Bangkok-Siem Reap

Hi guys,

Im new to this site so if Im asking a question thats been covered before, please forgive me!

Im visiting Thailand in the new year with my girlfriend. At some point we would like to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap. We have heard many nightmare stories about the journey/border crossing/trains etc.

Is there anyone out there who could give us some practical advice on this journey?

Thanks in advance and Merry Xmas to you all!!!

Alan %26amp; Viera

Bangkok-Siem Reap

See the post below (Bkk - S.R. by train) if you dont fancy the train (early morning and lunch time dept) there are (very) regular buses from Morchit bus terminal in Bkk. four/five hours around 200 baht

Bangkok-Siem Reap

FLY from BKK to REP, on the only airline that flies from Bangkok to Siem Reap, which is Bangkok Air, they have a monopoly on this route.

Unless you want to spend a lot of time doing what will take less than an hour by air, take the plane. You will need a VISA to get into Cambodia.

Go to the Cambodian gov%26#39;t website to get an E Visa, if you are not a Chinese citizen... certain nationalities are not eligible to get an E Visa.

It%26#39;s very easy, all you need is a JPG photo of your face (no need for nerdy passport photos) and to fill out the application %26amp; charge the amount to a credit card. Within 2 days you get the E Visa emailed back, which you print %26amp; staple into your passport.

It%26#39;s THAT easy.

Once you arrive at REP, you go to a special, FAST line %26amp; are whisked through immigration.

Unless you hold a passport from a no E Visa nation, the $20 extra charge is worth it.

I would also encourage you to book a guide in advance, the licensed guides you hire yourself are better (and cheaper) than the ones your hotel will book for you. If you want an English speaking guide (all guides are licensed to guide in a specific language) I%26#39;d recommend Leng Tek. They all charge $25--$30 per day (dawn tours or long days or distant travels are more than $25) plus the driver... Drivers are not allowed to guide inside temples %26amp; guides are not allowed to drive.

Besides distant temples, I%26#39;d recommend a visit to a school (like Little Angels) or an orphanage or the landmine museum. If you love birds, the Preak Toal Bird Sanctuary is only visitable during the dry season... that%26#39;s a whole day%26#39;s excursion across the Tonle Sap Lake, which Tek can arrange for you too. It%26#39;s quite amazing. LengTek@yahoo.com

The overland trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap is not at all intimidating if you do a bit of research up front and have the time to spend. I think it%26#39;s a great way to see the country and the roads are improving every day. The cost is certainly cheaper than paying the air pirates at BA.

Look through this website and then ask any questions you might have.

www.talesofasia.com