Siem Reap and Angkor Wat - Part 4

Good morning, well it could be afternoon. I write this early in the morning several days after the fact, but it continues my tails from just after arriving at my Hotel. Things are getting all mixed up for me as I have had some problems uploading these blogs and finding the time to sit down and put my thoughts to paper (iPad).

Let's see now, where was I?

After settling into my room, I decided to find a supermarket or the like to get some provisions. With directions in hand, I walked down the road on my first solo venture. The area I am accommodated in one of the main tourist areas I'm told. The shop fronts, signage and general look of the place is somewhat similar to Thailand. Not Bangkok mind you, no tall buildings to speak of, but the structures and abundance of people wanting to sell you their fare. Massage shops everywhere. And I mean everywhere! About 10 minutes walk and I find what I'm looking for. The shelves are full of all the familiar stuff. I grab what I want, and USD 8.00 later, I have 4 local beers, 2 cokes and 2 bottles of water. Enough for a quiet few hours until I'm leaving on my first tour. Back to the hotel, and on my way I discover another market almost next door to my place on the opposite side of the road. Go figure.

As previously mentioned, my driver from the airport has arranged for most, if not all of my outings already. At 4:30 I'll be going to a Temple for a sunset viewing. I'm really looking forward to it. I sit in my room, consume some of my provisions and chat with friends on Facebook until departure time arrives.

4:30 arrives and we are off in something they call a Tuk Tuk. No dissimilar to the one in Thailand, but they are pulled along by a motor scooter instead of being one vehicle. My drive speaks reasonable English, better than my Cambodian anyway, and after a short chat to decide exactly where I want to go, we're off.

Road rules. There don't seem to be any. They drive on the right and have a mix of left and right hand drive vehicles. All the scooters seem to be right hand drive. (what the...) Traffic lights are there just to decorate the streets. Lines painted on the road, well they are there, but not used. Looking behind you before turning or changing lanes, well, that's plane stupid.

Along our way the hassle and bustle of downtown Siem Reap, well just hustles and bustles. It's interesting seeing all the stuff happening around us as we pass by. Even though there are no rules, there is no feeling of any danger. It all just happens in a smooth, though disorganized way. We stop at what looks like the entrance to an Asian Disneyland. Ticket booths. I'm told I will have to purchase a ticket to get into then Temple Area. Youahve a choice of a single or 3 day visit. I choose the 3 day. I hand over the required USD 40.00, get my photo taken, and am handled a nice little pass with my picture on it. With that in hand, we zoom off, and are stopped within 10 meters to have it checked. Finally, with a smile, we are on our way.

Not far form the ticketing area, we arrive at Angkor Wat. Now I've seen photos of this place, but nothing prepared me for the majesty and how large it actually is. The sun is setting, but not in the direction I needed for my photos. A quick walk across the causeway, throught the gateway, turn around, and yes, perfect.

I knew I was coming back to this famous temple, so I spent most of my time, after the photos of coarse, watching the people. The place was crowded, more than expected. I love stating just off to the side and watching the strange things people get up to. I love it!

The sun has now almost disappeared, so it's back to the hotel. A quick shower, and out and about. In search of a hat, food and a couple of well earned beers.

Siem Reap, Iike many cities, has a Night Market. It is located just up the road from my hotel. 7 minutes walk, I'm told by the friendly hotel staff. So, I'm away and dangerous. Less than the quoted 7 minutes, I find my first market. Small, and all the usual stuff. T shirts, local garments, and the like. Seen it all before. Prices are very reasonable. No hats. Moving along. Another market. The sign says that this is the original market. I thought that's what the sign at the last place said. Anyway, just inside, yes, the hat I was looking for. USD 5.00 and I'm done. Not really a shopper by the way.

Moving along, I was looking for a place to eat. I had previously done some searching on Google Maps, and found a street called Pub Street. That should be interesting, and interesting it was. More that just one street, but several. Full of pubs and Restaurants. It took several trip up and down to find something I thought might be nice. Seated I ordered the local fare. Don't ask me the name, but some type of local curry with a bit of kick in it. Also on the menu was BBQ. Kangaroo, crocodile, emu and many other exotic meats. I later overhead that the chief was from Australia. A few beers to knock it down with and USD 8.00 out of pocket. Not too bad I say.

