TA PHROM, SIEM REAP (CAMBODIA) – It rained so hard while we were still walking around Angkor Thom and exploring the other towers of The Bayon. Mr. Sambo, our English speaking tour guide, told us that we arrived in the middle of the rainy season. But it was not all bad. Just like today, we arrived in extremely sunny Siem Reap with the sun almost scorching our skin and melting us alive. The weather suddenly changed after twelve noon when the clear skies were suddenly enveloped by dark gray rain clouds that brought the rain which drenched us to the bones.

After the rain stopped, Mr. Sambo asked Mr. Rith to drive us to our next destination. It was time for us to go to the next temple on our list, Ta Phrom.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Attractions, Cambodia |

ANGKOR THOM, SIEM REAP (CAMBODIA) – One of the obvious challenges that you will face when visiting the Angkor temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia would be time management.  This is why it is important to book a room in a hotel in Siem Reap like the Angkor Star Hotel Siem Reap as you would definitely have to stay more than a day.  In the first place, how in the world can you fit in exploring all the breathtaking temples in what little time you have?

The order by which you would want to explore the Angkor temples is very subjective and will depend highly on your personal preference.  Take into consideration the amount of time that you have allocated for your trip.  Based on our prior research before our trip, we found out that it is ideal to set aside at least three days for your Siem Reap stop.  One week is definitely a lot better.  Unfortunately, there are instances when tourists are simply “passing by” Siem Reap on their way somewhere.  In the cases, tourist guides and tour companies within Siem Reap can help you plan and make the most out of your stay.  They would know which temples to prioritize and the best itineraries to follow.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Attractions, Cambodia |

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – After an early wake-up call by our hotel in Kuala Lumpur at 3:00 am, we found ourselves riding a cab to Kuala Lumpur Central which was the designated pick up point of the Sky Bus.  We were going around for a couple of minutes that we missed our 4:30am bus and had to wait for another thirty minutes for the next bus.  Since the airport was roughly an hour away, I was getting worried that we might not be able to make it on time for our 7:00 am flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Since we were lucky, the dependable Sky Bus arrived ten minutes early so we were already at the check-in counter by 5:50 am.  After grabbing a dozen doughnuts from a doughnuts stall, we were already comfortably seated at the boarding gate waiting for the ground crew of Air Asia to give the go signal for boarding.  Great thing, the plane sashayed down the runway at exactly 7:00 am.  In no time at all, the in-flight crew started rolling the food cart.  My partner and I took advantage of being able to choose our meals online when we bought our Air Asia tickets.  By doing so, we were able to purchase our meals in advance and at discounted prices.  I chose to have Roti Canai while my partner chose Nasi Lemak.  The meals were served piping hot.  Not bad at all for in-flight food.

In less than an hour, the captain announced that the plane has started its descent to Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Oooh, I couldn’t contain my excitement!!!

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Attractions, Cambodia, Malaysia, Things to do |

Take a detour through Angkor, Cambodia and you’ll stumble upon an incredible site. The Angor Wat Temple complex, built in the 12^th century for King Suryavarman II, is a stunning example of early Khmer architecture. Today it is one of the most visited attractions in all of Cambodia.

The History Behind Angkor Wat

Image credit: kopretinka

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Cambodia |

Cambodia may be one of the poorest nations in Asia, but it is rich in cultural heritage. From the majestic temples in the jungle to the memorials dedicated to the millions who died during the Khmer Rouge years, Cambodia has a few gems worth visiting.

Angkor Archeological Park

The home of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayom Temple. The best way to see the major parts of this heritage site is through a tour group, which has access to areas not easily reachable by individuals. Read more about this amazing temple city here which is famous for the Tomb Raider site location shooting.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Attractions, Cambodia |

A few Asian countries can boast of first world-levels of transportation in terms of speed, safety, and efficiency. Some Asian countries use native ingenuity to convert western modes of transport into practical vehicles for their local environment. Still other Asian countries continue to operate traditional vessels and vehicles as part of their centuries-old culture, not to mention their value as tourist attractions.

When visiting Asia, take time to visit the sights aboard these unique transports.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Asia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Transportation |

Every day in Siem Reap, thousands of people trek into the vegetation to witness the sun rise amidst ancient stones and religious sculpture. As the light slowly illuminates the ornate towers and carved walls, a sense of awe descends upon the waiting crowd, as they become humble witnesses to a rediscovered wonder of a long-dead kingdom.

Welcome to Angkor Wat.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Attractions, Cambodia |