National Museum
Cost me 3USD a ticket and an additional 1USD if you like to take photos within the garden. Here, you’d find more detailed carving of several statues. I reckon some of the chopped of heads of those statues around Angkor are relocated there. Kinda boring after a while but I do like the architecture of the Museum – grand and huge somewhat like a portion of a palace.
Royal Palace
It took me about 20mins to walk from the Museum. You have walk around to the front of the Palace and boy it was huge! Just take note that the Palace closes at 5pm and some of the interior exhibits closes at 430pm – impatient staff wanting to go home. A ticket will cost 25,000 riel (about 6USD) depending on their fluctuating exchange rates. The Silver Pagoda is connected as you walk through the Palace.
Chinese & Cambodian Friendship Monument
Brisk-walked for 30mins to the park and sat there to read a book. Once a while I’d pop my head up and look at the little children coming up and giving me this odd look. “Who is this person reading in the park?” Seems that I was the only one – families were gathered chit-chatting, working-out (similar to the Singapore Morning Workout), running, and couples looking at each other dreamily as if their eyes would melt into each other (sweet). Some walking their dogs and some just jogging. Random stuff happening in the park and makes me miss the Zocolas in Mexico!
Walking around the streets of Phnom Penh and next to the river
To be honest, it was a little uncomfortable walking around the streets in the late evening (yup, I know its unsafe for a girl to be doing that) I was hungry and I couldn’t find a suitable place to have dinner so I walked and walked and I guess I passed 6 blocks and before I knew it, it was already dark! I was kinda lost but I didn’t want to bring out my map and so I re-traced my step back to the river. It was a great walk and it allowed me to see the locals selling food and just hanging around in the streets.
Choeung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields)
It takes about 30mins to get from my hotel to the fields. Entrance fees are 2USD and if you need a guide, the fees are based on tips. This is the place where they killed and buried several thousands of Cambodians. Throughout the fields, you will be able to find pits emptied of soil and those are the graves of mass burial. There is even a labeled tree where they beat captured prisoners and beat them against the tree. I always believed that trees are like silent living things – they have this spirit in them. Hence, this tree must be weeping, whenever hideous acts were carried out. A stupa housing numerous skulls (I counted! 12 levels!) and worned clothes is built in memory of these victims will welcome you once you entered the site. I didn’t spend too much time there for there were not much grave sites to see and given that I read all of the narration on the boards - perhaps one would take at most an easy 45mins to cover the grounds.
Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (aka S-21)
This is a HAVE TO GO if you want to learn about Cambodian’s recent history – Khmer Regime. Entrance is 3 USD. This museum used to be a high school for kids! I can’t believe it. (For Qtssians: These grounds seemed like the one we were using as a temporary school in Commonweath back in 1997). Containing 4 blocks 3 stories each. Personally, I liked the top level of Block C and I spent a lot of time there reading the stuff – extremely moving. I could literally feel shivers down my spine whenever I read the horrid acts of Pol Pot’s followers and how these innocent Cambodians perished. I wondered who put those weird thoughts in his head!
Friday, June 05, 2009
Cambodia - An Angkor Encounter
One of the jewels of the world lies hidden right in the heart of Cambodia – Siem Reap’s Angokor Wats. Hence when I decided that I deserve a graduation trip, I journeyed a little towards North.
The group of temples is now open from 5.30am – 5.30pm. Lonely Planet should update this information. I bought myself a 1 day pass at the Angkor Wat entrance and it costs me USD 20. 3 days and 1 week passes are available (you will have to bring your own photo however photo-taking services are available too but during peak seasons which are often congested with people) . I heard that from July 2009 onwards, there will be a revision in ticket prices and entitled days to the temples. Said to be an initiative to retain more tourists within Cambodia. They will take a digital photo of you and that will be shown on your ticket. Be sure to have it on you at all times.
I knew and from what I’ve read so far, a traveler to Angkor Wats should catch the sunrise if one has the time and the determination to wake up early. Not sure about watching sunsets because in Cambodia, the sun sets at about around 6.30 – 7pm. Since the Wats close at 5.30pm, it would be a wee bit early to see it set.
Like to know which temples you should visit if you decided to buy a one day pass? Here’s the route I took in a day:
1. Angkor Wat
2. Ta Phrom
3. Pre Rup
4. Banteay Srei
5. Preah Khan
6. Angkor Thom
Work out a deal with a Tuk Tuk driver if you liked to be chauffeured to from temples to temples. Alternative, you could rent your own bicycle at about USD2 at most guesthouses if you prefer to work those calve muscles of yours. I’ve seen many travelers renting their own bicycles shuffling from places to places – a great way to adventure at your own time.
