caesar

We are planning a trip to Asia in November with another couple. We have all travelled extensively, including to Vietnam, but none of us have been to Cambodia before.
We can see travellers are highly recommending Phnom Penh, and there seem to be lovely hotels, but what can we really expect in terms of a travel experience? We are keen to experience new cultural things, but we are very interested in other traveller's highlights, suggestions and things to avoid. Our plan is to fly from Canada to Hong Kong, then to Saigon and then onto Cambodia.
Very interested in insights and suggestions.
Thanks.

Kathie

I'm not sure where you see people highly recommending PP. People highly recommend Siem Reap, near where the temples of Angkor are located, but many people bypass PP. PP is worth a day or two if you are interested in the modern history of Cambodia (Killing fields, etc). Take a look at a guidebook. Lonely Planet has a good one covering all of Cambodia.

The temples of Angkor are one of the wonders of the world, IMO. It takes three full days just to visit the major temples. If you are really interested in the temples, you'll want more time.. Do your research first - get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book: "Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples" and review it carefully it will give you a sense of how much time you want in Siem Reap. She gives a number of sample itineraries.

Also, take a look at www.theplf.org for adding a different aspect to your visit.

There are many dozens of trip reports here. Go to the top of the page and choose Cambodia from the drop-down menu. You will then get a list of recent posts on Cambodia. Look for the ones with a trip report symbol and read a few.

caesar

Thanks Kathy, I shall take your advice.
Caesar

gearsau

Caesar,

Phnom Penh for 2 days, then move onto Siem Reap. You could spend a week in Siem Reap as there are many temples and other things to see.

As Kathie has stated, at Phnom Penh, there is recent history of the Khmer Rouge war there,with the Killing Fields memorial, S-21 Prison, National Museum and National Palace are well worth seeing.

However, the jewell in Cambodia is Siem Reap with numerous temples there . Here are links to some of my photos from 4 visits in 12 months.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0&l=45614d5198
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0&l=84b6dd5b94
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0&l=d96453e8eb
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0&l=0db9bc0645
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0&l=cbd6576798

silverwool

I thoroughly agree with the above comments. The first time i went to PP I was not impressed but over several visits of come to enjoy it. But I usually only stay one or two nights. IMO Thats all you need. Siem Reap is far better. (I've used it as a starting point for a trip down to Kampot and Kep.)

MichaelBKK

I'm one of those who really likes Phnom Penh, but even I will admit that you don't need to stay there more than a couple of days. I think it makes a nice place to relax after Siem Reap.

I also like Kampot and Kep, both quiet areas where you can really shut down if you want to, or you can explore what's left of the old ghost town on Bokor mountain.

crellston

I too really like PP. lots of good hotels and restaurants and more than enough sights to keep one occupied for 2-3 days (or even longer). Siem Reap was a pleasure to visit 10+ years ago but the exponential growth in the number of hotel and the uncontrolled increase in the number of visitors mean that it does get VERY crowded in peak season. I last visted in 2008 and it was very difficult (although not completely impossible) to get away from the crowds.

As michael says Kampot and Kep are nice as is Kratie a sleepy town close to the Lao border where it is easy to get to the Si Phan Don (4000 islands) area of Laos which is really nice for a relaxing time on the Mekong.

the following site is a great resource for cambodia

http://www.travelfish.org/country/cambodia

silverwool

Is the road to Bokor open again?

discoveryindochina

Hi,

Siem Reap has much more interesting things to visit than Phnompenh.People normally spend 1-2 days in Phnompenh.

If you travel from Saigon,a trip along the Mekong river,cross the border to Cambodia is worth considering.
Saigon -> Mekong river -> Crossing the border at Chau Doc by speedboat -> Phnompenh - Siem Reap.

Enjoy your trip!

caesar

Thanks so much for the links and the commentary.
We are going to stick with our original plan of two nights in PP and about 5 in AW.
Caesar.