Crossing Poipet – Aranyaprathet Borders

I had another adventure when I was doing my Southeast Asian trip. Before, I had a journey to the border of Viet Nam and Cambodia. Now, I was crossing the Poipet – Aranyaprathet borders. I stayed in Cambodia for a week and it was time for me to change address again.

From the hotel I was staying, I let them arranged my bus company and I just emphasized that I need a direct bus that’ll take me to Thailand from Cambodia. Mr. Phirun Heng, the owner of Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa, bought a bus ticket of the most famous direct bus in Siem Reap to Bangkok via NATTAKAN Cambodia Co. Ltd for USD30. NATTAKAN Cambodia Co. Ltd is located in Sivatan Road just few stores from KFC. I haven’t gotten other information with regard to departure time. All I know is the bus always leaves from Siem Reap, Cambodia at 0800H to Bangkok, Thailand.

NATTAKAN Cambodia Co. Ltd during the night when I had dinner in KFC the day before my trip.

NATTAKAN bus ticket

It was a fine day, the sun was up and everything was going smooth as planned for my trip. I had a tuktuk pick me up at the hotel for bus transfer. When I got at the station, the staff asked me of my passport and ticket. By the way, you need to purchase the ticket way ahead of time like a day before your trip. So going back, I was assisted on getting my bags inside the bus and after that I went to the office to get my passport with my ticket. I headed inside the bus and looked for the seat I was assigned to. Actually, it was the staff who pointed me where my seat was. Every passenger got settled down and so, the journey began.

On the day of my trip

Bus routines

It was a 3-hour ride from Siem Reap to Poipet border in Banteay Meanchey Province. The bus company prepared for us a delectable snacks paired with an orange juice.

Snack pack

Some sweet pastries

Orange juice

When we were closed to the border, they handed us this to hang on our necks.

Our Identification card

Cambodia – Thailand border

We were told to get out of the bus along with our bags to go to the Poipet border and have our passport stamped with the Cambodian departure card filled out.

Going to Poipet border pass

We walked about 5 mins to Cambodian border and have an exit stamped on our passport. The next journey was the tiring one. We walked about 20 mins to Aranyaprathet border and passport control.

The walk towards the International Border of Thailand

Thailand Border Control Office

For foreign passport holders, the immigration office is located at the second floor. They will give you an arrival and departure card that looked like this.

Immigration card, information asked such as name, date of birth, nationality, gender, address where you will stay in Thailand, mode of arrival.

Once you finished filling it out, just head directly to the immigration officer and hand it with your passport. Mine, it took me a smile to finish the transaction within a minute. After I had an arrival stamped on my passport, I went out and look for the bus. The bus companies do wait few meters away from the immigration office. It is a parking area for buses.

Sawadee Khrap Thailand

Final security check before entering Thailand

Parking Area

The Bus

With toilet

We were in Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand and somewhere there, the bus employee picked up packed lunches and food was served to every passenger.

In Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province, Kingdom of Thailand

Restaurant where our packed lunches were picked up

Packed Lunch

Delicious Lunch

We traveled about 3-4 hours going to Bangkok. The views were all the same, rice fields almost all throughout the trip. We arrived in the busy city of Bangkok at 1630H.

I hailed a taxi to send me to the hotel I have made reservation which is located in Sukhumvit Soi 30/1 which is near Philippine Embassy. Upon getting there, I had all my things unpacked and when I had everything in place. I went out to have some dinner in a tourist haven of Bangkok which is the Khaosan Road and had my first Thai food. I ate in Tom Yung Kung Restaurant. I also had my first BTS/ Skytrain ride.

Khaosan Road during night

Tom Yung Kung Restaurant

Tom Yung

Skytrain ticket

My first BTS ride

With regard to my whole experience of crossing Poipet – Aranyaprathet borders, I can say that it was tiring but fun, draining but educating, and worth the try of a lifetime.

The City of Temples

Kingdom of Cambodia has been very famous to the world due to its rich culture, history and traditions. The country is called the Land of Temples and Towers due to the abundance of these magnificent wat/temples which are scattered all over the land. The most popular of these temples is the Angkor Wat which is in the centre of the Cambodian geography. Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap. Due to this, Siem Reap has been claimed the world’s fourth best city for tourists by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for 2014. Since I was in Cambodia, so, I never miss going there and besides most travelers traveled to this country to see the well-known wat/ temple.

