Since my previous travel blog was all messed-up, I'll try to put here first my recent travel escapade. The one I am writing right now is a compilation of my Cambodia travels (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh). I went to the said country thrice this year: first on January, second on April and recently this August. What's up with this nation then?
Before I wasn't aware about Cambodia. Maybe I know but I don't care? haha! My country (Philippines) is already poor, why would I mind another? kidding aside, what really interests me is the famous Angkor Wat. It's one of the reasons why I decided to go there.
The only airline that brings Filipinos directly to Siem Reap (where Angkor Wat is located) is Cebu Pacific Air. Before they have Manila-Phnom Penh flight, I dunno why they scrapped it off. Scheduled flights for Manila-Siem Reap(both arrival and departure) are during evenings only and for us travelers, It's a waste of day.
Before landing, people are to fill-out two forms: Arrival card and Customs Declaration.
On my first trip, I was surprised that no one was manning the booth for Customs so people were like just walking straight ahead after getting the luggages (by the way, if your country is an ASEAN Member, there's no need for a visa). Angkor International Airport is a small. clean airport. Thumbs up for their quick immigration officers and fast relaying of luggages at the belt.
When you get out of the airport, don't be surprised with lots of people waiting outside, they are tuktuk drivers flashing cards with names of their guests. Usually when you book in a hotel/guesthouse, there's a complimentary free pick up at the airport so make sure to ask about it. Here are the guesthouses where I stayed in during my stay:
January- Bou Savy Guesthouse (since it's my first time, I opted to stay here cause It was highly recommended at travel forums) yes dear, I was really satisfied: free breakfast, wifi, clean rooms etc.
April- Bou Savy Guesthouse (I totally regret staying here for the 2nd time. There were bed bugs in my bedsheet and I had alot of bites. AS IN ALOT. Am I going back? No way.
August- Ta Som Guesthouse (another highly recommended GH in Tripadvisor. I was very pleased! I'll surely go back)
**rates range from 10 to 16USD/night
When it comes to services and location, Bou Savy and Ta Som are equal. I like both but what really made me despise Bou Savy are the bed bugs, total nightmare indeed. These two GH are located along Road no. 6 and near Sivutha Blvd (road that leads to Pubstreet) both 5 to 10mins walk going Pubstreet, If you feel like riding the Tuktuk, just pay 1 dollar.
It's a breeze riding the tuktuk especially at night. Some find it scary because you can barely see lights on the roads but for me, It was totally fine. I was never scared. I trust Khmer people because I have this good feeling about them.
Angkor Wat Tour
Don't be stressed-out thinking on how to execute plans because the hotel or guesthouse where you are staying usually have tour packages. For small circuit tour (includes Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Leper King, Terrace of the Elephants, Ta Keo and Ba Phuon) fee is 12USD for the tuktuk driver. Make sure they offer free water okay? Because I tell you, temple-hopping is VERY EXHAUSTING. Oh, before you proceed roaming around, you need to buy ticket pass. There's a 1, 2 and 3 day pass. 1 day pass is 20USD. If you like being adventurous and looking forward to a lot more temples, better buy a 3 day pass. I can't suggest in order what to visit in 3 days because believe me, the tuktuk drivers/tour guides know better. They will take care of you.
My personal favorite temples
Ta Prohm- Need I say more? The movie Tomb Raider was shot here.
Angkor Wat- True beauty. I was really amazed when I first saw it. How were they able to do such masterpiece centuries ago?
Least favorite
Ta Keo- Scared the shit out of me. The stairs are so steep. When I was able to reach the top, I don't even wanna go down. If you're scared of heights like me, just don't go here.
For me visiting Angkor Wat and small circuit temples once in your life is enough. I felt templed-out and exhausted after my tour. Here's a tip: wear long sleeves, hat, sunblock, bring umbrella and always hydrate yourself.
Siem Reap is not all about Angkor Wat
Suggested food places:
Bun Tha 1979- a local khmer eatery. Try their khmer fried noodle and fried rice. Located along Sivutha Blvd (the road going Pubstreet)
Lucky Mall- located along Sivutha Blvd too. Its the biggest mall in Siem Reap.
Establishments inside:
Lucky burger- If you're craving for some burger, this is the place to be!
Lucky Shabu Buffet- Very cheap buffet! cost around 5 to 6USD. Ate here thrice this August!
Luckafe- Small cafe shop. Cakes arent that good, Espressos were fine.
