Cambodia: Battambang & Siem Riep - Short Trip.
 

I visited Cambodia back in 1996 and think it's about time to pop back and see how things have changed. I have a week available at the end of February and plan to visit Battambang (I couldn't get here in '96), and Siem Riep. Any help with the following would be appreciated!

*Recommendations for budget guesthouses. Would it be possible to get a room (fan and bathroom) with free and reliable wi-fi ... for $10? Or am I wishing? Wi-fi is essential as i'll be working throughout the trip.

*Must-Sees in Battambang? I may only have a day or two here.

*Recommendations for sightseeing at Angkor? I visited the 'top' locations in '96 (Angkor Wat, Bayon etc). I was not able to travel to more far-flung locations back then (due to mines, etc) so tips on places inaccessable back then would be great.

*Finally, I will travel to and from Cambodia via Aranya Prathet. Recommendations on how to travel: Bangkok / Border - Battambang; Battambang - Siem Riep and back to the border / Bangkok.

Any other tips gratefully accepted! Many thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.

See talesofasia.com - should have most of the answers you want. Around Battambang don't miss the Bamboo Express.

If possible travel between Battangbang and Siem Reap by boat. Not sure about the water levels in February though. I hired a moto and spent a few hours being driven round the countryside culminating in a trip on the bamboo train. From memory it was $12. I pay $15 for a room with air con and pool so $10 is probably possible. The Royal Hotel probably has rooms in your price range and I picked up my moto (or he found me) at the door.

Also check out www.travelfish.com for ideas.

Re temples Beng Melea, Koh Ker and Banteay Srei immediately spring to mind. Also Phnom Kulen for something different. Its non touristy. There is also a waterfall and swimming spot. Fun at the weekend with lots of locals. Take lots of 100 riel notes for the beggars.

I don't have a sightseeing agenda for Battambang as we didn't end up sightseeing much there (and everyone will have idea for you for Angkor, but fyi - Preah Kahn is my fav).

Anyway, we ended up "soaking it in" more than anything in Battambang before working our way down the south side of the lake.
No pressure, but if you're inclined - I was just going to say that there's a local temple called Wat Norea on the other side of the river and down a bit from the main Battambang town that functions as both childrens home and HIV educational facility run by monks, for monks. And of a more urgent need, there's a shelter for street kids and women right in Battambang town. If you see a garage door sort of affair just a few doors closer to the center than the Sunshine Cafe that has a big chalk board inside, well, when we were there, they were pretty pressed for food - even though the main market was just a block or two away. Just sayin'. The lady that runs it is really sweet.


And of a more

Not sure how I pasted that extra bit in. Sorry 'bout that.

Many thanks for the tips and links above. If anyone else has ideas ... i'm all ears!

We stayed at the Star Hotel in Battambang - they did have a computer with internet access that guests could use. Don't think they had wifi access though. Rooms ranged from $15-25.

We hired a couple of motos and spent much of our time in the countryside around Battambang. We also signed up for a cooking class at the Smoking Pot restaurant. BB provided some of the best memories of our trip. You can check out our trip report (by clicking on my ID) if you want additional details.

As for Siem Reap, you have already received some good tips above. We really enjoyed a trip out on the Tonle Sap to the stilted villages of Kompong Phhluk.

I found http://www.canbypublications.com/ to be a great resource for planning our trip.

Good luck!