I stayed in Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa which was located just 5 minutes from the Angkor Wat. I woke up early and have arranged a one-day tour with the hotel’s tuktuk service. The plan was to explore all the wonderful temples in Siem Reap and we even talked about going to Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre which were an hour ride from the centre of Siem Reap. First, I had breakfast and then headed to the itinerary of the day. When we got there, there were tons of tourists. Buses parked here and there. Queues were long to get an Angkor Pass. Of course, it should be long. Angkor Wat is one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. So, I followed the queue and it was actually fast. Within 2 minutes, I was already in the counter. For Angkor Pass, it was for USD20. Yes, it is expensive but you can visit all the temples just present this pass and the payment will also help in maintaining and restoring the temples. The pass is non-transferable. They will take picture of you and have it printed in your pass just like this.

Angkor Pass

Information for Tourists

So, with the ticket with me and riding the tuktuk, the journey started. We first went to the prominent temple, Angkor Wat. As advised by most people and even the tuktuk driver, it is better to come to Angkor Wat during the afternoon to fully see the great view of the temples. It is due to the direction of the sun rays that you can’t really admire it during the morning. Too shame, I could only take these photos. But it was really magnificent. I spent about an hour roaming around the temple. Too bad, I didn’t hire any tour guide but even though I only knew a little what this temple has gone through for years, I could say that it made wonders in the world and put Cambodia in the map as well as Hinduism and Buddhism as a big-name religions of the past. I can still remember from my Asian Civilization class during my secondary years at school that Angkor Wat is the largest Hinduism temple complex in the world. It has become a symbol of Cambodia as it appears in their national flag.

On the way to Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat from afar

Angkor Wat

Inside the Angkor Wat grounds

Monkeys on the roof

Amazing Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat grounds and tourists

The APSARA dancers

Steep climb to get a better view of Angkor Wat

Bakan regulations

Angkor Wat

It was scorching hot strolling around this temple. Good enough that the tuktuk driver also provided me umbrella and a bottled water. We passed by Phnom Bakheng and Baksei Chamkrong because it was not in the plan in the first place. We headed to Angkor Thom and Bayon temple. Bayon temple is also amazing to look at. Since the temple’s most distinct feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers. It’s really hard to capture a decent photo in this type of location wherein it was jam-packed with numerous tourists. But, I got some good ones.

On our way to Angkor Thom

Bayon Temple

Bayon Temple view

Stone face

Stone faces in Bayon Temple

Wall designs

Buddha in Bayon Temple

Rear view of Bayon Temple

Next attraction was Baphoun Temple. I walked from Bayon temple to get there. This temple looked different as well. It has a unique design. It is a 3-tiered temple mountain built as a state temple. Here I needed to catch some breath since you need to climb the steep stairway to get to the top. The view on top of the temple was great but it was still hot. Not that I complained a lot of the weather being too sunny that day.

Going to Baphoun Temple

Three-tiered Baphoun Temple

Baphoun temple ground

Baphoun Temple

View on 2nd floor of Baphoun Temple

Another stairs to see the view on top of Baphoun Temple

Baphoun Temple ground

Third floor of Baphoun Temple

Angkor Thom Map

Then I got down and out of Baphoun temple. I was about to go to the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King but I was exhausted already. Maybe a gallon of water has evaporated from me body. It was also my fault since I refused to take another bottle of water and the umbrella the tuktuk driver offered to me. So, I just told him to go to a nearest restaurant to eat since it was also time to have lunch.

Tourist’s Coaster, Vans and Buses

On our way to the restaurant, I saw these views.

Random shots

Random shots

Ta Keo Temple

He brought me to Ta Prohm Khmer Food, the price of the foods was a little bit expensive maybe due to its location since all tourists go there to get some munchies and meals. Here, I ordered Fried Noodle with Pork and vegetables. It was delicious. The service was OK, too.

Back to the journey, we went to Ta Prohm. This temple has been known since it was also the same location shot in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider which was starred by Angelina Jolie. Ta Prohm has this photogenic and atmospheric effect with combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings making it one of the most famous Angkor temples visited by tourists. Too sad, it has been neglected and needed much restoration. But so far, it was also an amazing place to wander since the air was cool and there were a lot of trees to find shades from the glaring sun.

