Weekend in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

[Marmite the Dog]

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.

[Marmite the Dog]

A short motodop ride from the hotel and we were at the beach restaurants. We had a big fish and a load of crab ($12.50 a kilo). I was asked if this was really good value, but I thought Hua Hin (near Dougal's pad) was much cheaper. I didn't pay, so who cares?

I didn't take any pictures of the food as my hands were a mess from fucking around with bits of crab shell, but I did get some pictures of tinnies and the scenery.

[AJQUSA]

Marmite the Dog I liked seeing your photos of the coast. I am planning my trip to Cambodia now. This trip should help me decide if moving there is the right thing to do. Seeing the photos has made my day.
Got anymore photos of Sihanoukville or PP?

[mad_dog]

The bus ride scared the shit out of me at the time but I hadn't slept or eaten for fours days at the time. Sanookville is a nice place to chill out and has great food. Saw some nasty look barangs on the bus down there though.

[buad hai]

Is that it for the photos Marmers or are the rest at the shop being developed?

[Marmite the Dog]

Originally Posted by AJQUSA

Got anymore photos of Sihanoukville or PP?

A few, but I didn't want to bore you any more than I have already.

http://teakdoor.com/cambodia-travel-...hnom-penh.html

http://teakdoor.com/cambodia-travel-...ip-report.html

Originally Posted by mad_dog

The bus ride scared the shit out of me at the time

I was quite impressed with the buses. They were comfortable and there was enough room for a big lump like me. Also, the hostess seemed to be genuinely nice and helpful.

Originally Posted by buad hai

Is that it for the photos Marmers or are the rest at the shop being developed?

Developed? Wot's that then?

[Marmite the Dog]

OK. Four more piccies, and that's your lot.

These two were taken at the Elsewhere Bar. It's a really nice spot to chill out after dinner and was only a five minute walk from my hotel.





This is the National Museum (never been there though).




And this is what we ate at Victory Beach before the crab and big fish arrived.

[Frankenstein]

Cambodians pay $5 and Barangs pay $6, which wasn't so bad.

Beware, this is how it starts. Soon it'll be 5 - 10, which is still "not so bad", and then it hits 5 - 20... etc.

Anyways, nice thread, some good photos, thanks for sharing. Greenie on the way.

[mad_dog]

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

I was quite impressed with the buses. They were comfortable and there was enough room for a big lump like me. Also, the hostess seemed to be genuinely nice and helpful.

The road was good and the seating was OK but the AC was not very poor for the hot season. The thing which really freaked me out was the driver's tactic of speeding up when he saw buffalo on the road and the collective shriecks and groans of the passengers as the driver took corners at frighteningly high speeds.

I went with the more expensive private bus company but can't remember the name of it. If I did the trip again I'd try and find four other barangs and chip in for a sain taxi driver with a decent AC taxi.

[gos]

Good thread and photos it was interesting for me as I will be going there next year a friend has a bar come guest house and a large fishing boat in sihanoukville

[Jerrys]

Gawd, that was probably me that you saw on the bus. But I know I look better than what your pic looks like?????

[Jerrys]

Elsewhere Bar, that's in Phnom Penh, isn't it?

[Marmite the Dog]

Originally Posted by Jerrys

Elsewhere Bar, that's in Phnom Penh, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

[Scooter]

I recommend to anyone to take a trip to Ream National park if you are staying in this area.

[kayo]

Nice thread. Been thinking alot about cambodia lately.

[lambada]

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.

[bjsanook]

What's the easiest, safest way to get there from Pattaya?

I've heard boat from Trat, does that make sense?

Thanks,
BJ

[lambada]

Not sure about the boat. We drove back to Chonburi and up the freeways from there. Driving on the Thai side is fine but Cambodia......

[dirtydog]

http://teakdoor.com/cambodia-vietnam...-cambodia.html

Going by boat through Trat and Koh Kong.

[donmeurett]

Thanks for the pictures and information may take that trip one of these days.