Angkor Wat and Memories from Khmer Rouge

A few photographs from my recent backpacking trip to Cambodia.

Siem Reap - The Ruins of Angkor Wat

S-21 (Security Prison 21 of Khmer Rouge) - today called Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes

The Killing Fields of Choeung-Ek

Basic Facts for travel to Cambodia (as of April 2008)

Visa on Arrival (for Indians): Yes, $20 for a single entry 1 month tourist visa, 1 photo required.

Cost of entry to Angkor Wat: $40 for a 3 day pass

Cost of entry to Tuol Sleng: $2 per adult

Cost of entry to Choeung Ek: $3 per adult

Approximate budget per day (incl. food, accomodation, and transport on at least 2 person sharing basis): $ 25 per day per person

Getting there: No direct flights from India. Transit via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok enroute to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Air Asia is a LCC operating in S E Asia and tickets are very reasonably priced.

Travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh: Riverboats on the Tonle Sap cost about $25 per person and take about 4 hours. A cheaper option is to take a bus. AC buses cost $8 per head and take about 6 hours. The road conditions are good and although not upto EU or US highway standards, the ride is not bumpy. Intercity buses operate in the morning, noon, and early evening.

Travel Tip: US dollars are valid currency in Cambodia. Do not exchange your USD for Cambodian Riels at the airport. You will lose in transaction fee and in that locals give a different rate as well. (In April 2008, official exchange rate was $1=3750 riels, whereas locals would trade at $1=4000 riels.)

Also, bargain like crazy while buying souvenirs, paintings, clothes, guide services - almost everything - except hotel menus, accomodation prices, museum entry charges and the like.