Ta Prohm Temple Complex

Ta Prohm

There were still places to visit but I called it a day. I miss so much of other attractions in Siem Reap but my body just can’t handle traveling with so intense heat. I have failed to see Preah Khan, Neak Poan Temple, Ta Som temple, Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre and Bakong Temple. Maybe next time, I can go back there with someone special. Well anyway, I went back to the hotel and took some rest.

By 1900H, I hailed my personal tuktuk driver to send me to the Angkor Night Market. I did shopping and bought some souvenirs and other stuff. You can haggle to the price you can afford and save a lot.

Angkor Night Market

As a wrap up, my experience in the City of Temples was truly worth remembering. I can tell it to my friends and families. I will definitely advise them to go there and see it for themselves and be mesmerized.

Be a traveler not just once but all the time.

Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa, A Home Away from Home

I’ve been away from home for a long time and I can’t remember how it feels like to be at home. Then suddenly, I found a hotel which I felt like I’m at home. I considered Putheavatie Boutique Hotel and Spa, a home away from home.

Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa

I was in Siem Reap and I traveled far from Phnom Penh wherein I took an 8-hour bus trip just to get there. With what I have been through, a sure and relaxing abode should be most rewarding. I found Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa via Booking.com before my Southeast Asian trip. I paid for USD63 for a Triple Room which was good for 2 nights.

Triple Room

Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa is located in Sangkat Slorkram in Siem Reap which is just 5-min drive to the most famous tourist attraction in Siem Reap. The hotel offered free wi-fi connection, a bicycle rental, a one-way shuttle service to Old Town, free pick-up service from either the airport, boating dock, or bus station. I had mine picked me up at Mekong Express Limousine Bus station. They arranged it ahead of time. After I booked a room, they sent an e-mail message to me regarding on the details of my arrival. When I arrived in Siem Reap, the tuktuk driver was there with my name on a paper waved. From the bus station to the hotel was about 15-minute travel.

When I got to the hotel, the hotel staff got my bags and brought it to my room. That was amazing. Everything was arranged already even my room. I haven’t talked to the receptionist or even gave my check-in details to them yet. When Mr. Phirun Heng approached the reception area, he told me that everything was arranged already and I was surprised. Mr. Phirun Heng is the owner of the hotel and he is a good person with such humility. He was the one who has been sending me e-mail messages asking about the details of my stay in Siem Reap. I was thankful enough for everything he has done. He even offered me a personal tuktuk driver for me to arrange my tour in the temples and transportation going to and from the Old Town. That made me feel like royalty.

Well I gave this hotel a high praise. From the lobby, it looked clean and welcoming.

The room was equipped with a television, a fridge, a percolator with tea and coffee available, as well as slippers. It has a balcony, too. They provided free toiletries and towels.

In addition to that, they also provided breakfast to customers with freshly brewed coffee.

Dining Area

So far, the reason it was hard for me to leave Siem Reap was because of the best treatment I got from Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa. I was welcomed warmly like a family member and treated my stay like I was at home. The facilities they have maybe of mediocre but it has been well compensated with the services and hospitality the staff showed and provided. If I were to come back in Siem Reap, I’ll definitely come back in Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa.

If you want to contact them, here is their calling card.

Trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Having said that I love Phnom Penh, it only signifies that I need to see the other side of the Kingdom of Cambodia. And what better place to explore in this country than the most famous temple in Southeast Asia which is in Siem Reap. When I arrived in Phnom Penh via Mekong Express Limousine Bus, I was dropped in their bus station. Hence, I took the liberty to get a ticket for a trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. I paid USD13 for the fare for a 6-7 hours trip. I chose the 0830H departure time for me to see the views on the way there.

Bus Trip Schedules

Bus Ticket

The day came for my trip. I was staying in Cozyna Hotel and according to the staff whom I talked to when I bought the ticket, they will pick me up since it is included in their service. They picked up passengers if they are staying near Sisowath Quay. I woke up early at 0600H to prepare everything and to have some decent breakfast since it will be a long ride. I waited for my pick-up service at the lobby of the hotel. They came at 0800H and we went to the bus station. In the bus station, same procedure was done when I had my border crossing trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. They took my luggage and put a claim tag to it that indicates my bus seat number. After all the passengers have settled down in the bus, the bus left and headed to our destination at exactly 0830H. I’m so impressed, they follow time schedules.

