ME: Yay, long weekend! Wait, I have no plans.
Good thing, my family is forever game for travels, and Daddy is ever supportive of spontaneous trips. So after a week, everybody's ready to fly to Siem Reap! <3
Cebu Pacific's Siem Reap flights are only scheduled every Thursday, Sunday, and Tuesday. We left on a Sunday and took the 7:45PM flight. It was a 2hr 45min travel from Manila to Siem Reap, and with the time difference, we landed at 10:30PM PH time.
Siem Reap International Airport has a spa-like exterior with a really picturesque interior. We posed here and there before even proceeding to immigration upon arrival. What is love at first sight at the beauty of Cambodia! Airport pa lang 'yun.
We stayed at Mekong Bed & Breakfast, a budget hotel with a buffet breakfast and friendly staff :) After settling in our rooms, we decided to walk around the city to grab something to eat. Unfortunately, the night market and almost all the restaurants were already closed by 1am, so we ended up eating at Star Mart where the security guard was the one who prepared the noodles for us when we asked just where we can get hot water. One thing you'll love about this city is the people. They're very approachable, friendly, and really helpful! Also, in Siem Reap they prefer USD more than their local currency, Riel. That night, we didn't have loose bills for the street food, thus, the Star Mart decision.
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Sim, the driver of the van we hired from the airport to the hotel was also the same reliable Cambodian who took us around the city the next day. For $35, we had a jam-packed day of culture appreciation.
First Stop: Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket Booth
Options are $20 for 1-day pass, $40 for 3 days, and $60 for 7. If only we had more time, I'd go for a 3-day pass because there's just so much temples to witness! Remember to keep your passes always at hand because the temple guardians of each site would check it every time.
Second stop: Angkor Thom
A Buddhist Temple which was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire.
There are five entrances to the city, and the South Gate is where tours usually start.
Bayon
They say that if you're only to see just two temples, it's got to be Bayon and the Angkor Wat. The best of Bayon are the bas-reliefs and the giant stone faces closely tied to the classic Khmer art and architecture.
A very impressive 2.5m tall, 300m long terrace of distinct sculptures, and elaborated wall carvings
The best jungle-like temple there is with dark corridors and open plazas.
Fourth stop: Angkor Wat
We ended the day with the breathtaking Angkor Wat, the temple-mountain dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Every wall is covered with bas-reliefs and wonderful carvings portraying stories of Hindu mythology.
There's no particular dress code in any of the temples except if you want to see the giant reclining buddha and the spectacular view at the topmost center tower of Angkor Wat. Strictly, shoulders should be covered and dress/skirt/shorts must be below the knee for girls. Luckily, a decent pair of shorts is already good for the gentlemen.
Sadly, we weren't able to wait for the sunset when the Angkor Wat's most beautiful (also during sunrise they say) since we were booked for a dinner buffet with an Apsara dance performance at 7pm at the Angkor Mondial Restaurant. For $12 per person, it was indeed a night well spent!
Aside from the delish dinner, we also had Cambodian meals during the whole trip. They come in big servings, enough for sharing. We tried the Amok, the Khmer specialty with coconut juice as the main ingredient. Chicken and fish Amok, you shouldn't miss!
The next day, we just coordinated with the hotel for a ride to the Floating Village at Tonle Sap. Those who cannot afford the city life just build boat houses and do fishing for living. A boat ride along Tonle Sap costs $20 per person.
The Floating Village like any other community has schools, churches, restaurants, and orphanages, plus a crocodile farm. Most of the people selling along the lake are Vietnamese, while some Cambodians brave the floating forests to search for snakes and ask a dollar from the tourists who take a picture of their child holding their 'pet'.
On our last day, we went shopping!!!
Phsar Chas (Old Market)
The place for good finds perfect as souvenirs and gifts. But unlike in Bangkok and Vietnam, here, they don't readily give you half the price, but as always, patience and determination are the keys to success :)
Angkor Night Market
Has more to offer at even cheaper prices than the stuff at the Old Market. Great buys are the antiques and paintings :)
Of course, we didn't miss the street food and local Khmer specialty! We had banana and chocolate pancakes for merienda, and a Khmer BBQ set for dinner --- a mix of grilled meat and seafood, and veggies in a tasty broth.
Pancakes (but they're actually crepes)
Our holiday was a short sweet stay, but a very memorable and fruitful experience. Been back to reality for two weeks now and I haven't gotten over the cultural encounter yet. Truly, Siem Reap is one lovely city you would always want to go back to. I already have a longer itinerary for my next visit! :)
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