Master Sukisoup- Look for Prince D' Angkor Hotel along Sivutha Blvd. The restaurant is located to the street next to it. 2 blocks away from Lucky Mall.
Pubstreet/Old Market Area
Golden Coconut- cheap but good food. We tried out their asian salad, beef fried rice etc. (located in front of Snow Yogurt. You will spot it easily)
Angkor Herb- a bit pricey for the skewers, small serving. Didnt like their Amok -_- located beside Golden Coconut
Sushi Bar Koh Kong- best Japanese resto located along Pubstreet. A bit pricey but worth it!
Chatime- Lol. Just included this one even if they haven't opened yet. They'll open in 2-weeks time
Snow yogurt- if you want quick yogurt fix
Lucky burger- aside from the one in Lucky Mall
Temple Club- the best club in SR. If you wanna go dancing might as well arrive around 10:30pm. Food is good, Angkor beer 1usd. Pitchers of liquor 9 to 10usd
Angkor What- Just in front of Temple Club. Same same with regards to drinks but smaller space.
Blue Pumpkin- Perfect chill cafe resto. Love their ice cream and desserts. Breads are a bit pricey but totally fine. There are three branches near Pubstreet. Make sure to go to the one near Old Market. Go up on 2nd floor and chillax in the couches
Swensens- located at Angkor Trade Center (few steps from Old Market) If you want some delicious ice cream, better go here.
Pizza Company- I love their pizzas! Located at Angkor Trade Center also.
Cambodia BBQ- As far as I remember it's beside Sushi Bar. This is degustation. Not worth it though.
Khmer House- Had their Noodles, Seafood and Rolls. Generous servings. Love it. Located in a small street next to Pubstreet. Please check other restos there. Dont solely focus on restos along Pubstreet
Old Market- If you wanna try khmer streetfood go here in the morning. Stalls usually close around 11am. Very crowded inside. Just go at the very center and there you'll see Khmer Soup Noodle, Kachay, Soy bean drink. Super cheap here!
**If you are on a tight budget, better eat at local eateries. A decent meal costs 2usd. Better bring water u got from hotel to save. Drinks are a bit pricey. Coke is 1usd.
Take home gift tips-
Night Market- there are 5 major night markets near Pubstreet. Prices are all the same. Scarves cost 2 to 4USD. If you want genuine silk, check the material very carefully, it's around 6 to 7USD. Lots of "I love cambodia"/angkor beer shirts, Jayavarmann and Buddha figures, Khmer outfits.
Lucky Mall Supermarket- inside lucky mall. Better buy your food items here. They have particular rack for Khmer Products. I love their Potato Chips! Dont forget to buy Kampot Pepper too and Mondulkiri Coffee (two of the best products that this country has to offer)
Old Market- If you want spices and ingredients this is the place to be. I highly recommend Khmer Chili Sauce (mild hot) When you eat at local eateries, you will notice that sauce bottle. Almost all eateries have that. It's very good esp. with Khmer fried yellow noodles. Make sure to buy the Khmer product okay? you may mistake it with the Thai Chili Sauce.
**Other things you could do at SR
Visit Preah Ang Chek Shrine- near Triangle mart (intersection of Sivutha Blvd and Road no.6) you can offer there and pray.
Angkor Trade Center Mall- Happy KTV located at 3rd floor. Opens at 11:30am. Don't go here too early. Sometimes they open very late.
Ride bicycle around Siem Reap- do this in the morning. I tell you it's super hot outside during noon and even till late afternoon. Most guesthouses offer bicycle rental, 2USD for the whole day.
Some Khmer words you can use during your trip
Joom Reap Sour- formal greeting to people
Sousdei- informal greeting
Joom Reap Lia- formal goodbye
Bong- refers to older man/woman
Oun- refers to younger man/woman
Or kun- Thank you
Tov- go
Yo men?- How much?
Bart- Yes
Atey- No
If you call a tuktuk and you wanna go somewhere, you can say
"Bong tov Ta Som Guesthouse, Yo men?"
When you are at pubstreet you will hear alot of
"Massage sir?? Tuktuk sir??"
Just say either Bart or Atey (Yes or No)
Take note: Be careful with pronunciation. I tell you, Khmer language is really hard to say.
And oh! Learn to haggle! Dont be intimidated and feel annoyed esp at night markets. Just walk if they keep on insisting.
Watch out for my upcoming post: Phnom Penh, the Capital City of Cambodia
No comments:
Post a Comment