My Cambodian Journey: The Beginning
For many times, i had put Cambodia on my traveling map; for this time, i can finally tick it 'done'. The obvious and striking reason to why i wanted to visit Cambodia is, of course, the Angkor Wat- listed as a UNESCO site and nominated for the Seven Wonders of the World; other reasons being the Killing Fields, the Tonle Sap Lake and deep fried tarantulas (you read right, i wanted to try this). Driven by the desire to see the ruins and rumbles (or so i thought) of ancient temples in real, when i saw that there were promotions on Air Asia flying to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, i knew that it was it- that i should grab this opportunity, grab my bag, and go. Knowing that the Angkor Wat is in Siem Reap, another city about 300 km away from Phnom Penh, my friend and i decided to make this trip more exciting, covering the two cities, from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, in an a-la backpacking style- which happens to be my very first.
With the goal to make our ground travel within one thousand Ringgit (which we succeeded!), we did some homework, made worthy reservations and sketched out our itinerary. Pumped and prepared to travel, my Cambodian journey began. Retold in this tale of 'My Cambodian Journey' in 7 unique parts, i strive to provide these posts as a current travel guide, story like which will focus on the details of the place, my personal experiences and my feedback, instead of the entire history involved- because with history as interesting as Cambodia's, the space here is just insufficient. Having said that, i will try to be as comprehensive as possible and in chronological order of parts so you can adopt this itinerary in your travel.
My Cambodian Journey: The Beginning
My Cambodian Journey: A Charming City
My Cambodian Journey: Saddened by History
My Cambodian Journey: A Scenic Ride?
My Cambodian Journey: Bow to the Magnificent Angkor Wat and More
My Cambodian Journey: Sunset at Tonle Sap Lake
My Cambodian Journey: The Next Stop
My seven-day adventure to the once known Pearl of Asia, in the Kingdom of Cambodia, has truly been like a walk through a kingdom of wonder, of firsts; a journey that i am sure, in many, many years, will resonate in memory.
To every great adventure, there is a beginning, and in 'The Beginning', i will cover the general aspects of my entire journey on the land of the Khmer. It was my first time spending the night in the airport, and i do not want to repeat that experience again.
Language
Language is a barrier but definitely not a hindrance, especially when adventure is what we are looking for. Don't let the fear of not speaking the same language as you stop you. Instead, pick up some words of their language, the Khmer or Cambodian language. I've learned how to say 'thank you' in Khmer, which is pronounced 'aw-koon'. Even if it is pronounced funny to them, at least you've tried- and they are not going to bite. I wished i had the chance to learn more while i was there (learning online is different).
Having said that, some people in Cambodia can speak English, Chinese and Thai. They assisted us in giving directions, especially the 'tuk tuk' drivers; the hostels' staffs do speak passable English, and particularly at bargaining. Even the menus come in bi-language so you can point to them your order, or just say it. The tourist attraction areas do have English boards and tours in various languages. Sometimes language, or communication for that matter, may be more than what is spoken and written.
People
The people i met were generally nice and friendly. Unlike other travels i have went, this time, i really got to mingle with the locals. Hawker stall workers, night market shop owners, restaurant waitress, hostels' staffs were some of the people i met along the way. One of them also insisted to buy us snacks. Some have been to Malaysia and they said that meeting us reminded them of Malaysia and wanting to visit again.
Staying in a hostel or on the road, i also met other tourists from various countries: Australia, England, Denmark, US, Germany, Poland, amongst others. Their sharing of experiences shed a new light in my life, reminding me of time and age, and the goal to see the world.
Currency
The US dollars or the local currency, Riel is widely accepted. When i was there, 1 US dollars is about 4000 Riel.
Safety
I found it generally safe to walk in the streets or around the cities- of course, i'm not speaking about dark alleys, walking singly or displaying your wealth out in the open. Take care of yourself and your belongings, be smart and that will do just fine- i'm back here writing, am i?
As for road crossing, be sure to look left and right because while the roads may be small and narrow, vehicles can come in all direction.
Weather
I liked the weather. My Cambodian friend told me that January is a good time to visit Cambodia and it surely was. Sunny and bright but cool at the same time; similar to Malaysia but cooler. Especially in Phnom Penh when the wind blows, along the river front, you just feel like closing your eyes and sleep. Days on all seven days were good for walking, no rain, sweaty but satisfying.
Transport
Moving around was relatively easy for us, since there was only two people. Mostly on foot and mostly on 'tuk tuk', their local taxi-like, motorcycle cart, similar to those in Thailand. I do believe that it is cheaper and riding the 'tuk tuk' can be so much fun- as if you're going to be thrown out the cart; hold tight to your belongings especially on bumpy roads, you do not want things to fall out. 'Tuk tuk' rides in the morning and late evening may make you shiver because of the wind and cool air you're going through. A good investment in riding 'tuk tuk' is a face mask, scarf or handkerchief- anything that can help you breathe better in dusty and sandy routes. Also, while using the honk vigorously in Malaysia may invite swearing of words or unpleasant gestures, it is rather normal there. They honked at almost every junction to indicate their presence.
Now that you've got the overview of the adventure, be ready to embark on this journey and create your own. I'd love to hear your stories too.
One of my favourite temples visited, Bayon in Angkor Thom.
With the goal to make our ground travel within one thousand Ringgit (which we succeeded!), we did some homework, made worthy reservations and sketched out our itinerary. Pumped and prepared to travel, my Cambodian journey began. Retold in this tale of 'My Cambodian Journey' in 7 unique parts, i strive to provide these posts as a current travel guide, story like which will focus on the details of the place, my personal experiences and my feedback, instead of the entire history involved- because with history as interesting as Cambodia's, the space here is just insufficient. Having said that, i will try to be as comprehensive as possible and in chronological order of parts so you can adopt this itinerary in your travel.
My Cambodian Journey: The Beginning
My Cambodian Journey: A Charming City
My Cambodian Journey: Saddened by History
My Cambodian Journey: A Scenic Ride?
My Cambodian Journey: Bow to the Magnificent Angkor Wat and More
My Cambodian Journey: Sunset at Tonle Sap Lake
My Cambodian Journey: The Next Stop
Expect good food around Cambodia- i liked Cambodian food, or at least it fits my taste. Seen here is the famous Fish Amok.
Know more about this tree in 'Saddened by History'.
My seven-day adventure to the once known Pearl of Asia, in the Kingdom of Cambodia, has truly been like a walk through a kingdom of wonder, of firsts; a journey that i am sure, in many, many years, will resonate in memory.
To every great adventure, there is a beginning, and in 'The Beginning', i will cover the general aspects of my entire journey on the land of the Khmer. It was my first time spending the night in the airport, and i do not want to repeat that experience again.
Language
Language is a barrier but definitely not a hindrance, especially when adventure is what we are looking for. Don't let the fear of not speaking the same language as you stop you. Instead, pick up some words of their language, the Khmer or Cambodian language. I've learned how to say 'thank you' in Khmer, which is pronounced 'aw-koon'. Even if it is pronounced funny to them, at least you've tried- and they are not going to bite. I wished i had the chance to learn more while i was there (learning online is different).
Having said that, some people in Cambodia can speak English, Chinese and Thai. They assisted us in giving directions, especially the 'tuk tuk' drivers; the hostels' staffs do speak passable English, and particularly at bargaining. Even the menus come in bi-language so you can point to them your order, or just say it. The tourist attraction areas do have English boards and tours in various languages. Sometimes language, or communication for that matter, may be more than what is spoken and written.
People
The people i met were generally nice and friendly. Unlike other travels i have went, this time, i really got to mingle with the locals. Hawker stall workers, night market shop owners, restaurant waitress, hostels' staffs were some of the people i met along the way. One of them also insisted to buy us snacks. Some have been to Malaysia and they said that meeting us reminded them of Malaysia and wanting to visit again.
Staying in a hostel or on the road, i also met other tourists from various countries: Australia, England, Denmark, US, Germany, Poland, amongst others. Their sharing of experiences shed a new light in my life, reminding me of time and age, and the goal to see the world.
Currency
The US dollars or the local currency, Riel is widely accepted. When i was there, 1 US dollars is about 4000 Riel.
Safety
I found it generally safe to walk in the streets or around the cities- of course, i'm not speaking about dark alleys, walking singly or displaying your wealth out in the open. Take care of yourself and your belongings, be smart and that will do just fine- i'm back here writing, am i?
As for road crossing, be sure to look left and right because while the roads may be small and narrow, vehicles can come in all direction.
Weather
I liked the weather. My Cambodian friend told me that January is a good time to visit Cambodia and it surely was. Sunny and bright but cool at the same time; similar to Malaysia but cooler. Especially in Phnom Penh when the wind blows, along the river front, you just feel like closing your eyes and sleep. Days on all seven days were good for walking, no rain, sweaty but satisfying.
Mesmerized by the flooded forest near Kampong Phluk, on the way to Tonle Sap Lake, in this cool, sunny weather.
Transport
Moving around was relatively easy for us, since there was only two people. Mostly on foot and mostly on 'tuk tuk', their local taxi-like, motorcycle cart, similar to those in Thailand. I do believe that it is cheaper and riding the 'tuk tuk' can be so much fun- as if you're going to be thrown out the cart; hold tight to your belongings especially on bumpy roads, you do not want things to fall out. 'Tuk tuk' rides in the morning and late evening may make you shiver because of the wind and cool air you're going through. A good investment in riding 'tuk tuk' is a face mask, scarf or handkerchief- anything that can help you breathe better in dusty and sandy routes. Also, while using the honk vigorously in Malaysia may invite swearing of words or unpleasant gestures, it is rather normal there. They honked at almost every junction to indicate their presence.
My friend and i on a 'tuk tuk'.
Now that you've got the overview of the adventure, be ready to embark on this journey and create your own. I'd love to hear your stories too.
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