Enchanting Cambodia - So much more than just its temples
Nov 19th, 2009, 08:33 AM
#21
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Some random thoughts/comments:
#1: I had booked us on JetStar for the flight from Phnom Penh to Singapore. The flights were booked 3 months ahead. About 3 days before we departed for Cambodia, I got an email from JetStar that they had cancelled our flights and had put us on the flight leaving the next morning. When I called, I was told that all M/W/F departures had been cancelled, so we could either leave the day before/after/or get a full refund. Given our schedule, we ended up cancelling with JetStar and booking expensive flights on SilkAir ($70pp versus $315pp).
The JetStar refund came through in a week.
The point being, if you have a flexible schedule and are ok with moving your plans around by a day or two, JetStar is a good choice, if only for their reasonable fares. I have no other experience with them. But, if you are on a tight schedule, then I'd recommend not booking with one of the lost cost carriers.
#2: Cambodia felt very safe to us. We walked around a lot in all the cities/towns we were in and never felt unsafe. In Phnom Penh however, bag snatching is common, so make sure your bags/cameras are not hanging outside the tuk-tuk. This is not unique to Cambodia and happens in many cities around the world, so best to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
If I think of anything else, I'll update this page.
#1: I had booked us on JetStar for the flight from Phnom Penh to Singapore. The flights were booked 3 months ahead. About 3 days before we departed for Cambodia, I got an email from JetStar that they had cancelled our flights and had put us on the flight leaving the next morning. When I called, I was told that all M/W/F departures had been cancelled, so we could either leave the day before/after/or get a full refund. Given our schedule, we ended up cancelling with JetStar and booking expensive flights on SilkAir ($70pp versus $315pp).
The JetStar refund came through in a week.
The point being, if you have a flexible schedule and are ok with moving your plans around by a day or two, JetStar is a good choice, if only for their reasonable fares. I have no other experience with them. But, if you are on a tight schedule, then I'd recommend not booking with one of the lost cost carriers.
#2: Cambodia felt very safe to us. We walked around a lot in all the cities/towns we were in and never felt unsafe. In Phnom Penh however, bag snatching is common, so make sure your bags/cameras are not hanging outside the tuk-tuk. This is not unique to Cambodia and happens in many cities around the world, so best to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
If I think of anything else, I'll update this page.
Dec 18th, 2009, 09:36 AM
#22
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Some of our friends had trouble going through our lengthy travel musings (or ramblings 
). So, we put together a Best of Cambodia album with pictures only. For those of you wondering if Cambodia is the right destination for you and/or your family, maybe these pictures will help with your decision making.
http://culturesconnected.smugmug.com...17708474_HrSrJ
Happy holidays to all!
). So, we put together a Best of Cambodia album with pictures only. For those of you wondering if Cambodia is the right destination for you and/or your family, maybe these pictures will help with your decision making.http://culturesconnected.smugmug.com...17708474_HrSrJ
Happy holidays to all!
Dec 18th, 2009, 04:56 PM
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Hi seemaskt,
Thank you for your interesting report. We're thinking of spending 2 weeks in Cambodia next year but one of our friends who traveled in the country a couple months ago said there's nothing much to see in 2 weeks and recommended 5-7 days only. What would you think about this, from your own experience?
Thank you for your interesting report. We're thinking of spending 2 weeks in Cambodia next year but one of our friends who traveled in the country a couple months ago said there's nothing much to see in 2 weeks and recommended 5-7 days only. What would you think about this, from your own experience?
Dec 19th, 2009, 07:25 AM
#24
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Hi scomars,
Thanks for taking the time to read our report. Without knowing your travel style and what you enjoy, I can only tell you why we loved Cambodia so much. And hope that you will end up staying for 2 weeks.
We found Cambodia to be a beautiful country and enjoyed every place we traveled to. In fact, we wished we had an extra week to spend more time in Phnom Penh and also get to Kampot, Kep and maybe even Kampong Cham.
We enjoy history, culture and love both urban and rural locales. That's why Cambodia appealed to us so much. Our experiences in the villages near Battambang and in Kampong Chhnang - seeing how the people live, their cottage industries, talking to the locals - were vastly different from our experiences in Siem Riep and PP. We really enjoyed PP too - the urban setting, the great restaurants and shopping. While the temples were breathtaking, our fondest memories of the trip are from our time spent in the rest of Cambodia.
