Thailand forum

Bangkok - Package tours to Angkor Wat

mendacity

newbie
Posts: 4

Hi,

I like lots of people here am trying to get the best out of my 5 weeks in Thai/Viet/Laos/Camb.

Squeezing in Angkor Wat without it costing the earth is proving tricky. I have read about land tours from Bangkok - but haven't found any on line. Can anyone advise if this is a viable option and if so how I organise it.

Thx

M

#1 Posted: 9/3/2010 - 04:53
Sparts

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 139

I wouldn't try to squeeze in Angkor Wat & Siem Reap . If you're having to squeeze it in then I'd go when you have a bit more time to spend there...

I've heard bad stories about some tours, specifically from Bangkok. Again, there are many threads relating to bus scams etc.
To be honest, it sounds like hell, overland to see Angkor and then back again? In how many days?

When went we took a taxi all the way to the border ($40 I think) and then another taxi to Siem Reap ($30). There was two of us. Took around 5 hours and we travelled in comfort and safety. That's about all I can say as I've never looked into the bus tours...good luck :)

#2 Posted: 9/3/2010 - 06:56
mendacity

newbie
Posts: 4

thx Sparts

yea, maybe a taxi is the way to do it, probably as quick as flying and cheaper. Is it straight forward to get a taxi at the cambodian border to siem reap.

M

#3 Posted: 9/3/2010 - 15:31
Sparts

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 139

Straight forward?? Hmmm, not for the faint hearted that's for sure. It's really not a nice place at all (Poipet - the Cambodia border town), in fact it's a total hole and everyone (EVERYONE) is out to scam you. Again, there are many posts about this in the forum so I suggest you read up there before making your mind up. I wouldn't recommend this journey to a friend unless I let them know exactly what they were in for. Read the other threads and then make your mind up if (I think it is, but I like a good verbal dual with border officials lol ).
I wouldn't say it's as quick as flying, it'll take around 4 hours from Bangkok t Poipet and then perhaps 2-3 hrs to Siem Reap. Plus time at the border etc. Cheaper - much, but will defo take you longer. The drive is quite interesting.

Anyway, taxi's can be found at the border - we paid $30 for a taxi with nobody sharing. It was easy and we were firm with the touts as to what we wanted. Don't agree until you see the taxi and then make up your own mind if you want to travel in it.

Again, can't say strongly enough, read the other threads on this - you gotta know what to expect. Also, I just noticed you don't mention any buddies traveling with you. I'd be extra careful travling that route solo, maybe an idea to find someone to travel with?

Sorry, in a hurry, hope this makes sense :)

#4 Posted: 10/3/2010 - 01:14
mullup

backpacker
Posts: 18

It's not quite the treacherous journey it once was. Steer clear of package tours or anything organised by KSR area agencies.

The complete "how to" is simply explained here;

http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-overland.htm

#5 Posted: 11/3/2010 - 08:11
Sparts

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 139

That's the link - it's excellent. Cheers Mullup.
It's not treacherous at all, but the border is still an absolute toilet and the people there are quite disagreeable to say the least.

#6 Posted: 12/3/2010 - 04:07
mullup

backpacker
Posts: 18

Indeed it's still an adventurous and economic alternative to flying :-)

#7 Posted: 13/3/2010 - 17:47
mendacity

newbie
Posts: 4

Thanks guys - I am still mulling over the options but that link to talesofasia is really helpful

m

#8 Posted: 14/3/2010 - 07:28