SHORT TRIP TO SIEM REAP CAMBODIA
Recently, my friend and I have visited Siem Reap Cambodia for a short yet memorable trip. We did not cover all of the attraction places in Siem Reap, due to the limited length of stay. The unwind trip was on a wet season which is in the middle of August. During our arrival at the airport, the weather was slightly unpleasant, and on our way to the hostel, it rained heavily. However, over the next few days, it was pretty much cloudy and sometimes rainfall lightly. When it rained, especially in the countryside, the surrounding view was lush and greenery. The sight was wonderful. As usual, we preferred budget traveling, so we were also backpacking on this visit.
Recently, my friend and I have visited Siem Reap Cambodia for a short yet memorable trip. We did not cover all of the attraction places in Siem Reap, due to the limited length of stay. The unwind trip was on a wet season which is in the middle of August. During our arrival at the airport, the weather was slightly unpleasant, and on our way to the hostel, it rained heavily. However, over the next few days, it was pretty much cloudy and sometimes rainfall lightly. When it rained, especially in the countryside, the surrounding view was lush and greenery. The sight was wonderful. As usual, we preferred budget traveling, so we were also backpacking on this visit.
Currency
In Siem Reap, the local accept Cambodian Riel and America dollar but most of the seller or service we had preferred USD as payment. The money balance is usually given in USD or Riel or mixture of both. It is crucial to check the condition of money every time accepting changes from the seller if the cash is torn or in a terrible state, ask the person to change it to good condition money, if not the next time you make a payment the next seller won't accept it.
Language
Local Cambodian speak their native language among them. They also can speak basic English with tourist so it won't be a problem when it comes to communicating with the local.
Transportation
At the airport, there is a transport service counter which provides transportation to the town using buses, taxi, car rent, or tuk-tuk. When visiting places in the heart of Siem Reap, it is best to use tuk-tuk as it is affordable, but sometimes the owner charge an expensive fee, and it is necessary to negotiate. Cheaper transportation such as renting a motorbike and bicycle also available, for an enjoyable and adventurous visit. For visiting places that require a long journey, it's recommended to rent a bus or car, but we picked a tour to the farthest location, so it was convenient.
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| Paddy fields |
Foods
Cambodian local cuisine can be found everywhere from the restaurant, hotel or at the stalls in the night markets. The price can range below 5 USD or more; it depends on the specific choice of foods and venue (high to low end). We did try Amok fish which is one of Cambodia must have food. As an Asian, we love our rice, and the dish is complete with the main curry dishes, it was delicious. Wandering at the night markets in Cambodia is a fun way to chill and hunts delicacy. One fast food sold everywhere is the ice cream rolls or fried ice cream, it was fun to taste all the fruity flavor.
Cambodian local cuisine can be found everywhere from the restaurant, hotel or at the stalls in the night markets. The price can range below 5 USD or more; it depends on the specific choice of foods and venue (high to low end). We did try Amok fish which is one of Cambodia must have food. As an Asian, we love our rice, and the dish is complete with the main curry dishes, it was delicious. Wandering at the night markets in Cambodia is a fun way to chill and hunts delicacy. One fast food sold everywhere is the ice cream rolls or fried ice cream, it was fun to taste all the fruity flavor.
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| Fried Ice Cream can be found at Night Markets |
Accommodation
Nowadays, it is easy to search for an excellent strategic location to stay in Siem Reap. When there so many apps that can work wonder on finding the perfect spot of stay, it is just a click away. Our choice of temporary home at Siem Reap was at the hostel because the rate was cheaper than any other staycation. I searched using Hostelworld and found that Onederz Hostel in Siem Reap has a good reputation. Most backpackers traveler suggest staying at the hostel due to its strategic location which is near to places of interest such as night markets, pub street, and a few famous restaurants. Honestly, our stay was excellent, the staff was friendly, the hostel environment was warmth, the surrounding is clean, and there are no things that irritate or annoy me during staying at Onederz. Thumb up!!!
Visited places
Trek Phnom Kulen Waterfall Day Tour
I booked this tour from Klook which costed RM142/person. We joined a tour. The tour includes the visitation to the River of a Thousand Lingas, the Reclining Buddha, and the Phnom Kulen Waterfall. The journey from the heart of Siem Reap to the thick forest took us about two and a half hours. It was so refreshing to enjoy the villages surrounding and viewed the greenery of paddy fields on our journey. Things that impressed me the most on tour was the view of the waterfall. It was magnificent.