Although thelace was awash with people, it wasn't really rock'n. I decided to take myself on a little walk to see what else was the go. I walked and walked and wasn't able to find anything rock'n. A few places looked intergesting, but perhaps it was too early. Anyway, I had an early start for the next morning, so back to the hotel and to bed.

 

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Siem Reap and Angkor Wat - Part 3

My time in Bangkok has been wonderful. Two full days of spending time with family, friends and completing many tasks that needed to be done. It has been a while since my last trip, and I was in need of the relaxing atmosphere Thailand has to offer.

The usual eating and drinking took place, and I was able to help a friend out with her University group's tourism assignment. I founds this quite interesting. The requirement was to interview a foreign visitor to Thailand, and ask a series of questions relating to their holiday. Not a difficult task you might say, but it must be remembered that these students do not have a lot of personal contact with foreigners and English in not their first language. We met at a local coffee shop, and after a series of "test" runs, they were able to get the data they needed. I would very much like to see their final presentation of their findings, but I'm not sure if that will able to be arranged.

The day of travel to Cambodia has arrived. I awoke way too early. Must be excited about the adventure ahead. This gave me time to catch up on the blog you are now reading. I wonder how, you, as the reader, are enjoying this journal? I have had one positive comment to my ramblings, but if others are reading this, not too many encouraging words are coming my way.

As you may remember, I am taking a chance with my air travel by attempting to use Staff Travel for this trip. The full fare prices on Bangkok Airway was around the 3,300 Baht price range. I just checked again, and well, the prices have jumped to 6,600 Baht. Have I made the right decision to try and save some money. I still assume that if they are still selling tickets on their website, then some seats must be available for little old me. I hope this won't be the one of the shortest holidays on record. I do have a couple of later flights to try for, but at that price, I think I might have to cut my losses and cancel the trip. I wonder if I should go to the airport earlier, just in case? Let's think about that over coffee.

I have been tossing up regarding my mode of transport to the airport. On the last trip to Chiang Mai, I thought a bit of the "backpacker" style would be good for a different approach. This included walking and several train rides. It wasn't too much of a problem, but found that I arrived at the airport all hot and sweaty. Not the best way to be at the start of the journey. My other choice is by taxi, straight from our apartment to the terminal. Not the best for costs and traffic, but more leisurely. Another thing I must ponder.

As the famous John Denver once mussed, "My bags are packed, I'm ready to go......".

At the airport, all hot and sweaty. Yeah, you guessed it, took the train option. Wasn't too bad, I keep telling myself. What gets me most, I was half way, and, I realized I had forgotten my iPod. No tunes for me! I guess I'll live.

My high expectations of Bangkok Airways were once again met with flying colours. They look after staff superbly. Lead personally to the head of the line, and checked in with a evey so famous Thai smile. Love them! Why, I ask, cannot other airlines be this way?

I moved through security and Imigration without too much effort. The lines no where as long as my arrival to Bangkok. On to the boarding gate, and wait for departure. While waiting, I spent an enjoyable time cheating and posting on Facebook. Free wifi from the Airport Authority made this painless.

Time to leave came, and on the aircraft we all boarded. Much to my surprise, the plane was less than half full. I have the row all to myself, but my seat was located over the wing. I was hoping to have a good view point as we arrived into Siem Reap. While still standing and putting my bag into the overhead locker, the aircraft started to push back. There was at least 20 people still standing like myself. I don't think the cabin crew even knew this movement was about to happen. Some passengers dropped their bags on the heads of other already seated. One woman even seemed to be hurt from this. The cabin crew were still dealing with her when our taxi started. The pilot must have had a date waiting for him in Cambodia.

