My Land Journey from Singapore to Hanoi in 25 Days Pt: 2
Pt 2: Cambodia
Day 5 Bangkok to Siam Reap
Woke up at 4.00am, checked out from my hostel, the kind receptionist helped to call Uber for me to Hua Lamphong train Station. Today I am leaving Bangkok continuing my journey to Siam Reap.
OMG! Siem Reap, the place I have dreamed of visiting since my Secondary schooldays, when I saw a picture of Angkor Wat during one of my history classes. I am sooooo looking forward to see it for REAL!
My plan:
From Bangkok: Train (5.5hrs) > Aranyaprathet : Tuk-Tuk (0.5hrs) > Poipet: Bus (3hrs) > Siem Reap
(Thai border) (Cambodia border)
Day 5 Bangkok to Siam Reap
Woke up at 4.00am, checked out from my hostel, the kind receptionist helped to call Uber for me to Hua Lamphong train Station. Today I am leaving Bangkok continuing my journey to Siam Reap.
OMG! Siem Reap, the place I have dreamed of visiting since my Secondary schooldays, when I saw a picture of Angkor Wat during one of my history classes. I am sooooo looking forward to see it for REAL!
My plan:
From Bangkok: Train (5.5hrs) > Aranyaprathet : Tuk-Tuk (0.5hrs) > Poipet: Bus (3hrs) > Siem Reap
(Thai border) (Cambodia border)
It took us about 15 mins from Sukhumvit to Hua Lamphong, I reached at about 5.10am, purchased my ticket (Baht 48) Just imagine! SGD2.00 for almost 6 hrs train journey! Fantastically BUDGET!
Its FREE sitting! Boarded the train and waited for the journey to my Dream destination to begin.
Auntie selling foods throughout the train journey.
I wasn't bored throughout this long journey rather I enjoyed it very much, there's so many things to see! and I have my 'Trusted Kindle' too! With ceiling fans blowing and morning breeze flowing in from the windows. It was a very pleasant ride! Oh yes it was raining the previous night too.
Choices of food sold on board the train WTF@#%!! at one Station??!!
Reached Aranyaprathet at 11.45am. Hired a tuk-tuk with a lady driver for Baht100.
A tuk-tuk can take 4 paxs, it will be cheaper divided by 4 but I did asked around if anyone would want to share. Guess they also heard about the horrible stories of BIG time SCAMMER here at the border. So after asking 2 tourists I gave up, maybe I look like the local cause I am really very tan now.
Its only SGD4! I will ride alone.
15mins later we reached the Thai border Check-point, we have to walk thru> clear emigration than continue walking to cross over Cambodia and look for its emigration Check-point after which.
SCAM No 3:
Reached Aranyaprathet at 11.45am. Hired a tuk-tuk with a lady driver for Baht100.
A tuk-tuk can take 4 paxs, it will be cheaper divided by 4 but I did asked around if anyone would want to share. Guess they also heard about the horrible stories of BIG time SCAMMER here at the border. So after asking 2 tourists I gave up, maybe I look like the local cause I am really very tan now.
Its only SGD4! I will ride alone.
15mins later we reached the Thai border Check-point, we have to walk thru> clear emigration than continue walking to cross over Cambodia and look for its emigration Check-point after which.
Thai Emigration was a breeze! Fast and simple
Actually the REAL SCAMMING starts the minute you stepped onto Cambodian soil!
Guess what? I thought I was pretty well informed and did a lot of research and am AWARE of SCAMMERS!!!.
Footpath/bridge to Cambodia (Poipet) footpath leading to Arrival Checkpoint
OK Scam No 1.
Immediately at the end of the footpath or bridge about 160 meter toward Cambodia, there is a Tentage at the right-hand side. Two uniformed men directed us to a row of desks and chairs, seated behind, a couple of very "official" looking uniformed ladies. I though this was the "Emigration", (So easy??) the ladies was asking everyone for their passports. I gave her mine, she flipped thru, then she said in passable english; "Singapore.....you need VISA to enter Cambodia, I can make it now for USD35"
I reacted very quickly, without replaying I took my passport from her. With my passport safely tucked in my bag, I told her "I am an ASEAN passport holder, we do not need Visa to enter any of its countries" then I walked away.
