Tips and Tricks for Cambodia (As Of 2014)

Siem Reap:

Getting There – If you’re looking to get here from Don Det in one day, it’s definitely possible. We spent 80,000 Kip per person including the boat ticket in order to reach the border. You can do your best not to pay the extra $2 fee leaving Laos, but ultimately they have the power so you’ll probably end up paying it. Walk straight past the “Dr.” waiting to check you out before entering Cambodia. You will need to get your visa first most likely in the little blue building, we paid the bribe (included in the said price) of $35 per person…good luck trying to negotiate. AVT (Asia Van Transfer) will get you straight to Siem Reap on the new road for $23 per person. You can make a reservation with them on their website or by calling. We highly recommend spending the extra couple dollars unless you want to visit more eastern parts of the country. We have taken the local bus all the way around and AVT was awesome for a quick alternative.

Staying – For a good budget option, we enjoyed our stay at Lovely Guesthouse for $8 per night. The staff wasn’t exactly happy with the fact that we weren’t taking any tours with them, but it was still a good option for us. Although we only stayed there for one night, Mandalay Villa was a really nice place to crash at for $12 per night. For the location and how nice the room was, it was probably worth the extra $4 per night to be closer, especially if you find yourself beat down after a day of exploring temples.

Eating – Neither of the places we would recommend had names unfortunately, so all we can tell you is how to get there. Walking back to the main road (along the canal) from Lovely GH, we ate at the local restaurant directly across from the minimart as soon as you reach this street. If you turn left (not crossing the canal) and start walking in the direction of Pub Street, you’ll find a “BBQ” restaurant with a yellow sign on the street on your left hand side with GREAT curry.  Pub Street is great for cheap beers and people watching, the clubs are a fun way to let loose and have some fun!

Getting Around –  We might not be the best people to ask about getting around in Siem Reap. We walked everywhere this time around, although renting a bicycle or hiring a tuk-tuk driver is about as easy as it gets.

Phnom Penh:

Getting There – Phnom Penh from Siem Reap, you can book at daytime ticket from Capitol Tours for $5.50 per person.

Staying – A super cheap place to stay although it’s a hike from the river, Capitol GH is a good bet. But, we DID have some unexpected guests (bed bugs) in our room…not to say all of them are like that. A double bed with a bathroom inside and wifi is $6 per night.

We moved just down the road to Ravuth for $7 a night. The room was cleaner and we highly recommend it.

Eating – Royal India is still a staple for us here, located just around the corner from Capitol GH. It’s just as good as we remembered. Mama’s is alright for some breakfast.

Getting Around – For us, even though it’s a long way to the river from Capitol (or that area), we find ourselves walking here even though you can easily hire a tuk-tuk for $2-$3 to get most places.

Sihanoukville (Snooky):

Getting There – From Phnom Penh, we booked a ticket with Capitol for $5.50 per person as well, but you’ll be dropped off fairly far from town. Grab your things as quick as possible when you get off the bus and find the little minivan looking shuttle that takes you to the actual office closer to town. From there you can get a tuk-tuk for about $3, maybe $4 if you want to get all the way to the water.

Staying – We would recommend Apasara to stay with a local family close to the beach and not necessarily looking to meet any other backpackers at their GH. We truly enjoyed our stay for $10 per night with wifi, a little TV, and even a mini fridge! There are a lot of options on Otres now that would be worth the hike to get there.

Eating – Apsara GH had some really good breakfast and very good curry! But, if you’re looking for that fresh seafood dinner, you can’t beat the options along the same road as that guesthouse. For about $5 -$6 per person, you’re bound to be plenty full and leaving more than satisfied!! We loved Moonshack III. Look for the busiest places. The locals all know where to go! Bars in both Otres and Serendipity have 50-75 cent draft beers all day every day!

Getting Around – It’s super easy to find a motorbike here for about $5 a day. Just make sure you don’t have your light on during the day, you have your “international driver’s license,” and your helmet on when you ride…or just carry an extra dollar or two to bribe the local police.