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califdann
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I was in Phnom Pehn (PP) in early June 2003. I discovered that round trip airfare to BKK was $165.00. I wish I had known that b4. Anyway, I needed to travel to Siem Reap, then to BKK. So, I was staying at the California 2 hotel in PP on the River. Great Place. Anyway, I asked the young lady at the front bar where I could get tickets for the fast boat to Siem Reap. She told me that she would get them for me. Which she did. I have heard that the tickets can be obtained for from $22 USD to $25 USD. She told me it was $25 USD for non-Cambodians. So, in the morning, I took a moto to the dock.... had to be at the dock at 6:30 a.m. At the dock, they sell food, newspapers etc... It being the low season, the boat was far from full. I got up front out of the A/C blast, and marked my seat number on my ticket. I have learned that this is a good move since people have approached me in peak season telling me that I was in their seat, and showing me their ticket with my seat number written on it. Anyway, we proceeded up the Tonle Sap river/lake. I tried to sleep since I knew it was going to be several hours. Along the way, the boat stopped. BTW, the boat is mostly white, shaped like a long cigar, and travels pretty fast.... Not being a sailor, I can only guess that it was about 50 mph. Enough to blow your hat off anyway. Well, the boat stopped, and I was informed that the water was too low, and the boat could not proceed, and that we had to get on a similar, but smaller boat. The draft of the new boat was the same, so I guess that the real reason was that they didnt want to operate the bigger boat, when the smaller boat would do the job. So, about 1/2 of the boat was outside deck, and I chose to sit outside on a plastic patio chair. Making sure I sat out of the sun, I tried to doze as best I could. A couple of hours later, we approached Siem Reap. Since the lake is shallower this time of year, we needed to stop out a ways from shore. There were boats that came to transport us, all containing young men who wanted to transport us to hotels etc... For various prices from free to $2 USD. I boarded one of the smaller boats and got to a 20 cm wide plank that I had to walk along to the shore.... approx 40 meters. At the shore there were many young men who wanted to take me to town. And, damn it was hot!!! Anyway, it is about 2 Km just to the paved street. Again, some would give a ride free, but to a particular hotel. They get commissions from the hotels for doing this. Always negotiate your price prior to giving them your bag. Don't let go of your bag until you get in the car, or on the moto. I recommend the Fast Boat either way.... to/from PP & Siem Reap. Recommend a broad hat, light clothing, and no more than a backpack for travel. Probably some reading material would be good.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 4:50 pm on June 18, 2003
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bkkclown
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Boat is a tourist trap.
better yet, don't take the boat. It's almost always a shitty trip and overpriced at that. Too noisy too cold too long and too much hassle. Plane is 45 minutes and about $50 or minibus it for $6 or pickup for $2. All a much better value for the money.
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Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 6:49 pm on June 18, 2003
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califdann
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Clown:
I guess you didn't read the part about the plane being $185.00 one way..... Where are you getting $50.00???
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:29 pm on June 18, 2003
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bkkclown
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your post says $185 ow to BKK, but you were talking about P.P. to Siem Reap, which is $50 or $55, not $185. You didn't take the boat all the way to BKK, did you?
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 7:36 pm on June 18, 2003
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AlterEgo
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OK. I guess some folks don't go to Cambodia for the scenery. My 5 times on the boat, were all interesting. I met lots of folks, got lots of info from other travelers that you just don't get on the plane. While the plane from PP to SR may be painless, sterile, and cheap (I will have to take your word on the $50.00 USD), you miss out on a lot of what I came to Cambodia for. The interaction with the people, and the culture. None of my boat trips were overly noisy. On the inside, they do have the A/C blasting away.... but if you move away from the A/C, it's not too bad. Yep, some hassle on the Siem Reap drop off end, but no more than the touts at the airport. As far as a minibus.... I have taken that trip once..... The roads in Cambodia are the worst I have ever seen in the world, and I am in Transportation/Logistics. Yep better value for the money.... If your bones can take the continual jarring. About the only good road is from Sihanokville to Phnom Pehn.
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 2:55 am on June 19, 2003
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pete325is
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califdann wrote:
>I was in Phnom Pehn (PP) in early June 2003. I >discovered that round trip airfare to BKK was >$165.00......
That's a great price!! Can you tell me which travel agent get you that price?
I'm planning for a Sept trip to Cambodia and the best quote I get so far is around 9,300 baht (BKK-SR then PNH-BKK). And that is the low season ticket too!
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Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 6:50 pm on July 7, 2003
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califdann
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Price for the ticket was quoted at the airport. Think it was Thai air.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:39 am on July 8, 2003
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