Hurry!! 1 scammer down
I continued walking toward the actual Arrival Checkpoint! Its like... it takes me all over the Poipet town, got to cross many roads.... no security and system at all, must look for the SIGN. I am literally in the town center before I sported the Check-point sign again. Really no joke, never arrive to Poipet in the night, it will be a nightmare. Anyone can run freely to anywhere without clearing immigration, but when you leave the Cambodia they will impost heavy Fines on you. (Guess this is what they have in mind, another sauce of income)
Found the small hut, after the overhead bridge on the right, which is the Arrival Check-point. While queuing, I made friend with a couple from UK, they were in front of me. We planed to share taxi to Siem Reap. So all was perfect, I am so hyped-up... nearing Angko Wat! already.
SCAM No 2 or "Loss In Translation"
The couple from UK had previously gotten their Cambodian Tourist VISA online in UK, was told by the immigration officer it is not valid for border Arrival. They have to go back to those Uniform ladies to get on the spot Visa!!??? HELL what is the different?? on-line visa not valid???? #@%*
Did they understand differently. Don't understand....they have to pay another USD35 each for a Cambodian Tourist Visa which they already had!!!
Anyway... I am on my own again, I cleared immigration, walked a head...there again people shouting tuk-tuk to Bus Station! I looked ahead saw a small sign "FREE shuttle bus to Bus Station" I remembered reading about the free shuttle buses, so I set and waited at the waiting area. Came local 2 guys asked if I am taking the free shuttle.The bus came the same guys told me to board the bus, was only 4 of us boarded. Me, 2 young men from UK and 1 middle aged man from Germany.
Reached the bus station in about 5 mins, it was secluded and empty.
This is the Bus Station they brought us to.
Bus fare to Siem Reap > US9.00 Taxi fare to Siem Reap >US12.00SCAM No 3:
Was told to wait for more passengers till the bus is full before departing, likewise for taxi too. In my heart, I was telling myself we might be scammed already. How to wait for a full bus of 30 paxs when there is only 3 of us going to Reap Siam and the other guy is going to Phnom Penh. There is no more train coming till later in the evening.... meaning not more passengers coming. Its only 1.30pm now, I waited for another half an hour, this was going noway, I am getting impatient already. I approached the 2 British guy if they are willing to take the taxi with me and I will pay for the 4th person meaning I pay US24, they pay US12 each. Finally after much discussion among themselves, they agreed.
OK off we go, travelling to Siem Reap in an Minivan all the way to our hostels, just the 3 of us.
I am still wondering.......... did we really gotten SCAMMED??
It was a 3 hrs journey, we started talking and introduced ourselves. Found out from the 2 British boys, this happened to them too. They actually paid for another Tourist Visa here when was told their on-line visa not valid. They were hopeful to get a refund from the Cambodian Immigration Department but I am doubtful.
Told them I am travelling alone and am 57 years old from Singapore. Imagine their facial expression! was stunned for awhile, then they politely asked if I can show prove of my age. I showed them my passport, they told me I am older than both their mums.
At the end, we all agreed, backpacking is safe and adventurous regardless of age, so long you can walk and able to carry a 10 kg weight on your back. This is the best way to really see and explore the places we wanted to visit.
SCAM No 4.
The 3 hours journey passed very fast, we finally reached Siem Reap! The minivan stop at a place just outside of the town, where there was few tuk-tuk. I told the driver this is not my Hostel, he said the tuk-tuk will take us to our hostels. I said NO, our understanding was that, he was suppose to deliver us to our hostels. He kept on telling us to alight the minivan the tuk-tuk will take over from here FOC. I climbed on to a tuk-tuk and told him the name of my Hostel. He said I need to pay him USD4 or if I book his tuk-tuk to Angko Wat tomorrow morning, this will be FOC. I realised the minivan had already left by then. Again #@*# No choice! He wanted USD30, I bargained till USD20.
So got Scammed again!
Finally I reached my Hostel at about 5pm. The tuk-tuk driver promised to pick me up at 4.15am tomorrow morning to see the sunrise at Angko Wat!........ NO! I did not pay him at all
Hostel is behind me This view is on the the right of the hostel
I stayed at https://onederz.com/siem-reap-one-stop , very clean and friendly hostel. For 3 nights I paid only USD22.50 for a 6 bed female dorm. I also found out that we could share tuk-tuk to Angko Wat for USD6 each!! for half day tour from 4.30am to 12pm.😞
The location was fantastic, Pub Street is just a street way. I am so excited to explore Siem Reap town.