Bus Station in Khan Russey Keo

Tagging Baggage

Queue going inside the bus

Space between seats is wide

Our bus attendant

Fellow Passengers, most of them are Cambodians

About an hour, the staff handed to us some snacks, a bottle of juice and water. Inside the snack box were two different foods, sweet cupcakes and the other one is a pastry filled with meat yet a little spicy. But all were delicious.

Cupcakes and a Pastry

The view changes on every provinces we passed by. When we were almost out of Phnom Penh, the sights were mostly temples.

Temple somewhere in the outskirts of Phnom Penh

Temple somewhere in the outskirts of Phnom Penh

Then we were in Kandal, the view changed to more of rivers. The province features two of the biggest rivers in the country which are Bassac and Mekong.

Kandal Province

Kandal Province

Kandal Province

Few hours later, the bus was in Kampong Cham. It is a lowland of the Mekong River. Here you will still see the river but now with amazing view of green rice fields with blue sky and red soil.

Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham village

Kampong Cham

Rice field in Kampong Cham

Temple in Kampong Cham

Mekong River in Kampong Cham

Same as what I saw in Kampong Cham, Santuk also has a great view of rice paddies but this place is just a district of a big province.

Rice Paddies in Santuk District

Santuk District’s Redland

A House in Santuk District

In Kampong Thom, we had our bus stopped at Stung Sen Restaurant which is a place for passengers to have their lunch. Upon arriving there, it was full and we can hardly make an order coz the waiters and waitresses just flew here and there. I ended not having lunch at all and just settled with some junk foods.

Kampong Thom

Bus Stopover in Stung Sen Restaurant in Kampong Thom

Stung Sen Restaurant in Kampong Thom

Stung Sen Restaurant in Kampong Thom

After everyone has come back to the bus, we continued our journey to Siem Reap. At 1630H, we arrived in Siem Reap. I was waiting for my pick-up service since I arranged it with the hotel. The tuktuk was there and then we headed to the hotel. I checked in Putheavatei Boutique Hotel and Spa and went out to have some dinner. The owner of the hotel offered me a tuktuk driver/ tour guide/ adviser. His name is Ray and he speaks Khmer and Thai. Ray suggested to go to Khmer BarbeQ to dine there, so, we went there.

Khmer BarbeQ Contact Details

Khmer BarbeQ on TripAdvisor

Khmer BarbeQ Restaurant offered a wide range of food selections. They serve pork, beef, chicken, even crocodiles and many more. The place has a great ambience and it made me feel luxurious yet the foods were affordable and the services were good. All in all, the dining experience was great. After my tummy was full, I put myself to bed to rest. That is how my trip goes. It was exhausting but enjoyable.

Now, it’s your time to have a trip and have fun.

I Love Phnom Penh

As what I have posted on my previous article, I went to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Believe me, it was indeed captivating and mesmerizing. Since I introduced only a summary of Cambodia, here I will tell you what to see in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Only few people have talked about Phnom Penh because most bloggers only featured Siem Reap.

In Phnom Penh, there are also numerous tourist attractions and most of these are located just within few blocks. You can take a tuktuk to see these spots or even walk if you want some exercise. Well for me, I hired a tuktuk and luckily picked out a good driver named Peter. He speaks English and is a very helpful gentleman. I started the day early. Peter picked me up in the guesthouse and I told him I need some food to eat for breakfast so, he took me to a famous restaurant called Khmer Saravan. I just ordered a clubhouse sandwich and also bought some sandwich for Peter as a treat. In Khmer Saravan, there were quite a lot of tourists who visited this place as you can see the walls were full of drawings from travelers anywhere in the world. The ambience was great overlooking Sisowath Quay of the Tonle Sap lake.

Khmer Saravan’s Menu

Wall Decor

Drawings and Messages on the Wall

Khmer Saravan

View of Sisowath Quay

Just 15 mins, Peter and I headed to Wat Phnom. Since I didn’t hire a tour guide, my tuktuk driver became one. He told me the story behind Wat Phnom. He said that during the early decades, Phnom Penh was submerged in water by flood and only the mountain that Wat Phnom was erected can be seen thus, people have been saved by going and climbing the mountain and after later years, they built the temple. In the temple, there is an admission fee of USD1 as a contribution to support Wat Phnom.

