Cambodia TravelGuide
Tuesday, February 7th, 2006Overland Travel Between Siem Reap and Bangkok
On Your Own - Siem Reap to Bangkok
Like with the package trips, this is easier than coming the other way. The trip is much as described above, but in reverse.
Siem Reap to the Border
In Siem Reap, trucks and taxis can be obtained in two places: across from Psah Leau (on Route 6 on the east side of town) or at the Sokimex station at Route 6 and the river - east side. Most of the transportation leaves from Psah Leau and like most long-distance taxi/truck stands in Cambodia this place is mayhem and full of touts looking to charge you many times the proper fare. I always go to the Sokimex station which is a much more mellower affair.
Alternatively, I just ring up one of the taxi drivers I know and avoid both places, but unless you have me calling one of these guys for you or you arrange a taxi through your hotel or guesthouse (watch the price if you do this!!!), you’re probably going to one of the two places I mention.
Finding the local bus station that really was busses packed in rows at the edge of a rather large market, we found the bus to Momostenago. Momo as it is locally known is another mountain town that is located in a remote valley in the central highlands and is known for its production of wool products. This was our destination to try and purchase a blanket and hopefully catch the end of the local fiesta that was winding down in the area.
You all know the trick where you pour one chemical into a glass of water and it turns pink and then when you pour in a second chemical it turns the water clear again. Basic you might be saying, but to the local Mayans it must have seen impressive. We watched while he peddled the wonders of his little bottles over a lage megaphone that was plugged into a large battery sitting in the dirt. He even managed to sell quite a few of the bottles while our buss was waiting to leave. 
We decided to go there as it is one of the least visited areas of Myanmar. SIttwe, at one time, was one of the largest ports used by the British when they occupied the country in 1826. This was also the area where fights were instigated by the Burmese government between the buddhist and muslim communities in order to create 
is known for its magnificent mud fort that was the last stronghold of the powerful Imams who ruled the interior for many years during the British occupation. It is also the largest fort on the entire Arab peninsula. This strategic position was important as a major crossroads for caravans of the dessert destined with goods for the many regional empires of the area.
which is a large curved knife worn on the belt as a sign of power and tribal loyalties. In ancient times the handles were carved from Rhino or Giraffe horns from Africa which hint at some of the regional influences of this major trading hub. Settling into our hotel I discovered that there is rather large bar connected to the hotel that is popular with the locals. With alcohol being frowned upon in Oman, this is one of the few places that the local men can partake in drink without the local community frowning upon them. Here I would try and meet some of the residents and see if they could help me track down one of these magnificent daggers.