Siem Reap Trip – 19-21 September 2014

Oh my! The trip was far more exciting and amazing than I had expected! In a group of four from my workplace, we drafted a schedule and planning to visit Siem Reap right before this Pchum Ben, and it came out with one of the most marvelous trip I have ever had.

Sunset at Bakheng Mount – Wow, that was a magnificent view!

First destination after checking in the hotel was to climb the Bakheng Mount to see the sunset. We arrived at the hotel at 4pm and set off by tuk tuk to the Mountain. Bakheng Mount is closed at 5:30pm, and we at the right time to climb up and enjoyed the surrounding scenery and waited for the sun to go ‘home’.

 

A new friend made on the first dinner in SR – Bong Kompheak (Mr. February)

We were given so much support from a friend of Lina – Bong Kompheak – who brought us to have delicious meals, drove us to great places, and told us the history of the temples.

Second day – Tuk tuk trip – Banteay Srey Temple and Bayon Temple

We took a tuk tuk to Banteay Srey, one of the temples with the most beautiful carvings of all. It is located far from the Siem Reap town and we spent the whole morning travelling to and exploring at the temple. Believe it or not, our tuk tuk had a sound system to play music! Cool right?

We had lunch in front of Angkor Touch and went on to visit Bayon Temple in the afternoon. It was my second time to Bayon, but the feeling was still excited and the view was still astonishing.

After the temple trip, we went to the Cultural Village. I loved the show about the lady in the Kroeung Village most. Totally hilarious!

Third day – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wow wow wow! We were at the right time to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat! According to B. Kompheak, there are two days a year when the sun rises right on the tip of the Angkor Wat. We were lucky enough to see the greatest view of the year! And luckily it did not rain at all during our visit.

Far from the city – Koh Kei Temple and Boeung Mealea Temple

Another two impressive temples I have ever seen! Approximately two-hour drive from the Angkor Touch, Bong Kompheak drove us to visit Koh Kei Temple and we had lunch there. There were not many visitors on that day. After lunch we headed to Boeung Mealea Temple which is now not in a good shape due to war and natural condition. Still an interesting place to visit!

Boat trip – Water Community – Kompong Phlok

We rented a small boat for five people to go along the Tonle Sap River at Kompong Phlok port to go to the Kompong Phlok water community. It is my first time to see people living on water. I was surprised to see the police station, school, restaurant, pagoda, and people’s houses built on the water and boats are the only transportation means to commute. The sunset view along the Tonle Sap River was also stunning and beautiful. All of a sudden, I had a romantic feeling! Hehe

Fourth day – Angkor Wat and Ta Prom Temple – Final destination of the trip

Strange right? We set Angkor Touch and Ta Prom Temple the last destination for our visit. They are the must-see temples, but they almost skipped them due to time constraint. Luckily enough and thanks to B. Kompheak, we made it using a morning before checking out the hotel at 12pm.

The trip was well planned and it was well implemented, of course only with support from our host guide, Mr. Kompheak. I had a very good time with B. Thyna, Lina and Sngoun and took lots of great pictures. At the same time I also learned about some histories of the temples told by B. Kompheak.

Life is short. Time to travel and explore is limited in our life. I appreciate every chance to see great things and explore new places. This trip is so marvelous and memorable, and it is the first time I have been on a personal trip with colleagues. I wish that I will have more chances to go on similar and more adventurous trips in the future before being tied by some bonds.

Cheers and Farewell.....!