Not to miss in Cambodia aside from Angkor & flight out to Laos | Cambodia - Lonely Planet Forum

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Thu, 25 Feb 2016 07:27:48 +0000

Hello all, Salam,

My girl and I are only going to have anywhere from 11-12 or may extend it to 14-15 for a quick run from Phnom Penh to south beach area in Cambodia, the up to Ankgor ... then I think we'll have to do a short flight from Siem Reap to Laos (most likely Vientiane) with a very quick 4-5 days through central (or southern Laos if you can suggest a place to fly into for southern Laos) Laos to central/north Vietnam and onto Hanoi for our flight out.

For Cambodia after a start in Phnom Penh, was thinking of bussing 3-4 hours to the southern beach areas for two days, then
- If possible two days via ferry Tanle Sap Lake if possible to travel north to the floating villages and onto Siem Reap
- And two days in Angkor area before flying to Laos from there if possible?
- A very brief 4-5 days in Laos and open to any not to miss in central, and possibly southern Laos (and would any of you recommend a land crossing central through Nam Phao or more central/northern through Nam Khan or Nam Meo to see a region traveling through Laos en route to Hoi or Hanoi?

I have traveled north of Vietnam well, and realize this is a ridiculously short time for a long stretch of land, but we'll be heading back to this area. Would appreciate any advice for destinations, or suggestion of a quick internal flight since the road to Siem Reap is not a through way to Laos.

Peace,

Nima

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Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:27:34 +0000

Salam Nima,
I am not sure that your packed schedule will allow you to relax, take in the scenery, make unexpected changes, and avoid your budget from going south.
Two days in Siem Reap wont be enoug IF you want to see the temples, have a coffee, and enjoy the place. If you just want some photos for the webpage it will be ok. I like temples and always get the three day ticket.
Lake: I m partial to the boat trip from Battambang to Siem Reap. It is great. However it depends a bit on the time of the year, water levels, and it costs an extra day.
Beach: 2 days beach but 9hrs bus travel from and to Phnom Penh make this is stressful exercise. The time saving solution apparently offered by an overnite bus is not a solution. Very dangerous as to driving and perhaps also thefts plus hardly any sleep if at all. just dont do it.
Southern Laos: Wat Phou is a must - if you like Khmer culture. The general area is nice and the coffee region might be interesting. But do you have enough time for that?

Possible solutions: Beach in Vietnam and not in Cambodia. This frees some time. Cambodian schedule: PP 1-1.5 days depending on arrival time. LATE departure for Battambang. Morning boat to SR. Whatever time is left of the boat day use it for SR and arrange your angkor wat tour.
Time budget as to your preferences.
After that it gets complicated. My suggestion would be to cut our Laos and keep it for the next trip.

If not and you're ok with long rides. You can go SR to Strung (northern route to the Mekong) and then on to Laos.

In essence, you need to be more precise about your preferences as to big cities, temples, museums, nature, beach.

In general, I m under the impression that you are too optimistic about road conditions, travel times, connections. Your plan might work in Europe or North America. In Cambodia and Laos you're likely to fall behind schedule soon unless you have sufficient funds for own arrangements. Just one bus break down can kill half a day. It has happened to me and other all too often.

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Mon, 27 Feb 2017 01:01:13 +0000

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