We did have friends question why we weren't visiting both Cambodia and Vietnam in 2 weeks. I think our perspective on what we want out of our travels just differs from theirs.
Hope that helped and I would be happy to answer more questions.
- Seema
Thanks for taking the time to read our report. Without knowing your travel style and what you enjoy, I can only tell you why we loved Cambodia so much. And hope that you will end up staying for 2 weeks.
We found Cambodia to be a beautiful country and enjoyed every place we traveled to. In fact, we wished we had an extra week to spend more time in Phnom Penh and also get to Kampot, Kep and maybe even Kampong Cham.
We enjoy history, culture and love both urban and rural locales. That's why Cambodia appealed to us so much. Our experiences in the villages near Battambang and in Kampong Chhnang - seeing how the people live, their cottage industries, talking to the locals - were vastly different from our experiences in Siem Riep and PP. We really enjoyed PP too - the urban setting, the great restaurants and shopping. While the temples were breathtaking, our fondest memories of the trip are from our time spent in the rest of Cambodia.
We did have friends question why we weren't visiting both Cambodia and Vietnam in 2 weeks. I think our perspective on what we want out of our travels just differs from theirs.
Hope that helped and I would be happy to answer more questions.
- Seema
Dec 19th, 2009, 05:37 PM
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I agree with seemaskt. It depends what you want. Some people fly in to Seim Reap for 2 - 3 days and feel that they've 'done' Cambodia. Others spend time and savour the country and the people. I've been 4 times and there is still a lot of the country I have not seen. Next trip I want to head up the Mekong to Kratie and hopefully beyond.
Dec 23rd, 2009, 06:30 PM
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scomars: I did two weeks in Cambodia, and it wasn't enough for me. Did Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot and Kep. Amazing trip. Would be happy to give advice.
Seema, your report and photos are lovely-- they make my heart hurt, because I loved that part of the world so much. Thinking of going back in May... maybe Vietnam this time!
Seema, your report and photos are lovely-- they make my heart hurt, because I loved that part of the world so much. Thinking of going back in May... maybe Vietnam this time!
Dec 25th, 2009, 06:49 PM
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Hello. Nice report. I'm flying from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia to Siem Reap Cambodia in early/mid-Jan. Unfortunately, I'll only have 5 days/4 nights to exlpore.
Do you have a suggested itinerary? Also, which airline do you suggest I use? I need to fly out of Kuala Lumpor but return to Penang Malaysia.
Thanks for your help and happy holidays.
Do you have a suggested itinerary? Also, which airline do you suggest I use? I need to fly out of Kuala Lumpor but return to Penang Malaysia.
Thanks for your help and happy holidays.
Dec 26th, 2009, 05:55 AM
#32
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Thanks Nywoman! Burma is on our list of places to travel to as well, and before we do, I'll be sure to read your trip report and well as Kathie's.
Looks like a grey and rainy day in NYC today...ugh! Happy Holidays!
Looks like a grey and rainy day in NYC today...ugh! Happy Holidays!
Dec 26th, 2009, 06:08 AM
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WOA, Thank you. With 5 days in Siem Reap, you can do everything we did but at a more leisurely pace and also add Beng Melea and Kbal Spean to your itinerary. We loved our boat ride to Kompong Phhluk, so if that interests you, you could look into a longer day trip to the flooded forest and stilted villages, though I'm not sure what the water levels will be like in January. Also factor is some time to wander around Siem Reap, get massages and just relax.
As for airlines, have you looked into Air Asia? I don't think there is a direct Siem Reap to Penang flight, but you should be able to find one that transits via KL. You can also check expedia.com or kayak.com for suggested routes and airlines to get an idea.
As for airlines, have you looked into Air Asia? I don't think there is a direct Siem Reap to Penang flight, but you should be able to find one that transits via KL. You can also check expedia.com or kayak.com for suggested routes and airlines to get an idea.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 02:10 PM
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WOA - There are two airlines flying from SR to KL and then onward to Penang on various airlines. Malaysia and Air Asia. Discount Air Asia is by far the cheapest and their flight to Penang is 2hrs after arrival in KL.
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