BKK to Cambodia
Jun 29th, 2006, 11:01 AM
#1
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BKK to Cambodia
Hi, I am returning to Thailand for a second time this December, and I was just wondering about traveling from BKK to Phnom Penh. I have always been very intrested in Cambodia since I was little, and I have heard that there are some wonderful things to see there. Does anyone have any tips or recomendations on getting there from BKK, how long is the flight?, price range?, ease of travel?, saftey?, place to stay in Cambodia?, and what types of Visa will I need to go there from BKK and to be able to get back into Thailand?
I really appreciate any info, and I would love to hear about others experiences, and recomendations.
smiles,
rachael
I really appreciate any info, and I would love to hear about others experiences, and recomendations.
smiles,
rachael
Jun 29th, 2006, 11:53 AM
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Let me suggest that you start by reading a few of the many dozens of posts about people's visits to Cambodia. This will give you some basic information, then you can come back with some specific questions not covered in the toher posts.
Jun 29th, 2006, 12:29 PM
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yes thanks for the tip, i had already read back to early 2005, i guess this constitutes reading before posting, not sure. I was just really looking for personal experience from others that have gone from BKK to Cambodia. My main trip is Thailand, but I just thought if it was easy enough I would jump over to Cambodia.
I appologize I did'nt realize there was a certain procedure here to follow before posting. I'm a rescorceful sort of gal, so ultimatly I will figure it out, I just like hearing from others.
I wasn't really looking for specifics on Cambodia per se, i just wanted to know the process and the ease of specificaly going from BKK to cambodia for a day or so then returning to BKK.
I appologize I did'nt realize there was a certain procedure here to follow before posting. I'm a rescorceful sort of gal, so ultimatly I will figure it out, I just like hearing from others.
I wasn't really looking for specifics on Cambodia per se, i just wanted to know the process and the ease of specificaly going from BKK to cambodia for a day or so then returning to BKK.
Jun 29th, 2006, 02:12 PM
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If you are just going for a few days and Phnom Penh is the place you want to visit (most people go to Siem Reap for the temples)then it is quite easy and painless. You can fly Thai or Bangkok Air (expensive) or if you want to save take Air Asia's early morning flight at around $33-39 depending how far in advance you book and on what day you travel. A visa is available at the PP airport for $20. There are enough places to vist to keep you occupied for a couple od days. The airfare coming back will be roughly the same.
Jun 29th, 2006, 02:23 PM
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rache, it wasn't my intention to reprimand you in any way, but your questions are so basic and general, I thought you would benefit from reading some of the many accounts of travel to Cambodia that are on this site. While there isn't a "protocol" for posting here, I guess the etiquite is to do basic research before you ask, and to give us enough specifics that we can be helpful.
A quick read of some of the posts would reveal that there is one airline that flies non-stop from BKK to Siem Reap (Bangkok Air) and that the tickets are rather pricey, though if you are flying enough legs, the Discovery Pass can cut costs. It's an easy one hour flight, Cambodia is pretty safe. There are three options for visas: in advance at a Cambodian Embassy, on arrival at the airport, or an e-visa. There are many accommodations options listed on other threads, we would need to know more about your preferences and price range in order to make recommendations.
By the way, I can't imagine going to Cambodia for a day. The minimum amount of time to see the major temples is three days, and many people spend much longer there. I've wanted to visit Cambodia since I was a child, and I spent a week in Siem Reap.
I notice you are new to this site - welcome. I think you'll find that people here are very helpful. It's just that we can be more helpful if you have basic ideas about what you want to see/do, how much money you want to spend on accommodations, etc.
A quick read of some of the posts would reveal that there is one airline that flies non-stop from BKK to Siem Reap (Bangkok Air) and that the tickets are rather pricey, though if you are flying enough legs, the Discovery Pass can cut costs. It's an easy one hour flight, Cambodia is pretty safe. There are three options for visas: in advance at a Cambodian Embassy, on arrival at the airport, or an e-visa. There are many accommodations options listed on other threads, we would need to know more about your preferences and price range in order to make recommendations.
By the way, I can't imagine going to Cambodia for a day. The minimum amount of time to see the major temples is three days, and many people spend much longer there. I've wanted to visit Cambodia since I was a child, and I spent a week in Siem Reap.
I notice you are new to this site - welcome. I think you'll find that people here are very helpful. It's just that we can be more helpful if you have basic ideas about what you want to see/do, how much money you want to spend on accommodations, etc.
Jun 29th, 2006, 02:57 PM
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I don't think Cambodia for a day is really feasible even if you fly. If you can take a few days then you might want to go to see the Angkor Wat temples. Phnom Penh is of course an option, and there are some good museums there and easy access to the Killing Fields and Khmer prisons if that is what you want to see rather than Angkor Wat. In either case, you'd need at least 3 days I think, more time if you've got it.
Like the others have said, Bangkok Airways has the only non-stop flights into Siem Reap from Bangkok. You have a couple of more options into PP. It's also easy and inexpensive to take a bus, but it takes an entire day each way.
