I'm thinking about visiting Ho Chi Minh this winter, and would also like to go into Cambodia (Siem Reap & Phnom Penh) for a few days. Is it easier by plane or train? Any suggestions/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Flying is easiest, especially since there are no trains that go between VN and Cambodia.

When you say you are visiting Ho Chi Minh, do you mean Ho Chi Minh City or visit Ho Chi Minh in his mausoleum in Hanoi?

I don't know your definition of a few days, but just visiting the major temples near Siem Reap takes three full days, and if you wanted to visit PP as well, you'd want two more days. A taxi between PP and SR will take 4 -5 hours.

Thank you for the input. I was actually thinking about 2-3 days for SP, and then 2 days for PP. Oh, and yes, I had meant Ho Chi Minh City.

Do some research before you visit Angkor. I always recommend Dawn Rooney's book Angkor. That will give you more of an idea of the number and range of the temples and she also gives suggested itineraries. You are also welcome to view our photos of Angkor at www.marlandc.com

Another option for Saigon to PP is by boat up the Mekong - the contrast between the two countries is very obvious going that way. For the expensive version see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34789695, for the more affordable versions check with the travel agencies in Saigon.

From PP to SR you can go by bus or private car or plane. Actually you can also go by boat, but that's not recommended. For lots of info on travel in and to Cambodia see talesofasia.com.

You can also take a bus from HCMC to Phnom Penh, save some money and see more of the countryside. The Mekong Express bus is the best, large, comfortable, air-conditioned, toilet and with hostess. Leaves around 11am and takes about 6 hours including border formalities which are easy and helped with by the hostess. Visa can be obtained at the boarder for $20. The road is paved the entire way, except for a couple of short, rough dusty patches where new bridges are under construction in Cambodia (they may be finished by now) and of course the Neak Luong ferry crossing. Cost about $13 but may have gone up a bit due to fuel costs. Or you can splurge and take a taxi from HCMC to the Moc Bai boarder crossing for around $30 (2hr trip) and from there another taxi to PP. Cost will be $30-40 depending on your negotiation skills and takes 31/2 hours.


Again from PP to SR the Mekong Express is the best bus of the lot and cost $12. The seat spacing is excellent and for the average person there is at least 6 inches of clearance from the knees to the seat in front. You are greeted by a lovely Khmer girl, shown to your seat and served pastries with a bottle of water. There is a toilet on board and you make one stop on the way for a break. Bus times are 7:30 and 12:30. They will pick you up at the hotel if you call them. Their office is opposite where the boat to Siem Reap departs on Sisowath Quay - Tel: 023-427-518. Please NOTE that the SR bus station is a disgrace and for many can be an overwhelming, unpleasant and chaotic first impression to SR. And Do Not let anyone talk you into taking overpriced boat to SR.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations! Oh, and the pictures were amazing, Kathie!