Well, the third
day was reserved for a trip to outside circle, approx. 70km from the main temple complex. We traveled further north, through the
Cambodian country-side, up to Banteay Srei and Beang Mealea, a more secluded area away from the city.
Our first stop was Banteay Samre built in the middle of the 12th century by the similiar King who built Angkor Wat. The architecture at Banteay Samre is a mixture of both Angkor Wat style as well as Bayon style.
Our first stop was Banteay Samre built in the middle of the 12th century by the similiar King who built Angkor Wat. The architecture at Banteay Samre is a mixture of both Angkor Wat style as well as Bayon style.
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| Banteay Samre, built in the mid of 12th century by the same King who built Angkor Wat |
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| Banteay Samre, built in the mid of 12th century by the same King who built Angkor Wat |
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| One for the album |
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| One for the album |
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| Ancient statue in Banteay Srei (Citadel of Beauty) |
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Beautiful
carving details in Banteay Srei (Citadel of Beauty)
|
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Beautiful
carving details in Banteay Srei (Citadel of Beauty)
|
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| Well-preserved statue in Banteay Srei (Citadel of Beauty) |
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| Well-preserved statue in Banteay Srei (Citadel of Beauty) |
Banteay Srei’s beauty makes it one of the highlights of
anyone visiting the Angkor temples. Banteay Srei, which means “Citadel of Women,” is a relatively new
name for the temple. We were told that the local believes that women built the
temple as its intricate designs and adornments are too fine to be carved by
hands of men. Another interesting fact about this temple is that it was built
by a Brahman who was a tutor to the royal family. Banteay Srei is a very unique
to us because it was made of pink sandstone and contains carvings that are
considered the most elaborate carvings found in Cambodia.
The highlight of our day 3 trip was definitely "Beang Mealea", by far the most mysterious temple in Angkor that we've seen. Beang Mealea is one of the
remote and largest unrestored Khmer temples we've visited for this trip. There were fewer tourists here, maybe due
to its proximity from the city center. We were told that the temple was not
opened to the public until late 2003. We had to travel further (one hour drive) to get there from Banteay Srei Temple. We paid US$5 entrance fees (not included in the Angkor Pass) to this ancient temple located at the other corner of the world. We were told that the temple was founded in 1990 and the history of this temple remains unknown. Some says Beng Mealea was built in early 12th century by
the same king who built Angkor Wat and was devoted to Hindu God Vishnu.
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| Well preserved Naga |
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| Ancient ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Jungle-covered ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Jungle-covered ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Jungle-covered ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Jungle-covered ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| One for the album |
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| Some pillars are relatively in good shape |
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| Guardians of the temple? |
The
entire surrounding amazed us. The temple is not huge, we spent approx. 2 hours enjoying this magnificent sight. We explored every corner of the ruins and climb wherever we want to get from one corner to another under the giant hanging roots like no boundaries.
There were guards in this temple, who took us through dark passageways and climbing up these piles of sandstones. Wow very adventurous! Like Indiana Jones in a mission of discovery in the lost world!
Chengy has succeeded in conquering her fear in this ancient temple. What about you? **Tips: This
temple is mostly ruins and stones. One word: You need to be fit if you
want to see the best views by having to climb the walls, roofs, passages
and block of large and unstable sandstones with limited fences. A pair of good shoes is recommended.
We spent our final day by visiting a village in Tonle Sap Lake located about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. From Beang Mealea, it took us approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes’ drive to reach Tonle Sap Lake village port before we boarded a boat to Kompong Phluk. Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and farms a variety of fish, which feeds about half of Cambodians, one important commercial resource in Cambodia. There are 3 floating villages at Tonle Sap, namely: Chong Khneas (tourist trap), Kompong Phluk and Kompong Khleang (located southeast and the furthest).
Along the way we passed through long stretches of forested areas, paddy fields and dried out grasslands with long, red, orange dirt roads ahead. The condition of the roads leading to Kompong Phluk was really bad & bumpy too.
This place also reminds us of the floating village at Inle Lake, Shan State in Myanmar.
Upon arrival, we boarded a smaller rowing boat that took us through the village and mangrove forests. We were told that during the dry season, stilted houses may rise up to six meters in the air exposed by the lack of water. At this time, most villagers move out of their permanent stilted homes and build temporary houses.
