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Marmite the Dog · 15-08-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

Marmite the Dog= What did you think about Sihanoukville during your visit?

I enjoyed my time there, but it was due to the company I kept, more than anything else. I spent a couple of hours in the Barang bars and they didn't really inspire me. There are some really nice parts to the area, but for how long? Sihanoukville is rapidly developing from what I heard and will become the Koh Samui of Cambodia before too long.

I don't think I could live there as I prefer Phnom Penh, but if you just want to do nothing for a year or so, then you could pick worse places.

Have you considered somewhere like Koh Kong?

Whiteshiva · 15-08-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

Marmite the Dog= What did you think about Sihanoukville during your visit?

I enjoyed my time there, but it was due to the company I kept, more than anything else. I spent a couple of hours in the Barang bars and they didn't really inspire me. There are some really nice parts to the area, but for how long? Sihanoukville is rapidly developing from what I heard and will become the Koh Samui of Cambodia before too long.

With the only deep-water port in Cambodia, and with the oil & gas industry to kick off developments in Cambodian water soon, I fear it will be more like a Pattaya, just with more HIV, guns and corruption.

Don't miss out - book now!

donny · 22-08-2007, 09:27 AM

Oleboy, thanks for the ISP details - such low bandwidth and high prices pretty much nix the idea of me moving there for the time being.

Any sort of 3G or GPRS available for datacards/laptops?

Donny

oleboy · 22-08-2007, 09:50 AM

Im changing my ISP at the end of this month. I will be using the connection from the internet cafe down stairs for a flat fee of $50. a month no limits.

For your Wireless internet you can try this guy out, I have never used it so I dont know what its like.

Edge Thailand

He travels between Thailand and Cambodia.

Ph# in Cambo 01 668 1961
Ph# Thailand 087 603 5452

email: info[at]edgethailand.com

Prices are coming down all the time as more competition comes in, Im told prices are about half of what they were two years ago.

Hope that helps.
Cheers oleboy.

Marmite the Dog · 22-08-2007, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donny

Any sort of 3G or GPRS available for datacards/laptops?

I presume you mean in Cambodia?

There is a company in the process of installing a 3G network in Phnom Penh, SihanukVille and Siam Reap at the moment. I believe it will come online early next year.

chinthee · 22-08-2007, 10:45 AM

I've only been to Snookyville once a few years ago. I reckon I'll take another trip over this year for a week or so and check it out since there's been so much noise about it on all the Thailand forums. On that other forum, it's a much more polarized debate, those who love Thailand at all costs and think everyone who goes to Cambodia is a loser; and those who are getting tired of the visa changes, higher prices etc.. I don't fall into either category, I'm just curious.

donny · 22-08-2007, 09:27 PM

Oleboy and Marmite, thx for the further info. I've heard good reports about the mobile data services in Thailand and have emailed the guy you mentioned to ask about Cambodia.

Regarding the LOS vs Cambodia discussion, people often overlook the importance of infrastructure and massively underestimate how long it takes for a society to move in what would appear to be the obvious and most profitable direction. Behind all the glossy Western trappings, Thailand is still terminally held back by corruption and a cultural inability to plan for the long-term.

SE Asia is a playground you should enjoy but resist the illusion that anywhere is going to be safe/stable/hospitable tomorrow: rent rather than buy unless you can genuinely afford to lose that gamble, never invest money in any project, including marriage, that results in you being worth more to someone dead than alive, have back-up investments in the West that allow you to walk away etc. This is all just common sense but, as we all know, it is easy to get suckered into the illusion that the East is the same as the West but with tastier food and prettier women.

On that basis, that nowhere in SE Asia is truly stable, Cambodia seems as good a place as any to while away a few pleasant years and, certainly, Thailand seems to be pricing itself out of that market. It appears that Vietnam, too, is opening up to us and, hopefully, Myanmar will soon become democratic and open to foreign residents, all of which will release a lot of pressure from the over-heated Thai market. I suspect that the advance of budget airlines, too, will eventually open up the entire peninsula but, again, don't put all your eggs in once basket and always keep a packed suitcase ready to roll.

