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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