Siem Reap's many nice little cafes and pizzeria Pub Street!!
my dinner: Beer USD0.50, Springroll: USD2.00 and Burger: USD4.50 total USD7.00
Day 6: Angkor Wat! Realizing my Dream
Woke up at 3.30am, I was so excited! Had breakfast in the hostel for USD2.50
I saw they were also a number of guests taking the Sun-rise breakfast too. By 4.15am I was outside the hostel waiting for my tuk-tuk to arrive. Another 10 mins he did not make an appearance.
I quickly approached the receptionist to check if there were any slot for one more person. Bingo one empty slot!!
OMG!, Believed it! The Almighty was really looking after me! I am joining a group tour paying only USD6.00!
Our group consisted 2 European young ladies, (speak a little english), 1 Penang young man name Soon and me.
We stop half way at the ticket booth to purchase our Pass (cost USD62 for 3 days).
.
By 7.00am we need to leave Angkor Wat for other Temples. We did not enough time to explore the area, so decided to come back tomorrow by bicycle. Soon was God send to me, throughout the tour, he was busy marking the temples on his mapsme app.
Next is Bayon, Ta Keo, Ta Prohm and lastly Banteay Kdei.
Bayon Temple
The Bayon is located in the center of the city of Angkor Thom 1500 meters (4921 feet) from the south gate. Enter tower of the Bayon is from the east. Prasat Bayon was built in late 12th century to early 13th century, by the King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to Buddhist. It's was build 100 years after Angkor Wat.
Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point. The curious smiling image, thought by many to be a portrait of Jayavarman himself, has been dubbed by some the "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia." There are 51 smaller towers surrounding Bayon, each with four faces of its own.
Ta Keo temple.
Ta Keo is a temple-mountain, in Angkor, possibly the first to be built entirely of sandstone by Khmers.
Was under renovations, so did not explore further.
We had early lunch in front of this temple.
OK off we go, travelling to Siem Reap in an Minivan all the way to our hostels, just the 3 of us.
I am still wondering.......... did we really gotten SCAMMED??
It was a 3 hrs journey, we started talking and introduced ourselves. Found out from the 2 British boys, this happened to them too. They actually paid for another Tourist Visa here when was told their on-line visa not valid. They were hopeful to get a refund from the Cambodian Immigration Department but I am doubtful.
Told them I am travelling alone and am 57 years old from Singapore. Imagine their facial expression! was stunned for awhile, then they politely asked if I can show prove of my age. I showed them my passport, they told me I am older than both their mums.
At the end, we all agreed, backpacking is safe and adventurous regardless of age, so long you can walk and able to carry a 10 kg weight on your back. This is the best way to really see and explore the places we wanted to visit.
SCAM No 4.
The 3 hours journey passed very fast, we finally reached Siem Reap! The minivan stop at a place just outside of the town, where there was few tuk-tuk. I told the driver this is not my Hostel, he said the tuk-tuk will take us to our hostels. I said NO, our understanding was that, he was suppose to deliver us to our hostels. He kept on telling us to alight the minivan the tuk-tuk will take over from here FOC. I climbed on to a tuk-tuk and told him the name of my Hostel. He said I need to pay him USD4 or if I book his tuk-tuk to Angko Wat tomorrow morning, this will be FOC. I realised the minivan had already left by then. Again #@*# No choice! He wanted USD30, I bargained till USD20.
So got Scammed again!
Finally I reached my Hostel at about 5pm. The tuk-tuk driver promised to pick me up at 4.15am tomorrow morning to see the sunrise at Angko Wat!........ NO! I did not pay him at all
Hostel is behind me This view is on the the right of the hostel
I stayed at https://onederz.com/siem-reap-one-stop , very clean and friendly hostel. For 3 nights I paid only USD22.50 for a 6 bed female dorm. I also found out that we could share tuk-tuk to Angko Wat for USD6 each!! for half day tour from 4.30am to 12pm.😞
The location was fantastic, Pub Street is just a street way. I am so excited to explore Siem Reap town.