Donny

MagicLeaves · 27-08-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinthee

On that other forum, it's a much more polarized debate, those who love Thailand at all costs and think everyone who goes to Cambodia is a loser

ajarn I take it - they are all too up their own asses if you ask me - prob. too scared to go to Cambodia anyway

EmperorTud · 17-02-2008, 05:08 PM

^I thought he was referring to ThaiVisa.

ch1ldofthemoon · 08-03-2008, 04:11 PM

I was in Sihanookville for 2 weeks in early Jan`08. Personally,I loved it. I`d agree with most of the above comments about it being dirty,overpriced etc, but I was travelling with a good crowd. Best avoided at weekends,you get the young,rich Kmers coming down for the weekend,some with armed bodyguards,which is`nt much fun.
Lot`s of new resorts,casino`s being built,at the moment....It`ll be another Pattaya in a few more years,especially as bars stay open longer and booze is much cheaper than LOS.I was paying $8 a litre for Absolute vodka in the local supermarket.....

colourful-era · 15-03-2008, 12:03 PM

^^ M-leaves talks much sense - could also be refering to Thai Visa as well , though they are mainly the bar-girl wife crew that price things in the amount of 'short times' that could be obtained.

Reaper · 24-03-2008, 07:12 AM

1. What about the crime levels?

2. Do you need to register a business or can you just open shop?

3. IT staff in Snookies with English skills? Possible?

4. Electricity - constant or not?

Thanks!

sunsetter · 24-03-2008, 07:24 PM

cool, better get down there for a look when i get back. a french bloke i knew on kohchang went there, about 2 years ago with a view to doing something, he decided against it and ended up in hua hin?
having said that, theres no smoke without fire so is sihanookville really gonna be the next patts?

Reaper · 28-03-2008, 06:39 PM

So I am told that is why I was asking. That Khmer440 forum is a waste as there are just a lot of burnouts on it in my view.

AJQUSA · 04-04-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

Marmite the Dog= What did you think about Sihanoukville during your visit?

I enjoyed my time there, but it was due to the company I kept, more than anything else. I spent a couple of hours in the Barang bars and they didn't really inspire me. There are some really nice parts to the area, but for how long? Sihanoukville is rapidly developing from what I heard and will become the Koh Samui of Cambodia before too long.

I don't think I could live there as I prefer Phnom Penh, but if you just want to do nothing for a year or so, then you could pick worse places.

Have you considered somewhere like Koh Kong?

I finally went to Sihanoukville for a week and found it to be nice. It is obviously trying to grow but I don't think it will reach Pattayas size and shape for many years. I took the boat from Koh Kong and enjoyed a sunny smooth ride. The boat ride from Snooky back to Koh Kong was the "boat ride from hell". For the return trip I was the only Barang that opted to ride on top of the boat along with just one Khmer guy. The water was rough and and had us hanging on for dear life. When we stopped at the Island midway the passengers inside described an even more scary ride with many people sick and bruised from being tossed around. Many barangs finished the trip on top of the boat feeling as I did that if the boat topsided it would be hard to get out. The boat is shaped more like a Submarine and perhaps has a desire to Submerge. When I return, which I will do for sure. I will fly or take a bus unless I am certain about the weather and sea conditions.

I will post more about my trip and add some of my many photos soon.
" Sihanoukville or Bust"

Marmite the Dog · 05-04-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

I will post more about my trip and add some of my many photos soon. " Sihanoukville or Bust"

Looking forward to it. Hopefully you took some pictures of the return boat journey.

AJQUSA · 05-04-2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

I will post more about my trip and add some of my many photos soon. " Sihanoukville or Bust"

Looking forward to it. Hopefully you took some pictures of the return boat journey.

