

[CabbageTownRoyals]