Bus Trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

After spending a few days in Phnom Penh, it was time to continue my journey to Siem Reap, the land of Angkor. This is the highlight of my journey in 3 Asean countries, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Mekong bus terminal

I booked my bus trip through Circuit hotel and paid 10 USD. I was fetched from the hotel by a mini-van and brought to Mekong Bus Line terminal at Sisowath Quay.

Several staff were collecting our luggage and numbered bag tags were attached for security reason. They won't release your luggage unless you show them the duplicate tag. We were accompanied by a tour guide who from time to time explained the different places that we have passed.

All of us were given wet towel, bottled water and a box of pastry.

The journey lasted for 6 hours. In the middle of our journey we stopped at Kampong Thom for our lunch. Several passengers alighted and their luggage distributed by the tour guide upon inspection of their duplicate numbered bag tags. Two thumbs up for added security.

I saw this little girl standing outside the restaurant. She was very friendly and kept on smiling to all of us. I knew what she was thinking. I see many street children in Manila too. I took my untouched box of pastry and gave it to her. Other tourists followed.

I ordered chicken fried rice and a bottle of local beer.

While travelling, I noticed that the road going to Siem Reap was quite narrow. Most of it were two lane black-top road. Because of this, our bus sometimes had to crawl if some animals, tuk-tuk or slow moving vehicles were ahead of us. I am not surprise if accident normally occurs during evening trip because of numerous road hazards along the way, not to mention the lack of road lighting. I remember an accident wherein one Filipino tourist was injured while travelling on the same road but in opposite direction.

The bus was comfortable and it has toilet inside. It was unfortunate that I was seated along the aisle thus I wasn't able to take some shots along the way. In addition, the local lady seated beside me could be a vampire for whenever the sun seeped through the window she immediately closed the curtain thus blocking my view of the sceneries. Anyway, I took the opportunity to sleep and relax for I know that I have busy days ahead of me in Siem Reap.

There is one common bus station in Siem Reap. Normally, all tourists arriving to Siem Reap by bus are met usually by their hotels' staff or representative. In my case, I saw one guy holding a paper with my name printed on it. It was Moori. He was my tuk-tuk driver for few days. A very friendly and down to earth guy. I hope I'll meet him again when I bring my wife to Siem Reap in near future.

Moori & the bus station

Moori's tuk-tuk

MY OTHER BUS TRIPS:

Bus Trip 1 - Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
Bus Trip 3 - Siem Reap to Bangkok

Bus Trip from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh

After exploring Ho Chi Minh for a few days with my wife, it was time for both of us to leave. I hate staying in the same place after my wife has returned back to Manila thus I went to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

I booked my trip through Hoang Hai Long hotel tour desk. I paid, if I am not mistaken, 13 USD for a one-way trip to Phnom Penh.

I was fetched from the hotel lobby by a private vehicle at around 8:45 AM and brought to a tour office in Pham Ngu Lao district where I collected my bus ticket. There were around twenty of us waiting for the same bus. We waited at an ordinary bus stop along the street. Prior to the arrival of the bus, we were told to board the bus quickly since the bus was allowed to stop for a few minutes only. Upon seeing the bus, I have learned that it was a Cambodian bus thus obviously it has no terminal in Ho Chi Minh City.

Shortly after boarding, wet towel and bottled water were provided to us. We were accompanied by a tour guide

After three hours trip, we reached the border at almost 12 noon. Prior to our arrival at the border, the tour guide collected all our passports for stamping at Vietnam immigration. All of us disembarked while the bus waited for us at the back of the building; no need to bring your luggage except your important and valuable things. The tour guide then submitted all our passports to the immigration officer while we waited for our name to be called. Quite chaotic since there was only one immigration officer on-duty and several buses had arrived at the same time. I waited for my name to be called. Upon receiving my passport I went outside the building and boarded the bus and waited for the others.

When everybody have been accounted for, our bus proceeded to nearby Cambodian immigration or border office. It was quite organized in this place. We fell in line and after stamping of my passport and finger-printing I passed the quarantine area where a medical staff was taking our forehead temperature, an old-school quarantine procedure. After this, I boarded the bus again and waited for the others. For those who were not Asean nationals, the tour guide collected their passports and some money as payment for their visa. I could say that it was great for Philippines to be a member of Asean. I learned to appreciate this during my vacation away from home.

