I just came back from Siem Reap and I must say, it's nice there. The people are friendly and the sights are beautiful. I enjoyed my visit there.
From the airport, I rode a tuktuk to the city center. The driver first asked for $20, but I bargained and was able to reduce the fare to $15. We passed rice fields and cashew trees. I enjoyed feeling the wind on my face because there was no pollution. The air felt refreshing.
The driver dropped me off in the Old Market. Because the city is relatively far from the airport and our travel took about an hour, I decided to pay the driver the $20 he initially requested.
My first stop was Alley West. Here you can find restaurants and different shops.
Then I went to the Riverside area and purchased some street food for a dollar each. Yum. 😋
Then I hopped on a tuktuk and proceeded to my hotel.
I stayed at the People By The Community Hotel. When I arrived, a staff member greeted me warmly. She informed me that the entire crew is from the neighborhood. Hence the name.
I ate lunch before I checked in. I had the beef loklak. It was delicious. I discovered that the popular Kampot Pepper is one of the ingredients.
I enjoyed my room very much. It was huge. It's a deal for 24 dollars (₱1,387.00) per night. I stayed for two nights.
In the afternoon, I reserved a tuktuk to get Angkor Wat tickers for the following day and to see the famous sunset. A day pass costs $37. When you buy your next day ticket at 5:00 p.m., you can see the sunset in one of the temples for free.
It was cloudy, however. But the view is still stunning.
While hiking, I spotted some Bhuddist monks. I asked if I may take a picture with them. They graciously agreed. I asked one of the locals to snap our photo. She was very nice.
After viewing the sunset, I proceeded to Miss Wong Cocktail Bar. I tasted Angkor Beer for the first time. It was pretty good. My beverage arrived with free homemade potato chips. I really enjoyed this. I also ordered dimsum, which is different from the dimsum I am used to. It came with a vegetable salad.
I returned to the Riverside area and bought some street food.
I took pictures of these unusual skewers (tarantula, snake, scorpions and various bugs). I do not suppose the locals eat them. I believe these are only for tourists to snap photos of.
Then I wandered down Pubstreet and Alley West.
I got up at dawn the next day to view the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
I ordered breakfast while I waited for the daybreak. I was startled to see such a large baguette. It's breakfast for everyone. I didn't have an appetite yet. 😃
When the light came up, I saw the spectacular Angkor Wat. It is magnificent.
After a long stroll, I sipped some refreshing coconut juice.
I also visted Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple where Tomb Raider was filmed.
I ate some delicious Tom Yum.
Ice cream roll and Angkor beer.
I found Herbie. 😊
Looking at the naga.
Sampeah. 😊