The flight itself was very smooth and quick. Rapid deployment of the meal, and removed just as quick. Then out decent commenced. The whole flight from gate to gate is just under 1 hour. On our approach I did manage to have a view of the surrounding area. It was all covered with water. Looking like a shallow ocean with a green reef just below the surface. This vista went on for as far as I could see. Just prior touch down, the water disappeared and the lush green field and jungle came into view. The landing itself was smooth, and a short taxi to the cute little terminal. Looking new and fresh, it reminded me of Kho Samui's airport.

The arrivals area was small and the line for the Visa on Arrival desk crowded with confused looking tourist. Myself included. While standing in line, a British couple made comment on the rushed departure. The husband thought it was quite fun. I don't think the misses agreed. She didn't seem to like anything that was going on. Oh well, these things must be expected. USD 20 later, a nice new visa stuck in my passport. Off now to Imigration. Full finger print scan. Both hands. Straight thought to the outside world. I was able to purchase a SIM card for USD 16 which gave me 6gb of data and USD 15 of calls. They sure like American Dollars here.

I was met outside the arrivals area by the hotel shuttle driver and whisked away to his car. Happy young lad, with pretty good English skills. Within the first 3 minutes of our journey, he had my tours for the next 3 days organized. Not having anything else planned, I thought, what the heck. Sounded all good to me. We arrived at my hotel in one piece, a miracle to be sure. I'll explain about the driving in a later post. It's amazing.

Checking in was without fuss. The hotel, Mekong Angkor Palace Hotel, was an older place, but seemed extremely clean and tidy. My room is huge, though a bit sparse with furnishings. A couch would have been nice. Had the space for it.

Enough for this post. Longer than I thought. Stay turned for the next part. It will have my first experiences of the temples and photos.

 

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Siem Reap and Angkor Wat - Part 2

Well, here I am at the airport in Melbourne. The starting point for my travels. After being dropped off by my son Daisuke, straight to the checkin counter. I thought there would be the usual lines, being told to return later and all the joys of Staff Travel, but no such luck. Straight into the Business Class line, then check in, no dramas. Business Class Boarding Pass, Express Departures Card and Immigration documents in hand, off for a coffee.

The departures check in area is so busy this morning. While strolling through the terminal, I was approached by a Customer Care person. I must have looked lost. Had a short chat with her. She is a volunteer who attempts to assist people who are overwhelmed by it all. Did I look at if I needed help? Must have. Maybe i just look that way all the time. A nice lady, who liked a bit of a talk. Just the ticket for her task. Nice moment in all this mayhem.

Having arrived to the airport nice and early, I have too much time to sit and wait. This is my usual experience though. Air travel always seems to be a bit of hurry up and wait. As previously mentioned, I must travel via Singapore on this trip. My usual flight direct to Bangkok with Jetstar isn't available today. Just a quick stop over if all goes well. I have about 3 hours to collect my bags and re check in for my Thai Airways flight. Fingers crossed.

On my way to Singapore, and I realize that Qantas Business Class is just so much better than Jetstar Star Class. All the way from the seats and space, down to the food and service. So nice to be pampered. I'm a lucky boy. The flight was pretty much uneventful, and before I knew it, we had arrived at my destination. A quick dance through immigration, and baggage collection, and I found myself at the check in counter for my Thai flight to Bangkok.

As my travels normally have some problems and adventures, this sector was to be no different. The flight was filling quickly, and the check in staff had the usual depressing attitude that I wouldn't get on. "Come back later", she said. So tail between my legs, I drag myself around the departure area for what seemed an eternity. My return time finally arrived, so back to the counter. Same girl, same sad face. She takes my ticket, and clicky clack on the keyboard, and "sorry sir, you ticket isn't valid."

What!

"Oh yes you have a listing, but your ticket hasn't got a valid ticket number."

Off she trots to check with her supervisor. The flight has now closed, and I thought of the prospect of purchasing a new ticket and a 3 hour wait for the next flight. For what seemed like days, I waited. Upon her return, she advises all is ok and I have been given the last seat. I must run for the flight, but hey, no chance of that. I'm an old man. Straight through immigration, to the gate and on the flight. Doors closed, and then we wait. Flight delayed by 20 minutes.

