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Originally Posted by sotong hand
hey bro! all i can i say is a trip that's definitely worth the risk. I followed the routes guided by http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-overland.htm and make it back in one piece.. Great place to visit, Great temples, nice people and backpackers, and a whole lot of great experience.. something u won't experience if u travel by air. i spend 4 days 3 nites there and spent only 100-200 sing dollars.. planning another trip this year ,, hopefully a longer one. |
Went on road to Poi Pet, the scene at Imm dont looks good with beggar kids hanging around, many "service providers" offering very creative service like carrying your luagage, filling forms, etc.. I cant believe my eyes seeing the poverty level here. One of the most saddening scene where a young little girl, probably around 7 carrying a little baby, probably a year or two thats look half dead. Was very tempted to give her a little baht but was warned as this will only attract more beggars surrounding you. I could also see many one leg beggar begging around. The Q waiting to stamp your passport could anytime take at least 30~45 mins. You see lots of U-Turn Farangs getting their visa renewed there. Probably this is the cheapest and nearest route. The scene will surely temper your cheong spirit and mood.
Visited another border town, about 1~2 hours from Poi Pet, cant recall the name. It is even smaller and worse. Frequented mostly by local thais only. The Imm dont even if Sporean and Malaysian need visa to enter Cambodia. The security and poverty looks terrifying, even to a daredevil cheongster like me. Have a brief tour in the casino, it looks more like underground dent with wooden square table with average betting at 50baht. You got a kind of wierd feeling with everyone looking at you as if you are another planet. The nearest ATM is some 30km away. Dead town when night darks.
You could also see AIDS posters everywhere round the corner as if there is an election. Official rate reports rate at 15%+ but the actual fact could be much much higher. Booking fees as low as 300baht ~ 500baht and they are targeting local thais, so you can imagine the dirt cheap price.
Sorry if I sounds too negative, but I have yet to see any positive things to share. Perhaps it suits backpackers who like the challenge and risk of wild life but surely not for cheongster like me.