Instead of spending our first days in Thailand in Bangkok like most
other travellers, we decided to fly immediately to Chiang Mai. Bangkok
can be a very hot and overwhelming city, and we thought it would be
therefore better to acclimatise to the heat and the jet lag in the
North, and I think that was a good decision.
The trip takes about 3 to 4 hours over a very good road.
Where to stay Here are some hotels in the center of town near GST bus station: - Colap: 10 US$ for double with AC and hot water. This is the best of the 3 mentionned. - Koh Thas: 10 US$ for double with AC and hot water. - Hawaii: 15 US$ for double with hot water.
Restaurants
Angkor Arms is an authentic english style pub and serves food.
Marlin's is a newer place which is quite good.
What to do
The beaches are very average and there are not many travellers around.
Battambang
How to get there Royal Air Cambodge has a daily flight (except friday) for 90 US$ round trip.
You can get there by boat from Siem Reap for 15 US$. Accomodation Teo Hotel is very nice at 10 US$ for a double with AC and hot water. Staff is friendly and they have a good restaurant.
Angkor Hotel is well located on street nr. 1 right across the street from Sangker river and near the market.
ODA is not so good at 5 US$ for a room with fan.
The Victoria hotel was closed down. What to do You can visit the 10th century temples of Phnom Sampeau and Wat Ek Phnom. There's also a small monument at Wat Ek Phnom to remember the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Ban Lung
How to get there RAC flies the round trip for 100 US$. From the airport, you can walk into town. Try to schedule your return flight to PP on monday or wednesday when the big plane flies. If the small plane (17 seats) gets cancelled on the preceeding day, there might be a problem of getting a seat. Also reconfirm your return flight immediately (RAC office is on the road between Mountain GH and the market road).
You can also go over land from PP. It takes 3 days, but it's not recommended due to bandit activity between Kratie and Stung Treng.
Where to stay Choice is limited: - Mountain GH charges 5 US$ for a double with fan. They also have another GH originally called Mountain Guesthouse II. - Ban Lung GH is closest to the airport. - No electricity during the day.
What to do You could make trips to Lumphat, Bokheo (gem mining town) and Voen Sai.
There are 2 waterfalls neaby, but you need a guide to get there.
Yak lom Lake is a pleasant place for a swim. Entry is 1000 R + 100 R for the nature center.