Hope you like the photos.

Leaving Koh Kong and arriving Sihanoukville

Leaving Sianoukville and Island stop half way

smallworld · 06-04-2008, 09:23 AM

Hey OP I would advise PP as opposed to Snookiville but it depends on what you are looking for/wanting to achieve...

colourful-era · 14-04-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper

So I am told that is why I was asking. That Khmer440 forum is a waste as there are just a lot of burnouts on it in my view.

Pot - Kettle - black

AJQUSA · 16-04-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

Marmite the Dog= What did you think about Sihanoukville during your visit?

I enjoyed my time there, but it was due to the company I kept, more than anything else. I spent a couple of hours in the Barang bars and they didn't really inspire me. There are some really nice parts to the area, but for how long? Sihanoukville is rapidly developing from what I heard and will become the Koh Samui of Cambodia before too long.

I don't think I could live there as I prefer Phnom Penh, but if you just want to do nothing for a year or so, then you could pick worse places.

Have you considered somewhere like Koh Kong?

I finally went to Sihanoukville for a week and found it to be nice. It is obviously trying to grow but I don't think it will reach Pattayas size and shape for many years. I took the boat from Koh Kong and enjoyed a sunny smooth ride. The boat ride from Snooky back to Koh Kong was the "boat ride from hell". For the return trip I was the only Barang that opted to ride on top of the boat along with just one Khmer guy. The water was rough and and had us hanging on for dear life. When we stopped at the Island midway the passengers inside described an even more scary ride with many people sick and bruised from being tossed around. Many barangs finished the trip on top of the boat feeling as I did that if the boat topsided it would be hard to get out. The boat is shaped more like a Submarine and perhaps has a desire to Submerge. When I return, which I will do for sure. I will fly or take a bus unless I am certain about the weather and sea conditions.

I will post more about my trip and add some of my many photos soon.
" Sihanoukville or Bust"

http://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...b_Cambodia.JPG
http://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...b_IMG_4522.JPG
http://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...Khmer_Monk.JPG
http://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...b_IMG_4744.JPG

Last edited by Marmite the Dog : 05-04-2008 at 10:40 AM. Reason: Please read the "How to post pictures" thread...
MtD, Hope I did it correctly this time.

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22-08-2007, 09:27 AM	#23 (permalink)
donny Chiang Mai Last Online: 19-11-2008 01:40 AM Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 11	Oleboy, thanks for the ISP details - such low bandwidth and high prices pretty much nix the idea of me moving there for the time being. Any sort of 3G or GPRS available for datacards/laptops? Donny

22-08-2007, 09:50 AM	#24 (permalink)
oleboy Hua Hin Last Online: 15-01-2008 03:14 PM Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cambodia Posts: 17	Im changing my ISP at the end of this month. I will be using the connection from the internet cafe down stairs for a flat fee of $50. a month no limits. For your Wireless internet you can try this guy out, I have never used it so I dont know what its like. Edge Thailand He travels between Thailand and Cambodia. Ph# in Cambo 01 668 1961 Ph# Thailand 087 603 5452 email: info[at]edgethailand.com Prices are coming down all the time as more competition comes in, Im told prices are about half of what they were two years ago. Hope that helps. Cheers oleboy.

22-08-2007, 10:45 AM	#26 (permalink)
chinthee Sundance is my bff Last Online: 23-09-2008 07:21 AM Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 6,033	I've only been to Snookyville once a few years ago. I reckon I'll take another trip over this year for a week or so and check it out since there's been so much noise about it on all the Thailand forums. On that other forum, it's a much more polarized debate, those who love Thailand at all costs and think everyone who goes to Cambodia is a loser; and those who are getting tired of the visa changes, higher prices etc.. I don't fall into either category, I'm just curious.

