Bangkok, Pattaya, Phnom Penh & Siem Reap Travel Guide

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      This is a travel guide that I put together today for a friend of mine who is going to S/E Asia for the first time. Maybe other people here could get some use out of it also, or add some advice.

      I cut and pasted the “history” and a couple of other parts from wikitravel, but most of the advice and experiences are from me.

      Enjoy!

      Bangkok

      Visas:
      Visa on arrival

      Money:
      1 United States Dollar = 38.1151 Thailand Baht

      Thailand History/Overview:
      Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South-East Asia, and for a reason. Exotic yet safe and largely hassle-free, cheap yet equipped with every modern amenity you need, there is something for every interest and every price bracket, from beachfront backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. And despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential Thainess, with a culture and history all its own and a carefree people famed for their smiles and their fun-seeking lifestyle.

      This is not to say that Thailand doesn’t have its downsides, including the considerable growing pains of an economy where an agricultural laborer is lucky to earn $1 per day while the nouveau riche cruise past in their BMWs, and a highly visible sex tourism industry. Bangkok, the capital, is notorious for its traffic jams and rampant development has wrecked much of once-beautiful Pattaya and Phuket. In heavily touristy areas, some lowlifes have made scamming tourists into an art form, but in Thailand as anywhere the old adage is true – if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

      When you arrive:
      When you arrive at the Bangkok airport there will be a taxi ticket booth inside the terminal (past customs, before you exit the building, to the left) tell them where you are going and prepay for you’re ride, you can’t miss the taxi line outside, and there will be a long line of people standing by the curb being helped into taxis. Keep you’re baggage inside the taxi, not in the trunk.

      Hotel:
      Stay at the Nana Hotel

      • Nana Hotel
      Make reservations at:
      http://www.nanahotel.co.th/html/reserv.html

      A suite is around 86 bucks a night, a standard room is 33 bucks a night

      The Nana Hotel is pretty famous Bangkok landmark, across the street is the Nana Entertainment plaza. You will find anything you want here 24 hours a day, if you bring a girl back to your room the front desk will probably ask her to sign in or leave her ID, this is normal. Keep your valuables and cash somewhere safe (like in-between the mattress and box-spring on your side of the bed) especially if you have overnight “guest(s)”. Don’t let a girl hang out with you to much they tend to get really clingy, remember you are not paying them for the sex, you are paying them to leave after the sex.

      You probably could just stay in this area (Nana Hotel and the Plaza) but I went ahead and added a few interesting tidbits.

      The Nana Hotel has there own travel agency, have them book your tickets to Pattaya and Phnom Penh, Cambodia for you.

      Getting Around/Taxis:
      Use metered taxis only, insist that they use the meter, if the driver refuses get out and find another cab. The exception to this is if your drunk and it is late at night, just get him to agree on a flat fee. There is no need to hire a taxi for your entire stay, if you happen to find a driver that you like than get his business card and use him if it is late at night.

      Non whore Things to do in Bangkok:
      Out of Bangkok’s many temples, these 3 are probably the most popular:

      -The Grand Palace, featuring Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha). If you do nothing else, you have to go the Grand Palace. Taking a guided group tour is the easiest way to see and understand everything.
      -Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
      -Wat Pho, home of the world’s largest reclining Buddha and a famed massage school

      Shopping Malls:
      You probably won’t have time to do much else so I only listed the 2 malls that I thought you would like.

      MBK Center (Mahanakorn)
      The MBK Center is 6 floors of little shops that sell assorted goods. Everything can be bought here at pretty good prices. It is hectic and busy especially on the weekend, but if you are looking for a bargain or for some souvenirs this is a pretty cool place, typically middle class Bangkok

      Siam Paragon
      The Emporium is the leading Shopping Mall in Bangkok probably in all of Thailand. It is a modern shopping mall like in the states, and the AC is usually ice cold there. This mall is “upper class Bangkok”.

      Bob here are some common scams in Bangkok and guidelines for avoiding them:

      1. If an English-speaking Thai approaches you out of the blue and strikes up a conversation, be wary: they are almost certainly selling something. If they ask you if it’s your first time in Thailand, always answer “no, I have been to Thailand many times”.
      2. Beware of tuk-tuk (open 3 welled monstrosities) drivers offering all-day tours for prices as low as 20 baht. You may indeed be taken on a full-day tour, but you will only end up visiting one gem and souvenir shop after another; the driver will get a commission if you buy something and gas coupons even if you don’t.
      3. Likewise, be skeptical if a tuk-tuk driver tells you that your chosen destination is “closed” and offers to take you to a “special Buddha temple” (etc) instead.
      4. Don’t even use tuk-tuk’s
      5. The same above applies to Taxi Drivers
      6. Be particularly wary of any offers to sell you gems at a “discount”, especially large quantities for resale back home at vast profits. These operations can be surprisingly convincing, with some even hiring down-and-out foreigners to act as happy customers. This is one of the oldest Bangkok scams.
      7. Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it with you at all times, especially at night. It is the law and police may check it at night if they setup a checkpoint to look for drunk drivers. Many night clubs will also insist on a passport (and ONLY a passport) as proof of age. But since you are pretty old I doubt that you will be carded when buying beer.
      8. Cameras are not welcome in go-go bars. Attempting to take pictures of the girls, even with your camera phone, is likely to result in your camera being taken and/or you getting your ass beat.

