What Else, Siem Reap?

If you thought Siem Reap is just about Angkor Wat and the temples, you are so wrong.  There are a lot Siem Reap can offer.  We are so lucky that our flight will be 10:30PM Cambodia Time so we have ample time to explore the place.  We rented a "tuktuk" to take us to different places in Siem Reap.  First stop is the Great Lake Tonle Sap. Since we need to check out from the hotel by 12nn so we decided not to ride the cruise. You need $20/person to ride the boat. 

Next stop is the artsy and crafty place: The Angkor Silk Farm. This is 20 min ride from Siam Reap Center.  You will see how a silk is made.  No entrance fee here.  They also have  a shop where you can buy everything made of silk. 

We need to go back to our hotel to check out.  I took a picture of how beautiful our temporary abode.  Welcome to Prum Bayon Hotel.  I don't have the rate because it's part of our tour package.

Prum Bayon Hotel.

We resume by visiting the Angkor National Museum.  You can't take picture when inside the museum.  You will know why because what's inside is meant to be seen by your own eye.  It's a high class and interactive museum.  Each part/room in the museum is amazing. You will really say, "I wish our country also have this kind of museum..." 

Angkor National Museum

A visit to a country will never be completed without a moment just feeling and hearing the city.  

You need as well to have a taste of their own cuisine and a night life. Chill and relax.  You deserve after a day of walking.  Try Koulen Restaurant. $12/head to have a buffet dinner here. You will sit beside each other.  You got to mingle with other foreigners as well.

Koulen Restaurant

Kitchen Angkor Chey Restaurant

My Vietnam and Cambodia tour is a package from Our Restless Feet.  Visit their website, www.ourrestlessfeet.com.  Don't hesitate to send your queries on their e-mail address, travel@ourrestlessfeet.com and they will answer you.  After this tour, I think I won't stop from exploring the world and seeing how diverse our culture and see the difference of each place from ours. 

Till my next blog. Feel free to comment. 

Amazing Angkor

A trip to history. A journey to memory lane.  It was an amazing place.  When we arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we were welcomed by our driver named Dara. He is so pleasant and warm. I thought because he was paid for this tour so he got no choice.  We checked in Prum Bayon Hotel and I feel the same warmth.  I knew it that the people in Siem Reap are simply welcoming and humble.  After 15 hours travel from Ho Chi Minh, we simply need a good dinner and go back to the hotel to rest.

Then, time to explore Siem Reap. Where else the perfect place but Angkor Archaeological Park.  First stop, Angkor Thom and the rest follows.

Not include in the package that we have so we added additional $30 for the gas because it's like 37 km from Siem Reap.  It's the oldest temple in the area: The Banteay Srey.

Then, we went to the rest of the temples in the area. 

Angkor Thom

Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace

The Famous Tomb Raider Location: Ta Phrom Temple

Tip: Please bring extra shirt, $1 (donations if you want to go near the buddhas), entertainers (optional) and a lot of water.

Finally, the Angkor Wat.

These are the view from the top if you will climb the stairs to go to the top of Angkor Wat.

Some are just sitting and see the beauty and grandeur of each temple.  They don't mind taking pictures.  When you roam around, you can really say how lucky the Cambodians for these ruins and temples.  A lot of restoration project going on the area sponsored by different countries. And, you need to have a good tour guide. We were lucky to have Sary as our tour guide. He is passionate introducing these treasures.

You have several ways to tour the whole park.  You can rent a tuktuk, a bicycle or car.  You badly need to have a good shoes.  You will need a lot of walking.  Of course, when you get into the temple don't be shy to light a incense candle and while you are praying, the yogi will tie a bracelet on your hand as good luck charm (see that red bracelet on the picture).  And, again, you will need a lot of water.