Angkor Temples in Siem Reap Cambodia

Just last month, we visited a Singaporean friend who is currently working in Cambodia. Since there was no direct flight from Manila to Phnom Penh via Cebu Pacific, we had to land at Siem Reap and spent 2 days there before we headed to the capital city by bus.

As Cebu Pacific only had evening flights, we arrived in Cambodia around 10pm local time. Prior to landing, I remembered taking a look at the window and only saw the runway lights. Although Siem Reap was more of a province compared to Phnom Penh, their airport was impressive and well-maintained. It actually looked  more of a Phuket-inspired resort. Since it was already late at night, there wasn't much place to explore, we  went to the hotel to check-in and went out again to eat dinner at PUB Street (the only place with nightlife in Siem Reap).

Since we hired a van all to ourselves, we had the liberty of going on a tour at our own pace. We only allotted  a day and even without the guide telling us, we know we can't finish the huge selection of temples around Angkor Wat. Also, the guide informed us that if we plan to go up the temple in Angkor Wat, we should be wearing proper attire as a sign of respect. Sleeveless tops and short above the knee will not be allowed. Remember that if you plan to visit the temples.

Prior to heading to the city of temples, we went to get our ID tickets that will serve as passes for all the temples that we're going. Before, they allowed tourists to bring with them their own passport sized ID photo but now, they won't accept that as their ticketing system is centralized. The photos need to be taken on the spot in order for them to verify the identity of the tourist and to prevent fraudulent IDs.

Our first stop was Bayon Temple located at the center of Angkot Thom. This temple is known to have stone faces in its towers. What I admired about this place is how intricate the details are when it comes to their walls which actually narrates of how the ancient Khmer people lived during this era.

We proceeded to see Baphuon which was just a few meters walk from Bayon, since we weren't fans of climbing and the sky was really getting dark, we decided to take a photo of the outside facade and headed to the elephant terrace. After the trip, we did some research and found out that Baphuon temple was a must climb temple! Also remember that!

At that moment, rain started pouring from behind as we ran as fast as we could to be able to get shelter. - we were literally doing temple run via Baphuon's temple tracks as we looked for structures with roof for shelter. We waited for the rain to stop (FOR 45 minutes! It was like forever!) before we headed to the elephant's terrace. This was called as such because this platform resembled elephants standing next to each other. This terrace was used by King Jayavarman VII to see his army whenever they return from battle. There are also times when this terrace is used in public ceremonies of the king.

As we made way to our next temple, it began to drizzle again so we decided to eat lunch first before proceeding. We decided to eat at a nearby restaurant that served authentic Khmer food.

After lunch, we now had the energy to visit Ta Prohm. It was not an easy walk to walk all the way down the muddy tracks but the temple was very much worth it. This is one of the famous temples around here as Angelina Jolie filmed the famous Tomb Raider (First one) here. Unlike most temples in Angkor area, this place has been abandoned for centuries and when it was re-discovered, it was maintained in the same condition it was found - the tree roots and jungle surroundings makes this a one-of-a-kind temple in Angkor Area.

Bayon Temple

By the entrance/exit of the temple, there are lots of vendors selling souvenir items and because we love magnets so much, we haggled until we were able to get 3 magnets for 2USD - which was not bad as souvenir shops price it higher.

The sun was beginning to make its way out of the clouds and so we started to unload the unnecessary things in our bags as we headed to the biggest and most famous temple of them all - the Angkor Wat.

Identification needs to be presented before you are allowed to enter the temple premises.

This place is actually the largest temple and religious monument in the world. What I admire about this place is that this huge structure was built within a moat during the 12th century and it took them around 36 years to complete this temple. Imagine the precision, accuracy, architecture needed during the 12th century when there was no technology available. The sandstone blocks that were used in Angkor Wat were taken from the mountains that was around 50kms away. Other than human workers, elephants also played a very important role in the construction of Angkor Wat as they transport heavy construction materials.

I am not really a fan of temples but after seeing these temples made me wonder how they could build such beautiful long-lasting structures that actually withstood extreme weather and the test of time. Words can never really describe the wonderful temples in Siem Reap. 

More photos of Cambodia soon.

LaNnA
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Siem Reap to Phnom Penh via Bus (Giant Ibis)

On this trip, we planned to visit Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Since our plane lands in Siem Reap, we have to travel by land to Phnom Penh because of budget constraints. There are several ways to do so and one is via bus.

Our bus leaves 7:45am and we left Bunwin hotel around 7:00am. We arrived at the terminal around 7:25am and since we were already pre-booked online (search for Giant Ibis in google), there was no hassle already. We just gave the porters our luggage and we board the bus.

The bus was spacious and has good service as well. Among the buses parked in that station, our bus was the best as per my own criteria. They even have their own onboard wifi which is a huge plus for me. There are times though that the signal will be gone because you're traveling on the outskirts and upon approaching the city, you get signal again. Password hasn't been changed in awhile and I know because upon checking-in via foursquare, the password  was also mentioned there. Password for the wifi onboard is 'ibis2012'.

Our driver was a bit crazy because of all the overtaking but it was bearable. Throughout the ride, they showed three movies. Fantastic 4, Dark Knight Rises and Journey to the mysterious island. I just watched portions of it as I was also blogging and sleeping at times.

There are two stops. First is at the 2 1/2 hour mark and second is around the 5 hour mark. The first stop lasts for 30 minutes and the second is for 10 minutes, just enough for a restroom stop.