I booked this tour from Klook which costed RM142/person. We joined a tour. The tour includes the visitation to the River of a Thousand Lingas, the Reclining Buddha, and the Phnom Kulen Waterfall. The journey from the heart of Siem Reap to the thick forest took us about two and a half hours. It was so refreshing to enjoy the villages surrounding and viewed the greenery of paddy fields on our journey. Things that impressed me the most on tour was the view of the waterfall. It was magnificent.
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| The view from the top of the Reclining Buddha |
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| The Majestic Phnom Kulen Waterfall |
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| Breathtaking!!!! |
PHARE The Cambodian Circus
The show is one of the most recommended activities in many blog and reviews I read. Through Klook, I booked the ticket and costed RM75/person. I can't remember when was the first time I went to the circus, I guess this was the first time, and overall the show was fantastic, funny and exciting. We laughed and clapped most of the hilarious parts and turn emotional on some of the humorless scenes. You must see it to believe it. Recommended!!!
The show is one of the most recommended activities in many blog and reviews I read. Through Klook, I booked the ticket and costed RM75/person. I can't remember when was the first time I went to the circus, I guess this was the first time, and overall the show was fantastic, funny and exciting. We laughed and clapped most of the hilarious parts and turn emotional on some of the humorless scenes. You must see it to believe it. Recommended!!!
Angkor Wat 1-Day-Pass
The magnificent remnant of Angkor Wat named one of the wonders of the world. All traveler from all around the world came here to visit this ancient site. We did not join any tour but rent a tuk-tuk. Our journey starts as early at 4.30 am, we went to the ticket counter and bought the one day pass ticket for 37 USD. Thankfully, the counter service opens earlier. We waited for the sunrise. Unfortunately, that morning the clouds were so cloudy, and we can't enjoy the sunrise view. We visited four temples which are the Angkor Wat temple, the Bayon temple, the Bantrey Sei temple and the Ta Phrom Temple. I am speechless in a right way, how did the ancient people build the temples with so many details on the wall. Even the walls made from big rock, it was not easy to craft or even transfer it.
The magnificent remnant of Angkor Wat named one of the wonders of the world. All traveler from all around the world came here to visit this ancient site. We did not join any tour but rent a tuk-tuk. Our journey starts as early at 4.30 am, we went to the ticket counter and bought the one day pass ticket for 37 USD. Thankfully, the counter service opens earlier. We waited for the sunrise. Unfortunately, that morning the clouds were so cloudy, and we can't enjoy the sunrise view. We visited four temples which are the Angkor Wat temple, the Bayon temple, the Bantrey Sei temple and the Ta Phrom Temple. I am speechless in a right way, how did the ancient people build the temples with so many details on the wall. Even the walls made from big rock, it was not easy to craft or even transfer it.
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| The Bayon Temple |
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| The children with their traditional Cambodian custom |
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| Angkor Wat Temple |
Night Markets
Our hostel is near to the Angkor Wat night market, the Old night market, the Art Centre night market and the Pub Street. We can walk to all of this place. Everything sold here from small keychain to big painted canvas.
Since we only have exactly two and a half days, we make most of our time to experienced Siem Reap. It was a brief but meaningful trip. Besides the jealousy weather, everything was enjoyable. The local people were friendly, always cheerful with their smile and helpful. We learned the country darkest history and how locals back then suffer so much to thrive to survive under the cruel regime Khmer Rouge. Millions were dead in that era, and many survivors are still haunted and try to heal from past event. One of the reasons I love to travel is to learn the people history, culture and visiting their attraction places. Knowing so much about them makes me thankful for what I have and be humble.
Our hostel is near to the Angkor Wat night market, the Old night market, the Art Centre night market and the Pub Street. We can walk to all of this place. Everything sold here from small keychain to big painted canvas.
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| One of Siem Reap Night Market |
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| The famous street at night |
I've read a book about the atrocities of khmer rouge regime which killed nearly a quarter of Cambodian population. Very sad seeing a country so beautiful and rich in cultural heritages getting destroyed by war.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that the black era happened before in such a wonderful country.
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