      Pattaya, Thailand

      Getting There:
      The Nana Hotel can arrange the following ways to get to Pattaya:

      Air:
      There are several small airlines that fly to Pattaya, it is easy to make a booking.

      First class bus
      1st class buses from Bangkok’s Eastern, Northern, and Southern Bus Terminals to the North Pattaya Road bus station are air-con, almost always have an on-board toilet, are essentially direct (ie no stops), and provide a no fuss, no frills, hassle-free service for under 120 baht. Departures from the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal and Northern (Moh Chit) Terminal are frequent (every 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day; more frequent still at public holiday weekends) and usually take 2-2.5 hours; those from the Southern (Sai Tai Mai) Bus Terminal are less frequent and take a little longer.

      All 1st class direct services to/from Bangkok use the recently redeveloped bus station on North Pattaya Road. These buses are usually full when they depart, and must be boarded at the terminus. Tickets are sold at the bus station; it’s not possible to pre-book these services more than an hour or so in advance. Usually, if the bus that’s due to leave next is already full, there will be seats available on the next one.

      From the North Pattaya Road bus station, songthaews (a cross between a pickup truck, a share-taxi, a local bus and two pews) depart when full (every few minutes). The fare to anywhere on Beach Road (“the beach”) is 20 baht; press the buzzer button on the underside of the roof when you want to get off. It is easier just to take a taxi to your hotel.

      Taxi
      Taxis from Bangkok cost between 1500 baht (the official meter-taxi price) and 1000 baht; arranged car services will tend toward the higher end, but licenced meter-taxis should be negotiable to the lower end of the range. The price direct from Don Muang Airport is fixed at 1500 baht if you join the line outside arrivals; you may be able to negotiate a lower fare if you go up to the departures concourse. When agreeing the price, confirm that it does or does not already includes all the highway (“motorway” or “expressway”) tolls. From Don Muang, the toll is 145 baht. Allow about 90-120 minutes, depending on where in Bangkok you’re coming from; allow more around rush hour.

      Pattaya History:
      Once a sleepy fishing town, Pattaya boomed as an R&R spot during the Vietnam War and has been a sex tourism destination trying to improve its image ever since. It’s popular with both Thai and foreign tourists, not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife and shopping, but also for the broad selection of pastimes it caters for, from golf and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting – not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and a whole lot more.

      Hotel:
      • Hard rock hotel
      http://www.hardrockhotels.net/pattaya/

      There is a bar at the pool called “the shack” so you don’t have to leave the pool to get more beer!

      The Beach:
      Pattaya’s main beaches are popular and busy places. For the thrill-seekers, activities include banana-boat rides, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and the like; and anyone who just wants to enjoy a simple swim or a good splash around with a Frisbee or rented inner tube will always find themselves with plenty of company. However, while in and beyond the surf, a wary eye does need to be kept on the more frenetic elements of the passing traffic.

      If you are interested in activities there are acres of sand jam-packed with recliners and umbrellas (usually with an “in-house” supply of drinks), serviced by an army of laid-back but tenacious hawkers offering anything and everything from food (especially seafood, fruit, ice cream) to massage, manicure/pedicure, tattoos, lottery tickets, newspapers, herbs, flowers, gems, perfumes, sunglasses, CDs, watches, lighters, clothes, toys, souvenirs, handicrafts (it’s a bit like TV shopping – as soon as you’ve declined one offer, it’s time to consider another) and so on. Eventually you buy a very dark pair of sunglasses, and after that you just can pretend to be asleep.

      Pattaya Beach is around 3 km long and bordered by Beach Road. Due to its central location and extreme proximity to several hundred hotels, and because it’s a relatively narrow strip of sand, it’s crowded at the best of times (and even more so at high tide). Hefty fines for littering help keep the sand neat and tidy; however the sea is not as clean.

      Visas:
      Visas are available on arrival, and the fee is $20 – which must be paid in USD. Bring a passport-sized photo to avoid an additional $1 charge. The airport has a post office, bank (including one of the country’s few ATMs), restaurants, Duty Free shop, news stand, tourist help desk, Business Center, as well as a Dairy Queen, the only western fast food franchise in the country.

      Money:
      Ever since the UN was in Cambodia the US dollar is used as the main currency, the only time you will see Cambodian currency is if your change is less than a dollar. All prices are marked and quoted in dollars, usually just the number is spoken, like “7 for the toy, 4 for dinner”.

      Try and get as many 1 dollar bills as you can before you go and a bunch of 5’s and 10’s (trust me, no one will have change in Cambodia).

      Cambodian History:
      Cambodia has had a pretty bad run of luck for the last 660 years. Ever since the fall of Angkor in 1431, the once mighty Khmer Empire has been plundered by all its neighbors plus colonial France as well. After a false dawn of independence in 1953, Cambodia promptly plunged back into the horrors of civil war in 1970 to suffer the Khmer Rouge’s incredibly brutal reign of terror, and only after UN-sponsored elections in 1993 did the country begin to totter back on its feet.

      While much of the country’s population still subsists on US$1 a day, the provision of even basic services remains spotty and political intrigue remains as complex and opaque as ever, the security situation has improved immeasurably and increasing number of visitors are venturing back and rediscovering Cambodia’s temples and beaches. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, now sports luxury hotels, chic nightspots, ATMs and an airport fielding flights from all over the region, while Sihanoukville is getting good press as an up-and-coming beach destination, but venturing off the beaten track is still an adventure.

