Poi Pet (Cambodia)

[derekc]

Originally Posted by WillyL

For members who have been all over Thailand maybe you can try visiting Poi Pet. This is a border town in Cambodia just outside Thailand. From Bangkok the bus ride is about three and a half hours. You need to apply for a visa (1,000 bahts) which you can get on the spot when you cross the border. The visa is for a month. In Poi Pet there are about six five-star casinos. Rooms are relatively cheap (500 - 700 bahts per night). Food is practically free because you will be issued buffet vouchers. On top of this in the casinos you can eat and drink whatever you want. From Poi Pet you can also go for a trip to Angkor Wat which is about five hours away. There are many organized tours catering to whatever you want. There is also a fish-bowl massage palour called Venus which is comparable to those in Bangkok. Transport to and fro different casinos is free (anyway they are situated quite near to each other). I have been there twice and it is something different and refreshing. You need not have to be a big gambler. However, if you purchase a certain amount of chips you are entitled to free accommodation. Those who are interested can e-mail me for further information. I will be going there again at the end of March.

Hi WillyL

Just a word of caution, be careful of the games you play there....."not so clean" I had visited these casinos 2 years back. There are others ard for you to play if you are really into casino games.

just my 2 cents worth of opinion

[lucifier]

Originally Posted by Hurricane

Bro Lucifier,
Thanks for your information. Really appreciate your effort to write down so much details. I think you're quite lucky in your trip as you've 2 more ppl with you. It's much easier because you can split the cost. For me, i always to deal with these stuffs alone. Also can't take up those offers (esp for air tickets) for package for 2 or 4 pax. Otherwise, I would have fly into Siem Reap and save all the troubles. The ticket to Cambodia would cost me near to S$800 by Silkair. No choice but to travel on road.

Actually, I have been to several backpacking trips lasting from 3 weeks to 3 months. But, in my opinion, non of them will be as dangerous as this one. Worst, I'm travelling alone. That's why I really have to do extra homework to cover my ass. Thanks again for your info.

Hi Bro Hurricane,

To me, when on a backpacking trip, the fun part is not just the destination, but it is the journey. It is the journey that enable you to discover / look at different culture, people that is so different from our daily life at sillypore. This is what attract me to go for backpacking/independent travelling. If you join those tour group, u will only see things at the surface. All the things that was in front of u are all packaged by the tourism board of the country. I more interested to look at the real thing.


For your info, my 2 friends only follow me till Siem Reap and they had to go back home. I got an extra week, and so I went to Phnom Penh alone by coach. I never regret this decision as I find Phnom Penh a nice place too. If I got more time, I will proceed on to Ho Chin Minh City liao.

Actually, try to know some friends among the fellow traveller and can choose to take the car together. That will help too. Backpackers are generally very friendly and are open to any approach for being friends. Especially Japanese gals.

About the dangerous, everywhere got it dangerous spot, even in Sillypore. The trick is to prepare for it and be prepared. Have some common sense by not showing off valuable openly. When approached by touts, decline politely and with smile. In Cambodia, when in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, I got drivers to show me around. For car is US$20 per day with driver. If with 3 friends, it will be only US$5 for transport for the whole day. If alone, can use the motorbike. I had tried it, and it is quite fun. The rate is US$8 to US$10 per day. Take note it is only for 1 passenger. I share a car with my friend and choose the bike at Phnom Penh. Both got driver to show u around. They are your driver and guide. Treat them well and they will show u a lot of the interesting place where even the travel agent will not even know.

For those who want to hire those drivers, I can recommend to you guys. I had travelled with them and found them to give me good service. I am really amazed by their friendness. I think they can win tourism awards for good service here if in Singapore.

Bro Hurriance, maybe next time when I went back there, can ask u to go alone.

[Hurricane]

Bro Lucifier,
You are absolutely right. In fact, I went for a 3-month trip last year and was eventually forced to come back. Otherwise, I will just go on and on....It's very interesting to see how other ppl live, learn their cultures and even their languages. One thing I learnt is it's very important to keep an open & positive mindset and an listening ear. I've met ppl who just want to talk about their country. I think these ppl are just going around promoting their country rather than discovering the local cultures. Some are even worse. They just want to collect stamps on their passports so that they can show it to their friends. I think those who travel quite a bit will know which country these ppl belong (those who keep talking about themselves and their country).

As for travelling in Cambodia, I think the only place that interest me is Angkor wat. I'm not very interested in the night scene there. There are just too many rip-off cases around. I've also read somewhere that AIDS there is even worse than Thailand. My friend's father ganna HIV there and now is in the hospice. So, don't anyhow play play there. Must protect yourself. Furthermore, a lot of those sex workers there are underage girls. I read this article of a poor 9-year-old girl whose CB was stitched up by the pimp so that she can be sold as virgin.

