I am planning on going to Siem Reap later this month and spend two days at the temple complexes. I may not have more than 2 full days for the purpose, looking at my work schedule. Now before you say
I am planning on going to Siem Reap later this month and spend two days at the temple complexes. I may not have more than 2 full days for the purpose, looking at my work schedule. Now before you say 2 days is too short, let me come to my actual (and bordering outrageous) question.
Do you think I can fit in both Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat into my little 2-day itinerary?
The way i am thinking is this: Reach Phnom Penh Friday night and sleep in the hotel. Saturday: Visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Genocide Museum and maybe even a sunset Mekong river tour. Travel 5 hours overnight to Siem Reap. Sunday: Visit Angkor Thom, Bayon temple complex, Leper King & Elephant Terrace. After lunch, Angkor Wat temple complex & Bakheng Mountain. Dinner with Traditional Dance Show at local restaurant. Overnight stay at Siem Reap. Monday morning: Flight back.
I am 25 and should be able to manage the travel-related fatigue. I have tried to maximise the daytime available by traveling in the overnight coach and staying both friday and sunday nights at hotels to get 2 full days. I know the time is not enough to do full justice to the country but I may not get another chance to visit the place.
Any advice on how to tweak my itinerary will be welcome. Thanks a lot!
I would never advise anyone to not do a thing if it's the only possibility. It isn't as if you're unaware that you're biting off a challenge. Plan very well, leave as much wiggle room as possible and have backup plans if something like a transport leg goes awry. That's my best advice, be seriously organized. It will be exciting and your youth will serve you well.
Thanks Joanna for the prompt and encouraging reply! At least makes me believe the trip is possible.
One more thing - since you are familiar with the country, what do you think about the safety aspects in a night journey? Not so much about the tales I've heard of how they drive but more in terms of driving in a bus overnight through remote places. Its not exactly a very law-abiding place from what I've heard...
Sorry Uday, I'm not a fan of traveling either by bus or at night so I can't advise you from personal experience. I suggest you ask the question on the Lonely Planet forum, Thorn Tree. It tends to have a younger, edgier group and you'll certainly find someone who has first hand information for you.
For the benefit of other travellers, the night bus I took seemed completely safe to me, though this could also be on account of other night journeys I have taken in much worse conditions.
The road is not bad, albeit human activity and streetlights were rather conspicuous by their absence.
On the bus, I met a single woman traveller from Australia who was pretty assured about the bus safety as well. The night journey saved me half a day on my short three-day trip - priceless!