22-08-2007, 09:27 PM	#27 (permalink)
donny Chiang Mai Last Online: 19-11-2008 01:40 AM Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 11	Oleboy and Marmite, thx for the further info. I've heard good reports about the mobile data services in Thailand and have emailed the guy you mentioned to ask about Cambodia. Regarding the LOS vs Cambodia discussion, people often overlook the importance of infrastructure and massively underestimate how long it takes for a society to move in what would appear to be the obvious and most profitable direction. Behind all the glossy Western trappings, Thailand is still terminally held back by corruption and a cultural inability to plan for the long-term. SE Asia is a playground you should enjoy but resist the illusion that anywhere is going to be safe/stable/hospitable tomorrow: rent rather than buy unless you can genuinely afford to lose that gamble, never invest money in any project, including marriage, that results in you being worth more to someone dead than alive, have back-up investments in the West that allow you to walk away etc. This is all just common sense but, as we all know, it is easy to get suckered into the illusion that the East is the same as the West but with tastier food and prettier women. On that basis, that nowhere in SE Asia is truly stable, Cambodia seems as good a place as any to while away a few pleasant years and, certainly, Thailand seems to be pricing itself out of that market. It appears that Vietnam, too, is opening up to us and, hopefully, Myanmar will soon become democratic and open to foreign residents, all of which will release a lot of pressure from the over-heated Thai market. I suspect that the advance of budget airlines, too, will eventually open up the entire peninsula but, again, don't put all your eggs in once basket and always keep a packed suitcase ready to roll. Donny

17-02-2008, 05:08 PM	#29 (permalink)
EmperorTud Twisted Mentat Last Online: Today 03:43 AM Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LV-426 Posts: 3,922	^I thought he was referring to ThaiVisa.

08-03-2008, 04:11 PM	#30 (permalink)
ch1ldofthemoon Kanchanaburi Last Online: 02-12-2008 07:37 PM Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London,England Posts: 182	I was in Sihanookville for 2 weeks in early Jan`08. Personally,I loved it. I`d agree with most of the above comments about it being dirty,overpriced etc, but I was travelling with a good crowd. Best avoided at weekends,you get the young,rich Kmers coming down for the weekend,some with armed bodyguards,which is`nt much fun. Lot`s of new resorts,casino`s being built,at the moment....It`ll be another Pattaya in a few more years,especially as bars stay open longer and booze is much cheaper than LOS.I was paying $8 a litre for Absolute vodka in the local supermarket.....

15-03-2008, 12:03 PM	#31 (permalink)
colourful-era born of a jackal Last Online: 15-07-2008 07:05 PM Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Phnom Penh Posts: 2,629	^^ M-leaves talks much sense - could also be refering to Thai Visa as well , though they are mainly the bar-girl wife crew that price things in the amount of 'short times' that could be obtained.

24-03-2008, 07:12 AM	#32 (permalink)
Reaper Ban Phe Last Online: 29-11-2008 04:58 PM Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 619	1. What about the crime levels? 2. Do you need to register a business or can you just open shop? 3. IT staff in Snookies with English skills? Possible? 4. Electricity - constant or not? Thanks!

24-03-2008, 07:24 PM	#33 (permalink)
sunsetter Elite Member Last Online: Today 01:47 AM Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: londonthani Posts: 1,293	cool, better get down there for a look when i get back. a french bloke i knew on kohchang went there, about 2 years ago with a view to doing something, he decided against it and ended up in hua hin? having said that, theres no smoke without fire so is sihanookville really gonna be the next patts?

28-03-2008, 06:39 PM	#34 (permalink)
Reaper Ban Phe Last Online: 29-11-2008 04:58 PM Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 619	So I am told that is why I was asking. That Khmer440 forum is a waste as there are just a lot of burnouts on it in my view.

06-04-2008, 09:23 AM	#38 (permalink)
smallworld Patong Beach Last Online: 20-04-2008 12:32 AM Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: On an island Posts: 27	Hey OP I would advise PP as opposed to Snookiville but it depends on what you are looking for/wanting to achieve...

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