Wat Phnom Admission Ticket

1. Wat Phnom or called as Temple of the Mountains or Mountain Pagoda is the tallest religious structure in the city of Phnom Penh.

Wat Phnom Staircase

Wat Phnom View

Wat Phnom View

Wat Phnom View

Wat Phnom

Ticket Booth

I paid some respect and after I took some photos in Wat Phnom, I went down and headed to my next destination. But when I got to the tuktuk, I was a little bit thirsty and I told to go to some nearby store. So, he drove all the way to Preah Nokor St 126.

2. Central Market or Phsar Thmei was of course a market but was considered a tourist attraction. This market opens from 0700H to 1700H and most tourists came here due to the availability of extensive amount of products for bargain. But, I went there just to quench my thirst.

Central Market

Back to the tour, we went to Wat Sarawan but it was not advisable to go there. There were monks living there and it was not well sustained. Hence without a doubt, we proceeded to the next nearest attraction.

Wat Sarawan

3. Wat Ounalom is located on the banks of the Tonle Sap lake. There, it has magnificent view and designs of the temple. Per wiki, it has been believed that the stupa at the main complex contains an eyebrow hair of Buddha and an inscription Pali.

Wat Ounalom Street View

Wat Ounalom

Inside Wat Ounalom

The Massive Gate

I spent so much time there. It was hot but I enjoyed the shade of the trees around. I sat down for minutes and when my energy was restored. I went to my next stop.

Passing thru Supreme Court of Phnom Penh

4. Independence Monument or Vimean Ekareach is a little far from Wat Ounalom since I skipped the main attractions of the city which are the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Anyway, who wouldn’t get his attention when passing the Independence Monument. It’s huge, and strikingly grandiose. It is in a form of a lotus-shaped stupa of the same style of the Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.

Independence Monument

The panorama of the Independence Monument is marvelous and worth picture-taking. Yet I have to go off as planned. Next stop was another religious centre.

5. Wat Langka is one of the oldest pagodas and a famous historical site in Phnom Penh. When we got there, they were doing some open meditation sessions therefore, we went to another religious centre.

Wat Langka

6. Wat Botum Vattey is somewhat a community. In English, it is a Temple of the Lotus Blossoms. I saw here a school nearby and there are a lot of stupas. They said that there were too many politicians and eminent persons of the city who were laid to rest here in this temple.

Wat Botum Vattey

I was busy taking photos when my camera alarmed and signaled, Battery Low. Then, I have decided to go for lunch and take some rest while charging the battery of my camera. Few minutes later, we went back on the road and this time, it was far. It was about 30 mins drive to get there.

Random photo while on the road

7. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a different type of museum. It showed here what happened during the Khmer Rouge. It was heartbreaking, hair raising and teeth gritting experience. It maybe just a plain museum but it sure can make you teary eyed.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Admission Ticket for USD3 in Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

I spent almost an hour in the museum. When I was done there, I went back to the guesthouse to get my baggage because I needed to transfer to a hotel where I was supposed to be staying and Peter helped me picked up all my things. The whole day tour service offered by Peter thru tuktuk was for USD20 and with some tips. After I settled down in the hotel, I went for dinner which was a restaurant of the hotel called Yin Yang.

Yin Yang

Yin Yang offers complete meals from breakfast, lunch, dinner and even happy hour. I got the chance to try some Khmer cuisine. I so love their loc lak dishes from pork, chicken to beef.

The Menu

The View Outside

My Fave Khmer Dish, Pork Loc Lak

When I emptied my dinner plate, I needed a bit of exercise so, I went strolling in Sisowath Quay til I got to Phnom Penh Night Market. I got to use my haggling tactics. I bought my Cambodian souvenir here and I paid for USD5 and got a pair of Nike slippers for USD5 too.

Phnom Penh Night Market

Dining Area in Phnom Penh Night Market

Stalls in the Night Market

The next day was scheduled for a grueling walk around the city’s main tourist spots. I didn’t need a tuktuk since it was just near my hotel. I woke up a little late and walked to the biggest attraction in Phnom Penh.

8. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. It has a full name of Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk in Khmer. The Kings of Cambodia have occupied this place since it was built, but was abandoned during the period of the reign of the Khmer Rouge when the country was in turmoil.

