Abrie

At last I have the chance to visit Cambodia via Bangkok at short notice. Starting in a weeks time in Bangkok on 20 March - my fourth visit to Bangkok It will be my first solo trip at the tender age of 51 !!

I have about 16 days for the round trip. Bangkok to Pattaya ( for a day – I’m not a big party animal ) and then move on to Ko Samet or Ko Chang for 2 - 3 days days. ( Any advice on the two options ?) Then enter Cambodia via Trat and stay in Sihanoukville / Kampot / Rabbit island (any other suggestions ) for 2 or 3 days before moving to Phnom Penh (for 2 or 3 days) and then Seam Riep for 3 days before crossing border back to Bangkok . I understand going back to Thailand at Poipet is easier that coming into Cambodia at that border crossing?

I would love you comments on my plans and advise on where to stay, what to do and see and what not - any suggestions. ? ( 20 – 40 dollars per night is about my range for Cambodia.) Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I willl be traveling by bus as far as possible.

Any other solo travelers that are doing the same thing ? Looking forward to your responses. Abrie ( South Africa)

thursdaysd

"I understand going back to Thailand at Poipet is easier that coming into Cambodia at that border crossing?
" - I didn't have any trouble going SR to BKK. Check talesofasia.com for the latest info.

Good for you going solo - I started serious solo travel at 53 (I now have a blog - mytimetotravel.wordpress.com). I preferred Kompot to Sihanoukville as it was quieter, but the best reason to go there was Bokor National park, and I think the road is still closed.

Is that three full days (four nights) for Siem Reap? That's about the minimum for a really good visit.

Jen

I spent 3 nights in Kep, and Bokor was closed when I was there. I still thought it was totally worthwhile. I would have stayed a day longer if I'd had the time. It's really quiet, but nice to chill for a few days. Kampot is fun to wander around for an afternoon, and Rabbit Island is really nice for a day. I stayed at Kep Lodge, which was lovely, with a nice pool. You get your own little hut, no AC, but I didn't need it at night- there's a fan and a nice breeze off the sea. It was $30/night. I didn't go to Sihanoukville, but when I was doing my research, it didn't really seem like my thing.

2-3 nights for Phnom Penh sounds about right-- if you need the time somewhere else, you could get away with two. And I would agree with Thursdaysd, you need 3 full days in Siem Reap to do it justice.

I went solo too, and found it really easy to travel around. The Khmer people are some of the friendliest I've ever encountered, and will bend over backwards to help you.

Abrie

Thanks Jen. Seems like I cant go wrong...no matter where I decide to go !!!

katrinab

Sounds like a blast! We stayed at Mandalay Inn for $20/night in Siem Reap and Fancy Guesthouse for a bit less in Phnom Penh. Both were good options--comfortable rooms, hot water, good staff, wifi. In both those cities you can hire a motorcycle driver or tuk tuk to take you around all day, and they really do know the sights. Lots of fun! More info and pics in our Cambodia posts at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/