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The journey starts from Bangkok's Hualamphong Station. Every morning at 5.55 am a train departs to Aranyaprathet. Travel time about 6+ hours. Expect delays. Its a pleasant journey. Plenty food sellers on board. |
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Main hall Hualamphong Station. Bangkok |
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On arrival take a Tuk Tuk from the station to the Poipet Cambodian border crossing. The rate for foreigners about 60 Bath. Be aware of Touts best to avoid them. On arrival at the boarder just follow the crowd. Departing from Thailand is standard but the Cambodian side is a bit weird. Be aware of fake “Visa officers” even if they appear in official looking uniforms. Inside the border area is a gambling casino for you to top up or loose your travel founds. |
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Cambodian visa can be obtained at the boarder or obtained as E Visa via internet. The most economical way would be to visit an Cambodian consulate prior to arrival and have it issued there. |
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After finishing the boarder you will instantly reach a small waiting area from where a complimentary bus is offered to take you to the “Poipet Bus Terminal” Be aware that this is a rip off and takes you straight in to an tourist trap. The so called Bus terminal seems to be “foreigners only”. No locals seem to be taking a bus from there. If you want to travel in style to Siam Reap negotiate a taxi straight from the boarder. About $ 20 or less. You can share with other passenger. If you have a pre arranged hotel make sure the taxi driver is aware and agreed to take you to your hotel otherwise you may end up in another tourist trap in Siam Reap. The trip takes about 1 1/2 hour . If you are on a real budget board a pick up truck (About $ 1.-) |
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Tourist waiting for the complimentary bus unaware that it leads straight in to an tourist trap. |
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Consider if your trip to Angkor Wat is really essential. The place is overcrowded with tourist causing harm to the temple. Cambodia has many other interesting places to visit |
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Cambodia's official currency is the Riel ( KHR ) But US$ are widely used and everywhere accepted. Even Bank's teller machines pay out in US$. Shops & Restaurants usually accept both at a rate of 1 US$=4000 Riel. Money changer would pay slightly more Riel for the US$. |
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Costing: Train from Bangkok 48 Bath US$ 1,50 Tuk Tuk to Boarder 60 Bath US$ 2.00 Visa US$ 20.00 Taxi on share basis US$ 5.00
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Siam Reap is flooded with hotels of all descriptions. It's not unusual to find a room rate of $ 50.– or less for 5* style accommodation. Shopping around is essential. Internet hotel booking sites may not offer the best obtainable rates. |
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Travel agents in Bangkok offering all inclusive transportation packages to Siam Reap. Not advisable. You may be tight down for hours along the way waiting for the pre arranged transportation. |