Angkor Wat Trip: December 16-18, 2017

3-Day, 2-Night Angkor Wat Itinerary: A Concise Review

1. Bangkok - Siem Reap Travel

I opted for a round-trip flight to save time. I departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport, with a flight time of 35 minutes. On the return journey, I landed at Don Mueang Airport, which took slightly over an hour.

Note: As far as I know, there is no night bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap that leaves from Mo Chit at 8:10 pm and arrives in Siem Reap at 5:25 pm, taking about 9 hours and costing around 700 baht. If you have enough time, it's okay. Let's say it depends on your budget.
...........................
2. Accommodation
I stayed at Petit Temple Suite & Spa. I must say that I got a good deal on a family room that can accommodate 4 people. The room was clean and spacious, and it included breakfast and airport transfers. It was more expensive than a guesthouse, but the service was excellent. The staff was friendly and helpful. It is about 1 km from the Night Market. A tuk-tuk from the Night Market costs $2.

Food and Dining (Quality and Prices)

The reality is that food is very expensive in Koh Lanta, with prices comparable to those in New York City. Everything is priced in USD.

Expect to pay at least $4.50-$7 (~150-230 THB) for basic local dishes like fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and noodle soup.

Even beverages are not cheap:

  • Smoothies: $1.50
  • Bottled water (1 liter): $1-$1.50
  • Coke: $1.50
  • Green tea and cocoa (diluted and not very tasty): $2-$2.50

Note:

  • The portions are very generous, enough to share between two people. If you have a smaller appetite, consider sharing to save money.
  • Most restaurants add a 10% service charge and 5% VAT to the food price.
  • Must-try local dishes include Amok (similar to Thai Hor Mok), Lok Lak (similar to sweet and sour stir-fry), and Samlar machu: Khmer sour soup (similar to vegetable curry with tamarind).

- Another must-try dish is Cambodian Bar B Q, which resembles our own Thai barbecue. However, unlike our version, Cambodian Bar B Q offers a wider variety of meats, including the more exotic options of eel, frog legs, crocodile, kangaroo, and ostrich, in addition to the usual pork, chicken, fish, squid, and shrimp. A set for 2-3 people costs around $28. The accompanying dipping sauce is a peculiar fermented soybean paste that may not be to everyone's taste. If you're feeling adventurous, give it a try, but if not, there's no pressure. 555+

- Restaurants in Pub Street / Night Market are relatively expensive, similar to Sukhumvit areas, starting at around $6 and up.

....................
4. Travel
UPDATE The price of a 3-day pass for the Angkor Wat temple complex is $62, which allows access to all temples. Normally, it is impossible to visit all temples in one day. You can plan your visit for any day, but be aware that one day is not enough.

Note:

  • For certain highlights, such as Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple, it is highly recommended to hire a guide who can connect with the official tour guide at the entrance gate. This is a great value for money option, as the guides provide detailed information and historical insights, preventing you from wandering aimlessly and missing important details. The cost is approximately $10-$15 for a tour lasting 1-1.5 hours.

- The safest way to travel is to hire a car through your hotel. It may be a bit more expensive, but you won't get scammed. For example, a small tour (including highlights) + sunrise by three-wheeled motorcycle (remork) costs $25 per vehicle and can accommodate 3-4 people.

- To watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, if you face the castle, walk to the right side, it's more beautiful. Then go sightseeing elsewhere first, and then come back in the afternoon. Take pictures more beautifully, not against the light.

- Don't miss Angkor Wat / Bayon Temple / Baphuon Temple / Ta Prohm Temple / Banteay Srei Temple. Each place takes about 1-2 hours to visit. They are beautiful and very detailed.
................
Note:
- If you are allergic to dust, bring a mask.

- Many people have probably read many reviews of tourist attractions. Try ordering the food in the pictures for survival. 555+

................

Amok (similar to chicken in banana leaf) $5

Samlar machu: Khmer sour soup (similar to sour vegetable soup with tamarind), available at restaurants for $7.

Lok Lak (similar to sweet and sour stir-fry) costs $7 at the restaurant.

Cambodian Bar B Q: Exotic Flavors in Simplicity

This phrase describes Cambodian Bar B Q as possessing a hidden exoticism within its apparent simplicity.

Starbucks in Apsara Version :)

Bye!

Short, huh? Haha.


Comments