Arrived early in Siem Reap. After a quick breakfast, we checked into Parklane Hotel. Booked out tuk-tuk and were on our way. First off - visited the Angkor Silk Farm. Really interesting to see how silk is made. Enable us to truly value silk products.
After a decent meal at Joe-to-go, we headed for the Kompong Phluk, Floating Village. It was a pretty long walk to the boat. The boat ride (for USD15 per person) was almost an hour to view the sunset at Tonle Sap Lake. We passed the floating village before we reached a swamp area where we were told to take a small canoe to view the swamp. There was a miscommunication whereby we thought the sunset is only possible with this ride. It cost us additionally USD4 per person which they were trying to charge us USD5. Nice but not fantastic. But I would have appreciated if they would have told us about it before hand. Understand the people are poor and this amount would make a difference. Should have read about it on Tripadvisor. The sunset was nice but I thought the view was also possible at most island or beach in Malaysia. The shaky boat meant I can't do a time lapse either.
Also realized that it can get really chilly on the tuk-tuk at night and morning. Our tuk-tuk driver told us the temperature will actually drop to 16 degree during year end.
On the next day, we woke up early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. We weren't the only one. The place was crowded by 5.30am. Everyone seemed to think they work for national geography or something. Seriously, nothing beats our own eyes. The description made by most people is a little overrated. It was nice but personally feel it wasn't as spectacular as I have imagine.
Visited few other ruins like Bayon Temple and finally the much talked about Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider's shoot location). Interesting to see how the trees have grown over the whole place. Many seems to be leafless though.
The following day, we took a pretty long ride to see the carvings on the river bank at Kbal Spean. 50km on a tuk tuk can be a real challenge. The 1500meter hike/walk isn't too difficult. In fact it is easier than Gasing Hill. The pathway is pretty clear so there is no fear of getting lost if you don't' wander off. Food there is pricier than town.
Visited Banteay Srey on the way back. The place was a miniature compared to the others. So watch your head! Was said to be the one to have the best carvings of all the temples.
After that, we dropped by The Cambodia Landmine Museum. This was my highlight for the trip. Bill walked a group of us through the different rooms explaining about the history, war and what they are working on. It really moved my heart and I'm so inspired by Bill and Aki Ra's team. So many incidents and stories are not made known to the world. They have truly persevere and are making a great difference in the lives of the Cambodian despite all the challenges they have faced.
The long ride on the tuk tuk really took a toll on me. So when my friends decided they wanted to check out a Boeng Melea that is 75km away, I opt out. Just wanted to chill in pub street without rushing and torturing my body further.
It isn't the cheapest trip for me. Especially when they trade in USD and the value of MYR is really pathetic at the moment. But what I appreciate about the people especially drivers, are their patience. Worlds apart from Malaysian drivers. If Malaysian were to drive there, we would have killed many.
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