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Published: June 26th 2008
Cambodia Gateway
The border crossing into Poipet, Cambodia; from Aranya Pratet, Thailand.After a week of rest and reading in Bangkok, we headed out towards Cambodia. A five hour bus ride from Bangkok to the border on a so-so bus, we were planning on getting our visas at the border, as we had heard many people do. Along the way, we first sat on the bus in bkk while the bus guy told everyone he could get their visas faster and for 1200 baht because he is "under the table". Not surprisingly, there were several takers on the bus who handed over their passports. We decided to hold out, as this was about $40, and we heard a visa was $20.
Five hours later, we pull up to a lunch stop (not the border we are looking for), and are told that we wait here for 30 minutes to have lunch. Again, we are told that they can get us a visa, now for only 1000 baht, and that if we wait till the border, we will be stuck there for three days. This seemed like total b.s., so we waited still. Finally, we get back on the bus and drive to the border market, which we realize was so close that we
Little Mermaid Bus
This is the bus we took from Bangkok to the Cambodian border. This would be your typical long-distance bus used in Thailand by backpackers...complete with colorful exterior designs. could've taxied there instead of waiting.
Along the way, we met another traveling couple who already had visas, and planned on grabbing a share taxi with them on the other side. We got to the cambodian side, and were glad that we trusted our instincts--we got a visa in about five minutes for 1000 baht, and were off. The road from Poipet at the border to Siem Reap is pitted, potholed, and unsealed (rumor has it that a thai airline has been paying off the Cambodian government to keep them from paving the road--there is an airstrip in Siem Reap). Because we got a share taxi (with A/C), the 165km ride was only about 3 hours, instead of a slow 4-6 hour bus ride. We had to stop a few times to put water into the radiator, but it was nice to stretch our legs and take in the beautiful countryside--green fields, work animals plowing, brick red wood houses on stilts with blue window shutters, and lots and lots of reddish brown dust. How the folks riding motorbikes on the road behind a truck could see anything at all, let alone breathe, was a mystery. Also saw many signs for
The road to Siem Reap
The dusty road you see here is actually quite smooth compared to most parts of the drive... several political parties dotting the road in front of houses.
We got into Siem Reap after dark, and headed straight for Smiley's Guest House, recommended emphatically by our friend Josh. His guide and friend there, Mr. Hinda was around so we were glad to be able to give him a present (raiderball hat) from Josh, and arrange for him to take us to Angkor Wat.
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Joyce Teekell
non-member comment
Your amazing trip!
Dear Mike and Brooke, I am so pleased to "share" your adventure! Your pictures are incredible and I almost feel I am there. Safe journey. Happy trails. Joyce