Discovering Cambodia

Written and Told: 25 Dec 2012

It's actually hard to build a travel blog. The first question is, what will be the next place to feature? So I decided to write about all the international trips first because the list is fewer compared to my domestic getaways. 

When I started working, I promised myself I'm going to save up and travel the world! I didn't get to have an international trip on my first year at work. I guess I was still stabilizing my finances back then. Soooo, when I had the chance I booked not only one but three countries in 2010. I did a mini Asia tour (Malaysia-Cambodia-Singapore) for 5 days. Yes three countries for 5 days! I don't really recommend this type of travel itinerary. The downside is you won't really be able to appreciate each country plus it's tiring. :(

I'll start with Cambodia because this is the highlight of the trip. I actually read online that they will be closing some parts of Ankor Wat for restoration, thus the urgency to include Cambodia in my "first self-paid trip". True enough, my friends who recently visited Ankor Wat told me they weren't allowed to enter in some parts of the complex. 

Cambodia has cheap but luxurious hotels. We stayed in Ankorland Hotel. It is located in the center of Siem Reap. We booked via Agoda.com but you can try visiting their website and just compare which is cheaper. 

Also, local currency is almost meaningless. So hold on to your US dollars because you'll end up paying using dollars anyway. 

Ankorland Hotel. See? I told you! The hotels alone are luxurious and pleasing to my tourist eyes.

Cool hotel service. I didn't get to ride this though. 

Instead.. this was my service during my entire stay in Siem Reap. Rent a tuk tuk ride upon your arrival at the airport. If I remembered it correctly, I paid $10 for a whole day service. The tuk tuk driver will also serve as your tour guide. He will tour you around the Ankor Wat complex.

Framed-up portrait

Entering the Ankor Wat complex

One of my favorite candid shots :)

That's me up there! Hey that looks easy to climb but trust me it's not! The steps are steep! #thesteeps

It's summertime when I went to Cambodia so you can just imagine how hot it is. You'll lose all your energy right away. Plus our tuk tuk driver/tour guide brought us to the other less famous temples first and reserved Ankor Wat as our last stop. By noon time, I think I've finished two temples only and I was so hungry already. So we stopped by this food stall in the middle of the Ankor Wat complex. It's like a mobile food stall. If you see one, please stop and try their noodles! 

Oh this picture makes me hungry. It looks plain but you have to taste it! It's spicy and yummy! (forgive me for the lack of a better word to explain it)

Ankor Wat Facade

Do you remember this scene from Tomb Raider? No? okay see next picture.. :)

Photo grabbed from humanplanet.com

Postcard perfect shot (I am the critic of my own shots)

Welcome to Ankor Wat! Ankor Wat is the 7th Wonder of the World. It is the largest Hindu complex and  the largest monument in the world. 

Swimming pool inside the temple? Why Not! One of the interesting discoveries inside Ankor Wat. I really wonder why they have this? Is it for leisure? I would assume it's more for cleansing/rituals. Please drop me a comment if you know why :)

The Pub. This street is famous for their food and night life. You'll meet your fellow tourists here :)

I just stayed here for a day. So this actually ends my trip to Cambodia.

Thank you, Siem Reap. I'll see you soon. 

Always Sleepy,

Robe