What to do Introduction PP is a very busy city comparable to Saigon.
It's safe during the day, but be very careful at night. there were several reports of robberies on tourists on a motortaxi.
Practicalities Plenty of banks, but not all of them change TC's or give cash advances on credit cards. Some of them are open on Sundays till 11.30 am, but only the Canadian Farmers Bank changes TC's. Ask for US$, not Riel, otherwise you'll pay a commission twice. You can change US$ into riel on the street at a better rate.
You can phone at the post office (5 US$ for a minute) or with private people (3,5 US$).
A visa for Vietnam can be had in about 4 days costing 40 to 50 US$ (7/99). Hotels The Golden Gate Hotel is worth the money. They have rooms starting from 15 US$. For 30 US$ you get a very big double room with AC, balcony, view, satellite TV etc.. The Renakse Hotel is a former colonial mansion directly opposite the Royal Palace and conveniently located near the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. It costs 35 US$ for a room with AC, TV, fridge, shower. Service could be better however.
Hawaii Hotel is a bit more upmarket, near the Central Market and costs 33 US$.
The places to be for backpackers are Capital and Narins guesthouses. Narin's is probably the best, Capital charges 6 US$ for a room with shower (1/99).
The Tuol Sleng prison is not to be missed and very impressive (some people say "depressing, this doesn't belong in a holiday trip"). If you visit this together with the Killing fields, you need to arrange a taxi for 8 US$ (1/99). Go to the Killing Fields first at 7 am in order to avoid the crowds there.
The Russian market is nice.
Travel agencies There is a travel agency online called Flamingo. I didn't use their services myself, so I can't recommend them. On their site they have info on transportation from Pattaya to Phnom Penh and back, price is 1800 Bht one way.
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