Vietnam border office

Cambodia border office

Right after leaving the Cambodian immigration office, our bus proceeded to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Whenever I am travelling, I avoid fancy foods such as curries as much as possible so as to prevent stomach discomfort. I ordered fried fish and rice with hard boiled egg. To further enhance my immune system, I took some alcohol shot as well, lol.

After spending around 30 minutes for lunch, we continued our journey to Phnom Penh. Without the Buddhist temples, the trip reminded me of my province in the Philippines. Cambodia is also an agricultural country.

After some time, our bus reached Neak Leung and boarded a ferry boat to cross Mekong river. I was not expecting this ferry ride, I thought it was a continuous land travel. Nevertheless, the ferry ride was a new experience for me. In addition, I was glad to have a glimpse of famous Mekong river.

After crossing Mekong river, we continued for few more hours until we reached Phnom Penh. After disembarking from the bus, we were greeted by several competing tuk-tuk drivers. I pretended that I knew the place and walked up to the end of the road. Surprisingly, one tuk-tuk driver kept on following and asking me for my destination; this guy knew his trade. Reluctantly, I gave him my hotel booking. He knew Circuit hotel at street 154. I asked about the fare and was ready to haggle with him. Upon hearing that I need to pay 2 USD, I was taken aback for I can't haggle anymore. I would look stupid to haggle for few cents. I agreed in one condition, I asked him to bring me first in any nearby foreign exchange since I don't have smaller USD bills but lots of Vietnamese Dongs. In short, I reached my hotel safely and on time.

It was a great experience if I may say so. The longest land travel I had in my life was when I drove all the way to Baguio from Manila with my family last 2011 holy week. Our trip lasted for almost 9 hours due to traffic and some stop-over; I got lost also in Baguio searching for our hotel/apartment. However, this time, I enjoyed the 6 hours trip (as passenger) especially that I was travelling in an unknown place. Ferry boat ride was an added treat. Moreover, the bus ride was comfortable and it was fascinating to watch on-board Cambodian sing-along or karaoke video.

MY OTHER BUS TRIPS:

Bus Trip 2 - Phnom Penh to Sem Reap
Bus Trip 3 - Siem Reap to Bangkok

Cambodia - Pub Street (Siem Reap)

Siem Reap is famous for its ancient temples and ruins.

Because of this, tourists normally flock to temples from sunrise to sunset. As the sun goes down, a not-so-informed tourist might ask himself where do I go after temple hopping. The worst decision a tourist can make in Siem Reap is to think that Angkor Wat is Siem Reap.

A well-informed tourist would attest that although Angkor Wat had made Siem Reap famous it is very important to mention that there are several places worth visiting also while in Siem Reap. One of them is Pub Street and its nearby alleys.

After the sun goes down, the sleepy downtown Siem Reap becomes alive and the focus shifts to Pub Street and nearby alleys. Pub Street mainly caters to alcohol thirsty tourists but one should not overlook the local cuisine and Apsara dance being showed nightly in one of the bar/restaurant along Pub Street.

Temple bar offers Apsara dance show during dinner time

Wide screen projection TV are also a common sight where you can watch a live football match or other sports.  

By merely walking along the street, one will be astonished due to massive concentration of colorful lights and billboards along Pub Street though the street itself is just more than 100 meters long. Khao San road of Bangkok can easily dwarf Pub Street but in spite of this, one can easily indulge on different kind of cuisines such as Khmer, Thai, Indian, French and so on, along Pub street and some nearby and alleys. Not to mention that several global beer brands can be ordered from numerous bars such as San Miguel; a leading Philippine beer brand. Cheap local beers such as Angkor are also readily available.

Pub Street was originally called Street 8. It all started in 1998 when Angkor What? bar opened. The quiet street metamorphosed into a street packed with bars, shops and restaurants. A place where one can unwind after a tiring day of visiting temples. During evening, Pub Street is closed for motor traffic thus providing pedestrians more elbow room while strolling.

However, if you prefer to shop rather than bar hop then it is worth to pay a visit to several night markets around Pub Street. It was surprising to find several of them concentrated in such a small area. I believe I have seen 4 night markets nearby. Additionally, a huge Center Market remains open until sunset along Sivatha Blvd which is 2 blocks away from Pub Street. In my case, I prefer to shop at Center Market due to cheaper price and more varieties. I visit the night market for cheap foot massage only. I pay 4 USD for 1 hour foot massage. Doctor fish massage also abounds around Pub Street and no worry at all because I read their sign that they were not using piranha, LOL.

