Cambodia forum

Siem Reap to Ko Chang

karyn

motodop
Posts: 30

I was hoping to travel from Siem Reap to Ko Chang, is that possible? If so, what transportation options are there? What are the border crossing issues that I should be aware of? One more, what is there to see along the way?!
Thanks!

#1 Posted: 11/6/2006 - 09:38
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5862
Located in:

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Hi Karyn,

The route is as follows:
Siem Reap to Poipet by share taxi
Poipet to Aranyprathet (in Thailand) by tuk tuk
Aranyprathet to Chanthaburi by bus
Change buses at Chanthaburi for a bus to Trat.
Songtheaw from Trat to Laem Ngop
Ferry from Laem Ngop to Ko Chang.

It sounds like a lot, but it is very straightforward and can be easily done in a day as long as you leave Siem Reap fairly early.

Chanthaburi is moderately interesting -- see our section on there for more info.

#2 Posted: 11/6/2006 - 14:23

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karyn

motodop
Posts: 30

If I was to Siem Reap and the surrounding area, would I get a reasonable sense of Cambodia or do you suggest definitely going to Phnom Penh? One person in the group only has two weeks and would like to see a bit of Cambodia and Thailand.
Thanks for your earlier help!

#3 Posted: 11/6/2006 - 19:56
somtam2000

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mahout
Posts: 5862
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Hi Karyn,

There is little "Cambodian" about Siem Reap town itself -- it is primarily a tourist town (though of course there is Angkor Wat, which is very Cambodian...) Phnom Penh really does capture contemporary Cambodia well, but if you've only got two weeks, perhaps consider a night ot two in Battambang which is a terrific example of small town Cambodia, with a fair few things to do, but it isn't as far away from Thailand.

#4 Posted: 12/6/2006 - 22:38

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Roving_Roo

noodle lady
Posts: 45

You can buy tickets from some travel agents / guesthouses in Siem Reap for buses which will take you all the way to Koh Chang in one day.

Whatever you do don't take this as an easy way...you will be delayed getting to Laem Ngop, and then told that the last ferry across to Koh Chang has already gone and be taken to a grotty, expensive guesthouse (personal experience) for the night before an early ferry over to the island. I know some people who went recently armed with this information and only after making a fuss were taken back to the ferry dock and put on a ferry that night (so the last one hadn't gone)! Save yourself the hassle and do it yourself as suggested above.

#5 Posted: 16/6/2006 - 20:20
marklatham

backpacker
Posts: 18

Who would knock siem reap.it is a lovely little town,best described as raffish or indolent.
If you don't know these adjectives then please stay away from one of the most amazing places in the world.
This place would have been the greatest building site in the world along with the great wall of china-simply incredible.
Reactions to cambodia are interesting,many in the main stream press don't see the charm,whilst us human beings are very pleased with the country.
Lets hope people stay away.

#6 Posted: 29/6/2006 - 18:03