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Monday, March 11, 2013

Cambodia: Of Hotels ang Tuktuks

I agree that an overnight stay in Cambodia is not enough. Well, I don't have any choice because I only have a tight travel schedule.

In order for me to maximize and enjoy my stay, I made sure beforehand that I will feel comfortable with my hotel accommodation, but of course not forgetting to blend with the Cambodian daily life.




Going to Siem Reap from Bangkok, Thailand, I would highland recommend traveling by train because you will surely experience the real Thailand rural life and appreciate how simple yet fulfilling their lives are.

Train Ride to Aranyaprathet

From Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Train Station, there are two train trips to Aranyaprathet, Thailand border. Riding the train is the cheapest among other transportation options and only costs THB 48 for the whole 6 hour-trip to the border. Check-out the latest train schedules below:


Bangkok >> Aranyaprathet (3rd class seat)

Departs
05:55
13:05
Arrives
12:30
18:00
 

Aranyaprathet >> Bangkok (3rd class seat)

Departs
06:40
13:55
Arrives
12:05
19:55

Hua Lamphong Station

Arriving at Aranyaprathet, ride a Tuktuk going to the Cambodian border, tuktuk drivers already know it. Haggle a price of THB 80 for the ride to the border and that should be a fair deal already. If you need a VISA and your tuktuk driver offer you a place to get one, just ask him nicely to still bring you to the border. There is a legal or legit office near the border that issues official VISA.Tourist Visa is around USD 20.

Aranyaprathet Station
Thai Immigration

TRAVEL TIP: Thailand - Cambodia border has a lot of VISA agencies that are not legit and there have been a lot of experiences that tourists get into this trap.

Exit the Thailand border through the usual Immigration Process, walk a few meters going to the Cambodian ark which is the official border of Cambodia. There are a lot of Casinos and gambling houses in the border by the way. There are also official Cambodian tourist assistants that will guide you through the process.

The famous "Kingdom of Cambodia"Ark

Enter the Cambodian Immigration and complete the entry process. The Immigration office is only a small room and a bit hot by the way. After you have been granted your entry, ride the passenger bus just outside the Immigration office.


Passenger Bus


TRAVEL TIP: The passenger bus is FREE and being supported by the Cambodian government. The passenger bus will bring you to the Passenger Terminal to which you can then ride a bus or taxi going to Siem Reap City.

BUS or TAXI? Well, if you are a group of four, better to ride a taxi. If you are a solo backpacker, you may negotiate and group with other backpackers to occupy a taxi. If you're with a group, better to ride a bus instead. Here's a comparison rundown for more details:


Poipet >> Siem Reap City
Fare
Travel Time
Bus
USD 9
3.5 hours
Taxi
USD 48 or USD12/person
2.5 hours

AIn Siem Reap City, their main system of transportation is the Tuk-Tuk. I highly recommend my Tuk-Tuk driver, Mr. Sokhom, driver number 3609. He is very talkative, accommodating, and nice! You may hire a tuk-tuk driver for your one-day Angkor Heritage Tour. Mr. Sokhom charged USD 12 and I think this is a fairly good deal!

Mr. Sokhom doing his job

Here's Mr. Sokhom, English Speaking Tuk Tuk Driver, contact details:

Contact Number-: (+855) 92 634 226
E-mail Address - tab.sokhom@yahoo.com

Accommodation is also very important to me. Well for this trip, I did not opt to look for a backpacker hostel because I won't be staying longer so I guess a good night and comfy bed is better. I stayed overnight at Rithy Rine Angkor Hotel found near Siem Reap's market. One night stay cost around USD 26.



Rithy Rine Hotel

What I liked about Rithy Rine Hotel is that they have free bottled water. In my case, unlimited bottled water! I grabbed the chance of getting as much bottled water as I can to hydrate myself during the Angkor Historical Tour. See more of Cambodia's heritage from here: "Siem Reap Tour".

Unlimited "Rose" Water

More information about Cambodia:

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