Just got back today from a 2 day trip from Chaiyapum to the Angkor Wat's in Siem Reap, Cambodia (about 500km each way).

Many people have done this on bikes, things that my be useful for those planning their 1st trip there:

1. Border crossing into Cambodia at Poi Pet is very easy. I like to stop at the Cambodian tourist police white office about 100m on the RHS after the thai border and they will process your Cambodian visa. Visa cost is 1,000 bht, he will ask for a small tip for running around for you. You can sit under his fan while he's doing this, they are quite friendly.

2. There was NO mention of having to visit Cambodian customs, which from previous reports, turns into a nightmare - we just drove straight into Cambodia & had no problems.

3. Route 5 & 6 to Siem Reap are all tarmac. It is a very boring ride apart from the shocking driving skills of the Cambodian motorists all the way to Siem Reap. Takes about 2 hours from the border.

4. We did some research and stayed at the "Kool hotel". I would stay there again, $55 a night with B/fast, 1st class place. Its on route 6 as you come into Siem Reap, opposite the Tele petrol station down a small side road. Its about 100 yards before the caltex petrol station on R6 (down a small side road). Very safe to leave the bike, always staff around.






5. USD$ is excepted everywhere. The ATM machine dispenses USD$, the staff at the hotels are paid in USD$. even the petrol station took USD$, dont change any money into Cambo Rihl.

6. Ate at the Abacus restaurant & Maharajah Indian, both excellent.

7. We tried to drive to the Wat's on the bike at the ticket office the police said it was not allowed, so we went by tuk tuk. I think there would be no problem going to the wat's by bike, I saw 1 other bike there and we looked carefully and couldnt see any police stops anywhere.

7. Chez sophia is a superb french restaurant for lunch opposite the Angkor wat, french guy has been there 18 years.

8. Apart from the dull ride there, the wat's are spectacular.