I'm thinking about getting a new visa from Cambodia as they don't seem to be overly friendly and I have a new passport w just one TH visa.

 

I only been to Siem Reap before... is it recommended to use an agent in PP?

 

I will fly there, and get back by land just to be sure there are no issues with entry. I understand to don't use Poipet but use Ban Laem or Ban Packard.

 

To get there I should get first to Battambang - correct? Is it easy to get transport from PP there?

 

Bit off topic: how would you compare PP with Siem Reap? I quite liked SR, friendly people, good vibe during evenings.

 

Thanks

You will get differing opinions on using an agent in Phnom Penh. You will probably need to do so if you want next day or third day issuing of the visa. This does drive up the cost and, if willing to hang around Phnom Penh for d several days, you can certainly do it yourself.

 

It is easy to get from Phnom Penh to Battambang. If arriving Battambang in the early morning (recommended) onward travel to, say, Pailin is easily found, but you may need to deal with a local taxi mafia to get to the border.

 

Phnom Penh is not a bad place, especially the riverside area, but I like Siem Reap better overall.

Phnom Penh is completely different to Siem Reap for sure, it's a quite a large city compared to a small town. It's well worth a visit if you haven't been there and you are unlikely to have issues if you don't have substantial history in your passport. Just make sure you follow the requirements and be aware that as standard it takes four days (submit Mon, get back Thu) rather than the next day at most consulates. As to doing it yourself vs an agent, you can do it yourself and I always have, but agents are very reasonably priced- a few years back I was quoted as little at $5 on top of the visa price. Lucky Lucky Motorbike on Monivong is a reputable and cheap visa agent, I never used them for a Thai visa but always got my Cambodian extension done there. IIRC I read they charge $11 for the Thai visa these days. I had my own transport but given it is two trips out otherwise might be worth it.

 

You can get an agent to do it from Siem Reap either but it might take slightly longer and cost slightly more, they will take your passport up to Phnom Penh and back.