The flight itself was not too bad. Bit cramped, but at least I was on my way. We arrived into Bangkok about 30 minutes late. The airport was so crowed though, lines everywhere. Took about 1 hour to get through. Then the lines for taxis was longer than I have ever sent it. Again I remind myself, as least I'm here. Finally in the taxi and to the apartment. So happy. I'm pooped. By the time I settled, it was past 2 o'clock in the morning Melbourne time. Gee I love traveling. Off to bed with me. Tomorrows another day.

 

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Siem Reap and Angkor Wat - Part 1

I'm trying my hand at a bit of Travel Blogging. I'll use my upcoming trip to Siem Reap in Cambodia as the content and we will see how it goes. I want to show all my planning for the trip as well as the trip itself. I will be posting it in several parts depending on the activities I have experienced and the Internet availability.

Usually, I travel to Thailand to visit Keiko and Mika and spend the whole time catching up and enjoying their company while there. Now, as Mika has grown into a teenager, and Keiko's schedule running her restaurants has increased with the opening of number two Genpukan, l find that during the week I am a bit lost as for things to fill my day. On my last trip, I spent a few days in Chiang Mai, and found the experience fulfilling and worthwhile. This has opened the opportunity to do a bit of regional traveling, and still spend quality time with the people I love.

I have long had the urge to see the "lost" Temples at Angkor Wat. After some research, I discovered that next year, the whole Siem Reap adventure will be changing. The Cambodian Government is planning to restrict some of the sights made available to tourists. I also found that many people who have already been, said that the best time to visit was during the wet season. That might sound a bit strange, but apparently, the atmosphere and photo taking opportunities are at their best and less crowds also make for a better time.

So with this information in hand, I started planning for the trip. First job was to get a "pass out" from Keiko and Mika. Didn't want them to think I was abandoning them. With that in hand, on to the actual booking and reservation making.

Using my old friend Agoda, the online hotel booking site and some airline sites, the whole this was organized and booked in a few hours. I've made my accommodation the Mekong Angkor Palace Hotel. It is a 3 star place with good reviews, and a price well within my budget. 4 nights, superior double room with air-conditioning, only AUD 120 including breakfast. Hopefully the arranged airport transfers will work out.

Air travel has been organized through Staff Travel on Bangkok Airways. The seat availability looks good, and with it being off peak, I thought it was worth the uncertainty of standby travel. I'll not tell you the price I paid, let's just say it was nice. I'll check the loading again when it gets closer, and maybe buy a full price ticket if required. These have been priced about 3725 baht each way.

The travel web sites tell me that one can obtain a Visa on arrival at the airport for USD20. I hope that will turn out to be true. I'll need some passport photos which I'll get when I arrive in Thailand. Much easier and cheaper there. Also, the use of American Dollars is wide spread brought Cambodia, so I've exchange some cash here in Oz prior my departure. That will save on the double exchange, if I do it in Thailand. USD 500 should be enough for the short time I'll be there.

I'll be taking my DSLR camera, video camera and use my phone camera to document what I see. I must ensure that I have all the required chargers and spare batteries. Might be difficult to buy in Siem Reap. I'm also planning to take my iPad and a netbook with me. I'll transfer all the video and photos taken during the day to it. This will give me a backup if something adverse happens to the cameras etc.

I've also done a bit of research into the mobile phone SIM card situation in Cambodia. Seems they can be purchased easily and at a reasonable price. Should be able to do that at the airport. Might not be the cheapest, but I'll stay connected from the moment I arrive. It seems that wifi connectivity is not a problem. The hotel has it inclusive of the the accommodation fee, and it should be available at most restaurants and bars.

I think most of the preparation is now complete. Leaving for Thailand on Friday, and just the bag packing to go. I'm really looking forward to this whole trip. It's been a while since may last, and I have been missing my 2 girls up there.

Part 2 will be coming soon. Stay tuned.

 

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