A place I've gotten some really good information about Cambodia is travelfish.org and talesofasia.com . There is good information about what to see, how to get there, where to eat and stay.
We are planning to spend 2 weeks in Cambodia next year, and already I'm finding that we can't nearly go to everyplace that we'd like to in 2 weeks. I can't begin to imagine a day trip.
Travel between and around places inside Cambodia can be difficult. Even the "improved" roads around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are mostly dirt. You can hire a car and driver for a reasonable amount of money, take a bus for next to nothing, ride on the back of a motorcycle or in a tuk tuk for less...the less you spend the less comfort you can expect.
Safety...reports over the last few years indicate that there isn't the threat to tourists that there used to be in terms of bandits and insurgents. It seems, though, that landmines will always be a concern, so certainly avoid wandering off of roads and paths. Like everywhere, you should take care of your self and belongings.
Visa...depends on where your passport is issued. Likely you can get a visa into Cambodia at the border or airport and another visa on arrival into Thailand on the return...but again, depends on what country your passport is from.
Like the others have said, Bangkok Airways has the only non-stop flights into Siem Reap from Bangkok. You have a couple of more options into PP. It's also easy and inexpensive to take a bus, but it takes an entire day each way.
A place I've gotten some really good information about Cambodia is travelfish.org and talesofasia.com . There is good information about what to see, how to get there, where to eat and stay.
We are planning to spend 2 weeks in Cambodia next year, and already I'm finding that we can't nearly go to everyplace that we'd like to in 2 weeks. I can't begin to imagine a day trip.
Travel between and around places inside Cambodia can be difficult. Even the "improved" roads around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are mostly dirt. You can hire a car and driver for a reasonable amount of money, take a bus for next to nothing, ride on the back of a motorcycle or in a tuk tuk for less...the less you spend the less comfort you can expect.
Safety...reports over the last few years indicate that there isn't the threat to tourists that there used to be in terms of bandits and insurgents. It seems, though, that landmines will always be a concern, so certainly avoid wandering off of roads and paths. Like everywhere, you should take care of your self and belongings.
Visa...depends on where your passport is issued. Likely you can get a visa into Cambodia at the border or airport and another visa on arrival into Thailand on the return...but again, depends on what country your passport is from.
Jun 29th, 2006, 11:32 PM
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As the others have said you have a few options on flights to get into cambodia:
1) bkk - rep (bangkok air)- about 45mins
2) bkk - phnom penh (bangkok air OR air asia)- about 90 mins
air asia is much cheaper, but less reliable in terms of delays and cancellations. But, if you have at least 3 legs planned, look at bangkok air's Discovery Pass
if you fly to phnom penh, a few days there should be enough - s21, killing fields, royal palace, silver pagoda, national museum etc
from there, you could either fly to siem reap - bangkok air, or take the 'tourist bus' for under $10. will take 4-5 hours.
Siem reap - we spent 10 days there, and are going back in january again.
Angkor complex - tickets - 1 day $20, 3 day $40, 7 day $60. also includes a few sites a bit further away inc roulos group, bantay srei, kbal spean.
Trips out/non-temples, inc Artisans centre inc silk farm, kbal spean, phnom kulen, Tonle Sap. Temples further afield worth a look - beng melea, koh ker
Don't wonder off the paths, use insect repellent with deet - dengue fever mosis in day, malaria at night, drink lots of water, and have a great time!
1) bkk - rep (bangkok air)- about 45mins
2) bkk - phnom penh (bangkok air OR air asia)- about 90 mins
air asia is much cheaper, but less reliable in terms of delays and cancellations. But, if you have at least 3 legs planned, look at bangkok air's Discovery Pass
if you fly to phnom penh, a few days there should be enough - s21, killing fields, royal palace, silver pagoda, national museum etc
from there, you could either fly to siem reap - bangkok air, or take the 'tourist bus' for under $10. will take 4-5 hours.
Siem reap - we spent 10 days there, and are going back in january again.
Angkor complex - tickets - 1 day $20, 3 day $40, 7 day $60. also includes a few sites a bit further away inc roulos group, bantay srei, kbal spean.
Trips out/non-temples, inc Artisans centre inc silk farm, kbal spean, phnom kulen, Tonle Sap. Temples further afield worth a look - beng melea, koh ker
Don't wonder off the paths, use insect repellent with deet - dengue fever mosis in day, malaria at night, drink lots of water, and have a great time!
Jul 5th, 2006, 10:52 AM
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Thanks everyone for the reply, and thanks kathie for the welcome and information.
