Things to do in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang for returning visitors

[Kim Jong Un]

I'm coming back to KOW next week and I'm looking for some suggestions on what to do to make my stay more interesting. I've spent a few months in the country during two previous trips and want to explore the country further. What would you recommend doing for someone who already has some experience of the country?

Apart from the temples, aspara dance shows, and the circus - what is there to see and do around Siem Reap? Are there any locations in the province which are must-sees?

And what about Phnom Penh? Are there any new bars, restaurants, etc, which I should check out? I've been to Malis and Chinahouse but I'm more interested in grungier locales if that gives you a better picture. I'm not that interest in Ballsack Lane, but I'm not interested in 136 either, so is there anything new around Sundance and 172 in particular that's worth checking out? Is Garage open again?

And what about Battambang? I'm open to any suggestions here as I've never visited the town or its surrounds. Bars, restaurants, and activity suggestions are welcome.

I also wanted to ask about Mondulkiri during the wet season - is it accessible? Would it also be worth visiting Kratie and perhaps Kampong Cham? I have to admit I don't know much about these areas.

Are there professional fights that are worth seeing? Is there a Bokator competition Phnom Penh?

I'm coming back to the country to assess whether I still like it enough to potentially move there next year, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

[logos]

I'm coming back to KOW next week and I'm looking for some suggestions on what to do to make my stay more interesting. I've spent a few months in the country during two previous trips and want to explore the country further. What would you recommend doing for someone who already has some experience of the country?

Apart from the temples, aspara dance shows, and the circus - what is there to see and do around Siem Reap? Are there any locations in the province which are must-sees?
Nope

And what about Phnom Penh? Are there any new bars, restaurants, etc, which I should check out? I've been to Malis and Chinahouse but I'm more interested in grungier locales if that gives you a better picture. I'm not that interest in Ballsack Lane, but I'm not interested in 136 either, so is there anything new around Sundance and 172 in particular that's worth checking out? Is Garage open again?
Nope. Btw garage never closed.

And what about Battambang? I'm open to any suggestions here as I've never visited the town or its surrounds. Bars, restaurants, and activity suggestions are welcome.
Shitty place, forget about it.

I also wanted to ask about Mondulkiri during the wet season - is it accessible?
No

Would it also be worth visiting Kratie and perhaps Kampong Cham? I have to admit I don't know much about these areas.
Boring places. No bars. Best ignored.

Are there professional fights that are worth seeing? Is there a Bokator competition Phnom Penh?
Nope

I'm coming back to the country to assess whether I still like the country enough to potentially move there next year, so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sihanoukville should do it for you.

[drwahwah]

Ignore Logos reply Its true that Garage never closed and there are no Bokator competition in PP but the rest

[tombraider]

Siem Reap there is West Baray lake always a good day out especially if you cycle there, then the various lake tours and Mount Kulen are good - I'd recommend using Tara River Boat.

[Kim Jong Un]

Siem Reap there is West Baray lake always a good day out especially if you cycle there, then the various lake tours and Mount Kulen are good - I'd recommend using Tara River Boat.

Thanks for that

Sihanoukville should do it for you.

lol. Sure. I need to brush up my Mandarin.

So Mondulkiri is actually inaccessible at the moment?

And bars are good but I don't need them. Which smaller provincial towns are worth a visit?

[tombraider]

And bars are good but I don't need them. Which smaller provincial towns are worth a visit?

I wouldn't listen to Logos, Battambang is really nice (like a less busy non-porno dancing version of Siem Reap) and lots of things popping up restaurant and bar wise and a few sites like the Bat Cave and Lake.

you can get the boat to Battambang from Siem Reap which although taking around 8 hours it does go past a lot of the floating villages so you get to see them outside of a tour

From Battambang it is easy to do a day trip to Pailin (1 hour 20 min away) see the temple and the "Buddhist hell" then off to the nature reserve and waterfall of O'Tavao - best to use an English speaking driver from Battambang as tricky to have anyone who speaks any English in Pailin.

Kampong Thom also has a few decent things off the beaten track away from the ugly main town. A few suggestions on this new site https://www.yourcambodia.com/

[over the rainbow]

of course u can visit Mondulkiri and Banlung ( there some nice waterfalls and a lake ( about to be sold or has already)

[Lucky Lucan]

Apart from the temples, aspara dance shows, and the circus - what is there to see and do around Siem Reap? Are there any locations in the province which are must-sees?

There's the Civil War Museum, I was there a couple of days back. Good if you like rusty old tanks and stuff like that.

[offshoresports]

Battambang is a great time. I highly recommend spending a day or two there.

Tips:
Unfortunately, I heard the Balcony closed. Shame, love that place. Also, do not waste your time or money on La Villa, super overrated.

Instead, check out Prasat Banan, the Bamboo Train, and Romcheik 5 Artspace. We really liked Jann Bai, great vibe with solid food.

[Gin&Tonic]

Bamboo train is the biggest tourist scam in Battambang (possibly the world) followed closely by that horrific boat ride to Siem reap.

I have no idea why anyone would do those.

[offshoresports]

Bamboo train is the biggest tourist scam in Battambang (possibly the world) followed closely by that horrific boat ride to Siem reap.

I have no idea why anyone would do those.

GT, what makes the Bamboo Train a scam? Call me a simpleton, but I loved it. I'll go again when I get back to Battambang.

[RainMan]

Bamboo train is the biggest tourist scam in Battambang (possibly the world) followed closely by that horrific boat ride to Siem reap.

I have no idea why anyone would do those.

GT, what makes the Bamboo Train a scam? Call me a simpleton, but I loved it. I'll go again when I get back to Battambang.

Because it doesn't have a hostess bar

[Kim Jong Un]

And bars are good but I don't need them. Which smaller provincial towns are worth a visit?

I wouldn't listen to Logos, Battambang is really nice (like a less busy non-porno dancing version of Siem Reap) and lots of things popping up restaurant and bar wise and a few sites like the Bat Cave and Lake.

you can get the boat to Battambang from Siem Reap which although taking around 8 hours it does go past a lot of the floating villages so you get to see them outside of a tour

From Battambang it is easy to do a day trip to Pailin (1 hour 20 min away) see the temple and the "Buddhist hell" then off to the nature reserve and waterfall of O'Tavao - best to use an English speaking driver from Battambang as tricky to have anyone who speaks any English in Pailin.

Kampong Thom also has a few decent things off the beaten track away from the ugly main town. A few suggestions on this new site https://www.yourcambodia.com/

Cheers. I always figured Battambang would be a bit quieter, but now that I'm older, I'm looking forward to checking it out.

Apart from the temples, aspara dance shows, and the circus - what is there to see and do around Siem Reap? Are there any locations in the province which are must-sees?

There's the Civil War Museum, I was there a couple of days back. Good if you like rusty old tanks and stuff like that.

This looks great. I'll definitely check it out.

One last question: which dentist would you visit in Phnom Penh if you needed a scale and clean? I'm overdue for one and would rather avoid paying Australian dental costs.

Cheers, guys. Even Logos for the laughs

[Lucky Lucan]

One last question: which dentist would you visit in Phnom Penh if you needed a scale and clean? I'm overdue for one and would rather avoid paying Australian dental costs.

You could try Smile Clinic on 19 behind the palace, it's about $20.

[drwahwah]

One last question: which dentist would you visit in Phnom Penh if you needed a scale and clean? I'm overdue for one and would rather avoid paying Australian dental costs.

If you want a great scale and clean then go to a hygienist over a dentist.
Angela at European Dental on street 302 is Australian qualified hygienist with 18 years experience cost is $40