For the first stop, we ate at Banyan Tree restaurant. Here's what we ate:

Fried noodle with beef and fried egg. Noodles was good! This was the best out of all the food we got at this rest stop. Tasty and not that oily being it fried noodles.

Beef Lok Lak. Just so-so. Beef was just right with it being hard at times. 

The beef fried rice was better in Bunwin hotel and that's why the standards are set a bit higher already so this was just okay. If you haven't tasted the fried rice from there, then this is okay.

Iced coffee tasted like a mix of chocolate and coffee. Good and a must order!

Overall, it was a comfortable ride and I highly recommend Giant Ibis whether you are traveling from Siem Reap - Phnom Penh or vice versa.

Giant Ibis fare: $13 USD

Travel time: Around 6 hours

Website: www.giantibis.com

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Bunwin Boutique Hotel in Cambodia

Some first impressions last and some don't. With this hotel, I'm glad it didn't. From the airport, we were picked up by our hotel service. The problem is not the service of the driver. Upon reaching the corner of our hotel because which wasn't along the main road (highway 6), we entered this dark bumpy alley and traveled around 500 meters until we reached the hotel. We were already thinking how the hell we would go out of the hotel when it is that dark and quite a walk from the main road. The good news is, the bad first impression was just up to that point.

All the semi-negative initial impression was removed as we entered the hotel lobby. Even though we arrived around 10pm, we were still warmly welcomed. Cold towel and a refreshing lemongrass juice was served perfect for the warm weather.

(Photo of the pool above taken the next day. Beside that lounge chair is a short skimpy path leading to our room)

Check-in was fast. Just present your passport and fill up a quick form. It was again quite dark on the way to the room but it was okay because the moon was bright that night. I recommend that you bring a flashlight if you have eyesight problems just to be sure. 

The room was impressively huge. There's are chairs and a table behind the bed, a queen bed in the middle of the room, a bath tub inside the room decorated with floating flowers, a sink area which is also inside the room. Inside the bathroom, there's the usual loo and a rain shower with pebbled stones by the gutter. Very zen like design. 

(Bath tub inside the room)

Below are some images of our room cropped put from a panorama:

The good service doesn't end there. Even though it's already late, we wanted to grab a quick bite before going to sleep. We went to the famous tourist-y  pub street but how sis we manage to walk out of the hotel? Well, transportation services are also included via their own tuktuks! Their service is only up to 11pm though so we had to take out own tuktuk back to the hotel for a bargainable fee of $2.50 which started at $4 I think.

Breakfast was also i cludes in the rate it was you choice or continental, american or asian breakfast. I ordered the American breakfast (poached egg, ham, sausage and bacon). They also provide bread and juice with coffee or tea.

To continue on with Bunwin hotel's tuktuk service, on the second day, we had a dinner reservation at the Touich Restaurant. It was atound an 8-10 minute ride I think. Their tuktuk dropped as there and we called the hotel to pick us ul and brought us to the night market. After night market, we called them again to fetch us. This is really service deluxe in my opinion.

Another great service was the mobile phone. Why? They lent a phone to use to use if we were to call the hotel! This is the first time I've experienced this kind of service. 

These are just some of the obvious why I will highly recommend Bunwin hotel when you're visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Here are some photos of the place:

Bunwin Boutique Hotel

National Road #06, Samaki Market Zone

Phum Banteay Chas, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tel: 855-63 969 158

Fax: 855-63 969 159

E-mail: reservation@bunwinboutique.com

Website: www.bunwinboutique.com

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Cambodia: First Impression

Just landed in Siem Reap via Cebu Pacific tonight around 10pm local time here. Prior to landing, I noticed it was almost pitch black. Just a light here and there but as soon as we landed, I was impressed with their airport!

It reminded me of Balinese design. Even though they have a small airport, it was organized and neat!

It just took us a few minutes to get out of the plane and out the airport. Once out of the airport, we were met by our hotel pickup service.

On the way to the hotel, it felt like I was in one of the more modern provinces in the Philippines. Our driver was also kind enough to introduce us to some of the basic information about Siem Reap. He also told us that Filipino series 'teleserye' is very hot in Cambodia right now. After telling me that, he whipped up his phone and showed me a photo of Marian Rivera. He told me that everyone in Cambodia knows Ding Dong and 'Marimar', which I assumed that it was Marian she was talking about with a follow up question, "are they really a couple?" Honestly, I do not know because I don't know much about showbiz but I just said yes because I didn't want to disappoint him and I have a hunch that they really are. So, sorry if they are not.

We arrived in our hotel and I loved their service! First class! They hand you a cold towel, a refreshing lemon grass juice drink while they  ask you to fill up some forms and your passport. After that, we left our stuff inside the room and went out to have late dinner.

The hotel also gave us a mobile phone we can use to call them while we are out and they also provide tuktuk service to and from the city up to 11pm.

Their drivers dropped us along pub street. Let me put it this way, pub street is like you being transported to another city not very cambodia-like. Full of life and music and partying!

The streets might look empty but the restaurants were not. We are not here to party but just to grab a quick bite before we end the day. 

Going back to the hotel, we got our own tuktuk service and paid $2.50(yes, they accept USD) and it was already 1230am Cambodia time (130am Manila time).

Long day tomorrow visitng the Angkor Wat. Goodnight!:) 

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