cambodia
Land
of the Angkor Wat and the Khmer empire, it suffered from a horrific past
(during Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot’s era) but
it
is regaining its consciousness and becoming one of the must visit destinations
in the world.
Quick
facts:
Visa: 30 days on arrival for 30 USD
Time zone: GMT +7
Location, Boarders: South-East Asia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam
Capital: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer
Religion: Buddhists, some Muslim minorities
Currency: Riel, 1USD = 4000r, USD is widely used and you may not need
to change money
Price guide: pepsi can = 2000r
Phnom
Penh:
The
capital of Cambodia developed a lot in the last few years. Restoration after
the damage in Pol Pot’s era was not easy, especially for the people, but here
you can never see a city that has to many contradictions as Phnom Penh, damage
from the war- modern new buildings, stories about the genocide and tortured
relatives – children laughter near the museums.
The
capital of Cambodia developed a lot in the last few years. Restoration after
the damage in Pol Pot’s era was not easy, especially for the people, but here
you can never see a city that has to many contradictions as Phnom Penh, damage
from the war- modern new buildings, stories about the genocide and tortured
relatives – children laughter near the museums.
Where
to stay
The
area around Pasar O Russei hosts a lot of cheap accommodations ranging from 3$
for a single room, though it is a bit far from the town center. The roads
between the museum and central market have some good options, slightly more
expensive than Pasar O Russei but its closer to the action and touristic
attractions.
Sights:
National
Museum: admission 3$, photography is not allowed inside the
halls Hours: 8-5pm
Royal
Palace: admission 6.2$, photography is not allowed inside
the halls. Hours: 7:30-11am, 2-5pm.
Tuol
Sleng museum: it was a school converted to a torture
prison (security prison S-21) during Pol Pot’s era, admission: 2$, try to catch
the movie at 10 am and 3 pm., hours: 8- 5:30pm
Killing
field of Choeung Ek: these are the killing field were the
tortured victims in S-21 were mass murdered. There is a memorial building
hosting the skulls of the victims in the middle of the fields. It is 14km from
town and a tuk-tuk trip should cost around 6$ return. Try to see the short
video shown starting 9 am every 35 min. Admission: 2$, hours: 7-5:30pm
Getting
there and away
Phnom
Penh is the travel hub around Cambodia with buses to almost every destination
and boats through the Mekong river. There is also an international airport for
travelers who are coming from long distances or prefer to fly.
Siem
Reap:
So,
you came to see the Angkor temples, if not; then you should skip Siem Reap.
Here is the home of the Ankor temples, probably the most magnificent group of
temples in the world, they were built between the 9th and 13th
centuries. Siem Reap is like the life support city to these temples.
So,
you came to see the Angkor temples, if not; then you should skip Siem Reap.
Here is the home of the Ankor temples, probably the most magnificent group of
temples in the world, they were built between the 9th and 13th
centuries. Siem Reap is like the life support city to these temples.
A
good place to stay is garden village guesthouse, it was recommended by lonely
planet and travelfish.org, and it is great, dorms at 1$ and rooms from 3$, and
it is 2 min away from the only mosque in Siem Reap, so it is near to halal
food.
Activities:
Angkor
Temples: Admission tickets: 20/40/60$ for 1/3/7 day(s). plan
your visit before purchasing as the tickets can’t be extended. These are the
Must-See temples, though other temples are worth visiting and may be less
crowded for photographers.
Angkor
Wat:
this is the main temple, Cambodia’s symbol, the “Angkor Wat”. I can’t describe
it as you have to see it but a good tip is to try visiting it after sunrise or
at noon when all the tourist buses go back to the city for lunch, so that you
can have it to yourself. Monks hang around the surrounding lake in the afternoon;
their orange robes make a good contrast with balck stones of the temple.
Ta
Prohm: this is the temple where the “tomb raider” was
filmed. With its massive trees emerging through (and destroying) the stones; it
is a huge attraction and you might find a crowd more than that in Angkor Wat,
as everyone wants to have a picture with the tree. It impressive but try to be
there really early, at sunrise, to be able to explore it peacefully.
Bayon
and Angkor Thom area: for Bayon try going there in the
golden hours when the sun is low as it illuminates the many faces on the walls,
Bayon is a temple with faces on each column,
Other
temples should not be missed if you have the time (more than 1 day)
Preah
Khan: this is believed to have been a Buddhist university
is just north of Angkor thom.
Bantey
Srei: this temple with its fine carvings is about 32 km
from Siem Reap. It is included in the Angkor ticket
Beng
Mealea: this far temple (70 km out of town) has an admission
ticket or 5$, but its totally worth it. Better to bisit it with the other far
temples of Bantey Srei and Kbal spean. Its alarge temple said to have similar
structure as Angkor Wat but it is hard to seethat due to the large trees that
destroyed the temples. It is far more photogenic than ta prohm and there is
less people who make it that far.
Cycling
is a great way to explore the temples though it is tiring. Water is available
around the temples; it is advised to buy isotonic drinks from town and cover
your head with a scarf from the sun REMEMBER AVOID SUN
BURNS AND DEHYDRATION.
Getting
there and away
From
Phnom Penh: buses start at 5$, 6hrs. while the boat (only at 7:30 am) starts at
25$ and takes 5-7 hrs.
To
Bangkok: there are 4 buses to Bangkok each day (6am, 8am, 12pm, 1:30am) drop off
at Khao San road.
N.B.
Avoid the scam bus from Bangkok, it is widely advertised in Khao San rd., it
is obvious by its significantly low price, but you’ll suffer and most probably
get ripped off (according to many reviews).