Tickets are booked to Bangkok (yay) in November, we plan to spend some time in PP and SR before a few "beach" type days in Hua Hin before moving on to Bangkok, couple of things:

I had originally thought about connecting straight to SR from BKK spending 5 nights (4 full days IN SR) and then 3 nights in PP. However, is there any benefit to me going to PP first? I have read that the visa queues are much quieter in PP and it would mean spending the weekend in PP.

Also amount of time spent in each place? look good? not enough?

Thanks
S

Five nights, four days is the minimum that I would spend in Siem Reap. Three nights/ two days is ample in Phnom Penh. I was in both those place in July( 8 nights SM and 4 nights PP).
Should have cut PP back to 3 nights. However, I did go back to Siem Reap in August for 5 nights..

Re VISA...I have done it three times this year..every time on-line. For me, it is one less hassle at the border. Costs a few $$ more, but, for convenience, its worth it
Here is the link to apply .. http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/

Smeagol, predicating your travel plans on an imaginary visa line hold up seems a little silly to me. On my four visita to Siem Reap [or is it 5?] the vias on arrival process must have taken, ohhh... all of fifteen minutes.

Get a seat up the front of the plane and you'll cut that down to ten - or five. Tell them Dogster sent you and they'll just wave you thru.

LOL Dog, good point, I have been reading too many articles where it says the queues are hideous (although i may get them at the embassay in London anyway so the point will probably be moot) i guess the main thing is, would a weekend in PP be a better time to spend in PP than during the week? OR does it make not one jot of difference!!!
I will of course make sure i mention your name.....

Well, if I may be so bold, time spent getting visas at the enbassy in London versus time spent in a queue in S.R...

Seat at the front of the plane.

The words 'not a jot of difference' seem to have a certain resonance...

Too true Dog (although it would be a postal application!)
But point well made by yourself! LOL

Smeagol... Well, sit at home, do it on line, and save your slef a trip into London. Just make certain that you print out two(2) copies of the e-visa ( I did 3 copies)

For me, to have the visa,and save 15 minutes at the border is worth US$5.00

Absolutely, I will either do on line or post to the embassay. I much prefer to have these things before i go! No issue with the online, i have heard of scams of border guards saying visas not valid?

need to spend more time in bkk with the rhkkmk's

Smeagol.

Never had any problems with the visa on line at POIPET...Three times through there. March 2010, July 2010, August 2010. No tips required either .

The link that I posted is the correct link. Just open it up, and see which places accept the e-Visa ( Phnom Penh, Poipet are OK )
Sihanoukville .... NOT ACCEPTED..

Whatever you like ladies. I know that logic won't work here. Just be happy. You can write a little note later, Smeagol, telling me I was right.

gearsau, if I were coming thru Poipet I'd do an advance visa too - but we're talking about S.R. airport arrival, not land.

Of course, the minutes you don't wait in line for the visa will be spent waiting for your luggage...

You've actually spent more time on this post discussing it than it'll take on the spot. Ooops, sorry... logic again.

There are scams at the land border, Poipet in particular, but you are flying, aren't you? No need to worry about the land border.

I'd maximize time in Siem Reap. Three days is more than most people recommend for PP.

I was going to do the online Visa thing, but you've changed my mind, Dog.

Hey Smeag- Sounds like we may be crossing paths!

I suggest a meet at the Lingha Bar, directly opposite Hotel Be.

Dog..Logic, nah that's for wimps... and yes i realise i have spent WAY more time discussing this than it will probably take when i get to either SR or PP airport... what can i say, it's a slow day..... LOL
OK point taken i will drop the subject!!
Mango- do you have anticipated dates yet?

Smeag- Somewhere close to the middle of November at this point. Is this for avoidance countermeasures, ha ha

Hiya Dog. I was going to stay at the HoBe but heard too many gripes about things there via tripadvisor reviews. Will certainly check out the Lingha.. Cheers

Mango - no not at all, if our paths were due to cross then it would be good to meet up for a drink. At the moment we are due to be in SR towards the end of Nov now, although not confirmed!

err, which reviews would those be, Mang?

There are 12 reviews in Trip Advisor - here are the headings:

'Hip, delightful boutique in the heart of Siem Reap'
'Funky Hotel in the heart of the Old Market district'
'Very chic boutique'
'Hidden boutique with homely feel'
'Just like home!'
'Great place to stay'
'And now it's my turn to pass along this little gem..'
'Unique experience..'
'Secret boutique gem in the middle of Everything'
'To Be or not to Be..'
'Fantastic Place!!!!!'

ahh - here it is, from two years ago.
'Excellent place, but the service sucks!'

Yup, a chorus of disapproval.

Wise choice, Mang. Best not to stay there.

You shouldn't go by headlines, wouldn't u agree, Mr dog?

To elaborate on my posting about the Ho Be, I read a number of complaints about the staff sleeping in the common areas of the hotel. I'm not a snob, but I won't even consider a hotel where the employees are often snoring away in the lounge. I'm sure its a nice hotel otherwise.