At the end of Pub Street is a queue of tuk tuk or remok. One can always haggle depending on your hotel's location. I stayed at Ta Som Guesthouse which is around 1 km away from Pub Street. I always walked back to Ta Som from Pub Street after consuming my dinner. The locals are nice and most of them can communicate in English. You have nothing to worry even if you go back to your hotel reeking with alcohol. On the other hand, I saw one notice at Ta Som Guesthouse; the local authority is very strict when it comes to minor. As much as possible avoid those " extra friendly" local minors.

NIGHT SHOTS

DAY SHOTS

Thailand - Food Trip at Khao San (Bangkok)

Unlike Singapore where food hawkers abound in almost every block, in Thailand, you normally see them concentrated mainly at shopping areas such as Pratunam and Chatuchak and other tourist spots such as Floating market and Khao San, to name a few. Temples normally have very minimal food shops or eateries around them.

Though Khao San area is very famous place especially for backpackers, food is generally affordable except beer or alcohol. Having stayed at Khao San area for several times, I was able to try the cheapest way to eat by simply following the locals. By the way, when you say Khao San, it also includes the adjacent Rambuttri and Tani roads.

This is my favorite bar / restaurant along Khao San road. I usually take my dinner at Lucky Beer. Being located at the middle of Khao San road exhibitions are being performed from time to time in front of this bar such as football and dance.

A big bottle of beer will cost you around 100 to 125 Baht depending on the brand. I was surprised to see a half-liter bottle San Mig Light. It was also the same San Mig Light we have in Philippines. I tried also their San Miguel Pale Pilsen. In my opinion, we have better tasting San Miguel beers in Philippines, trust me.

Aside from Pad Thai, I also order from this bar one of my favorite Thai foods, fried rice with chicken. It costs, as I remember, 70 Baht. However, I pay double for the shrimp with steamed rice. I normally pay around 250 Baht for a bare dinner inclusive of big bottle of beer. Quite expensive.

Moreover, at Lucky Beer, I am able to savor the different types of Thai curries. Aside from the normal or yellow curry, they also offer green and red curries as well. Coconut milk is usually added to these curries.

After indulging for several days, I need to control my expenses. It was time to try the famous Pad Thai street vendors. All of them sell Pad Thai at the same price. 25 to 30 Baht for basic Pad Thai and up to 50 Baht  if you add egg and chicken or shrimp; plus 10 Baht for each vegetable spring roll. It was quite fascinating to watch those vendors while they were cooking. I usually select the thin and "canton" style noodles. I was astonished to see that each of them has a different technique in cooking Pad Thai while all of them uses disposable plate and fork/chopstick, thus you can enjoy your Pad Thai while exploring Khao San.

MY PAD THAI

 

Aside from Pad Thai, I have also learned to love the 60 Baht Chicken Kebab. I think it is a misnomer. It should be called Chicken Shawarma.

Along Rambuttri road, this road is adjacent to Khao San, you will find several bars and restaurants. Actually, if you prefer to dine with live folk, reggae and acoustic singer playing at the background then the bars along Rambuttri road are preferable than the noisy and market-filled Khao San road. I love Green House bar. Their acoustic singer is superb. She is local but she sings like Taylor Swift and pluck her guitar well. For a decent dinner at Green House I normally pay around 230 to 250 Baht. Still expensive.

During lunch, I prefer to eat at different eateries along Rambuttri road such as this:

Inclusive of softdrink, I paid 70 Baht. Nothing fancy about the food. Spicy fish curry and plain noodles with steamed rice. Quite cheap compared with the bar/restaurant and fast food joints.

On my fourth visit to Thailand, few days before I return back to my work, I transferred from Nappark to nearby and cheaper hostel, Bangkok Home Stay, along Tani road also. At the intersection of Tani and Rambuttri roads, there are several food carts with lots of tables and chairs around. I have noticed that many locals dine on this place during lunch and dinner. I have seen some tourists eating here as well. I asked the server how much for a meal and he replied for 1 order of steamed rice and 1 order of main course I would pay 35 Baht. Yes! I hit jackpot. From that time, I was taking my lunch at the said food cart.

