Since there is not a section on Cambodia here on VJ - I thought I'd try asking here. If anyone can help, it would be much appreciated. I have a lot of questions, so maybe I can give someone with extra time on their hands something to do 😃
Visiting the anciet temple in Angor Wat has been something I've wanted to do for years. My wife has never been to Cambodia and has some reservations about safety when going there. I've been doing some research and I am convinced one can visit, have a pleasant time with proper planning. We're going to thialand next month and will be spending a little over two weeks. I've bookd flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap and I've found a hotel and arranged transportation from the airport to the hotel once we arrive. We are on a budget, but there seems to be many fun things to do there that don't cost much.
To visit the temple(s), Angkor Wat and maybe Ta Prohm... (could use some advice there), I understand all the hotels there have tour companies and can hook us up with a guided tour, I'm just wondering if there are any to avoid or particular ones I might try to book with. Of course it would be nice to have an English speaking guide...
I am also wondering about transportation in general - I have read that there are plenty of Tuk-Tuk divers arould the city that continuously ask of you need a ride and that virtually anywhere you go, any time of day or night, we can just ask any driver to take is back to our hotel - how true is this? I have also heard that the price is about $2 per ride, is that still true and is that $2 per person? What if one of us is traveling alone, for a single what is the normal fare within the city? What about tipping, what is normal?
Regarding currency, I have read that they take US dollars everywhere and to take fresh, crisp US $1 bills. I have also been told that I don't need to take a lot of cash becauese ATM's are plentiful and dispense both Cambodian and US currency. I'd just like to verify this.
Regarding communication - do many people understand English there? Will I need to uses an ap or something like Google Translate often? (We will have i-phones with international roaming but it will cost me $10 a day if I use data).
I have read it is best to use bottled water, what about water in a restaurant - and ice in restaurants? Is it safe?
I also want to address my wife's concerns about safety there - are there any particular risks we should be aware of, such as scams or pickpockets? How are the police there? Are there many police and are they friendly?
I want to attend one of the Aspara dance shows that include dinner or a buffet, is there a recomendation?
These are the other attractions we are considering, if anyone has any comments on these:
Siem Reap Food Tours - day and evening
Old Market - souveneers cloths
Noon Night Market, Angkor Night Market
Siem Reap Art Centre
Kulen Mountain - swimming waterfalls?
Kampong Phluk floating village (thinking of using Asean Angkor Guide)
Cambodian Landmine Museum ???
Made in Cambodia Market – King’s Road
Cooking Classes
Phare, the Cambodian Circus
Thanks for any help!
Bill & Pao