Siem Reap's many nice little cafes and pizzeria Pub Street!!
my dinner: Beer USD0.50, Springroll: USD2.00 and Burger: USD4.50 total USD7.00
Day 6: Angkor Wat! Realizing my Dream
Woke up at 3.30am, I was so excited! Had breakfast in the hostel for USD2.50
I saw they were also a number of guests taking the Sun-rise breakfast too. By 4.15am I was outside the hostel waiting for my tuk-tuk to arrive. Another 10 mins he did not make an appearance.
I quickly approached the receptionist to check if there were any slot for one more person. Bingo one empty slot!!
OMG!, Believed it! The Almighty was really looking after me! I am joining a group tour paying only USD6.00!
Our group consisted 2 European young ladies, (speak a little english), 1 Penang young man name Soon and me.
We stop half way at the ticket booth to purchase our Pass (cost USD62 for 3 days).
Within minutes we are on our way to Angkor Wat.
Less than half hour later, I could not believe it! OMG
I saw silhouettes of the temple against the almost dark sky.
I fixed my eyes toward the temple and alighted from the tuk-tuk with my group, we followed the flow of tourists towards the grand entrance and the best spot to watch the sunrise. My eyes never left the sky where the sun was peeping out from behind the temple and trees. I do not want to missed any movements. As I gotten nearer towards the temple, the colours of the sky are changing to a mixture of purple, orange and yellow along the sky line of Angkor Wat.
This was want I was looking forward to in my whole adult live!
I was so overwhelmed, its Magnificent at the same time Magical. I was not disappointed at all in
fact its was more Mesmerizing than what I had envisioned!
Bucket list: TICKED
.
After the Sun-rise phenomenon, we went round exploring the archaeological site of Angko Wat.
I made a pack with Soon (the young Penang guy) we will team up together.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Towards the end of the 12th century, Angkor Wat gradually transformed from a Hindu centre of worship to Buddhism, which continues to the present day.
Next is Bayon, Ta Keo, Ta Prohm and lastly Banteay Kdei.
Bayon Temple
The Bayon is located in the center of the city of Angkor Thom 1500 meters (4921 feet) from the south gate. Enter tower of the Bayon is from the east. Prasat Bayon was built in late 12th century to early 13th century, by the King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to Buddhist. It's was build 100 years after Angkor Wat.
Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point. The curious smiling image, thought by many to be a portrait of Jayavarman himself, has been dubbed by some the "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia." There are 51 smaller towers surrounding Bayon, each with four faces of its own.
Ta Keo temple.
Ta Keo is a temple-mountain, in Angkor, possibly the first to be built entirely of sandstone by Khmers.
Was under renovations, so did not explore further.
We had early lunch in front of this temple.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm was originally called Rajavihara is the undisputed capital of the kingdom of the Trees'.
It was built about mid-12th century to early 13th century (1186) by the King Jayavarman VII, as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university, dedicated to the mother of the king (Buddhist) replica to Bayon style of art.
Location for the movie 'Tomb Raider'
After Ta Prohm, we are running out of time, so the tuk-tuk driver took us back to our hostel.
I made plans with Soon to meet-up for dinner later on and to check-out the bicycle rental and food to bring along for our excursion tomorrow morning.
Dinner time at Pub Street:
Total dinner plus 2 rounds of Beers was USD7.00 each!
Selling alcohol cocktails along the road side!!
We bought breads and water for our bicycle trip tomorrow. After dinner we explored the town for a while and checked out the nightlife. By 10pm I was in bed already. We agreed to meet at 7.00am tomorrow morning, have breakfast and depart by 8am.
Day 7
As planned we met at 7.00am, when out for breakfast
porridge USD1 ( i saw the local paying only 2,000 KHR only about 0.50US) ðŸ˜
By 8.00am, we were already on our rental bicycles paddling towards Angkor Wat.
Below were all the Temples we visited. (maybe some labeling might not be correct cos to many similarities in most temples)
We spend half day at Angkor Wat, exploring almost very corner of the temple.
We went to a few more Temples which we did not visit yesterday.
Angkor Thom:
Phnom Bakheng Temple:
Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu and Buddhist temple in the form of a temple mountain.
Dedicated to Shiva, it was built at the end of the 9th century.
It was a steep walk up to this mountain top temple, took us about half an hour walk. Its still under restoration work.
After witnessing the beautiful Sunset at Pre-Rup, was about 6.30pm already.
We started to paddle back to our Hostel, it was getting darker by the minute as we made our way back passed thru Angkor Wat again using the Grand Circuit then the Charles de Gaulle Road back to Siem Reap town. We reached our Hostel at about 8.00pm, total we cycled about 34 km that day from 8am to 8pm.
