anand

I am in India in Feb and would like to visit Cambodia. Is it safe to travel alone. I have only 4 to 5 days at the most to spend. What should I see. Besides temples are there any good shopping malls. I have heard that there is good handicrafts. Would love to do some shopping . Could someone help me suggesting where to stay and what all is there to see. I am not on a strict budget but I hear Cambodia is cheap compared to other neighboring countries. I have seen Thailand three years ago. Any other country to go other than Cambodia. Any help/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Kathie

Yes, it is safe to travel alone in Cambodia. If you only have 4 - 5 days, spend it in Siem Reap. There are dozens of temples, read up on them. Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor, is an excellent resource. There are some artisan workshopa worth visiting. There are markets with handicrafts, but not malls (fortunately) in Siem Reap. If you "need" a mall, stop in Bangkok for one day.

You have many options of whre to stay in Siem Reap ranging from simple guesthouses to luxury properties. If you give us a per night price, we can amke suggestions.

With 4 - 5 days, there is not time to visit another country. You'll need all of that time in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap itself is not cheap. You'll need a temples pass and a car and driver to visit the temples. The car and driver will be $25-$30 a day; if you want a guide, add another $25-30 per day.

You can see a preview of the temples at www.marlandc.com

rhkkmk

cambodia is not known for its shopping like many of its neighbors....it is known for its people, its history, its temple ruins and savage treatment of its people in recent decades...

Gpanda

In Siem Reap, visit the shop of Artisans D'Angkor. Wonderful things made by wonderful people. Many of us on this forum have purchased items at this shop.

MichaelBKK

Actually, there are now two shopping malls in Siem Reap, but they're pretty pathetic. The first is on the riverside near the old market, and it's very small. The second is at the new Angkor National Museum, and most of the shops that were there have failed already. The place is almost deserted.

As others have mentioned, the old market and the streets around it are much better for shopping. I also agree that a visit to the Artisans d'Angkor workshops is very good.

And let's not forget the food. Siem Reap has some very good restaurants, representing all the cuisines you can imagine. Most of them are around pub street next to the old market. You can have a very good meal for around $5.

anand

Thanks Kathie
I think i am going to do Siem Reap for 4 days and on return spend 2 days in BKK. Is it easy to get from airport to hotel. Can I get a decent place to live within 60-70$ and safe. Do hotels have shuttle. How should I plan daily trips. Maybe get an escorted day tours which might be cheaper on a bus or so?? What should I plan on seeing daily. Two days maybe good to see temples.. what about other two days??

MichaelBKK

There's a taxi counter at the airport. A taxi (car) to any hotel is a fixed flat rate of $7. Hotels don't have shuttle buses, but they will pick you up in a private car for several times the taxi rate.

You can definitely get a nice place for 60 - 70. Bopha Angkor is a big favorite here. Steung Siem Reap is okay, and closer to the market area where all the shops and restaurants are.

You will need a car (or motodup) and driver to see the temples. There are no buses, except for the big group package tourists. A guide is optional, and highly recommended for your first visit, especially if you haven't done much 'homework' about what you want to see. If you take a taxi from the airport, your taxi driver will offer his services to take you around the temples. Otherwise, you can arrange a guide and driver through your hotel.

Two days is really not enough if you're really interested in seeing the major sights, including the remote ones like Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean or Banteay Srei. But if you are "templed out" then take a trip on Tonle Sap to see the floating villages, or venture to the flooded forest.

anand

Thanks, Michaelbkk