IOANNINA, GREECE
The Migrated Bird
CAMBODIA
E X P E R I E N C E
CAMBODIA - The Angkor Wat Complex
My story behind Cambodia trip :
Generally, we friend come together for a small party on weekend after hectic working days. Once we are having a party in local liquor bar, we all started chatting on projects, sports, and much other stuff, all friends were there and suddenly one of our friends suggested an only boys foreign trip. During our college time, we did lots of traveling in India for the study of architectural buildings, after, we finished our college, we joined work and we never got enough time to spend together, within few seconds all friends started thinking or the same. It was sudden so, nobody gave confirmation immediately. We started the discussion in our WhatsApp group about destination, finance, visa and require things for traveling. Some people suggested Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia, after a long discussion, we finalized CAMBODIA for our first foreign trip together and this was my first foreign trip.
On next week, we booked tickets, applied for the visa and booked hotels. Visa was not a big issue because the visa is available on arrival in Cambodia, but we did not take any risk, we applied for E-visa, all this works we had given to the agent.
the day before we departed from India to Thailand, we packed our bags, we didn’t do any shopping for trip just regular stuff were taking with us. We took flight from Chennai to Bangkok at night, and within three hours we had reached in Bangkok, meanwhile, we checked our flight tickets for next destination, and found that the flight not connect, the travel agent had done blunder mistake during ticket booking. due to this blunder, we have to cross immigration and collect our luggage from the belt, after this all mistake, we crossed immigration and collected our luggage and reached at departure for next flight to Cambodia.
Interest About Place :
My interest and search suggested me go to Cambodia, The main reason behind this trip was The magnificent monument and world heritage site, Angkor Wat. so, that was enough reason for me, to pack my bag and go to Cambodia.
In your life, if you think about a lot, then you will not keep time for yourself, so when start thinking about traveling to most beautiful places in this world, then make it practical and live.
History And background of Cambodia :
Cambodia is a more cultural, historical and beautiful country in Asia. Cambodia had been ruled by a different dynasty, French colony, Khmer Rouge. This country is very poor among Asian countries, Cambodia went through civil war and worst Genocide.
CAMBODIAN NATIONAL FLAG
How many days require for Cambodia ?
as always, when you go to any tour, days become less, and, you don't want to go home, a load of work and stressful life again. But, everyone has some days to spend on their holidays, and in those days you have to do manage your trip. But, everyone has some days to spend on their holidays, and in those days you have to do manage your trip and that is a bad part of your trip.
how many days you can plan for Cambodia, that depends on your interest in the place. budget and time also one more factor. The Angkor Wat complex is the biggest monument and world heritage site, and it is a soul of the country, so if you have interest in this heritage then you can spend more days.
the beaches in Cambodia are very clean and beautiful, blue water and green rainforest add more beauty in the landscape of the country.
keep this day for Traveling only - 1 or 2 days
Siem Reap - 2 To 3 Days
Travel Siem Reap to Sihanoukville - 1 day
Sihanoukville - 2 to 3 days or more
Travel Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh – 1 day
Phnom Penh - 2 day
keep this day for return travel - 1 or 2 days
You need at least 10 to 15 days
Best season for Cambodia trip :
you have to think about the weather before you plan a trip to Cambodia because the climate will affect more on your trip. The summer is warmer and monsoon have heavy rainfall, so winter is the best season to visit Cambodia.
Best Months to visit - October to February
INFORMATION :
Visa And Immigration :
Visa and immigration are not big issues in Cambodia, You will get visa online or, on arrival right in airport, Immigration officers are polite, and will ready to help you.
AIRPORT SIEM REAP :
I have seen many airports with Modern material with modern design, but I liked this airport too much because the airport was very simple and traditional, the airport looks like a symbol of their culture and traditional architecture. The roofing was adding more value in fenestration and design of this structure, the airport was very small, so the travel distance from arrival to the belt was very less. I saw one statue of Buddha inside the airport, which was giving peaceful atmosphere inside this airport.
WEATHER :
Cambodia's climate, like that of the rest of Southeast Asia, is dominated by monsoons, which are known as tropical wet and dry because of the distinctly marked seasonal differences. Most part of Cambodia has hot and humid climate.
E-VISA
AIRPORT AUTHORITY
WEATHER FORCAST
Our Planning For Cambodia :
Flights availability to Cambodia are very less, the international airports of Cambodia are not connected well with rest of world, although you will connect to the Cambodian airport through Asian airports, however, you can book your ticket for Bangkok, and from Bangkok airport, you will connect to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Flights :
1.Chennai to Bangkok
2.Bangkok to Siem Reap
By Car or Bus :
1.Siem Reap to Sihanoukville
2.Sihanoukville to Phnom Pehn
Flights :
1.Phnom Pehn to Bangkok
2.Bangkok to Chennai
DAY - 1 - SIEM REAP
We arrived in Siem Reap airport in morning nearby 10.30 am., with smiling face, the airport immigration officer did welcome us in Siem Reap. after exiting from the airport, we took the taxi to our accommodation. The taxi driver was very nice and gentle person, he was also speaking fluent English. in midway, he gave us to offer for touring in Siem Reap in cheapest rate. He agreed to take us to Sihanoukville. We booked our stay in MAD MONKEY HOSTELS, so we told the driver about our stay, the driver was aware of this place so driven us directly to Mad Monkey Hostel.
Accommodation in Siem Reap :
MAD MONKEY HOSTEL
Mad monkey hostel is just half an hour from the airport and very convenient and vibrant place to stay. Staff was very polite, well qualified and caring, when we entered in reception they welcomed us with drink, one of their staff member shown us rooms and other facilities, rooms were ok, but we liked most was roof terrace bar and lounge. The terrace bar was mainly made from a wooden material, the most attractive element in the bar was flooring, they poured sand on the floor to give the feel of the beach and that was giving the same feeling when we put our feet on it. the mad monkey’s Corridors, stairwell and compound walls painted in a different kind of art and graffiti, and that why this hostel was giving us relaxation and vibrancy.
After we got to relax on the couch, we ordered beer tower of 10 liters from the counter that have been served to our table, before, I had not drunk beer from the tower . The taste of the beer was very nice, it was not bitter and hard. We were very tired due to our long journey and waiting at airports, we wanted some rest and hot water shower, so we all went to our rooms, the room was small, but it was enough for 2 people. After some rest in our rooms, we started our day one itinerary.
Our Planning For Cambodia :
Activities and Parties at The Mad Monkey, Siem Reap
Mad monkey terrace bar organizes a different kind of parties and games in every week, if you ask at the counter they will tell you the events name and details. They will explain you games and rules of those games, sometimes they announce price as some kind of cocktails or beer tower for the winner.
PARTIES YOU MUST ATTEND:
- POOL PARTY -BINGO PARTY - BEER CRICKET - KEG PARTY - TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY-PUB CRAWL
Terrace Bar at The Mad Monkey Hostel, Siem Reap
Terrace Bar at The Mad Monkey Hostel, Siem Reap
BeerTower, The Mad monkey
Poolside at The Mad Monkey Hostel, Siem Reap
ACTIVITIES IN SIEM REAP CITY -DAY- 1
1. Kompong Khleang floating village, Siem Reap
Kompong Khaleang floating village located in south part of Siem Reap and the bank of great lake Tonle Sap. great lake Tonle Sap is one of the biggest freshwater resource south-east Asia, this lake cover 10,000 sq. km. surface area. there is tree village located on south side of Siem reap, Chong Kneas, Kampong Phluk and Kompong Khleang, but our driver took us to Kompong Khleang floating village.
Kampong Khleang feels genuinely untouched and peaceful, our taxi driver took us to his known person for lake touring, boat owner charge us genuinely, we booked ferry boat in group, so they charge us $20 to $30 per person for 2 hours ride on boat, most of the boat has no life jacket and safety equipment, boats are available for small groups to large groups with adequate facilities. we booked a small boat for 6 people, the boat owner took us in the different part of the lake, floating houses, restaurant, shops. We saw lots of children were traveling by small boat their own, it was looking very scaring, but children are used to for this kind of transportation for school and other places. Most people are poor and depend upon fishing business. Most of the business run by locals and private tour company and some of the money supporting the local community of this floating villages. The local community also captures crocodiles and keeping on their boat for display to tourist, some people were telling about the selling of crocodile meat.
Best time to visit the floating village
If you will go to floating village in afternoon, then the sun would be harsh, and you will feel the heat, you will not able to enjoy your boat trip, so I will recommend you in evening to visit floating village, so you can enjoy your boating ride and most beautiful sunset in the lake.
Panorama View of Kompong Khleang floating village
Sunset at Kompong Khleang floating village
Floating Residences at Kompong Khleang floating village
Photos Gallery of the Kompong Khleang floating village
Hungry Horses after Kompong Khleang Floating village visit :
LOCAL FOOD GUIDE
after we finished our boat ride on floating village, we all were hungry, we all wanted to try something different, so we asked our taxi driver to took us some local restaurant for Cambodian local food. The restaurant was not fancy, but it was simple and traditional hut, all tables set up open to sky due to space shortage near main kitchen area, after little we got menu card but all items in menu was not known to us, so we asked our driver for selection of the local food, undoubtedly, he suggested us AMOK, which is very famous food in Cambodia.
AMOK,a popular Khmer dish
Amok, Khmer Dish
Probably the most popular Cambodian dish. This dish is composed of a rich and creamy curry like sauce that is the perfect balance of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and coconut milk. When cooked correctly, the fish is silky smooth, almost melting in your mouth with each bite. This is usually served wrapped in a banana leaf and isn’t too spicy.
Other Dishes :
· Prahok fried in banana leaves with fresh green vegetables and steamed rice.
· The Cambodian herb and spice base paste Kroeung.
· The result of freshly pounded spices, red kroeung.
· Dried fish and pork sausages for sale at Psah Chas.
· Mee Kola, a vegetarian noodle dish.
· A bowl of kuyteav.
Local Street Food :
Get proof of Siem Reap's culinary diversity with an evener tuk tuk ride around the city's street food treasures. Sample barbecued corn and meat on skewers; Khmer Fried Chicken; Green Mango served with chill and salt; Ducks eggs, and more. Continue on to a local restaurant for more tasty treats, then finish at a dessert stall where fruit with sweetened condensed milk and baked puddings are the specialty.
The Mad Monkey's Bingo Party :
After having food at the local restaurant, we reached at our stay mad monkey hostel, we all went to rooms to become fresh after little rest in our rooms we all together on terrace bar. we read lots of things about mad monkey hostel’s parties and we don’t want to miss any event during our stay. after we settled down on over table, we ordered beer tower and some starter. The staff at terrace top bar were very friendly, so one of staff member access us and they informed us about bingo party night and took us to table to play games. When you start playing the game there then all another guest will become very friendly and that is the true spirit of mad monkey hostel.
We had very less time to spend on terrace bar because we all wanted to go early morning to Angkor Wat. We hired the same driver for the Angkor Wat in morning, so we told him to come in the early morning before sunrise, the Angkor Wat is not far away from mad monkey hostel, the temple complex is just 30min away.
DAY - 2 - SIEM REAP
ANGKOR WAT - the magnificent edifice
be ready early when you give your time to Cambodian driver. The driver was there near the gate of Mad Monkey on time, but we were late so driver went to reception, he called us from reception table and asked to come as soon as possible, but we were late at least half an hour. The driver was very angry because he wanted to us before sunrise so we can see the sunrise from temple’s shikhara, he drove fast, so we reached there 10 min before sunrise. We all sat on a compound wall in dark but when the sun rose the picture frame was unbelievable, we saw the most beautiful sunrise.
