Cambodia Part 1 – Siem Reap

My 8-day Cambodia trip was both fun and inspiring.

When I decided to go to Cambodia with Sophea and gang, I totally do not know what to expect from that country. The only thing I knew from Cambodia was Angkor Wat and Seng Sophea. I even thought that the capital city Phnom Penh has only dirt roads full of motorcycles and cows.

I was proven so wrong when I finally saw the cities for myself.

Many things are very similar to Malaysia. But there are also many things totally out of my expectation. And those are the things that not only expanded my horizon, but also make me appreciate what I have even more.

We went to three places — Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.

We reached Siem Reap first, the land once stood the ancient Angkorian Civilisation.

Siem Reap Town

We landed very early in the morning, went to the town and checked-in our guesthouse at Golden Mango Inn.

“Cambodia’s hospitality is way better than Malaysia’s hospitality,” said Sophea.

I couldn’t agree with her more.

Take Golden Mango Inn for example, they welcomed us with big smiles, cold towel and welcome drinks. Rooms were big and clean with comprehensive facilities. The people were so friendly they really made us feel at home. Another example, where can you find an express bus service in Malaysia that gives you cold towel, mineral water, cakes and detail explanations of the scenes along the 6-hour journey? None! All they know is how to speed, sleep and crash on the highway!

Ok enough ranting. Let’s move on.

We had our first taste of local food during lunch. It was gooooood! I mean really good. Cambodian food are mostly sweet, not much of spicy food.

Looking at the pictures really make me crave for more Cambodian food.

Cambodian Cultural Village

After lunch, we visited the Cambodian Cultural Village. A place consists of cultural exhibitions, themed gardens and cultural performances.

Phnom Bakheng

Around evening, we went to get our one-day pass to Angkor which cost us 20 USD per person. However, they allow visitors to go into the Angkor area for free after 5 PM before they close the entire place at 6 PM.

Taking advantage of this free hour, we went to Phnom Bakheng, a temple situated on a hill not far away from Angkor Wat.

Because Phnom Bakheng is on a higher ground, it’s a nice place to view the sunset. Too bad it was too cloudy we couldn’t see anything.

Pub Street

Night falls, time for dinner. We went to the famous Pub Street to look for food.

We decided to dine at the Temple Club Restaurant.

The beer was really cheap. A glass of Anchor draft was only 50 cents USD and a glass of cocktail was only 5 USD 2.5 USD!

The food was not bad at all, especially the pork ribs!

Angkor Night Market

After dinner, we took a walk to the nearby Angkor Night Market.

It was a shopping heaven. Everything there was so cheap you could get a t-shirt for only 2 USD and a 60 minutes foot massage for only 4 USD 3 USD!

What a fruitful, long and tiring day. Although it was only the first day but I started to like Cambodia already.

Coming up next, temples visiting and Angkor Wat sunrise.

Cambodia Series

• Cambodia Part 1 — Siem Reap (this)
• Cambodia Part 2 — Angkor
• Cambodia Part 3 — Tonle Sap
• Cambodia Trailer
• Cambodia Part 4 — Phnom Penh
• Cambodia Part 5 Finale — Sihanoukville