Cambodia - Siam Reap Day 1

Best thing to do when you don't have mood to revise. Blog about my summer trip! I've divided the entry for Cambodia into a few parts as we've done a good job covering so many things in a single day. This is why following tours are so effective. It is advisable to follow tour to undeveloped South East Asian countries for your own safety.

Woke up around 3.00am in the morning to make it to KL Central at 4.15am to catch the RM9 bus service to Low Cost Carrier Terminal. Finally, we took off at 8am and reached Siam Reap at 9.30am (local time - they are 1 hour earlier compared to Malaysia)

Finally, my photo with AirAsia's plane. I was told off for helping my friends to take a group photo on our previous trip to Sabah and Sarawak last time.

We met out tour guide and was sent to our hotel to check-in.

4 star hotel in Siam Reap. I have no complaints about the place. It was lovely, good service and of course, good food for buffet breakfast as well.

Our tour guide picked us up around 10am and we headed off to our first destinate: Tonle Sap Lake. It is South East Asia's largest fresh water lake. I used to hate Geography a lot and at that moment, I was thinking, I should have visited Cambodia when I was in secondary school. How easy and interesting will it make Geography then.

So, basically, a small group of population lives in boat houses. Even the schools, churches, shops were afloat. The lake's water cannot be consumed but can be used for taking a bath, washing, etc.

There was a boat turned into a crocodile and fish farm. There were also souvenirs on sale there.

View from atop the crocodile farm. Siam Reap's flag is so unique in that it has the symbol of Angkor Wat on it.

Floating sundry shop. There were smaller boats carrying groceries for sale stopping by every boat house to sell things.

There were fishing nets installed to catch fish as well. Here, the fishermen are getting the trapped fish out of the net.

Lunch was at a Chinese restaurant.

What can I say, it was a filling meal with 10 dishes and I've only shown a part of it.

Next we were told that the tour operator has arranged a complimentary full body massage for all of us. It was my first time having a full body massage and don't ever invite or give me any free vouchers for full body massages ever again.

For those who has never had a full body massage, you might want to continue reading this paragraph. First, they wash your feet with soap and water. After that, they'll ask you to change into a comfortable T-shirt and long pants. Then, the torture begins. I was practically squirming as it was really ticklish and at times, painful. The worse part was, I wanted to laugh so badly but everyone else were so quiet. All the masseurs were very skillful and professional but I'm sorry, I seriously cannot appreciate it. After an hour long of torture, you can change back into your clothes and then they'll serve you hot tea. Phew, I was glad that was over.

Next, we visited one of the memorial monuments which contained the skulls of victims brutally killed during the Poi Pot rule. There are so many of these monuments all around Cambodia to remind the present of the cruel past they had.

Very sad place

Next, we went to a Gem stone outlet. We were taught how to grade the Rubies, Sapphires, etc. It was very expensive so, I'll decide next time after I've earned enough to be able to afford them.

I thought that the pink ones looked unique but they were among the cheapest here.

Finally, we made our way to Kingdom Angkor. We had to get out photos taken to make our passes.

Took a photo of the map, just in case I get lost.

That day, we had to make our way up Bakheng Hill to watch the sunset at 6pm. Get ready. It's not a piece of cake to go up this hill.

The steps were made very narrow on purpose as it was deemed unpolite to show your back towards the Gods in the temple in the past. Therefore, it forces you to climb sideways. The temple wasn't that high and I think it took me about 15 minutes, including the time taking photos on the way.

It was worth it going up all the way as the view on the mountain top was lovely.

While waiting for sunset, we walked around snapping photos.

Poor lion statue, it has been damaged by the weather and time.

One of the pillars on the corner of the hill.

Another view

Hiding in the shade, wondering what's for dinner.

This was what we were waiting for!

One of the loveliest sunsets I've seen so far!

Oh yes, you can even pay 25 US dollars to ride the elephant from the starting point to the foot of the mountain. Sadly, elephants can't climb to the peak of Bakheng Hill.

That is me after climbing down. Very tired by then.

We made our way down the hill early before everyone starts rushing down. It was getting dark really quickly by then. As M and I were early, we had a look around the foot of the hill.

Wonder what type of building this entrance is suppose to lead to?

For our dinner, we were having it together with a cultural show. I was really happy to know that it was buffet style as well.

First plate. It was an assortment of different types of food.

Second bowl: I think it was Japanese style soup noodles with seafood, other meat, vegetables and tofu. I really liked the soup as it is the best I've tasted.

3rd helping: I had expected it to sweet but it was savory. I would have had another few more if I wasn't that full by then.

Cultural show. I thought that the dances were very similar to the Thai dances. I guess it's because Cambodia and Thailand are neighbors.

Next entry will be very interesting as we'll be visiting a few temples in Kingdom Angkor.