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Cambodia (Indochina Tour – Part 2)

August 5, 2024

From Bangkok, Thailand, we booked a bus through Klook with a company called Giant Ibis Transport. The departure time from Bangkok was 7:45 AM, and they specified that you should be at the given address strictly 1 hour before departure. We were late, so the operator had to call the bus, which had already left, and we met it somewhere in Bangkok. It’s really important to allow extra time for travel, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the route.

The bus was nice; you could recline if you wanted to, and there was legroom. The ride was comfortable. The travel time from Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia (the second-largest city in Cambodia), is about 8 hours. It’s quite cool to cross the boundary between two countries by bus. We stopped at Cambodian immigration, where our passports were checked. The process was quick, and then we were allowed to continue. There was a free lunch on the bus, so we ate while traveling.

We arrived at the terminal past 4 PM and took a tuk-tuk to our booked hotel. We checked in around 5 PM. I highly recommend the hotel we stayed at because it had a very peaceful ambiance, and the staff were very friendly. The hotel is called Rithy Rine Angkor Residence. We rested for a while before going out to explore and have dinner.

We explored some of the nearby attractions, which seemed like night markets. There were many souvenirs, and a lot of haggling took place. The prices in Cambodia are cheaper compared to Thailand. I also noticed that people in Cambodia speak in a gentle manner. After shopping for souvenirs and having dinner, we returned to the hotel and rested.

We woke up early the next day to prepare for our tour. The hotel offered a free breakfast, which was a great way to start the day. We had booked an Angkor Temples Tour through Klook. Just like in Thailand, Klook’s service was excellent. We left on time for our Angkor Temples tour. The guide was very accommodating and knowledgeable about the history of the location and fluent in English, so communication was easy. He also had a good sense of humor.

Upon arriving at our destination, I was immediately amazed by the beauty of Angkor Wat, a famous attraction in Cambodia. Angkor Wat is renowned for its detailed carvings and bas-reliefs, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and various gods. Its symmetrical design and intricate stonework make it a stunning example of Khmer architecture. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major attraction for visitors.

It was extremely hot in Cambodia because the areas we were exploring were open. Therefore, I wore sunglasses and used an umbrella for shade.

After visiting Angkor Wat, we also explored other famous temples, such as Angkor Thom, where you can see Bayon Temple, known for its numerous serene, smiling faces carved into its towers. We also visited Ta Prohm, which is known for its dramatic appearance, where trees and roots have intertwined with the ruins, giving it a mystical and overgrown look. This temple was featured in the movie Tomb Raider. There were also elephants visible in some areas.

The tour involves a lot of walking and exploring, with guides providing historical and cultural context. The Angkor Temples Tour is a remarkable journey through the rich history and architectural grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Despite the heat and extensive walking, the experience is well worth it for its breathtaking beauty and the sense of connection to a once-great civilization.

CAMBODIA HIGHLIGHTS: