The Water Festival

From EPR Travel News:

The Water Festival Comes to Phnom Penh from 20 to 22 November 2010

The Water Festival in Phnom Penh is a three-day event and is one of the most important celebrations for the Cambodian people. The city has a carnival atmosphere throughout and the different events are sure to attract thousands of people to the city. The festival runs from the 20th to the 22nd of November 2010.

Spectators will line the streets and the river, so getting there early is a good idea. The celebrations are free to watch and give visitors the opportunity to experience many aspects of the Cambodian culture, from music to food. Different locations across the city will be used to host events and there is something for everyone.

Lek Boonlert, the Head of Marketing at DirectRooms.com, said, “Those looking for hotels in Phnom Penh during the time of the annual water festival are best advised to book early. The festival attracts a massive amount of people to an already busy area and hotels and other accommodation are likely to be at full capacity. Avoiding disappointment is the best way to a stress free break.”

Phnom Penh is a popular and vibrant city any time of the year, but during special festivals such as this, it really comes alive. Visiting during one of these festivals is an ideal way to see the culture of a country one would not normally see. Hotels are easy to find and there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. The city’s excellent public transport links make getting around easier and sightseeing a whole lot more fun.

Can't wait to see all that- lucky us for being here at the right time.

New Accommodation

The Anise is perfectly acceptable in its standard and offerings if it was at least $15/day cheaper.  As  it's not we needed to find an alternative and this proved to be tricky once we found out about the annual Water Festival (see later).

However, luck was on our side yesterday and not more than two blocks away, we found a more than adequate option with an almost suite-like room, free wi-fi and cable TV for just $25/night.  That's the kind of price I prefer and with all the same facilities and location (no breakfast though) we are onto a winner.

Visa- Check

Next on the list was to sort out our bus to Siem Reap.  Again, it was all done there and then and we are getting a free pick up just before midday to the bus station and then have a six hour journey ahead of us.  Nowadays that's nowt and for the price ($12/head) it's still the cheapest way to get across the country.

I know we paid less last year (six dollars, perhaps?) but this will have full air con, reclining seats and a comfortable start time.  Who needs to get up at 06:00 to make a bus that also leaves six hours later?

Not me...

How Much?

We are aware that Thailand has waived the visa fee (usually around twenty quid) until 31st March, 2011 to encourage more tourism.  A very good thing in my opinion and we wish them continued success in achieving their goal.

We are also aware travel agents do not offer their services for free and in Malaysia we pay MYR 35 per application- that's about seven notes.

Our guys here wanted just two bucks per passport.  :o)  OK, so in Georgetown we get a 24 hour turnaround service, here it's 4 days, but we can live with either- provided they are both successful.