I took a VIP bus from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. Then took a motorcycle taxi from the bus station to the Cambodian border. But the motorcycle driver made a detour to some visa scam shop. I had to insist that we go to the border instead. Once past the border and into Poipet on foot, the dodginess factor increases exponentially. Read the first few lines of what wikitravel has to say about Poipet.
You'll get approached by all sorts of shady folks. Either offering something or asking for something. My senses were on ultra-high alert. Paid a guy US$15 to get me a taxi to Siem Reap. But he kept on making excuses as to why the taxi couldn't come soon. I waited quite a while before realizing that he could probably ride away on his bike, leaving me stranded and US$15 poorer. So I insisted that he return my cash. He did. Fortunately a tourist cop came by to check if I was having any problems. The "taxi" then arrived shortly.
I had to share a small car with a bunch of Khmer peeps. The car was full and I sat in front. With my laptop bag taking up most of the tiny leg room. And my huge backpack on my lap. Pressing against my chest and face. For almost 3 hours. One of my more uncomfortable but memorable rides. Reached Siem Reap at 9pm. It's an unexpectedly clean and modern city. The locals speak good English, a lot better than in LOS. Remember to bring a lot of small denomination US dollars. And prepare yourself for the onslaught of tuk-tuk drivers offering transport, girls and drugs.
You'll get approached by all sorts of shady folks. Either offering something or asking for something. My senses were on ultra-high alert. Paid a guy US$15 to get me a taxi to Siem Reap. But he kept on making excuses as to why the taxi couldn't come soon. I waited quite a while before realizing that he could probably ride away on his bike, leaving me stranded and US$15 poorer. So I insisted that he return my cash. He did. Fortunately a tourist cop came by to check if I was having any problems. The "taxi" then arrived shortly.
I had to share a small car with a bunch of Khmer peeps. The car was full and I sat in front. With my laptop bag taking up most of the tiny leg room. And my huge backpack on my lap. Pressing against my chest and face. For almost 3 hours. One of my more uncomfortable but memorable rides. Reached Siem Reap at 9pm. It's an unexpectedly clean and modern city. The locals speak good English, a lot better than in LOS. Remember to bring a lot of small denomination US dollars. And prepare yourself for the onslaught of tuk-tuk drivers offering transport, girls and drugs.
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