Korean Job Discussion Forums

[brento1138]

Hey all. Just wondering if anyone has made this trek.. from Bangkok to Angkor Watt.

I'm going to be in the Bangkok region for 7 days, and while I am in the area, I thought I might trek out into Cambodia to see Angkor Watt. Has anyone done this, and can recommend a method of getting there? Should I fly, rail, or bus it? I've researched it, but I want your input. Anything you can tell me would be great...

[crazylemongirl]

If time is an issue bangkok airlines (do an internet search) has tix for about $100 to Siem REap. They are the only ones that do a sevice between bangkok and siem reap. Remember to bring passport photos for your visa.

If money is an issue fly Air Asia into Phnom Penh and take the Mekong Express up to Siem Reap (bus trip takes about 5-6 hours).

[Colorado]

I took a bus from Bangkok to Trat, then a mini bus to the border, which is easy to do with all the Farang teachers doing visa runs, spent the night in Ko Kong and caught the bus to Phenom Penh in the morning. That took all day but the scenery was interesting and we crossed about 4 rivers on ferry-rafts, no bridges. From PP I took a bus to Battambang, spent the night, and then a boat across the Tonile Sap inland sea to Siem Reap. Spent only a day at Angkor, but it was enough. Returned to BK by charter bus through Aranyapratet to Khao San Road.
You'd need most, if not all, of your 7 days to do that, but it was a great trip. Don't take the trains in Cambodia. They are much too slow. If you're pressed for time, fly to Siem Reap.

[winnie]

i did the same as the last poster...well almost...except I took a local bus to Trat for 4 dollars, and then a one dollar tuktuk ride to the border at Poipet....walked across into Cambodia, and hired a taxi to Siem Reap(where Angkor is) for 25 dollars.

This can be done all in one day....however, it was exhausting, sketchy, and our bus broke down on the way, the taxi ride was scary, the roads full of potholes, etc.....quite the cultural eye-opener however....definitely an experience I will never ever forget.

The border crossing was a little crazy....had big gangs of touts following, children beggars/pickpockets...saw a guy get pickpocketed, and police offered to get his stuff back for him for a fee...it was all a set-up....and also they decided to up the visa fee for me....there was no arguing with these dudes....i would try to get the visa in advance...and fly into siem reap....that's if i had it to do over again

[Drew345]

Hate to be picky but,
When crossing into Poipet, Cambodia, A person is crossing from Aranyprathet, Thailand. Trat city / province is at least 100 km to the south of Poipet. From Trat you cross into Koh Kong, as the poster before him mentioned.
Anyway, the other information about Poipet is spot on. Real armpit of the universe. Cambodia is nce enough, but the beggars, cheats and thugs will have you running from Poipet as fast as you can.

[winnie]

right...thanks...this was a couple of years ago i did this, so i forgot about that...i took the bus to aranyaprathet....i took a bus to trat on the way back from cambodia

[chris_J2]

http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-overland.htm

Keep an eye on Typhoon Durian, which is currently approaching VietNam & could dump lots of rain on the region, making roads impassable.

The Inter Hotel in Aranya Phratet was good & a tuk tuk to the Poipet border was around 50 baht in January 2002. The busses in Bkk depart from Mochit / Northern bus terminal.

I've read on Lonely Planet Thailand, that the Cambo Govt has put a stop to the beggar kids at Poipet, that used to harrass tourists incessantly.

http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-overland-bkksr-reports1.htm

For the visa, it's easy enough to do it yourself in Poipet. It was 1000 Thai baht, (2002) & you'll need 2 passport sized photos. You fill out the application form at the Poipet immigration office & attach 1 photo. Current visa info is in the "Tales of Asia Cambodia overland" website above. Don't get conned into paying more than 1000 baht or $20 US unless the official price has risen since 2002.

http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-faq-legal.htm#touristvisas

In 2002, the exchange rate difference between 1000 baht & $20 US was negligible, but currently in 2006, I'd go for paying the official $20 US. Avoid tourist busses from Khao San Road & make your way to Mochit instead. The website says 1 photo only required, but it's nice to have a backup.

[mnhnhyouh]

If you take the fast boat from Phnom Phen then you need to be aware of a few of things.

1) Being inside sucks. It is full of engine fumes and not a nice place to be.

2) While the roof is better, you need to be prepared for this. You will be outside with no shade for many hours. Long sleeves, a hat that wont come off in a very strong wind (the boat is actually fast) and tons of sunscreen. Take you small backpack with you, but make sure you have a carabiner to clip it to the rail so it wont fall off.

3) The roof is rounded and hard. Something soft to sit on is a good idea.

4) If there is wind then there can be a bit (or a lot) of Tonle Sap spray coming up to you. Keep you mouth closed, and maybe a light small spray jacket in your bag is a good idea.

5) Your backpack will be locked up (good) but you can't access it (bad) so you need everything you want in a small backpack.

6) There is no food or water on the boat, so you have to bring your own. The boat leaves early and there is only one stall near the departure point. You can imagine their prices. Bring it with you. As you will be outside in the sun all day, make sure you have a *lot* of water.

7) Binoculars are very worth having for most of the trip. The last part is crossing the lake and you can hardly see the shore it is so far away.

If you are prepared, this is a *very* nice trip. If you are not, it will be horrible and you will be dealing with sunburn when you look a the temples.

h

[J.B. Clamence]

Just fly, man. Why do so many people want to put themselves through two whole days of third world transportation and extremely corrupt border guards? All to save less than $100? Especially if you only have 7 days in Bangkok.

[brento1138]