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| Crumbling ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Crumbling ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Crumbling ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Beang Mealea - Like Indiana Jones in a mission of discovery! |
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| Beang Mealea - Like Indiana Jones in a mission of discovery! |
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| Beang Mealea - Like Indiana Jones in a mission of discovery! |
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| Crumbling ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Crumbling ruins of Beang Mealea |
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| Up to a collapsed tower |
We spent our final day by visiting a village in Tonle Sap Lake located about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. From Beang Mealea, it took us approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes’ drive to reach Tonle Sap Lake village port before we boarded a boat to Kompong Phluk. Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and farms a variety of fish, which feeds about half of Cambodians, one important commercial resource in Cambodia. There are 3 floating villages at Tonle Sap, namely: Chong Khneas (tourist trap), Kompong Phluk and Kompong Khleang (located southeast and the furthest).
Along the way we passed through long stretches of forested areas, paddy fields and dried out grasslands with long, red, orange dirt roads ahead. The condition of the roads leading to Kompong Phluk was really bad & bumpy too.
This place also reminds us of the floating village at Inle Lake, Shan State in Myanmar.
Upon arrival, we boarded a smaller rowing boat that took us through the village and mangrove forests. We were told that during the dry season, stilted houses may rise up to six meters in the air exposed by the lack of water. At this time, most villagers move out of their permanent stilted homes and build temporary houses.
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| Kompong Phluk in Tonle Sap |
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| Kompong Phluk in Tonle Sap |
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| Children of Kompong Phluk |
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| Children of Kompong Phluk |
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| Kompong Phluk in Tonle Sap |
**Tips: Kompong
Phluk will appear different depending on the season you visit. We highly
suggest that you visit this village when the water rises up to floor level of
those houses and when the mangrove forests are flooded with water. Even though it is somewhat “touristy”,
it’s still interesting, and worth seeing!
That
night we ventured down to Angkor Night Market near downtown (pub street) again and enjoyed a
little Khmer food at the Red Piano Restaurant and Blue Pumpkin Restaurant.
◊ Red Piano Restaurant: Pan fried pork chops (US$5.50), Pan fried chicken breast (US$6.00), Stir fried pork slices with shredded ginger served with rice (US$3.75), Cambodian curry served with rice (US$4.50), Amok Fish served with rice (US$5.75), Fruit juices and shakes (US$2.00-2.50)
◊ Blue Pumpkin Restaurant: Vanilla & brownies, vanila (bourbon vanilla beans) and mango flavoured ice-cream US$1.60 (1scoop), US$2.90 (2scoops), US$3.95 (3scoops)
◊ Red Piano Restaurant: Pan fried pork chops (US$5.50), Pan fried chicken breast (US$6.00), Stir fried pork slices with shredded ginger served with rice (US$3.75), Cambodian curry served with rice (US$4.50), Amok Fish served with rice (US$5.75), Fruit juices and shakes (US$2.00-2.50)
◊ Blue Pumpkin Restaurant: Vanilla & brownies, vanila (bourbon vanilla beans) and mango flavoured ice-cream US$1.60 (1scoop), US$2.90 (2scoops), US$3.95 (3scoops)
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| Wanna try local made? |
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| Remember to try the mango flavoured ice-cream from Blue Pumpkin |
Penang International Airport (PEN) → Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2)