      English is spoken by most of the people that deal with tourists, not so much by everyone else, if you pick a good driver you will be fine. At all the tourist areas, hotels, tourist police and some restaurants the staff will speak English.

      Phnom Penh:

      History:
      For western visitors, even those who have visited other Asian cities, Phnom Penh can be a bit of a shock. It is very hot and (in the dry season) dusty, its infrastructure is undeveloped, and it is a very poor city – much poorer than, for example, Bangkok or Saigon.

      As Cambodia’s economy has recovered a new rich class has arisen in Phnom Penh, and a crop of new hotels and restaurants has opened to accommodate them and the tourist trade; as yet however there’s very little in between the extremely rich and the extremely poor.

      As of today, Phnom Penh has changed its image drastically with new paved roads, beautiful gardens along the mighty Mekong River and a considerable make-up on the majority part of the city.

      When you Arrive:
      When you arrive at the airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia collect you’re luggage and grab a bottle of water at the little store mentioned above in the terminal.

      Don’t except any of the offers for rides or car hire inside the terminal, instead walk outside and to your right will be a taxi booth (it may not be marked, just ask if this is the taxi booth) and have them get a taxi for you. This is a flat fee service (I can’t remember how much, I think 7 bucks) and you will pay there at the desk and you will receive a receipt, give the driver a 1 dollar tip when you arrive at the hotel.

      Hotel:

      • Holiday International Hotel (this is where I stay)
      http://www.phnompenh-hotels.org/Holiday_Intern … l_room.php

      When you arrive at the hotel there will be several Taxis outside, some of the drivers are pretty aggressive and will try to convince you to use them. Choose one you like (the quiet one not harassing you) and stick with him you’re whole stay. I was paying about 40 bucks a day for a driver to take me all around the city. When you ask the driver how much he charges they will always say “up to you mister”. If you decide you like a driver test him out for a day first, then decide a Dally Rate with him and write it down on a peace of paper and show it to him to make sure you both understand and agree.

      They have a massage center with these really cool hot and cold baths and massage with a “happy ending”, 24hr room service, an “unofficial” casino and a karaoke bar with some Bad ass Vietnamese gals in it. In the karaoke bar there is a “mama-san that will help you pick out a girl (tip her 5 bucks at the end of the night). Refer to the Bangkok section on protecting your valuables.

      Stuff to do in Phnom Penh:
      *your driver will be able to make arrangements and take you to all of these places

      “Sharkeys”
      You will want to check out a famous Expat Bar called “Sharkeys” (http://www.sharkysofcambodia.com) it is really well known amongst the S/E Asia “traveling crowd”, ran by an American or brits (cant remember) it is basically an American Redneck bar in Cambodia with southern cookin, you will love it. Don’t forget to get your buddy James a T-Shirt.

      Foreign Correspondence Club Cambodia
      (Known as the FCC), Have lunch on the balcony it has a great view of the river and the food is really good. It is also a popular hangout of the “High-Brow” Expat crowd in Phnom Penh. Also has a pool table.


      The Foreign Correspondence Club Cambodia

      Tuol Sleng
      Known during the Khmer Rouge regime as S-21 this former school was converted into Cambodia’s most important prison in 1975. More than 10,000 people were tortured here before being killed at the Killing fields south of Phnom Penh. The museum is easily accessible and a must-see for everyone interested in Cambodia’s horrific recent past.

      Royal Palace/Silver Pagoda
      The Royal Palace and two magnificent pagodas in the Palace Grounds (the Silver Pagoda and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are among the few public buildings in Phnom Penh really worth seeing. They were built in the 19th century with French technology to Cambodian designs, and have survived the traumas of the 20th century amazingly intact. See them early before it gets too hot. They are in any case closed from 11am to 2pm, when all sensible Cambodians have a nap.


      This French Home in the middle of the Royal Palaces grounds
      was built in honor of Napoleon and still bears his family crest


      A accent battle seen depicted on a wall in the Royal Palace

      The Killing Fields
      About 17km south of Phnom Penh is Cheoung Ek, where the Khmer Rouge killed many thousands of their victims during their four-year reign of terror. Today the site is marked by a Buddhist stupa packed full of human skulls – the sides are made of glass so the visitors can see them up close. There are also pits in the area where mass graves were unearthed. It is a serene yet somber place.

      The National Museum
      A little dry but it gives an interesting overview of the art and culture of Cambodia many years ago and is a relief after the Killing Fields/Tuol Sleng. 1 dollar for a “photo permit” to take pictures, you will get a badge to wear around your neck that gives you “permission” to take pictures (only in the outside areas)


      The National Museums inner courtyard

      *Note
      Do not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts to pagodas or temples, if you do, you will not be let in.

      Siem Reap

      Getting to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh:

      Bus
      Buses to/from Phnom Penh go several times a day (about 6 US$) from the bus station east of town and take around 5 hours. The bus ride really sucks, I wouldn’t suggest it.

      By boat
      Fast, Soviet/French (same difference) style Hydrofoils also make the journey from Phnom Penh across the Tonle Sap Lake. Asking price for a “foreigner” ticket is typically $20-$25, $15 is a good price to pay.

