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Hi,

I'm heading to Cambodia to visit my son, arriving late on November 23 and leaving at midnight on December 4. Here's the shell itinerary I have so far. The plan so far is that I'll be travelling to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville with my son and will be doing Battambang on my own. I'd love any tips on things to do, places to stay, etc. Thanks!

Wednesday, November 23
10:25 pm - Arrive Phnom Penh International Airport, staying in Phnom Penh at or near my son's place.

Thursday, November 24
Travel by air to Siem Reap (Thinking of using Bassaka Air?)

Friday, November 25
Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Saturday, November 26
Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Sunday, November 27
Me: Battambang by boat (thought this might be a worthwhile experience?)
Son back home to Phnom Penh by air or bus

Monday, November 28
Battambang

Tuesday, November 29
Battambang to Phnom Penh by bus

Wednesday, November 30
Phnom Penh

Thursday, December 1
To Sihanoukville by minibus

Friday, December 2
Sihanoukville

Saturday, December 3
Sihanoukville

Sunday, December 4
Travel back to Phnom Penh for departing flight at 11:45 pm.

How much interest do you have in the temples of Angkor? You haven't given yourself enough time to even visit all of the major temples (it takes three full days) and if you are especially interested, you would want more time. Pick up a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples to prepare for this part of your trip. It will help you decide how much time to spend in Siem Reap.

Hi Kathie,

I would say I'm relatively to very interested in the temples, and I will look for that book for sure. My issue is I'm really also really interested in Battambang and the coast as well. I currently have 2.5 days scheduled in Siem Reap - that's the main reason I'm opting to fly in - so I don't have to waste a whole day travelling to get there.

Given that you are moving around at a fairly brisk pace, I recommend that you get a driver to take you from Siem Reap to Battambang, which is what I did. The drive is about three hours, whereas the boat, in that direction, takes seven hours. A driver will cost you about 30 bucks, but no more than 40, and you can leave whatever time you want, even as early as 7 AM.

The advantage would be, as Kathie says, is if you decide to spend that last day seeing the Angkor temples, then you can leave Siem Reap in the late afternoon. Alternatively, if you decide that you have had enough temples, then you can leave super-early in the morning and spend the whole day in Battambang. I allowed 1 1/2 days in Battambang, one for the countryside, and a 1/2 day for a walking tour of the city, and I could have used another day for the countryside. (The circus is a must-see if you are there on the right days.)

Regrading Angkor Wat, I was there in 2012, and the crowds were just awful. I spent two days seeing the temples, and a third day going to a water village. The Chinese tour groups really spoiled it for me, they kept "demanding" that I get out of the way for pictures. I refused, but it did spoil my concentration. Try to see the sunrise at least once, if not both days, as it is quiet peaceful.

We got a tourist bus from Siem Reap to Battambang. It was, and probably still is, classed as a B route.

The bus was an old cronk, can't recall which company. When the driver turned on the engine it stirred a hundred million mozzies. Not the best bus trip we've had in SE Asia.

Here is a link to our The Cambodian selection of our blog where you will find an entry for Battambang with a loto of photos and a few ideas on what there is to do there. It is pretty easy to arrange transport and/or a guide when you get there. There is a to to see and do and a couple of days would be a perfect.

https://accidentalnomads.com/category/cambodia/

Personally, I think a couple of days in Angkor is plenty. We returned there last year to take my in laws there for their anniversary. Like CaliforniaLady, we found the crowds, especially the Chinese tour groups, a real pain, almost unbearable. This was our third visit and in previous times, years ago, it was fairly easy to avoid the crowds - no more is that possible.

I agree with CL re getting a bus or car between Battambang and SR. The boat is overrated, long and often uncomfortable in the heat. a private transfer will cost in the region of $60 , a bus $6. Our bus was pretty reasonable ( for Cambodia!)

Thanks so much for the great info, everyone! I think I will avoid the boat and either take the bus or hire a driver.