Greenhorn on the way

Kazarama, good on you for putting in some time to research the places you are going to visit. However, the first rule of travel in SEAsia, at least in the more visited areas, is that it's always much easier and simple than you imagine it's going to be from a distance. As RK says, flexibility is a wonderful thing. Also, every single tour package I've ever seen packs in way too much in way too short a time: blame the market, they want to know why the other operator is including the Bat Cave, the Blowfly Cave AND the Maggot Cave, so they give people what they want.

Travel is like shoes: don't matter how expensive or classy they are, if they don't fit your feet, they are no good.

Split your time between the 2 places and allow most of a day to get from one to the other. I would go 2 days PP, 1 day travel by bus, 4 days SR. It is really easy to organise what you want when you get there. Your biggest problem will be fighting off people who want you to stay at their guesthouse.

You will find it easy enough to organise yourself once you are there. Most guest houses and hotels offer trips/guides. Just have some idea of what you want to see before you go, then talk to people and go with the flow. I am not sure if it is cheaper to organise yourself, but it is good for you, and more fun. Develops your knowledge of the place better. You will love the place, go with the flow.

do all your research on the internet

check out every possible guide book and otherwise from your library

copy out what you need incl maps

make notes

TALK TO PEOPLE but suss them out, make sure they know what a 'good value' or a good time really is.

just go!

ive been traveling 15 years and never ever booked anything ahead. there is always somewhere to sleep and eat and ride in in south east asia - especially inthe last five years.

dont base yourself anywhere. fly into siem reap perhaps (or overland) and just travel south out to thailand or vietnam...cambodia esp tourist circuit is small. you can do the highlights (experienced traveler) in 10 days easy.

Hi Kazarama
we were all greenies at one time, this is why we come here to help others take the leap safely into the well trodden unknown. You may be travelling on your own but you will not be alone, you'll meet lots of new friends on the way.
wheer are you starting from ie UK/EU/USA/ Aussie to BKK? plenty cheap flights also check out the buses from BKK, the slowest journey I had from Bangkok to Siem Reap was the "Scam" bus but after so many pick ups Ha! Ha! and on one the road was flooded in 1999, where we all had to get out and push it through potholes as big a s a truck, the Scam bus Aug 2003 turned out to be the most comfortable ride ever but I was aware of all the scams on the way and prepared for them.
when you reach a guest house in Siem Reap make sure ypou have $ cash for the Angkor wat ticket and book starightaway for next am a motorbike from the GH and start at 530am. I will private message you [click on pm's top right hand corner] more information on the temples but here's a few links that will help you also.
I always stayed on the lake in Phnom Pen as I enjoyed the sunsets over the lake, but make sure you do Te sleung museum early am a motorbike taxi will take you there. ensure you see the video. [take issues] and the Russian market afterwards is close by. the museum in the afternoon is also worthwhile.
Although more expensive than the bus I enjoyed the boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Pen
click here:
Canby guide Siem reap
Angkor wat guide
Phnom Pen pearnik
choke street kids phnom pen

should read [take tissues] for the video, as it is a very moving love story.

If you only have one week, then i reckon you are best with a package deal...
It will take you days ( i've lived in PP all this year ) to work things out, unless you want to be ripped off every move you make...
You might as well wear a flashing neon sign "greenhorn, greenhorn" please overcharge me.
Siem Reap is not called Siem Rip Off for nothing... I hav'nt even bothered, the bad/rip off stories just dont make the place interesting, to me.
I could bore you with numerous sad stories as to the antics of small boys and girls, moto drivers, touts and and the general populace of the area, but i wont... we each have individual tastes..
You dont say which country your from, if its from australia then you can score stupidly cheap package deals including flights, accomm, entry to sights, and even a tour guide....
I understand you want the "individual backpacking experience" but i think your heading for a huge disappointment if you think you can organise a hassle free weeks holiday.
Look after yourself, book a tour.... Just tell your mates you were a big adventurous backpacker, they wont know any different.

no greenhorns in Oz, so you must be a canuker?????