◊ Capsule by Container Hotel at KLIA 2 (3 hr stay)
Day 2: 23 May 2015
Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) → Siem Reap International
Airport (REP)
Small Circle
Morning: Angkor Thom South Gate (Bayon Temple, Baphuon, Phimeanakas) - Terrace of the Elephants - Terrace of the Leper King - Chaosay Tevoda – Thomanon - Ta Keo
Afternoon: Ta Prohm - Banteay Kdei - Srah Srang – Angkor Wat (Sunset) – Preah Palilay – Tep Pranam – Prasat Suor Prat
L/D: Krousar Khmer Restaurant / Angkor Village Apsara Theatre Khmer Set Dinner
Day 3: 24 May 2015
CAMBODIA (SIEM REAP)
Big Circle
Morning: Angkor Wat (Sunrise) – Return to Hotel for morning
breakfast - Preah Khan Temple - Neak Pean Temple
Afternoon: Ta Som Temple - East Mebon - Pre Roup Temple –
Prasat Kravan
B/L/D: Continental
Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel / Angkor Flower Restaurant /
Triangle BBQ Bar Restaurant (Pub Street)
Day 4: 25 May 2015
CAMBODIA (SIEM REAP)
Outside Circle
Day 4: 25 May 2015
CAMBODIA (SIEM REAP)
Outside Circle
Morning: Banteay Samre - Banteay Srey - Beang Mealea
Afternoon: Kompong Phluk (Tonle Sap Lake)
B/L/D: Continental
Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel / Red Piano Restaurant / Blue
Pumpkin Restaurant (Pub Street)
Day 5: 26 May 2015
Day 5: 26 May 2015
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) → Kuala
Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) → Penang International Airport (PEN)
B:
Continental Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel
Places of Interest / Suggested time spent / Entrance Ticket(s):
Places of Interest / Suggested time spent / Entrance Ticket(s):
Places of Interest
|
Recommen-
dation
|
Suggested Duration
(hour/minutes)
|
Entrance Ticket Fee(s)
in USD
|
|
Small Circle Tour
|
||||
Angkor
Thom South Gate
|
✪✪✪
|
10 – 15 minutes
|
Included in the 3-day Angkor Pass (USD40/pax)
|
|
Bayon
Temple
|
✪✪✪✪
|
2 hour
|
||
Baphuon
|
✪✪✪✪
|
30 minutes
|
||
Phimeanakas
|
✪✪
|
15 minutes
|
||
Terrace
of the Elephants
|
✪✪
|
10 - 15 minutes
|
||
Terrace
of the Leper King
|
✪✪
|
10 - 15 minutes
|
||
Chaosay
Tevoda
|
✪✪✪
|
2 hour
|
||
Thomanon
|
✪✪✪
|
15 minutes
|
||
Ta Keo
|
✪✪
|
45 minutes
|
||
Ta Prohm
|
✪✪✪✪
|
2 hour
|
||
Banteay
Kdei
|
✪✪✪
|
30 minutes
|
||
Srah
Srang
|
✪✪✪
|
10 – 15 minutes
|
||
**Angkor
Wat (Sunset) at Phnom Bakheng
|
✪✪✪
|
1 - 2 hour
|
||
Preah
Palilay
|
✪✪✪
|
10 – 15 minutes
|
||
Tep
Pranam
|
✪
|
10 – 15 minutes
|
||
Prasat
Suor Prat
|
✪
|
15 minutes
|
||
Big Circle Tour
|
||||
Angkor
Wat (Sunrise)
**wake
up early!
|
✪✪✪✪
|
1 - 2 hour
|
Included in the 3-day Angkor Pass
(USD40/pax)
|
|
Preah
Khan Temple
|
✪✪✪✪
|
1 - 2 hour
|
||
Neak
Pean Temple
|
✪✪
|
45 minutes
|
||
Ta Som
Temple
|
✪✪✪
|
45 minutes
|
||
East
Mebon
|
✪✪✪
|
15 – 30 minutes
|
||
Pre Rup
Temple
|
✪✪✪
|
1 hour
|
||
Prasat
Kravan
|
✪
|
30 minutes
|
||
Outside Circle Tour
|
||||
Banteay
Samre
|
✪✪✪✪
|
15 – 20
minutes
|
3-day Angkor Pass
(USD40/pax)
|
|
Banteay
Srey
|
✪✪✪✪
|
20 – 30
minutes
|
||
Beang
Mealea
|
✪✪✪
|
1 – 1.5
hour
|
USD5/pax
|
|
Kompong
Phluk (Tonle Sap Lake)
|
✪✪✪
|
1 - 2 hour
|
USD15 /
pax for boat ride to Kampong Phluk
|
|
** Phnom Bakheng Temple (for sunset view) –
proper attire (no shorts, no shirts without sleeve)
Market(s):
|
What to see / buy:
|
Angkor
Night Market
|
Jewelry,
cloths, accessories, paintings, souvenirs and decorative items, etc.
|
Angkor
Old Market
|
Jewelry,
cloths, accessories, paintings, souvenirs and decorative items, etc.
|
Siem
Reap Art Center Night Market
|
Jewelry,
cloths, accessories, paintings, souvenirs and decorative items, etc.
|
Angkor Pub
Street
|
Bistros,
cafes, pubs, restaurants, souvenir shops and street vendors
|
As
Khiem says it, we are all “templed-out”. It was a temple-tastic trip for all of
us and we enjoyed every single moment of it. We explored every little corner of
it, just like travel back in time! There were so much to see, experience,
explore and discover ie. Khmer food, culture and dance, majestic architecture,
common languages – “One Dollar Madam”. We have to admit that Siem Reap is so intense in terms of human contact, we won't forget the people especially the children there.