Frankly speaking, I don't really trust these drivers' recommendations anymore. I still remember this case where I met a singaporean in a snake shop in Hatyai. I was there first and the lady boss told me the prices are 400, 700 and 1000 BH. Then, this singaporean came in with his guide. We chatted and he told me that 2000 BH for a snake is too expensive. I was puzzled and asked him why don't he try those cheaper ones. The guide and lady boss immediately pulled him over to another table. It was later then I know that the guide demanded 1000 BH commission for a snake !! What the hack? 100% commission !! These are really blood-suckers !! The best part is that they can they can still smile at you and give you all kinds of reasons while ripping you up. Wonder where's their conscience !! I think we do understand that these ppl need to make a living, but frankly speaking, many of these ppl are just too much. They just want to find a prey, rip him off, and rest comfortably for the month. That's not a honest mean to make a living.

It's quite an coincidence that we share the same interest in travelling. Hope to meet up with you someday.

[WillyL]

Originally Posted by derekc

Hi WillyL

Just a word of caution, be careful of the games you play there....."not so clean" I had visited these casinos 2 years back. There are others ard for you to play if you are really into casino games.

just my 2 cents worth of opinion

Thanks for you advice, Derekc. But actually I am not a gambler. I went there because a Thai friend of mine works in the casino. Accommodation and food was free but I lost a small amount on playing 'horses'. However, if you are not the gambling sort, Poi Pet is quite boring. Nothing to do but watch people gamble, eat and drink the whole day. I was there when 9 Thais used electronic devices to win 95 million bahts from one of the casinos. They were caught after their fourth attempt (people are greedy). It was big news on Thai TV.

I agree with Lucifier that it is not advisable to give money to children who beg for money. If you give to one of them, you will be swarmed. Anyway, how many people can we help.

[lucifier]

Hi Hurricane,

I glad that we share the same passion for independent travelling and I actually agree with your view. For me, I interested in their culture, religion, how these 2 things concides with their everyday life. I find it interesting to observe how they go into their everyday life, without too proturding into it.

I also interested to find out what they eat and so far, the most exotic one I had try is spider - those big and hairy one in Siem Reap. I actually eat the whole thing. I actually game for all type for food as long as the local people eat it. Guess that I am the perfect host for 'Extreme Gourment'.

In Phnom Penh, I actually pay a visit to the S11. It is actually a chicken farm. I really like to explore as I had actually read so much about there. My driver brings me there. Actually from the outside, it is a quiet residence place for the Cambodian. Not until u take a closer look, and with pimp approaching u to ask u whether u want gals. With my driver's help, I visit several dens. Most of them behind closed door. Once inside, u will see a lot of vietnamese gals. They will ask u whether u want young or old gals. I ask back how old is young and old. They replied old is over 20 yrs old and young is below 16. I am alarmed by the age although I had read about it. I told the pimp that I want to see both. All the gals are young, in fact the youngest one is about 13. I am really shocked. As my intention is just to explore (my driver know that too), I decline and I went out. Really an experience.

As for the people who talk too much about their country, to my experience, I generally all those independent traveller are quite open to all things, might if u need me to name - I can only think of American. It is an isolated case, where out of the so many travellers out there, I found this American gal quite boastful, and I seriously do not think she is suited to be an independent traveller. Should stay at home to experience all things American. I also quite dislike 2 French who are also very boastful. But just a little bit. Overall, I still find other American and French quite alright. If we opt out independent traveller, I find Singaporean and Hong Konger quite the worst among those package traveller.

[lucifier]

As for the driver, I find those in Thailand and Cambodia are different.

In Thailand, if we are talking about those Taxi drivers, they will certainly want to earn comission from you as these is one of their some extra incomes aside from their miserable regular taxi fares.

In Cambodia, from my experience, I find that the drivers are so hardworking. They had a bad experience in their history during the Khmer Rouge time. (damn the Chinese and American government for supporting them in the past). Now they are looking forward to work hard. Garment and tourism are 2 of their main source of income. For those driver, at first they will rent motorbike to bring tourist around. Then they will save money till they have enough to buy the motorbike. Then they will use their motorbike to earn enough money to buy a car so that they can bring more tourist around with higher income per day. This is how I find them, honest and hardworking. The driver who bring me to S11 warns me about the danger there about the pimps who are usually those tough looking Vietnamese thug. They really look tough. Dun forget they sent the American back home in the Vietnam war. One of the thugs is quite agressive but my driver defend me by telling him off. My driver is even more tougher. hehehe...

They dun ask me for extra money except for the rental of the car at the end of the day. Even when I offer to treat them meal, they decline at first.

I find those Cambodians one of the friendliest. Of course there is bad apple among them. Try to avoid them loh.

[Hurricane]

Bro lucifier,
I think you got an honest driver there. Can give me the contact so that I can get him to visit S11 as well? I would also like to take a look at that place. Does he speak English? Thanks.

[lucifier]

Originally Posted by Hurricane

Bro lucifier,
I think you got an honest driver there. Can give me the contact so that I can get him to visit S11 as well? I would also like to take a look at that place. Does he speak English? Thanks.