Angkor Wat from outside just Before Sunrise
Shine of Angkor Wat during sunrise & best time to visit :
On the compound wall of the temple premises, all were waiting for the sunrise, and in a few minutes sunlight lighted upon the temple. A light lining of the temple started appearing along with the light of the sun. An amazing sight with us, with the rise of the sun, began to appear to us. It seemed that the Sun gave his shine to temple's shikhara. It seemed that Gold rays were falling on the entire temple and the temple was shining with golden color in morning and The temple was able to see from far away. From this scene, it seemed that the temple's top chain and the sun were playing hide and seek. Honestly, I had not seen this scene before in my life where nature and man-made wonder were playing each other.
All the tourists were waiting outside the temple because this temple opens about 5 o'clock in the morning every day. First, we all gone to pass counter, where one of staff clicked a photograph of an individual for printing on the passes, after a little wait in the queue, we got all passes, and, we started to move toward the main gate.
Angkor Wat from inside court
Why is morning best time to visit Angkor Wat ?
- Most of the tourists visit this temple in the early morning, before 5 o'clock, because the sunrise of this place is very famous, and, sunrise is making this place a unique monument in the world.
- The climate is also a factor for the morning visit because Cambodia is a hot and smooth climate country. Therefore, the visit of this temple will be very comfortable for you in the morning's low heat.
- There are many reasons to visit in the morning, but the big reason is that there are many other temples in this magnificent complex around the temple, and if you wake up in the morning, and visit this place then you can visit many temples.
Photos Gallery of the Angkor Wat
History of Angkor Wat :
You can find lots of description of the history of Angkor Wat temple, but I would like to mention you the important points of the history of the temple.
- Angkor Wat means “Temple City” in Khmer, Angkor wat largest monument in the world.
- spread in 162.6 Hectares of land
- Hindu temple was build in the 12th century by Khmer king Suryavarman and it was dedicated to Hindu god VISHNU
- Surrounded by moat and water body.
- Towards the end of the 12th century, Angkor Wat gradually transformed from a Hindu center of worship to Buddhism.
- The temple was abandoned for many years, in the year 1586, a first western visitor Antonio Da Madalena went to this temple in the jungle.
Angkor Wat Touring Map and all temple Complex
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Packing for Angkor Wat ?PackingBecause site spread out over 162 hectares, so you need to carry lighter weight items with you. - Camera- Tripod- Backpack - Sunglass- Sketchbook(if you interested in sketching) - Cap- Sun’s cream- Handkerchief - Take your medicine (if you are taking medication) Food and drink At 5 o'clock all hotel’s restaurant remains closed in Siem Reap, but some restaurant remains open nearby Angkor Wat complex, but still, keep some food and drinking water in your backpack, after the sunrise temperature go up in the morning, and you would be dehydrated during your visit. - At least keep 2 liters drinking water - Some food, like a biscuit and dry food. - Chocolates - Juice - Snacks - Crisps - Etc Many things are available in this complex, so, Keep some money with you to buy this food and drinking water
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Accessibility to Other Complexes of Temple ?Other all temple is located nearby Angkor Wat and all other complexes are accessible easily from Angkor Wat, you do not need any vehicles to visit other places on premises. after you spend time on Angkor Wat, you can move toward other temple complexes and you can stop your journey on Angkor Thom.
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How many Days required for Angkor Wat ?We had planned one day for Angkor Wat and other complexes, so we had seen everything very fast. we took two hours to see only Angkor Wat, but we had seen everything in rush. we had asked few people about how many days required watch full site, and some of the people told us 3 days. how much time you want to spend on Angkor wat complexes is depended upon you and your deep interest. But my experience says that I wanted to spend more time because when we saw Angkor Wat, it had changed our perception about monuments (generally people getting bored at monuments).
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Tourist guide required ?you can read the history on the internet and understand, but when tourist guide explains you on the spot of different locations in complex, it will become reality on the site. so we are recommending for tourist guide.
