cash in thailand laos cambodia

[india]

I am going to bangkok then a few days in angkor then up to northern thailand and a week in laos is it best to to change my travel cheques in to thai baht or will I have to have cambodia and laos money or is it better to have us dollers I will be traveling for 6 weeks all together any other tips I would be greatfull thanks

[Bangkok]

US Dollars in Cambodia are very useful, Baht less so.  There are no ATMs in Siam Reap, and travellers cheques have relatively high commission charges.  Cash is most convenient, but balance the security of cheques. 

Laos has one cash machine but does not allow international cards.   Again, cash is king and US Dollars are best, but Thai Baht can be used.

ATMs in Bangkok accept Cirrus and Plus network cards (almost all UK bank cards), and the exchange rate and charges are normally better via an ATM.  Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai also have ATMs.

So, keep some USD travellers cheques, get some USD cash and have fun.  Try and keep 2 USD 50 bills in your sock or other safe place for emergencies.  You won't need them, but it always better to be sure.

[Bangkok]

PS .....  when in Angkor, make sure you go to Ta Prom - the best temple because it is so weird - trees growing out of the walls.  Simply amazing.  Oh, and go up the hill for sunset, hell of a climb (with hundreds of tourists doing the same) but on a good night quite lovely.