Hi Bro Hurricane,
In Phnom Penh, I had 2 drivers. The day driver is a family man. So he can only bring me around till about 8pm. His name is Sowanc. He has both motorbike and car. So if u had friends to go with u, taking a car is more worthwhile. If alone, took the motorbike. I find travelling on motorbike quite fun, although more dangerous. He can speak quite good English too. I not sure of his phone number, but u can email him at [email protected] to get his number.

At night, I had another driver. This guy is younger, at early 20s and is quite good too. I believe he is still studying in the day. He can speak English too. If I not wrong, this is his number - 012305414.

I can recommend accomodation too. At first I want to stay at the backpacker area near the lake. But I want to be nearer to the river so I choose to stay in a small and comfortable hotel by the river. The name is River Star Hotel. It cost me US$18 per night. This one has a window with Mekong River view. The one without windows is US$15. I found the room cosy and comfortable although the hotel itself has no facilities. But it has a small restaurant and the boss and its staff are very friendly. I chit-chat with the boss and their staff. I on quite a good term with one of the male staff. A very friendly, young guy who has big inspiration ahead. If u email them before u went over to stay, they can arrange free pickup at the airport, saving u US$7. At that time, when I need to rush to the bus terminal to go back to Bangkok, the boss arranged one of his staff to fetch me to the terminal. Although the distance is walkable, but when the boss see me having a big bag, and is rushing for time, he help me. I think 5-star hotels also cannot has this type of service. Even have, must pay a premium. To them, they sent me there for free. I really touched and promised myself to stay there again the next time.

[ZIEBART]

Thanks for the info and advises given.
I will try out the overland route for BKK-SR on 4 Mar 2005 by bus ex Mochit and Toyota Camry from Polpet. Anyone wants to team up with me is most welcome. Safety in numbers. PM me 4 arrangements.
Been to SR twice in past 2 years by air and SR is one great place to visit.

[lucifier]

So far the discussion here is not on Poipet itself. I know that Poipet itself is well-known as a sleazy town. Like a town in the Wild wild west. Any bros here has any updates on this town if one decides to stay a night in Poi Pet?

Thanks in advance.

I would like to add some info. I think it's best to get the visa in Bangkok--20 us if you can stay in BKK for a day or two. The Cambodian embassy is near skytrain station( the one stop before Saladang). This way you can avoid all the visa lineups at Poipet and go straightly to have your passport stamp AND ALSO SAVE SOME TIME AND CORRUPTION MONEY.

The journey from Poipet to Seap Reap is very detailed described in Tales of Asia website.

I personally perferred to go to Penom Penh first. (Then I have to stay overnight in Poipet). The hotels are 200 baht-fan and 400 bahts aircon all the way pass the traffic circle. There are buses stations ( 5-6 US $) near all those hotels . I prefer the GST because it takes you to the central of Penom Penh. There are also buses from Penom Penh to Seap Reap. This way it's safer than taxi I think.

[WillyL]

Originally Posted by lucifier

So far the discussion here is not on Poipet itself. I know that Poipet itself is well-known as a sleazy town. Like a town in the Wild wild west. Any bros here has any updates on this town if one decides to stay a night in Poi Pet?

Thanks in advance.

I was in Poi Pet for 5 days (6 - 10 April). As I have a friend working there, accomodation was free. The hotel rates for most casino hotels are about 500 bahts for weekdays and 700 bahts for weekends. There are 9 casinos there so you can have a wide choice. I stayed in Star Vegas which is one of the bigger casinos. Once you are out of the border, there should be no problem about security because Cambodians are not allowed to go near the casinos. There is a wide selection of food because you can eat at any casino. At Holiday Palace, you can order fried rice, fried mee etc., beer or any drinks even if you are gambling. Service is excellent but tip the waiters or waitresses 20 bahts.

We hired a car driven by a Cambodian to Siem Reap. Set off at 6.30 a.m. and arrived at Siem Reap at about 11.00 a.m. However, the journey was terrible. The road was very bad. The pot holes are more than the pores in our skin. The later part was a dirt road and if it rains it will become a river of mud. If you have taken milk and fruit for your breakfast, you will have a perfect milk shake in your stomach by the time you reach Siem Reap.

To visit Angkor Wat one has to pay US$20. Because it was so hot, we did not spend a lot of time there. We were happy to be back at Poipet at 5.00 p.m. It is paradise sitting in the comfort of the casino, putting small bets on 'horses' (10 bahts per bet) and drinking beer and munching cashew nuts. 1,000 bahts will last me the whole day.

[sohbuckkong]

Anybody been to poipet lately.. hows the nightlife there.

[SEAJ]

Originally Posted by sohbuckkong

Anybody been to poipet lately.. hows the nightlife there.

Oh my God! Never even heard of this place prior.
And you manage to even dig up this decade old thread!

Yeah, I'd really like to read updated reports on this place - surely it must have improved a bit from how it was 10 years ago?!

SEAJ

[Hurricane88]

Originally Posted by SEAJ

Oh my God! Never even heard of this place prior.
And you manage to even dig up this decade old thread!

SEAJ

haha...I quickly add to my Cambodia threads list the moment I saw...never heard of this place...