      The hotel can make the boat trip arrangements for you (pick up and deliver your ticket to you). You will first get on a brand new squeaky clean boat for the first 20 minutes, after that you will be transferred to a much older and dirtier boat (the clean ones are a trick….hahaha).


      One of the spectacular views that you will see on your Speedboat trip to Siem Reap

      This can be a fantastic trip that will give you the opportunity to view life on the lake, floating houses, fishermen going about their work, and to get a sun tan if you choose to sit on the roof of the boat. However if you travel on a very sunny day and you have not kept your sunscreen out of you luggage you could be in trouble (think lobster). The boat is generally packed with travelers, those on the roof will have to stay up there (the best place to sit), and once your bags are in the hold, they stay there (period). Be prepared for the trip and you will love every minute.


      Fishermen on the Tonle Sap Lake

      The boat will drop you off on a dock offshore and you will have to take a little boat to shore (because of the shallow water) and don’t forget your bag!

      This is the part that freaks out most people, when you start to pulling up to the dock offshore you will see 20 or 30 people yelling and screaming for you to “come with them” and “I’ll carry your bag mister”. They will try and grab your bag off your back and will grab and yank you to come with them or to carry your bag for you.

      These guys are the notorious Siem Reap “Water Touts”, they are employed by local hotels to bring tourists to there hotels (kicking and screaming if necessary), they will hound and harass you all the way to the shore. When you make it to the shore even more touts will completely surround you and grab on to your bags and shirt begging you to go to there hotel or take there taxi (one almost pulled me over).

      Unfortunately you can’t run away or tell them to piss off because you are still about 30 minutes from town in a small village in the middle of nowhere so you will have to get a ride in to town from somebody. So you will have to choose one to drive you into town and to your hotel.
      Don’t wait to long to choose one because once they all leave..well, that’s it until the next boat comes in (the next day!)

      Tell them you will only go with someone that has a CAR, do not take a motorcycle in (your ass will hurt for a week). About 10 people will start yelling that they have “the best car”, it doesn’t matter, just choose one, try to get a van if you can, ask how much to take you to your hotel and pay him when you get there. On the ride in he will probably try and convince you to go to a different hotel, just say no, be polite and enjoy the ride in.

      A couple of notes about the “Water Touts”:
      1. -When people start pulling on you really hard and yanking your bags and shirt DON’T freak out and deck someone, try and be cool, it will be over as soon as you pick one of them to give you a ride.
      2. -if someone grabs your bag don’t freak out, they are just trying to get you to go to there hotel. They are not stealing your bag.
      3. -When you pick a driver he will insist on carrying your bag, don’t argue, just let him. And make sure that he gives it to you at the car (not put in the trunk).
      4. -AGAIN, be cool, you now know that this is going to happen now so it won’t be a big surprise. It will be a funny bar story to tell the ladies back in the states later.

      You should hook up with some other people on the boat ride in and arrange to take the same car into town together. That way you all can keep each other cool when the “Water Touts” attack.

      By Plane
      Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport

      I have never taken a plane to Siem Reap so I don’t have a lot of experience with it.

      Flying is probably the easiest way to get to Siem Reap, but if you are brave I would suggest that you take the boat because it is a really great way to see the country.

      The airport is less than 15 minutes by car from the center of town. You don’t have to worry about visas, your Phnom Penh visa is good here. The tickets should be pretty cheep, around 100 bucks or more now because of the gas prices. Pretty much local airline are the only ones to fly Siem Reap so bring your life vest. If you make it grab a taxi at the terminal (don’t forget to agree on a price before you get in).

      You can also get the hotel to arrange this for you (the best way).

      You are a Chicken if you don’t take the boat!

      Siem Reap/Angkor History:

      Stretching over some 400 sq. km, including forested area, Angkor contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century CE. These include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

      Angkor was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 – the same year it was also placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO has now set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

      Angkor itself has no accommodations and few facilities; the nearby town of Siem Reap is the tourist hub for the area. You will be staying in Siem Reap and grabing a ride in everyday.

      Hotel:
      • Ta Prohm Hotel
      35 to 90 bucks a night
      http://www.angkorhotels.org/Ta_Prohm_Hotel/hotel_welcome.php?97

      I stayed here, plenty of ladies in the beer garden. There are some local night clubs you may want to check out, just ask your driver “what’s hot”

      Do the same thing that you did in Phnom Penh to get a driver here. “(When you arrive at the hotel there will be several Taxis outside, some of the drivers are pretty aggressive and will try to convince you to use them, choose one you like (chose the quiet one not harassing you) and stick with him you’re whole stay. I was paying about 40 bucks a day for a driver to take me all around the city. When you ask the driver how much he charges they will always say “up to you mister”. If you decide you like a driver after you test him out for a day first, decide a Dally Rate with him and write it down on a peace of paper and show it to him to make sure you both understand and agree.)”

      What to do at Angkor and General information:

      Angkor is located about 20 minutes to the north, by car or motorbike, from central Siam Reap.

      Most of the temples are located inside the Angkor Archaeological Park

      The driver that you hire will drive you to the Angkor Archaeological Park and around the inside (it is way too big to walk the park).