I realize after doing further research that a day or even two is probbaly not enough for Cambodia. Like you said, I also have always wanted to go there since i was a child. I will be travelling with a freind to BKK but will be on my own for Cambodia, so I was just trying to make it farily simple, but I would like to go to Siem Reap also to see the temples so I guess I am going to have to rethink my plans and see if I can get a few more days for travel. My travel times are from Dec 9- Jan 2. So I should be able to find some extra time in there. I downloaded the Visa Application from the Cambodian Embassy website, so I just need to figure out my times and dates.
as far as price range and accomadations, I guess I am sort of a middle of the roader. I don't need pure luxry, just clean and safe. I like to shop and I am quite adventrous with food, so I spend most of my money on that stuff
thanks everyone for the replies, and links
rachael
I realize after doing further research that a day or even two is probbaly not enough for Cambodia. Like you said, I also have always wanted to go there since i was a child. I will be travelling with a freind to BKK but will be on my own for Cambodia, so I was just trying to make it farily simple, but I would like to go to Siem Reap also to see the temples so I guess I am going to have to rethink my plans and see if I can get a few more days for travel. My travel times are from Dec 9- Jan 2. So I should be able to find some extra time in there. I downloaded the Visa Application from the Cambodian Embassy website, so I just need to figure out my times and dates.
as far as price range and accomadations, I guess I am sort of a middle of the roader. I don't need pure luxry, just clean and safe. I like to shop and I am quite adventrous with food, so I spend most of my money on that stuff
thanks everyone for the replies, and links
rachael
Jul 5th, 2006, 11:34 AM
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the travelfish.org link is really excellent, so many descions to make now. As far as I can tell the price ranges are excellent, I usually plan for a maxium of around 80USD per nite, and a minium of 30USD per nite and it looks like I will be able to find something very nice well within that range and well below my maxium range. After reading all ur replies, I am sure its best to fly from BKK to Siem Reap and visit the temples for a few days, then maybe take the bus down to Phnom Penh few a few days.
I notice that there are severl options for lodging in Siem Reap. Several places say they are not in walking distance to town, are there disadvatages to this as far as finding carriage into Angkor and the temples? Is it best to stay closer into town? Any personal recomendations on lodging would be great.
smiles
I notice that there are severl options for lodging in Siem Reap. Several places say they are not in walking distance to town, are there disadvatages to this as far as finding carriage into Angkor and the temples? Is it best to stay closer into town? Any personal recomendations on lodging would be great.
smiles
Jul 5th, 2006, 11:57 AM
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You will have no difficulty hiring a car and driver (and a guide, if you wish) for the days you are in Siem Reap. Personally, I like staying in town, as I can then walk to restaurants, shops, the market, etc. Others don't care about that, so are just as happy to be located on the road to the airport. It's just a few minutes difference in driving times.
Jul 5th, 2006, 12:27 PM
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Do you or anyone elese have any expereince with the Molina Village Hotel? this tour package I ran across has this as the hotel they will book me in?
Also is it best to book a tour of the temple site before getting there, through a package deal? I have found several of these on the internet, or is it best to just do all that when I get to Siem Reap?
Also is it best to book a tour of the temple site before getting there, through a package deal? I have found several of these on the internet, or is it best to just do all that when I get to Siem Reap?
Jul 5th, 2006, 12:32 PM
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Is Dec/Jan a good time weather wise for Cambodia. I was in BKK last Dec/Jan and the weather was really good. I am guessing the weather is similar.
Also just FYI, my total travel dates are Dec 9 - Jan 2, I am going to fit Cambodia around Dec 23 to Dec 26 if that is possible.
Also just FYI, my total travel dates are Dec 9 - Jan 2, I am going to fit Cambodia around Dec 23 to Dec 26 if that is possible.
Jul 5th, 2006, 12:34 PM
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You will pay more by booking a tour package. Make your own arrangements for a hotel or guesthouse. A car and driver will cost you about US$20-25 a day, extra to go out to Banteay Srei. If you want a guide, that will be another US$20 a day. Your hotel or guesthouse can help you make arrangements for a car and driver. The temples pass is US$20 for one day, $40 for three days or $60 for a week.
Jul 5th, 2006, 05:39 PM
#15
I'd suggest you book one of the tour guides recommended here. We had Dara (arranged through his sister Ponheary) and very much enjoyed our time with him. I've read other postings where people found their guide to be a bit robotic. If you just go with whomever your hotel arranges, it's hit or miss. The folks here on the board can give you some top-notch recommendations for guides. Search for Ponheary and you'll find her contact info (and tons of info/recommendations on her and Dara - and a few other guides).
Enjoy!
Karen
Enjoy!
Karen
Jul 6th, 2006, 08:38 AM
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thanx Kathie, I sent an email this morning to Ponheary. I asked her about hotel booking, so that will be great if I can have all this lined up before I go. I already have my plane ticket and hotel accomadations for BKK so once I settle on a for sure date for Cambodia, I can make those arrangments as well. it sounds like its going to be great.
Jul 6th, 2006, 11:45 AM
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Bangkok Air is the ONLY airline for this trip. That's why it is so expensive. If you are flying three legs or more on this trip on Bangkok Air, you are eligible for the Bangkok Air Discovery Pass. It'll save you some money.
By the way, Bangkok Air is an excellent airline.
By the way, Bangkok Air is an excellent airline.
