Cambodia forum

Hi Matt,

I've never been much of a fan of travel agents so may have a biased opinion but I definitely prefer the independent option.

I like to just wander when travelling and don't really like to have things set in stone all the way down to meal times etc, you may find that you just want to spend the day at your guesthouse drinking coffee and relaxing or you may want to head out in search of adventure.

You can always try and organise day trips whilst away if you like

I've not spent as much time in Cambodia as other parts of SE Asia so am no expert but I'd say the likelihood of your money heading to Khmer Rogue baddies is about the same as the 18 year old who's dad was taken by the Khmer Rogue.

Bottom line is we are all different when it comes to travelling, if it's your first time the certainty may be comforting. Cambodia is a little harder and slower going than Malaysia or Thailand but definitely not hard to get about.

Hope it helps a little!
Nate

Hi Matt,

I pondered this for some time before deciding to go the independent route, as other have said before it works out almost 35% - 50% cheaper and even I couldn't justify that just for the peace of mind of someone else beign irresponsible of getting you from a to b to c etc etc.

I am about to go on my 6 week tour a week on Sunday and have really enjoyed researching where to go and what to see.. you will soon find that no time is long enough for all that you want to do and for me has added even more excitement to going on holiday.

Will let you know if i change my mind half way round though :oP

There are beaches and islands in Cambodia of course - Otres, Koh Rong, etc. If you came back overland from Siem Reap , you could stop at Koh Chang surrounding islands (near Trang in Thailand). Lots of info on this site about them. BUT.. just be aware of visa situation if you arrive in Thailand overland (ie 14 days rather than 30 if you arrive by air).

Otherwise, you can fly from Siem Reap to Krabi, Phuket or Koh Samui in Thailand - but as you said, it won't be cheap.

Hi Matt,

Sounds like you getting enough suggestion to make you decided to do indy travellers. I don't want to share anything against everyone, but it is just myself idea if I were you. Yes, you can travel yourself, booking stuff on your own, and do whatever you both want, but in this situation I won't put my fingers to arrange all of these stuff. They are just little things, but sometimes it makes me frustrated because of the words "sorry, we are fully booked. sorry, it's not available today. that kind of the stuff" I'd rather drop on somebody to arrange these stuff for me, i mean it could be a tailor made thing. They are happy to do whatever which suit us.

Then I can spend my best time with my lovely girlfriend. I'm not getting headache to think about arranging anything.

However it's not gonna change your mind.

Don't forget to check out the very new launch in Cambodia about "Gibbon Spotting Cambodia". An amazing wildlife experience if you'd love to try with your girlfriend.

Wish you all best.