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Clothes and dress for visit the Angkor Wat ?Enter your answer here
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Transportation to Angkor Wat ?if you visiting Angkor wat in morning then you need to ask your hotel's reception about transportation, but you will Get Tuk-Tuk easily from outside of most of the hotel, sometimes your hotel reception can arrange your transportation. public transportation is not available frequently, so you must have to arrange transportation yourselves. many tourists prefer Bicycle to visit Angkor Wat.
What after the Angkor Wat Complex visit ?
The Angkor Wat and other temples complexes, we had finished in full day, after a long walk in Angkor Wat complex, we all went to the hotel because we were tired, we all wanted to access toilet first before going to any other place in Siem Reap. After a little relaxing in the hotel, we all went to traditional Cambodian massage.
Cambodian Khmer massage- this massage is the same version of Thai massage but, in Cambodian Khmer massage is little hard, the lady in Cambodia gives more pressure on your body, so if you are not feeling comfortable during massage please let know the massage lady.
NIGHT LIFE - Siem Reap
This is the most famous Vibrant Street of Cambodia. Most of the tourists on this street are comes to take night life’s fun. Most of the restaurants and disco clubs are located in the street, so the tourists come and go until late night into.
Many restaurant and disco clubs do organize different theme base party on this street, most staff in restaurant speaks and understand English so it is not difficult to order food in the restaurant. You will find the staff very kind, supportive, and helpful. You can ask the staff of the pub for any kind of help.
The public transport is not well connected with pub street, but you can hire taxi or tuk-tuk from your hotel. I had good experience in a tuk-tuk, so I can suggest for a tuk-tuk.
Safety is not an issue here, all clubs and pubs are very safe, but I can say that safety always remains in your hand, so don’t go any unknown place without prior knowledge. Sometime, people outside this pub street will try to contact you, they will tell about prostitutes, so it depends on you to go with them or not.
Night life at Pub Street, Siem Reap
DAY - 3 - TRAVEL
Siem Reap To Sihanoukville By CAR :
After we spectacular spent days in Siem reap, We moved to Sihanoukville. the journey for Sihanoukville was 10 to 12 hours by car or coach. We had already hired car for Sihanoukville in Siem Reap, so the car driver had already reached out to the hotel in early morning, but we all woke up late in the morning. If you hired car in Cambodia, then be ready in time, because people are very punctual in Cambodia. we were late and, therefore our driver becomes disappointed with us.
The journey was not easy from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, the highway was in bad shape. the highway was under construction, so all road was dusty, However, our driver was good on this kind of roads.
Dinner in Sihanoukville :
When We reached in Sihanoukville, We all were tired, but we wanted to go to the beach for dinner, therefore we all went to the beach for dinner.
Dinner on the beach and having beer are the best relaxation in Sihanoukville, we enjoyed lots local food and dance in the beach club. after the dinner, we all went to the hotel for sleep, because we planned cruise ride in the morning.
Motorway from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville
Our Stay In Sihanoukville
1.Hotel Coolabah
standard hotel but with all required amenities. The hotel located nearby beach, and the beach is just 5-10 minutes’ walk. all rooms are with king sized double beds or generous twins, posture sensitive mattresses, quality bathrooms, safes, air-conditioning, cable TV, overhead fans, blackout curtains, writing desks, non-smoking. Pool, spa, and restaurant are main amenities in the Coolabah, they also provide transportation.
DAY - 4- SIHANOUKVILLE
We had planned a full day for cruise ride and Snorkeling, so In the early morning, we all were ready to go on the cruise. the jetty for the cruise was not far away from hotel Coolabah, so we all walked up to the jetty.
For Cruise ride you must book your ticket in advance, you can book your ticket from online or you can book a ticket from booking office.