      Tickets are required to enter the Angkor area. They are on sale to foreigners at the front gate for 1 (US$20), 3 (US$40), or 7 (US$60) consecutive days (Cambodians can enter for free). If you buy your ticket the evening before, you can enter the park after 6 o’clock to view the sunset. A photo is required for the 3 and 7 day passes. There is a provision for obtaining this photo for free but this can be time consuming at peak times in the day. Note that regular checks for the pass are performed at almost all ruin sites. So, do carry your pass with you at all times while visiting the ruins.

      Your driver will probably stop a half block away from the ticket booth, you will have to get out and walk to the booth, buy your ticket and walk back to the car (I have know idea why).

      Guides can be hired for about US$20 a day. It is up to you if you want a guide, your driver can probably tell you anything that you will need to know. I am really familiar with Angkor so I didn’t get one, if you think that it will help you learn more, then go ahead (don’t forget to tip, 5 bucks)

      Be sure and get to the temples early as there are far fewer people there early in the morning. Arriving at the temples at 8 am instead of 9 am can make all the difference in staying one step ahead of the tour bus Nazis.

      Like most tourist areas in Cambodia the touts, souvenir venders and beggars can be pretty aggressive. Just keep your cool and say no if you’re not interested. Young children will ask you for a dollar for various reasons (school, food, ect.) and may cry on command. It is up to you if you give one a dollar, but be waned, the rest of the kids will hound you for “there” dollar also. So it is probably best if you don’t. Also showing any interest in souvenirs will get the vender really excited, so be sure that you want to buy something or make it clear that you are just looking.

      Angkor Wat

      Located six kilometers north of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is one of the largest of Khmer monuments. Built around the first half of 12th century by King Suryavarman II, the temple’s balance, composition and beauty makes it one of the finest monuments in the world.

      Though ‘Wat’ is the Khmer (Cambodian) word for temple, the westward orientation of the structure is atypical of temples. Scholars believe that the architecture and sculptures are that of a temple where Lord Vishnu was worshipped but it was also built as a mausoleum for the king after his death

      The size of the monuments makes it look overwhelming when one encounters it for the first time. The following is one of the suggested plan to explore Angkor Wat. Enter through the west entrance. When you reach the entry tower, walk to the right to get a glimpse of all the five towering goupras.

      Passing the tower and the libraries on both sides of the walkway, climb down the steps towards the left side and get to the water basin. You can catch a glimpse of the temple and its reflection in the water. Go past the basin and reach the left end of the temple.

      You would by now have reached the starting point of the famous bas reliefs depicting scenes from various mythological stories and historic events. Walking from left to right you will come across scenes from battle of Ramayana, battle of Mahabharata, army of Suryavarman II, scenes from judgement by Yama (the supreme judge), churning of ocean by demons and gods to get Amrita – the nectar of immortality, Vishnu’s victory over demons, victory of Krishna over Bana and other scenes of battle between gods and demons.


      The second tier area within Angkor Wat

      Climb the steps to reach the second tier. you can reach the third tier and the central courtyard within by climbing the steps oriented towards any of the four cardinal points. However, it is suggested that the steps on the west be taken, as these have now been fitted with a handrail — particularly useful when descending.

      The sight of the grand monument towering over the landscape is breath-taking at any time of day. However, to maximise the effect it is suggested that the first trip to Angkor Wat be made in optimal lighting conditions, usually around 1~2 PM. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is a also great sight to witness. Hence most of the tourists tend to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, then explore other ruins in the morning and then return to Angkor Wat later in the afternoon. The sun rises behind Angkor Wat and the best colors are seen just before the sun climbs into view. As the position of the sun as it rises varies according to the time of year, do position yourself accordingly. For example, in November-December time when you facing Angkor Wat, the sun rises on your right hand side. Hence grab a place to the extreme left of the entry tower to see the sunrise. Sunset at Angkor Wat is best viewed either on the top tier or outside the main temple structure.

      Bayon
      Built in the latter part of the 12th century by King Suryavarman VII, Bayon is one of the most widely recognised temples in Siem Reap because of the giant stone faces that adorn the towers of Bayon. There are 54 towers of four faces each, totaling 216 faces. There is still a debate as to who is being depicted in the faces. It could be Avalokiteshvara, Mahayana Buddhism’s compassionate Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of King Jayavarman VII and Buddha.

      Bayon’s plan can be divided into three levels – the first two are bas-reliefs and the uppermost consists of the central sanctuary. The outer gallery depicts scenes from everyday life and historical events, while the second inner gallery depicts mythical figures and stories. In total, there are more than 1km of bas-reliefs to be viewed in the Bayon.

      Enter Bayon from the east. The outer gallery comes into view first. The second gallery is on the next higher level. The third level is where you will encounter many of the famous faces (and tourists). The fact that these stones are exposed to direct light makes it easy to shoot pictures throughout the day, though mid-day sun eliminates shadows . You will find fewer tourists too during this time of day.

      The surrounding and the tall towers make Bayon a bit dark and flat for study and photography near sunrise and sunset. Hence, it is best to visit Bayon when there is plenty of light. 10:00 morning to around 4:00 in the evening is the stretch most people prefer.

      Baphuon
      Located just to the northwest of the Bayon (the center of Angkor Thom), the Baphuon is supposed to represent Mount Meru (sacred to Hinduism), and is one of the largest and grandest structures in Angkor. Built into the western face of the Baphuon is a giant reclining Buddha, added in the 15th century after the region converted from Hinduism to Buddhism.

