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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