Nothing to worry for I have observed that they don't wash the dirty utensils and plates here. They have prepared plenty of clean plates and utensils for the diners and brought the dirty ones for cleaning maybe at home. You won't see them cleaning the utensils and plates in a bucket of oily and soapy water.

35 Baht for chicken in tomato sauce with peanuts plus 1 rice

Later on, when the server has been used in seeing me taking my lunch at their place. He told me that I can pay 25 Baht if the main course will be added directly to the rice. I agreed.

25 Baht for spicy chicken with rice

What is good for these eateries is that they are directly in front of 7 eleven outlet. Hence, before I take my lunch I buy a bottle of water at 7 eleven for 6 Baht. When in Khao San, I buy beer from 7 eleven as well. A 330 ml local beer such as Chang will cost you 29 Baht. 500 ml beer is 40 Baht. I am buying beer in can.

There are also plenty of fresh orange juice vendors. A small bottle will cost you 20 Baht. They squeeze those local and small oranges. Be careful though because some of them were adding water and sugar but it taste very refreshing. Young coconut is available for 25 Baht.

fellow diners at Khao San

I find Thai food almost the same with our own Filipino foods. You can have different kind of noodles; they even have their own "sinigang", the Tom Yam soup. Tom Yam (spicy lemongrass soup) is a bit sweeter and spicier than our own "sinigang". They also use soy and fish sauces. For their vegetable spring rolls, I use my favorite vinegar with chili. Additionally, one of my Thai favorites, the fried rice with chicken, is easily doable in our kitchen.

Though Singapore food hawkers are a more hygienic compared with Thai street food vendors, it is worth mentioning that we can easily distinguish whether the Thai food vendor is selling safe and clean food. Nevertheless, since I started eating from these street food vendors, I haven't encounter any stomach upset but as a precaution before I travel, I normally eat in fast food joint such as burger and chicken to avoid any inconvenience during my travel or flight.

Thailand - Bangkok Temple Hopping 2 - Wat Saket

Wat Saket is the temple complex at the base of the Golden Mount. The main temple, monastery and library are located within the temple complex.

During the reign of different Rama's, the temple was considered outside the walled city. Because of this, it was used to be a cremation and dumping area during the plague in the reign of King Rama II (1809 -24). Around 60000 plague victims were cremated here. Nothing to worry because it happened eons of years ago.

A brief history of the Golden Mount

Golden Mount is an artificial steep hill known locally as "Phu Khao Thong". Though rising at merely 100 meters, it can be seen from afar due to its 58 meters high golden chedi. To reach the golden chedi, one must ascend 318 steps. Much higher that the famous 270 steps of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.

START OF ASCEND

SOME SHOTS ALONG THE WAY

almost there

Beneath the golden chedi are some Buddha replicas and altars.

Enshrined at the Chedi is a Buddha relic brought from India.

There is a small spiral staircase going to the peak where the golden chedi is located. An entrance fee of 10 Baht is collected from those who wanted to access the peak or base of the golden chedi. It would be a shame if you are not going to pay a visit on the base of the golden chedi because this is where the main rituals are practiced.

Well, the picture above seems not really a part of the local ceremony or rituals. I have no idea as well. The following shots are the authentic local or Buddhist rituals.

miniture bells can be bought and hang here by devotees

money offerings by devotees

I spent around 30 minutes at the base of the golden chedi. I was fascinated in observing the different rituals being practiced by the devotees. Moreover, the view from this area was superb and simply spectacular.

Though lacking of shade, it was still comfortable due to breeze. I don't know the situation when it rains.

Due to participation of the different Rama's in building this golden chedi and serving as cremation area of ten of thousand of plague victims, this place is very important to Thai nation.

Around the first week of November, during full moon, Wat Saket hosts an annual temple fair during Loy Kratong festival. At that time, the golden mount is colorfully illuminated and wrapped in red cloth. The temple complex turns into a massive fun fair ala-carnival style and a candle light procession is held up to the mount.

It took me around 45 minutes to walk from Khao San up to the Wat Saket. You can easily see the golden chedi from democracy monument area. Be careful though because I have met several touts and along the way. They would try to catch your attention by calling you or trying to initiate conversation. I just ignored them and if needed, I say the magic words "me, no English."


You may check my Bangkok temple hopping posts:

- Bangkok Temple Hopping 1 - Wat Po (Temple of The Reclining Buddha)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 2 - Wat Saket (Temple of Golden Mount)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 3 - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 4 - Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 5 - Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)