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China, Thailand overland to Angkor
zubblicious
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Hi,

As part of a larger trip in the summer of 2005, as you’ve probably noticed from my other posts, I will be in China for 7 days(arrive and leave from Beijing) and then on to Bangkok for 7 days during which I plan to do an overland to Angkor via Aranyaprathet.

My specific questions are what is worth seeing in China that’s a short distance from Beijing, besides the Great Wall? I’ve considered Xian a top choice for an overnight train (if anyone has taken this I’d love to hear about it). And has anyone done the overland to Angkor from Bangkok, specifically in the rainy season? I’ve read through TalesofAsia.com but I’m curious if it’s that easy during the rainy season. Also, how safe/unsafe is it to go overland to Angkor(I will be with three other 22 year old guys)?

Further, if anyone has other general information or TIPS about China, Beijing, Thailand, Bangkok or Cambodia/Siem Reap/Angkor regarding sites, safety, accomodations, food, or literally anything at all I’d love to heard. I appreciate your time.

Thanks,
Riad
riad.attar@villanova.edu

sickboy
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Do you know just how far Xian is from Cambodia? 7 days is not very much to sight see and travel in China.

charmaine
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I’d say skip Xian if you’re only going to be there 7 days, its pretty far from beijin, too. (I’ve taken the train from Xian to Beijing, its nearly 24 hours, isn’t it? felt like it anyway) Thats a really long trek, and during the summer, things are booked fairly far in advance. You could easily spend all 7days in Beijing. I was in China last summer, Thailand last winter if you have more questions…don’t know how helpful I’d be…but feel free to ask.

nicole
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Angkor is awesome and if feasible, I would definately go to see it.

Bring some extra passport photos for your entrance fee. You can buy a 1, 3 or 7 day pass. One is really too short but 3 is a good amount unless you are really really interested in architecture/history etc and want to spend a week amongst the ruins.

You can get to the ruins via several methods: bicycle, tuk-tuk w/driver for the day, car w/driver or tour. I went with a hired tuk-tuk driver which was fine for me. Others like the A/C car approach but I don’t think its an absolute necessity.

There is not too much to do outside of Siem Reap except the floating village which is a short taxi ride away.

This is just some basic info but I thought you might need it.