Bars, nightlife, discos abound as the dark ages fade into history
The last couple of years have seen Cambodia creep out from under the large
stone that was it's recent past. Phnom Penh, which started out as an attractive
city built on classic French colonial lines with broad green boulevards and
attractive villas, had become a run down, dark and often dangerous city. But
now Phnom Penh has once again become a vibrant city, most of the streets are
now paved and walking at night is regarded as safe. And the river boulevard
of Sisowath Quay is a vivacious heart for visitors and locals alike to promenade
on, or take in the café scene.
There are also impressive Buddha inspired public buildings and Wats.
In the south the seaside resort of
Sihanoukville is attempting to join the attraction list.
Accommodation is getting better all the time and there are now some quite reasonable
hotels around to compete with the older not so great hotels that dominated the
options a few years ago. See our Hotels section for ones we recommend.
Siem Reap
The jewel of Cambodia is the massive Angkor Wat complex, in the north, at
Siem Reap and as a result is fast becoming a much sought after tourist destination.
Siem Reap is an easy hour’s flight from Bangkok; unfortunately Bangkok
Air control the route so there is no competition on it. The result is that whilst
you may fly to Phnom Penh for 7,000 Baht, SR will cost 11,500 Baht and the flight
is much shorter.
You can also take a bus, but that can take 12 hours on a tourist bus, although
a new road is being built. The locals in SR take a taxi to the border at Poipet
($25), walk over the border and get a tuk tuk to the bus station then catch
a regular bus to Bangkok. That should take about 8 hours. See
Link.
The town of Siem Reap is very small, however the Temples, including Angkor Wat,
are just to the north of the town. To “do” the temples hire a car
($20) for the day and get driven around. It will cost you $20 to enter the complex.
If you are keen enough to want to do the whole lot, 3 days is recommended. In
that case, buy a 3 day pass (photo needed) for $40.
Bars and Nightlife
There are plenty of Western owned bars in key areas, as well as quite a few discos,
massage parlours and karaoke bars. The notorious K11 has been tamed but still
exists.(see article 2 years
old)
Unfortunately Cambodia has a reputation for the availability of young girls, and
the evidence would suggest that this reputation is justified. But be warned, the
authorities are under international pressure to stop this. Western men are ending
up in jail. Considering the conditions, which the average Cambodian family lives
in, I would think jail would be hell on earth to a Westerner!
Visa requirements and arriving at Phnom Penh/Siem
Reap
Arriving by air is simple enough with a tourist visa ($20) available at the airport.
Go to the desk sign posted visa application; hand in the form and your passport.
If you don't have a photo they charge an extra $1. About 5 minutes later get your
visa and passport back and proceed to immigration. Walk through the airport and
at the exit there are taxis by the squadron. Pay $7 for a taxi downtown to a hotel
(Siem Reap $5). Remember, getting out costs another $20 in airport tax. If you
pre-book your hotel they will almost certainly arrange for a car to meet you.
Money
The local currency is the Reil, but in reality the green back is king and most
prices are in dollars. Credit cards are useable in some hotels and in a few other
places, as well as for cash withdrawals in most main banks. Traveller’s
cheques can be cashed at the main banks and turned into dollars. It is better
to have dollar TCs. When using dollars, change of less than one dollar will be
given in Reils, which is useful for local purchases etc. The accepted rate is
4,000 Reil to one dollar. Thai Baht can be used but the rate of exchange is 50
Baht to 1$
Getting Around
Safety was an issue a couple of years ago but all tourist areas are regarded as
safe. Some remote country areas may still be a problem so check with the locals
if going off the beaten track. But remember that real poverty is endemic here
so do not flash money or walk down dark deserted streets (especially when drunk).
The most popular short distance transport is the moto (scooter taxi), these lurk
outside bars, hotels etc. as well as constantly approaching walkers. They are
cheap and easy to use between bars. Cost - about $½ per short trip.
Taxi's can be found outside major hotels or summoned by phone. Taxis tend to be
hired by the hour and will wait outside places for you. Single trip taxi rides
are also possible.
It is common to hire a car and driver by the day. The cost is about $20/$25 per
day, but sort out the price before starting out.
Driving is not recommended until you learn the rules of the road.
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