We hope you’ll find our experience of this journey helpful. We’ll be back again!
And
of course, not to missed out our driver, Pros Bou, who has a tuk tuk, a car and a van. He was extremely kind,
responsive and friendly which made this trip well worth it.
Air Itinerary Details:
AirAsia:
Penang – Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) – Siem Reap / Siem Reap – Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) –
Penang
From To
Flight Date
Dep Arr
Penang KLIA 2 AK6121 22
May 2320
0020
KLIA 2 Siem Reap AirAsia 542 23 May 0650 0750
Siem Reap KLIA 2 AirAsia
543 26 May 0835 1135
KLIA 2 Penang AK6114 26
May 1435 1530
Travel Package (AirAsiaGo – inclusive of return
tickets and hotel):
◊Two
return tickets from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Siem Reap (REP
◊Deluxe
Room for 2 person at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel (inclusive daily breakfast)
= RM730 nett (inclusive of taxes & other charges) = RM365nett/person Accommodation(s):
Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel
Address: Krom 7, Phoum Sala Kanseng, Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap
Website: http://malikadangkor.com/ e-mail: book@malikadangkor.com
Telephone: 855 (063) 767 789
Fax: 855 (063) 761 405
Room Type: Deluxe Room (inclusive of (i) daily continental breakfast, (ii) free wireless
internet, (iii) free one-way airport transfer
Local Transportation:
Car / Tuk Tuk Driver(s): Pros Bou
Telephone: (+855) 12 733075, (+855) 93 733075
WeChat ID: boup936
LINE ID: prosbou
Facebook: Siem Reap Tour & Sightseeing
e-mail: prostuktuk@gmail.com
Rate: USD135/6 person(s) = USD22.5/pax. Inclusive of wet tissue, petrol, daily cool
drinking water, headset , return airport pick-up service.
Types of package(s):
◊Tour via Tuk tuk: USD12 (small circle), USD15 (big circle), USD70 (outside circle via van)
◊ Tour via air-conditioned van USD30 (small circle), USD35 (big circle), USD70 (outside
circle)
Entrance Pass/Fee(s):
Angkor Pass (entrance ticket to all the Angkor temples and monuments in the Siem Reap
area)
Entrance fee(s): USD40/3-days visit or USD20/1-day visit per one week validity
Please visit this site for more information
Angkor Village Apsara Theater Dinner
Menu: Khmer Set
Price: US$27/pax
Time: 19h30 to 21h30
Address: Angkor Village Resort, Phum Traeng, Siem Reap , Kingdom of Combodia
Tel: 855-63-963561
Fax: 855-63-963363
Mobile: 855-89-555263
Skype: mithuna.tep
e-mail: welcome@angkorvillage.com (Ms. Mithuna TEP)
Website: www.angkorvillage.com
Note: All entrance / transportation fees and accommodation rates/charges listed on this post are based on our (chengywong.blogspot.com) travel dates (2015) and therefore subject to change(s). ©chengywong.blogspot.com is not responsible for content on external web sites.
Read more about our travel experiences @ Siem Reap here:
Journey Back in Time - Mystical Angkor. 5Days 4Nights Travel Itinerary in Siem Reap, Cambodia (Small Circle)
Journey Back in Time - Mystical Angkor. 5Days 4Nights Travel Itinerary in Siem Reap, Cambodia (Big Circle)
“Stop worrying about the
potholes in the road and celebrate the journey” – Fitzhugh Mullan
Welcome to Small World!
This blog is not a travel agency, but rather a personal site which allows us to
share our past travel experiences in a straightforward and far-reaching way. We
often made great use of other peoples travel blogs and sites every time we plan
for our travel itinerary as they often contained most updated information and
invaluable resources from their past travel experiences. We hope that you will find every piece of
information & images contained within our blog handy and useful. Thank you
very much for reading our post(s). If you find this blog worth a read, please
feel free to leave a comment/testimonial or click "Like/Share" if you
love reading them all. xoxo Both Chengy & Camel are passionate travelers
who enjoys speaking to young keen travelers about the freedom to get cultured
and to taste the fullness of life. Feel free to contact them if you need any
travel advice, guidance or tips or if you have any burning questions with
regards to your upcoming trip(s)/ journey
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importantly be inspiring –
