I admit I got curious about Cambodia because of Angelina Jolie. Then I found out about the amazing Angkor Wat and that's when I started making travel plans. Although it is getting popular, not a lot of people know much about the country and how beautiful, easy, and safe, it is to go here. This post will be in two parts. The first is the getting there part. The second will be all about Siem Reap (where Angkor Wat is).
Going There
Flying straight to Siem Reap will be more expensive or just as expensive as making a stop-over somewhere. Now I know the more popular itinerary for most travel sites is Bangkok-Cambodia. However, I would only recommend this for people who have the time. There is only flight from Bangkok to Cambodia and is expectedly expensive. You can travel via land but will take you almost a full day. Another way, which is what we did because we really wanted to go Bangkok, was to fly via Phnom Phen. My favorite budget airline is AirAsia and the flight cost is comparable to our Cebu Pacific local fare.The bus ride from Phnom Phen to Siem Reap took 6 hours. So again, take the Bangkok-Cambodia only if you have the time (and patience for the bus ride) or if you have the money to spare for an expensive plane fare.
Now while the PAL-Cambodia package isn't bad. There are cheaper ways to fly out of this country to Cambodia. You can choose to go via KL or via Singapore. AirAsia Siem Reap only flies to KL so if your main objective is to just see Cambodia, I recommend this route. You can go via AirAsia to KL, or you can go via Cebu Pacific, which is the more convenient airline in this case.
Now if you are willing to spend more to go visit your friends in Singapore, you can fly to Sing via Cebu Pacific and take JetStar to Siem Reap.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is pretty cheap. I do not recommend you change your USD as this seems to be more popular than the local currency. While there are the expensive hotels which cost 100USD up per night, Siem Reap is full of really nice guesthouses which cost around 10USD-25USD per night. Hotels can be impersonal and guesthouses somehow add to the Cambodian experience. We stayed in Two Dragons which is run by the guy of Tales of Asia. The place is clean, the staff is friendly, and for someone who visited the Tales of Asia site for travel info, it just made sense to stay there. Of course we have different preferences and Wikitravel provides a list of hotels and guesthouses you can choose from. Meals in Siem Reap can range from 2USD (Already a good burger and drink) to 10USD(Buffet with cultural show).
This hole-in-the-wall place in Bar street is highly recommended.
Just ask Mick Jagger who was spotted here according to Lonely Planet.
Now the main attraction: Angkor Wat
The area is actually full of many temples. Angkor Wat being the most famous. Below are my favorites:
1. Ta Phrom- This is where they shot Tomb Raider. Giant trees grow over the temples giving you that "Temple in the Jungle" vibe.
2. Bayon- Part of the Thom Aron Complex. The temple is full of giant head carvings. Also one of the biggest.
3. Angkor Wat- The outside for me is more interesting than the inside. The surrounding water makes this temple look not only beautiful but majestic.
Some temples are ideal for sunrise or sunset viewing. If you're into photography you might want to heed the reco and troop to these temples as the light is really magnificent. Be warned that the place will be swarmed with tourists during these peak hours.
Other things you can/should do:
Elephant rides- For 10USD you can go up the Phnom Bakheng hill atop this marvelous creatures
Hot Air Balloon- 45USD and you get a good view of Siem Reap
Mine Museum- If you have time this is a good place to know more about the country's history
Cultural show- For dinner, most restos usually have a free cultural show already
Tuktuk ride- I don't know how you can get around the place without atleast riding a tuktuk once
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