Cambodia for semi-softies

We will be travelling around Thailand/VN/Cambodia for 3 months at the end of November, considering flying from BKK to Hanoi, travelling around VN for a month, then entering Cambodia by some land border using an evisa, then making our way to thailand. However, some of the things we've heard about Cambodia sound a little daunting. We are backpackers and are used to budget accomodation, street food etc, but, being a bit older now, aren't so willing to court danger and hassle as we might once have been. Are there options for reasonably quick, comfortable, convenient transport across the country without spending loads, and when entering cambodia, do you have to show an onward ticket like in Thailand? Is Cambodia worth a visit? Any info, comments, etc would be great :)

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<hr>However, some of the things we've heard about Cambodia sound a little daunting. <hr></blockquote>

What have you heard? Cambodia is an easy country to get around, the people are very friendly, and I don't hear of many people having problems. There is nothing particularly dangerous abot it, other than the traffic. You don't need to show an onward ticket.

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<hr>Are there options for reasonably quick, comfortable, convenient transport across the country without spending loads<hr></blockquote>

Yes, buses.

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<hr>Is Cambodia worth a visit? <hr></blockquote>

Definitely, Id even go so far as to say forget visiting Thailand, its crap.

Cambodia is much like its neighbors, don't worry too much. Same transport (little bit old style, but not as bad as Laos), same hassles, same friendly people with the odd crook mixed in. Of course Cambodia is worth visiting, its wonderful.

I would agree with the above posters. It isn't too different to its neighbors, if you didn't have a problem in those countries then you should be fine. The only thing that can be a bit of a shock is the number of beggars and amputees in the tourist locations.

Its definitely worth a visit though, how could you be in the area and miss out on Angkor? Transport is fine, again no massive difference to some of the other countries.

You can travel up the Mekong by boat from the Vietnam border to Phnom Penh, then by bus to Siem Reap and onto Thailand. Obviously more places to visit, but if your just quickly passing through then that route wouldn't take very long.

Just hire a car if you cant face the saengthaws you can always pay for extra room in a share taxi also.Still cheap.

When I started planning to visit Cambodia, I did not know much more than Angkor being there. After traveling around it, I got a blast. It's an unbelievable country, with a lot to offer and one of the most honest, dignified, respectful and welcoming people in the world. Quite a few areas are still uncontaminated with mass tourism, which makes the experience more genuine and real. The countryside is astonishing, the archeological sites stunning, the mountains mysterious, the ocean still virgin (for most part), the food captivating.

Go to Cambodia and, as hankor wrote, forget Thailand. You won't regret it.

Yeah, right - in Cambodia 99% of the change is counterfeit. Just kidding (TT joke).

Check flashpacking places to stay in Travelfish. Also see Tales of Asia and Siem Reap Rooms in Cambodia section for everything you need to know - all have GH photos, all are in Cambodia section in Budget travel basics for Southeast Asia - gets you started - expenses, transportation, lodging, eating, safety and scams, countries sections, etc. Non-commercial

Bangkok ain't great, but Chiang Mai and around a great place to relax at end of trip. Save flying for last month (except BK to Hanoi, of course). I think your plan is excellent.

Asia 2005, 2006, 2007 - 60+ year old travelers

bun cha

cambodia is definately worth a visit,i think it will be the highlight of your trip,there is plenty of transport overland,buses,taxis,not like thailand,no need to show an onward ticket.let us know after your trip,what the highlights where,have a great time

cambodia is now unfortunately very soft travel

Things sure have gotten easier in the past few years. Now the major roads are mostly upgraded, making bus travel a relative snap, international ATMs are in every major center, and as the LP book says "The years of fear and loathing are over". The road between Siem Reap and the Poipet border is still crap, but just get a private car and hold on. To say Cambodia is now "very soft" is stretching quite a bit though. It still presents more than its share of hassles (persistent beggars and tuk tuk drivers in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh) transport delays, corrupt border officials, etc. but nothing dangerous. Anyway, Vietnam will prepare you for it.