I had a long weekend in Cambodia recently and after a day in Phnom Penh, I was taken to Sihanoukville. We went by bus (Mehkong Express) which was actually pretty good. Cambodians pay $5 and Barangs pay $6, which wasn't so bad. It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to get there.
After we arrived we jumped into a tuk-tuk and headed over the hill to Victory Beach. Most backpackers seem to stay near Ochheuteal Beach, as there are lots of bars on and near the beach and a number of grotty guest houses.
We stayed in the Holiday Palace Casino Hotel. This place is mainly geared up for Korean & Chinese tourists, but the people I was with weren't into mingling with the great unwashed, so it was a much better choice for us.
Checking out prices on the internet show this place to be $28 a night. We just turned up and got our rooms at $20 a night, which was pretty good value. The bed was comfortable and the AC worked well, as did the cable TV.
Also good was the shower, but the bathroom floor was always very wet, so one had to be careful when exiting the shower.
Not a bad view either.
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I drove from Rayong to Poipet on great roads but once in Cambodia, the road is terrible to Siemreab,diabolical in fact. Avoid the ticket touts at the Thai border as their minibus is very unpleasant and crowded. Just make your own way to the Thai border post and get a visa yourself or let the touts do it for you, then cross and hire a taxi with some other people. The minibus is uncomfortable and crushed. I guess you could organise a taxi on the Thai side, but avoid the minimbus. We jumped ship once in Cambodia as it was stopping and the Mafia running it were carrying like dick heads - which they are - and had to pay about $60 US for a taxi but it was worth it to get out of the minibus and to Siemrieb in daylight and a couple of hours quicker. Also we didn't get pushed into their guest houses. They also drag you into a money changer and try to force you to purchase 'Real' at preferential rates. I'm not sure if this was a particular rip off, but just take US dollars in small denominations and some 'real' so that you have some options as well as some Baht. We also got ripped off by the first hotel on exchanging 'real' from Baht. Make sure you get the currencies all sorted out in your head if you are switching between Baht, real and US dollars! Personally I prefered Batdambang to Siemreab though Angkor Wat is spectacular. I would suggest bus to Phnom Penh rather than the boat as it is cheaper and its just a huge lake with little to see. I believe the boat to Batdambang is much more scenic. I like Phnom Penh. If Pol Pot is of interest, there are the Killing Caves at Batdambang and Killing Fields in PHnom Penh plus that dreadfull prison whose name I can't remember, but be prepared for bones and clothes. I didn't get a guide, but what I overheard made me realise that the experience is all the more disturbing if you do! Photos to follow. All other main roads in Cambodia that I travelled on seemed fine although I wasn't driving! Do invest in a Lonely Planet or similar as it will save you money. I think we made just about every mistake we could initially.