      Archeologists had dismantled the Baphuon to perform renovation when they were interrupted by the civil war; the records for piecing the temple back together were subsequently lost or destroyed. Today it is undergoing painstaking reconstruction work and so visitors can only walk around the outside base, as heavy machinery and work crews dominate the main structure.

      Preah Khan
      Preah Khan was Jayavarman VII’s first capital, before the completion of Angkor Wat. Large and atmospheric, yet somewhat overshadowed by Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, this temple is partly in disrepair with strangler figs crawling up the walls, but has some excellent carvings and less visitors, and is well worth a visit. The temple is some 3 kilometers north of Angkor Thom.

      [u]Tips for S/E Asia[/u]
      -You can negotiate the price of almost everything, a “rule of thumb” is to start at half the price and bargain until you get to a reasonable price. A “reasonable price” is whatever you think it is worth, if it is nice than pay a nice price. Don’t be to aggressive with your bargaining, if you want to buy something in S/E Asia and you thin the price is to high it is probably still ¼ the price in the states, so just buy it.

      -Gmail or Google mail requires a plug in program called “flash”, I doubt that the internet café computers in Cambodia have that. You may want to set up an email account at hotmail for the trip.

      Drink Bottled water, brush your teeth with Bottled water, watch out for ice (just drink cold beer) and don’t eat ice cream.

      Pick up some Cipro and Imodium AD at any pharmacy in Bangkok incase you get a case of the shits. See http://www.ciprousa.com for dosage.

      In Bangkok the police can make you take a Drug Urine test on the street, without a warrant and if you come up hot for dope you will be arrested for possession.

      Always check the beautiful girl for an Addams Apple (or a penis).

      HAVE FUN!
      James* :P

    • #7613
      Lee Ridley
      Keymaster

      James,

      If I can get a few pictures, this might be worth turning into a front page article.
      Very useful.

      Could be the start of something regular, too.

    • #7614
      Jimbo
      Participant

      I’ve got nice photos from Pattaya of….hum,,, Er… oh forget it

    • #7615

      Sure, sounds cool, thanks. My S/E Asia photos are on a CD back home so give me 2 weeks to get them shipped here.

    • #7616
      Lee Ridley
      Keymaster

      Excellent.

      Watch out Lonely Planet, here we come!

      8)

      (I bet they’re shaking in their boots) :wink:

    • #7617
      Stiv
      Member

      Cool James a thread to sink your teeth into.

      Ok now I’m a bit unnerved now that Jimbo and Andy have been silent.

      JITW what a nice guy to do that for your buddy. I’d probably do something along the lines of Lee’s “Yanks in the UK” thing. But hell you asked for a few cents so I’ll add mine albiet my Cambodia stuff may be somewhat out dated and I hardly remember any pricing.

      Now remember I’m adding not contradicting.

      Bangkok:
      I recieved no time line but they are almost done construction on a brand new airport…….was told, didn’t see it mind you was only there at night.

      Don’t forget to have Baht for your departure tax, it must be Baht-500 I think.

      I love tuk-tuks as a quick cheap way to get from point A to B but yes they will scam or attempt to. Recently used them in BKK at least a dozen times with nary a scam attempt.

      Go to the Sky bar on top of the National Tower (Or something like that) 65 floors up. Very pricey (200 baht) for a soda but the view of the city is unparalleled. Acsess to the top is 5pm on. Go for view and photos.

      Cambodia-PP-Siem Reap:

      (This may be somewhat outdated) We flew in on Siem Reap air from Saigon.

      If you can find one they have Government approved taxi/guides. They have documentation on them and on the car. They have acsess to places within the park confines other drivers do not. Ours was a cool quiet guy and no one messed with us when we were with him. Nice clean car. (don’t remember price)

      Ta Prohm hotel was very nice. We paid US$68.

      Neat night market in SR (you can eat bugs) there was minimal street lighting at night and many amputee beggers throughout the town and temple complex stand still and a small mob may develop of these folks. We don’t give to begging kids, amputees and oldsters yes, not kids, maybe we’d buy post cards from them, gifts of candy are nice instead. Don’t recall photo pass thing. Guide/driver took us to his home for meal and social niceties, also offered to arrange “Taxi girls”. We declined. Massage parlours were a walk away.

      Road from SR to Tonle sap lake for boat was awful then. Boat ride is about 5.5 hours. We had no new boat or hydrofoil. It was an old Malaysian fast boat. Top of boat overloaded, crew chased excess below decks where all the locals sit. More fun hanging with locals and sharing food and language pracitce than hanging with hippies. If stuck below you could always stretch and walk around topside or offer boat captain a smoke and watch him do his thing. Same thing with touts in PP from boat dock.

      PP: Same as James recos plus Russian market and Chequers happy pizza. (Rickshaw92?) If leaving Cambodia by air also again remember departure taxes. Probably US$’s and minimal.

      Cipro, Immodium are good ideas as is some thought to Malaria prevention and a good sunscreen, I’m a wuss and use SPF 30-50. I also Premethrin treat a few pairs of outer clothing. Sunglasses and a hat are common sense right?

