Cambodia has become a popular destination since it opened up in 2001. Each year more than two million visitors come here, and most visit Siem Reap in order to see the incredible Angkor temples.

How to get to Siem Reap

For travellers on a budget, Siem Reap can be accessed by bus from Bangkok (generally a lot cheaper than the one hour flight) and likewise, if you're approaching from Vietnam, you can travel by bus (or ferry) to Phnom Penh, and then take the 5-6 hour bus ride up to Siem Reap.

If you wish to fly in to Siem Reap, then airlines will take you from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as well as from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Shop around online. Most airlines (globally) offer a two-tier pricing system so that locals flying for Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok are generally paying less than the person who books from the US or the UK.

Visa

You get your Visa when you arrive in Cambodia, with a massive one page stamp in your passport. It looks impressive.

Health recommendations

Visitors to the region are generally advised to get their jabs as a protection against Hepatitis A + B, Typhoid and Tetanus as well as to take malaria tablets. It sounds severe, but it is wise to err on the safe side to prevent an emergency.

 

If you are considering volunteering at Savong School or the SOC (or any other organisation in Cambodia) do have a careful think about your expectations and responsibilities.

There is vigorous debate about the role of voluntourism - and the reality is that some tourists may use the experience as little more than a photo-op, a Madonna Moment, with little regard for the children and local staff. On the upside, volunteers can contribute hugely to the education and operation of local efforts, as well as to the ongoing spreading of the news to like-minded supporters who wish also to make a positive difference.

Some values to consider include:

• Don't focus on how this will change YOUR life (it probably will anyhow) but, rather, focus on the long term benefit of the children in the care of the school or SOC.
• Prepare before you come to Cambodia. What are you bringing to the organisation? How will the children benefit through what you do?
• Volunteer with the view that this may be the start of a life-long commitment.

Tourism Of Cambodia - Cambodian Tourist Information Center
The Official site of Tourism of Cambodia providing information about Cambodia travel, passport and visa, hotels, transportation, travel information and much more...

Cambodia Travel Tips - Tourist Information Center
Cambodia Travel tips providing useful travel information to Cambodia including Khmer Culture, Angkor Wat, Cambodian History, Hotels, Flights, Car rental, Transportations, Tourist sites, Tour packages and much more....

Below - Canby Publications provides the leading local tourist travel guides.