View outside the gate

View outside the gate

Information for Tourists

Ticket Booth

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Ticket

At the Entrance, they will hand to you a free Royal Palace Guide and Map

At the Entrance, they will hand to you a free Royal Palace Guide and Map

5. Preah Tineang Tevea Vinichhay

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace

6. Hor Samritvimean

7. Preah Moha Prasat Khemarin

8. Hor Samritvimean

Inside Hor Samritvimean

9. Preah Reach Damnak Chan

10. Preah Tineang Phhochani

11. Pavilion of Napoleon III

12. Bell Tower

13. Mandapa of Satra and Tripitaka

14. His Majesty King Norodom’s Stupa

15. His Majesty King Norodom’s Statue

Picture Perfect

16. Angkor Wat Model

Angkor Wat Model

Angkor Wat Model

17. Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Panorama of the Silver Pagoda

18. His Majesty King Suramarith and Her Majesty Queen Kossomak’s Stupa

19. Her Royal Highness Kantha Bopha’s Stupa

20. Kailassa Mountain

Stairway to Kailassa Mountain

21. His Majesty King Ang Duong’s Stupa

22. Koeng Preah Bat

Another View of the Koeng Preah Bat

23. Dharmasala

Another Picturesque View

Just came out from the Silver Pagoda

25. Exhibition Hall

25. Exhibition Hall

27. Near Exit Gate

I was wandering in the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda for almost 2 hours. It got to the point that my feet hurt and when I was due to another destination, I waved the white flag. I was already in front of the National Museum of Cambodia but I said to myself, I’m exhausted and I called it a day.

National Museum of Cambodia

National Museum of Cambodia Entrance Gate

I slept in my room for hours and then, I have thought that I needed to somehow relax from the days I was so busy exploring Phnom Penh. So, I made a choice to do a leisure walk and went out.

9. Sisowath Quay is what they called near the Tonle Sap lake. I just sat down in the lakefront while looking on the people passing by, enjoying the fresh breeze from the river, and a laid-back lifestyle. I enjoyed some quiet time for myself.

Sisowath Quay

Lake Ride

Pub near Sisowath Quay

Buildings on the other island

Decorations in the Park near Sisowath Quay

Enjoying my Free Time

I came to realization that a life here in Phnom Penh maybe everybody’s dream. Almost everything is affordable, people are friendly and hospitable, slow paced life and the country is rich of culture and traditions. I can definitely say that I LOVE PHNOM PENH.

An Outline of Captivating Cambodia

After I visited the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, I went to another country which is also in my bucket list for the countries that I would love to visit. It is listed as number six.

List of Countries that I Would Love to Visit

Yes, I went to the Kingdom of Cambodia. It was exhausting traveling by land and crossing borders yet rewarding to see the Land of Temples and Towers. I made sure that I’ll be visiting Cambodia before the year ends. I added it on my itinerary to visit the capital city of Phnom Penh and the province of the famous temple and one of UNESCO world heritage sites in the country which is Siem Reap.

In Phnom Penh, after I settled down on the guesthouse I was staying, I took my first step in exploring Cambodia and I felt in love. Phnom Penh is the capital but it is not a bustling city. It is relaxing and somehow slow paced. Here, I felt at home. Loving the lake breeze from Tonle Sap, watching the people walking on streets, enjoying sightseeing on temples, riding the tuktuk, smelling the freshly baked and cooked Khmer dishes are the things that I love the most. I stayed in Phnom Penh for quite some time and It has a laid-back and stress free life. Here are the places I’ve visited when I was in Phnom Penh.

Wat Phnom

Central Market of Phnom Penh

Wat Ounalom

Wat Ounalom

Royal Palace

Neak Banh Teuk Park

Independence Monument

Wat Langka

Wat Botum Vattey

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Phnom Penh Night Market

National Museum of Cambodia

Sisowath Quay

Then, I went to Siem Reap. If you happen to visit the Kingdom of Cambodia, make sure not to miss the famous temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon, Angkor Thom, Baphoun and Ta Prohm. There are also other temples worth visiting but the problem was I had less time to see all of them. Thus, only those temples mentioned above are the sights I can talk about.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat

Bayon Temple view

Stone face

Three- tiered Baphoun Temple

Ta Prohm

Angkor Night Market

It sure was a captivating adventure I had in the Kingdom of Cambodia. I had fun and I will truly remember everything I have experienced in this beautiful land.

Follow me on my Southeast Asian journey for more stories.