      Best,
      Stiv

    • #7618
      Jimbo
      Participant

      Silent? Me? I don’t know what you mean Stiv. I can’t speak for Andy, but generally speaking I’n not usually quiet, I could put you in touch with my former girlfriends and they can verify what I say, that’s why they’re x-girlfriends. My first quwip on this thread was a cheap shot, but I’ll be the first to admit that I get jaded from time to time, living here will do that to some. Anyway the idea James has is good for people who aren’t familiar with this part of the world. A collection of photos, maps (decent ones) personal recomendations, bla bla bla would be a good start. Personally speaking I have my own favorite places in the SE Asian region. For example I prefer Laos over Cambodia, I think Vietnam is just OK, nothing really great. Places like Malaysia, Indonesia and the Phils are pretty cool, nice people. Perhaps my favoritre place is Burma for reasons that you, or anybody else may not agree with, but hey, it’s my own personal opinion. And as the late, great Frank Zappa once said “Opinions are like assholes, everybody’s got one and they stink”. So with that said I’ll throw the ball to your side of the court….BTW Sorry I missed you when you were in Thailand…

    • #7619

      Thanks Stiv!

      I actually left out a lot of stuff because I wrote this for a particular person.

      The warnings about the touts, beggars and scams are there because this guy has never been to S/E Asia. He sort of has that white tourist from America look…hahahaha. Joking aside I am really proud of him for having the guts to go to Thailand and Cambodia alone, for the first time and for wanting to finally see the world (he is in his late 40’s). I constantly talk about traveling, exploring and adventuring to everyone to try and encourage more people to see the world (especially Americans) and when someone actually listens to my constant rambling (mostly bragging) and goes out into the world, it’s awesome

      Bangkok

      Some things about Bangkok I would of added if someone is in there 20 and 30’s:

      Q Bar
      Go to the Q Bar at 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11. The Q Bar in Bangkok is a modern “hip” NY/LA style nightclub (the first Q Bar was in Saigon, Vietnam) that usually has pretty good music and DJ’s. This spot is popular with Bangkok’s upper class (yuppies) and Expats and is always filled with bad-ass local and expat girls. If you like to dance, drink and socialize this is the place to go. There are two floors, main floor is a long bar with booths (people tend to gather around the entrance) a terrace upstairs (unless you know someone you probably wont get a table here). I used to go there pretty regularly a couple years ago (was dating a Thai Airways stewardess) and it was my favorite non-sleazy place to hang out.

      There is a 500 B (13USD, 10 Euro, 7GBP) cover charge that will get you 2 drinks, the cover is mostly to keep out the “common folk” and whores. Mixed drinks that are generous with the liquor will set you back 200 B (3.30USD, 4.10 Euro, 2.80 GBP) and 4000 B for a bottle (105USD, 82 Euro, 56GBP), if you are a big drinker or if you’re with a group of friends buying a bottle is the way to go. If you are a vodka fan then you are in luck, they are known for there big vodka selection. Dress “snappy”.

      Tuk-Tuk’s
      Personally I think that everyone should ride in one of these bastard children of motorcycles once in there lives. The smell of homemade diesel fuel, the smog filled wind in your hair, the burning ass S/E Asian heat and humidity in its fullest, filthy seats and being eating alive by vulture sized mosquitoes is something that you will be telling your boring friends back home about for years to come.

      Cambodia

      I did forget to add the Russian market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, thanks.

      Russian Market
      The Russian Market is an outdoor “yard sale” where you can buy everything from pots and pans to fake watches to souvenirs, they used to sell “the weed” by the pound along with guns and landmines out in the open but it looked like they stopped doing that when I was last there. It smells a little “funky” there, mostly in-between the different vendor tents.

      Central Market
      The Central Market is pretty similar to the Russian Market above except it is located inside a really fantastic domed building built by the French (during there “steel from the Cambodians and leave at the first sign of trouble” colonialism days). If you are an architecture student or fan it is worth going just to see the building. Also don’t eat anything there or you will get the “Pol Potties Revenge”.

      Happy Pizza (I didn’t include this because my friend has random drug screenings at work)
      Take some pizza dough, add some tomato sauce, a shit-load of weed, cheese, toppings and prepare to get fucked up.

      The Cambodian “Happy Pizza” is probably mentioned in every book or travel article written about Cambodia, so much that it is almost lame to do what everyone else has already done. But what the hell it is pretty much a part of visiting Phnom Penh so you will probably do it anyway. Be careful, you probably think that a couple slices of weed pizza won’t get you that messed up but it is pretty powerful stuff.

      Malaria prevention in S/E Asia
      I have never taken any sort of Malaria prevention before and I have worked, lived and traveled all over S/E Asia and the third world. Maybe it is something you should worry about, maybe not. For as long as I can remember travelers have been told to take some sort of Malaria prevention when traveling in the Third World (because “those savages” are dirty little people) personally I think that it is a scam by the pharmaceutical industry.

      Never mind, don’t listen to me, ask a doctor.

      Sunglasses and Hats
      I use sunglasses never used a hat (to Indiana Jones), but if you are really white dude and burn easily or are a vampire then you may need one.

