Advice on first trip to Cambodia

Daniel,

Slow down and take a breath. First of all, get a guidebook and do some research.

Then after you have done some research ask some specific questions with 1 or 2 questions per post.

Agree - don't stress out. don't worry about finding a cab at the airport. there will be a desk with fixed price for a cab to town, or you can walk outside and negotiate with a tuk tuk, maybe. It should only be about five bucks. (I took a tuk tuk to the airport) Go to your hotel first.

just walk around the city of siem riep, it's not so big. you can rent bicycles, its flat and a fun way to see the town and depending on where your hotel is, a good and cheaper way to get around. don't worry about finding a tuk tuk if want one - they are everywhere and will approach you relentlessly. don't pay more than 1USD or 1.50USD for tuk tuk rides around/to/from the town of siem riep.

to see the temples, hire a tuk tuk and a guide. we just had our hotel arrange it for us which was probably a little more expensive, but less hassle which we were into at the time. others on this thread can give you plenty of names of drivers/guides. tukk tuk around 15-20 USD perday and good english speaking guides who really know about the temples are 20-25 USD per day. you can also ask at your hotel/GH. you'll pay 40USD just for a three day pass to get into the temple area. Agood guide will arrange your tour of the temples unless you have specific ones you want to see. Believe me, your real problem will be choosing what guide/tuk tuk driver/ tour outfit, etc that you want.

I would not go by bicycle to the temples. it's damn hot and further between them than you probably realize (unless you are a bicycle fanatic)

Hi we have just been in Siem reap for 5d 4n two weeks ago. A taxi from the Airport to your accom shouldn't cost more than US $5 thats what most hotels charge.
Talk to some Tuk Tuk drivers round your hotel of wherever and find one who has good English and you cn get on with. We hired a guy for two days at $12 a day. He was great we only used him for 4 hours each time.
For the temples as douqv says, A day pass costs only US $20 so just pay by the day. You rTuk Tuk man will take you to get tickets on the way. Discuss with him where you want to go and he will drop you off then wait for you on the other side once you have done your exploration of each place. These guys really know what they are doing. they are at the Temples nearly every day.
Its really hot and steamy at the moment. Was 38deg cel at he airport when we arrived so cycling wouldn't be so much fun. The advantage of a Tuk Tukl is that no matter how hot and sweaty you are when you get in you get refreshed and wind blown as soon as you start going.
We didn't use a guide but getting one thru your hotel or at the temples wouldn't be a problem.
Basically in Cambodia people are pretty relaxed and things work out there if you go with the flow.
Its a great place. ENJOY

dan, You definitely should see Siem Reap Rooms, Tales of Asia and travelfish in Cambodia section here: Budget travel basics for Southeast Asia - gets you started – expenses, transportation, lodging, eating, safety and scams, countries sections, etc. Non-commercial. Completely updated and tested 10/24/07 –

Asia 2005, 2006, 2007

bun cha

Oh, and about the bike - it's a long haul to Angkor. There's always a few red-faced, sweating westerners pedaling along on the road back in the afternoon.

bun cha

Thanks guys.... A little nervous but definety excited.

Just summary --> airport transfer - no worries. There is fix counter in the airport that do that

angkor wat --> fix price for entrance 40 bucks for 3 days

angkor wat transport plus guide --> 40 bucks. How many people can fit in a tuk tuk?

bicycle around the city is ok not out to angkor wat.

You can cycle out to Ankor Wat if you like.

I hired a bicycle for three days for a paltry $5. There are two circuits which you could do by bicycle, the inner circuit is about 17km and the outer circuit is 25km, it's all flat. I also cycled out to Phnom Krom and the Rouluos group. You might want to rent a moto for the further out temples.

WeiLong in Siem Reap

1. If you book at a GH or a hotel tell them when you're arriving, they'll pick you up.
   2. 12USD is about right. It'll take you to the temples near SR (maybe even to Roluos) and Chong Kneas. Negotiate before getting in.
   3. Start with Bakhong in the Roluos group if you want to do it chronologically. See the development of the styles.
   4. Don't know it. Lots of good places around. Book the first night beforehand. Links as CK, errr, sorry, BC gave you ;)
   5. Ask your GH or the tuktuk driver. Make sure he has a license (so he can guide you inside the temples).
   6. Agree with WL, get out early and return before the rush back between 5 and 6pm. Avoid sunset at Bakheng, very crowded now.

I'm so glad someone asked this before I had to. I was a little confused as to how to get around Siem Reap. Thanks so much for the information!