Cheapest/Best route to Cambodia/SAE?

cojobt

Hi,

My girlfriend and I are considering our first trip to South East Asia in August. I have Cambodia, Siem Reap, in mind because of a novel I was reading.

Can anyone suggest the cheapest way or best route to take from Ireland? We're both in our 40s. Mostly interested in experiencing the culture and the sights, maybe a bit of a party somewhere. Thinking about 10-14 days.

Are there any particular travel companies who have a good rep for value and service? Will probably book everything ourselves though.

She can only travel at the start of August which may not be the best value, so as I'm footing the bill I'm looking to save a few pennies. Not averse to travel, but still, as I said, it's our first trip to SAE.

I know the question is broad but I'm open to all advice.


Cheers

Kevcol

A quick look at Skyscanner says the cheapest flight from Ireland is around €750 in August. The most direct flight is around €930.

Once you're there the prices are pretty cheap. Getting buses between the main cities is pretty easy too. We got a tuk tuk driver to take us around to the main attractions for the time we were there. Some fantastic temples to see. We had to catch a flight from Bangkok so we only had about 7 days altogether but we saw the main attractions in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

cojobt

Kevcol wrote: »

A quick look at Skyscanner says the cheapest flight from Ireland is around €750 in August. The most direct flight is around €930.

Once you're there the prices are pretty cheap. Getting buses between the main cities is pretty easy too. We got a tuk tuk driver to take us around to the main attractions for the time we were there. Some fantastic temples to see. We had to catch a flight from Bangkok so we only had about 7 days altogether but we saw the main attractions in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Cheers Kevcol. Is €750 a good price or is it inflated for August?

finbarrk

I'd say €750 is ok.

Father Hernandez

cojobt wrote: »

Cheers. Is it best to book accommodation in advance, or find cheap rooms on arrival? I guess it'd be best to book somewhere in Bangkok for a night or two before travelling on to Siam Reap, but would we be safe enough to leave the rest of the travel and accommodation plans open then?

Accomm wise, it depends what you're into. I would recommend booking somewhere to stay when landing in Bangkok and then the place after that.

Last time in Thailand, I was backpacking so it was very much hostel life tbh. We did however stay in hotels on occasion and they were prob around €15 each iirc.

Trip Advisor and Booking.com are your best friends tbh. Most recent reviews will tell you what kind of accomm it is, normally can't go wrong. You'd be safe enough waiting til you're there but if you are there a short time and know where you will be on what days (with little flexibility), booking in advance is a shout.

5p9arw38djv2b4

€750 is not a bad price for flights in August. Siem Reap can get very very hot so do book a hotel with a pool. Agoda.com is great for bookings in SE Asia (it's a booking engine like booking.com but specialises in the region) and will allow you to see loads of the region. In S Reap buy a 3 day pass for the temples and make sure to go to the ones further out (our hotel fixed us up with a local driver who drove us each day).
Our favourite temples were the ones furthest away that far less people go to – we spent a day going out to the Cambodian Landmine Museum (who was absolutely eyeopening) and to Banteay Srei Temple, and to the forest and rivers where there are these carvings on the river bedrock at Kbal Spean– this was so cool. Its about 2km hike in the forest. This was my favourite touring day. Make sure one evening to go to Phare Circus - incredible acrobatics Circus and most involved were originally street kids. There is also a cool dine in the dark restaurant. We stayed at a place called Le Tigre which was v nice, but we were on a backpacker budget.