    • #7620
      Stiv
      Member

      Personally speaking I have my own favorite places in the SE Asian region. For example I prefer Laos over Cambodia, I think Vietnam is just OK, nothing really great. Places like Malaysia, Indonesia and the Phils are pretty cool, nice people. Perhaps my favoritre place is Burma for reasons that you, or anybody else may not agree with, but hey, it’s my own personal opinion. And as the late, great Frank Zappa once said “Opinions are like assholes, everybody’s got one and they stink”. So with that said I’ll throw the ball to your side of the court….BTW Sorry I missed you when you were in Thailand…

      Trust me Jimbo, that was what unerved me spounting my limited knowledge and your jaded knowledge a keyboard away. In fact I was very interested to read what you might add……….I mean really. For now I think I might be done with Asia for a bit although Burma and the China/Tibet/Mongolia and probably Indonesia again, are tops on the list for the next go around. Someday. So little time so much to see :(

      Jimbo,
      Yeah I was sorry not to hook up too, but you had forewarned me of your schedule and it did sound like our movements were going to be slightly out of synch which is why I didn’t pester you more, but you and Livelife where right Songkran and in Chiang mai it was a hoot. I felt really lucky that I was able to experience that this go around. The gal pal wasn’t too crazy about it though, and my venture into the sex club query was all that and then some. As it was her idea it lived up to all her expectations……ahem, again and then some. I think just for yucks I’m going to buy her a pack of ping pong balls :twisted:

      James, I don’t generally wear a hat either but thought i’d toss it in since it hadn’t been mentioned. With regards to the malaria, I hear where you are coming from but after working in healthcare for a few decades my inclination tends to side with caution (He is your pal after all, and just because you’re use to getting shot at well you know where I’m going 8) ) and avoid those gifts that keep on giving, or the ones you never asked for. IMHO

      Best,
      Stiv

    • #7621

      The other reason I didn’t mention getting any immunizations was because before you come to Iraq the Army gives you a bakers dozen of shots and after a year in a third world country your body is pretty strong from fighting germs. The Malaria prevention “cocktail” is an option but nobody takes it because of the side effects.

      If someone was going into the deepest darkest jungles or a very high risk area I would probably suggest it, mostly to prevent you from getting Marilia and then transmitting it to the locals.

      Damn, I am going to feel really guilty now if he gets it and dies (I really wanted a new t-shirt from sharkys, mine is worn out now)

    • #7622
      Stiv
      Member

      The other reason I didn’t mention getting any immunizations was because before you come to Iraq the Army gives you a bakers dozen of shots and after a year in a third world country your body is pretty strong from fighting germs. The Malaria prevention “cocktail” is an option but nobody takes it because of the side effects.

      Is he in the Army? You should feel guilty you cruel MF :wink: Malarone is fairly pricey but my insurance covered 3/4 of what I took to Thailand (and I took more than I needed), and none of the side effects of Larium.

      Call me paranoid (You wouldn’t be the first :) ) but I’m a pretty firm believer in “Murphys law”.

      Best,
      Stiv

    • #7623

      No, not in the army, we are “evil” Civilian Contractors but we can still get the meds for free

    • #7624
      Jimbo
      Participant

      James- A tidbit of information you may want to include in your writings about SE Asia is that Beer Lao has finally made it to Bangkok. OK well not all of Bangkok but in some eating & drinking establishments around the Banglamphu area (which is where Kao San Rd. is located). Apprently some owners of restaurants and bars found a distributor that could provide Beer Lao (small bottles). This is good thing considering that Thai beers are pretty bad…in my humble opinion the 3 best beers in SE Asia are
      1) Beer Lao
      2 San Miguel-from the Phillipines
      3)Tiger Beer-Malaysia/Singapore

      I used to drink Tiger beer beer when I lived in Singapore, only problem was it gave me alot of gas so when I would go to sleep at night I would pull the covers over me and my girlfriend at that time and administer a “dutch oven”, needless to say my girlfriend hated it. I thought it was funny…

    • #7625

      Booze:

      Mekong whisky
      Looks a little like pee but fortunately it doesn’t taste like it looks, tastes more like cheep whisky with a twist (of what I don’t want to know). But you have to try some because getting drunk on Mekong whisky is as much as a part of visiting Thailand as going to massage parlors is. Don’t pay attention to anyone that tells you that the manufacture puts formaldehyde in it, it isn’t true. Try with ice cold sweet oolong tea and ice, don’t worry about eating the ice because the formaldehyde in the whisky should kill any bacteria.

    • #7626

      Dose anyone have a picture of Cambodian “Happy Pizza”?

    • #7627

      Dude you wont believe this, I asked my friend to ship me my CD’s with pictures on it and she sent me the actual pictures, shit now I have to find a scanner. Well it looks like I’ll be in the states next week, I’ll just do it there.

    • #7628

      I may go to Cambodia again for a visa run so I’ll make updates.

      I have heard that the speed boats are not running because the company that owns them went belly up, not sure.

      I have also heard that the hippies have moved in to the country in force, that makes me really sad. It was much better there when a coup or civil war could break out at any moment. Keeps the rif-raf away.

      I Hate Hippies!

      And in case you didn’t notice before Rob, I added pictures to the guide

      ~JITW

    • #7629
      ROB
      Keymaster

      Nice James – let me know if you would us to host them.

    • #7630
      crotalus01
      Member

      WOW….either the prices for accomodation have skyrocketed or you guys need a LOT more luxery than I do. Last time I was in Cambodia (’05 I think) I stayed at a guesthouse in Siem Reap, double bed, a/c and fan, hot water, western-style toilet and cable TV with english language channels all for US$7.00 per night (can’t remember the name but I could walk to it from the entrance to Angkor in about 30 minutes).

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