Kudos! to Soon and yours truly! we came back safe and sound.
Time to Celebrate our achievement! and Soon's birthday!! @ Pub Street
Again out dinner cost us UDS7.00 each
Day 8
Today, my last day in Siem Reap, tonight I will be continuing my journey to Phnom Penh via overnight express bus; Giant Ibis (USD15.00)
A day of relaxation and exploring this vibrant town plus meeting up with Soon for lunch and dinner too.
Me buying carrot in the market place! He is the owner of this souvenir shop
Siem Reap's many many little hidden lanes! Pub Street by day!
Durian anyone?? Roasted pork, chicken etc etc
Dinner time:
We found this quine little restaurant at the side-road next our Hostel offering FREE beers with each main dish ordered. The food was delicious, owner is a European (might be French) guy married to a local girl (so romantic!).
Time to say BYE BYE to Siem Reap and Soon.
Honestly, Never could I have imagined myself, one day, will be gallivanting around the Angkor Archaeological Park on bicycle! It was pure fun and joy, I wish all of you who are reading this blog, please try it out if you have the opportunity.
Remember I am 57 years old, if I can, you definitely can!
I would like to thank Soon for allowing "this auntie" to tag-along with him on this memorable visit to the Angkor Temples. 😎
Look out for my next blog; Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
I made plans with Soon to meet-up for dinner later on and to check-out the bicycle rental and food to bring along for our excursion tomorrow morning.
Dinner time at Pub Street:
Total dinner plus 2 rounds of Beers was USD7.00 each!
Selling alcohol cocktails along the road side!!
We bought breads and water for our bicycle trip tomorrow. After dinner we explored the town for a while and checked out the nightlife. By 10pm I was in bed already. We agreed to meet at 7.00am tomorrow morning, have breakfast and depart by 8am.
Day 7
As planned we met at 7.00am, when out for breakfast
porridge USD1 ( i saw the local paying only 2,000 KHR only about 0.50US) ðŸ˜
By 8.00am, we were already on our rental bicycles paddling towards Angkor Wat.
Below were all the Temples we visited. (maybe some labeling might not be correct cos to many similarities in most temples)
We went to a few more Temples which we did not visit yesterday.
Angkor Thom:
Phnom Bakheng Temple:
Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu and Buddhist temple in the form of a temple mountain.
Dedicated to Shiva, it was built at the end of the 9th century.
It was a steep walk up to this mountain top temple, took us about half an hour walk. Its still under restoration work.
Preah Khan Temple
Baphuon Temple:
Terrace of the Elephants
Neak Pean Temple
Ta Som Temple
Pre Rup Sunset
After witnessing the beautiful Sunset at Pre-Rup, was about 6.30pm already.
We started to paddle back to our Hostel, it was getting darker by the minute as we made our way back passed thru Angkor Wat again using the Grand Circuit then the Charles de Gaulle Road back to Siem Reap town. We reached our Hostel at about 8.00pm, total we cycled about 34 km that day from 8am to 8pm.
Kudos! to Soon and yours truly! we came back safe and sound.
Time to Celebrate our achievement! and Soon's birthday!! @ Pub Street
Day 8
Today, my last day in Siem Reap, tonight I will be continuing my journey to Phnom Penh via overnight express bus; Giant Ibis (USD15.00)
A day of relaxation and exploring this vibrant town plus meeting up with Soon for lunch and dinner too.
Me buying carrot in the market place! He is the owner of this souvenir shop
Siem Reap's many many little hidden lanes! Pub Street by day!
Durian anyone?? Roasted pork, chicken etc etc
Dinner time:
We found this quine little restaurant at the side-road next our Hostel offering FREE beers with each main dish ordered. The food was delicious, owner is a European (might be French) guy married to a local girl (so romantic!).
Time to say BYE BYE to Siem Reap and Soon.
Honestly, Never could I have imagined myself, one day, will be gallivanting around the Angkor Archaeological Park on bicycle! It was pure fun and joy, I wish all of you who are reading this blog, please try it out if you have the opportunity.
Remember I am 57 years old, if I can, you definitely can!
I would like to thank Soon for allowing "this auntie" to tag-along with him on this memorable visit to the Angkor Temples. 😎
Look out for my next blog; Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
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