Online Information : https://www.koh-rong-samloem-island.com/boat-timetables.html
Beach of Sihanoukville
Roundabout of Sihanoukville
Our Voyage to Koh Rong Sanloem Island :
Island Cruiser Ship :
Island Cruiser looks like a culture Cambodian boat, the cruise has main party floor on level 2 where you can enjoy the dance and music in the cruise, and the top level is for a sunbath. The back side of the cruise has a sitting area, where you can see most beautiful blue sea and sky while you having drink or coffee.
Book Online ticket : http://www.letsgosihanoukvilletravel.com/tour/island-cruiser/
View of blue sea from Island Cruise, Koh Rong Sanloem Island
ROUTE : SihanoukVille To Koh Thas To Koh Rong Sanloem To SihanoukVille
Stoppage at Koh Thas Island :
Koh Thas is a small island between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong Sanloem, Clearwater and rocky base of the seashore make this place a good spot for snorkeling. Our Cruise had anchored nearby this island about one and half hour for snorkeling, And the ship will stay 50-100 meters away from the seashore. the Cruise crews will provide you glass and life jacket for snorkeling, but be careful about your dive.
After you finished snorkeling, the crews will provide you lunch and drinks. they will provide you veg and Non-Veg food in the ship.
Koh Thas Island
Koh Rong Sanloem Island :
The island is located just 4 km from Koh Rong island and 25 km from local coast Sihanoukville. the island is comparatively smaller than Koh Rong. The island has most spectacular beaches and natural beauty. All beaches are clean and have a transparent water. The Island has nothing like a heritage but the island is more suitable for relaxation and best beach life. The night parties on the island will be your best time.
The island has a less concrete jungle, More peaceful and free of pollution. Sitting on the edge of the sea and enjoying the cold air and sunset is the greatest pleasure.
Koh Rong Sanloem Island, Cambodia
Accommodation on Island : Do stay one or two days on this island
1. Beach bungalows
2. Standard Rooms
3. Tree Houses
4. Resorts
5. Tents
6. Beach Cottages
Beach Cottages on koh rong samloem Island
Activities you can do :
1. Cycling
2. Tracking
3. Swimming
4. Snorkelling (Carry you own equipment )
5. Scuba
6. Watch jungle Ecosystem.
7. Night Parties
8. Born Fire
9. Camping
10. Walk on beach
11. Photography
12. Beach Games
Facilities :
1. Mobile Network - Weak Signals
2. Internet Connectivity: Weak Mobile internet working
3. Cash Machine: Not Available
4. Bank: Not Available
5. First Aid: Available
6. Police Station: Not available
Google Walk of this island : Click Here
Back to Sihanoukville :
After day spent on the cruise, We all reached Sihanoukville Seashore, after long cruise trip we all were hungry so we directly went beach shack of Sihanoukville beach, where we had tradition prawn curry and rice.
Night Life in Sihanoukville :
Most of Restaurant keep open till late night, most of the restaurant has a dance floor, beachside sitting. I had not visited in city's dance bar or pub, most of the time I have spent on the beach of Sihanoukville, so I can say nightlife open Sihanoukville is quite good, you will enjoy local music as well as international music in any beach pub. the food and beer on the beach will take you to the serenity. Beware, when dance in crowded pub, Cambodian prostitute will start dance with you, and she will invite you to her place, so try to ignore this kind of offer or situation. in some instances, tourist has been looted in this kind of situation, however, every person are not same, please try to understand the nature of the person before you go to the unknown place of her or him.
Why you should spend more time in Sihanoukville :
Sihanoukville and islands nearby this place was remarkable, stunning and serene. We had just planned two day, and which was not good enough for this beautiful place, and we tried to cover Sihanoukville in that two day which was bad planning, however, we prearranged just two due to a shortage of time.
Sihanoukville is a scenic, noiseless and delightful place, so whatever time will you spend those will be less for you. The Sihanoukville sunshine, sunrise, blue water, green landscape, shore cottages, tree house, venture, cruiser ride will never give you a thought to leave this place. The islands around Sihanoukville will refresh your mind and body, will regenerate the energy in you.