I am thinking about making a trip to Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap), does anyone have any comments about the country? I am looking for positives and negatives, did you enjoy it? What were the best things? The highlights? Any general comments would be great.

Loved it. See trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35128354

Second the "loved it" although we only went to Siem Reap due to a lack of time. I am about to finish that part of my trip report and then I will give you the link to it. Or look for Trip Report Part 1 - Bangkok.

Or for that matter - e-mail me and I can give you more details.

There are dozens and dozens of trip reports about Cambodia. Start by searching for Cambodia, and read the comments and reports that interest you.

As one of many who has made a trip to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat, other temples, Tonle Sap) and found it profoundly moving, I too would encourage you to start your research here and see how you respond to what others have written.

Cambodia is my wife and I's favorite place of any we've been. The temples of course, in Siem Reap. Preah Khan is our favorite but most are fascinating and it's well worth finding a couple of out of the way ones for a little solitude.

Although Phnom Penh is a bustling city, we enjoyed that too, for meeting and talking with local people and talks on the wall along the quay. The FCC in PP a relaxing and old fashioned place for drinks. (We stayed there as well).

We also enjoyed Battambang and have fond memories of Kampong Chhnang, a non-tourist town along the south side of the Tonle Sap.

SR is a very interesting place....its all about the temple ruins---angkor and others....

the economy is completely driven by tourism so prices are way out of wack in SR....hotels cost way more than they deserve as do flight to SR...

the american dollar is the currency most often used...by americans and others...

the food is so so in comparison to thai, imo...

we enjoyed our time there---4 full days, but feel we would not return..

Bob, I'm just curious how long ago it was that you were in Siem Reap?

Lori

We loved Angkor. We spent a week there and would have loved even more time. And it is on our list of place we wish to return to. BTW, you can view our photos of Angkor at www.marlandc.com

I love both SR and PP, as well as Kep and Kampot. I find Phhom Penh a great chill-out place, and try to take weekend breaks there whenever I can. Have to strongly disagree with Bob. Food in SR and PP is really great. On average, far better than you'll get in Thai tourist destinations.

I agree that the food in Cambodia was fine. I also found prices quite reasonable, even in SR, but I stayed in a guest house, not an upmarket hotel, and didn't fly in or out. spend as much time as you can manage in SR - minimum of four nights, then add PP, Battambang, and the coast as time allows.

I to think Cambodian food would stand along side Thai anytime. We preferred it. More creamy in the curries, less fire. Leaning more towards the Vietnamese influence. I may be pre-biased though, in that I like Vietnamese more than Thai food in general.