Walkable distance you ask? Hmmm… I don’t really recommend that because you’d be so absorbed by the heat of the sun and that might tire you out faster. I was dripping perspiration and the noon sun was extremely unforgiving.
Angkor Wat (Constructed: Early – Mid 12th century)
A definite must-see temple even if you are in a rush for time. I reckon this is one of the more majestic and breath-taking architecture. This centre piece of all temples contains a massive 3-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65m from ground level.
Yes! I caught the sunrise! You will find other people as eager as you – trying to find a spot to take photo of the amazing sunrise. I followed the crowd and stood on the left side of the pool facing the Angkor Wats. There were some people standing on the right side of the pool. The photo I took was pretty decent so I guess standing on the left side was the right decision after all!
Ta Phrom (Constructed: Mid 12th – Early 13th century)
This is the site where sexy Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider (the first movie). Again, another memorizing jungle-like temple where the roots of the Kapok tree extend into the temples’ grounds. I got lost in this temple and lucky for me there were a few Cambodian workers on site. A kind young lad was nice enough to lead me out. When you think that might not be an exit, check again. Ta Phrom has 2 entrances/exits on at the front and back.
Pre Rup (Constructed: Late 10th century)
I spent about 30 mins there. Basically this was one of the few temples that had rich detailed, well preserved carvings, particularly on the top of the entrances and in the lintels. Interesting to see and worthwhile to make a quick stop on my way to Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei (Constructed: Late 10th century)
Banteay Srei loosely translates to “Citadel of the Women” The temple’s small size and pink sandstone with Apsara dances carvings makes it a really nice sight in addition to the other temples. However it lies 38 km from Angkor Wat and will take about 45 mins (by tuk tuk) to get there. However, along the way, you will be able to see much more of the Cambodian’s houses and even steal a quick glance at their backyards. If you are lucky you will be able to see school friend riding on their bicycles to school. Banteay Srei is worth the effort I would say.
Preah Khan (Constructed: Late 12th century)
Honestly, this is one of my favourite sites to visit. Preah Khan means “scared sword” and one of the thriving cities during its time. Huge and highly explorable monastic complex. Full of carvings and contains 2 entrances. I love the bridges – it appears like 2 rows of “warriors” pulling on 2 ropes , well most of them are headless tho (some due to natural deterioration and thief). Upon entry, I was pleasantly surprised by the parallel string of frame-like doors (beautifully carves) one leading on to another until the exit.
Angkor Thom (Constructed: Late 12th – Early 13th century)
The big Angkor is a 3 squared km walled and moated royal city and the last capital of the Angkorian empire. Here, there are other temples including the famous Bayon – the temple of smiling faces, Phimeankas, Baphuon, Peah Pithu etc. Be sure to catch the beautifully carved terrace of the Elephants as you walk out from Bayon and towards the Terrace of the Leper King.
The group of temples is now open from 5.30am – 5.30pm. Lonely Planet should update this information. I bought myself a 1 day pass at the Angkor Wat entrance and it costs me USD 20. 3 days and 1 week passes are available (you will have to bring your own photo however photo-taking services are available too but during peak seasons which are often congested with people) . I heard that from July 2009 onwards, there will be a revision in ticket prices and entitled days to the temples. Said to be an initiative to retain more tourists within Cambodia. They will take a digital photo of you and that will be shown on your ticket. Be sure to have it on you at all times.
I knew and from what I’ve read so far, a traveler to Angkor Wats should catch the sunrise if one has the time and the determination to wake up early. Not sure about watching sunsets because in Cambodia, the sun sets at about around 6.30 – 7pm. Since the Wats close at 5.30pm, it would be a wee bit early to see it set.
Like to know which temples you should visit if you decided to buy a one day pass? Here’s the route I took in a day:
1. Angkor Wat
2. Ta Phrom
3. Pre Rup
4. Banteay Srei
5. Preah Khan
6. Angkor Thom
Work out a deal with a Tuk Tuk driver if you liked to be chauffeured to from temples to temples. Alternative, you could rent your own bicycle at about USD2 at most guesthouses if you prefer to work those calve muscles of yours. I’ve seen many travelers renting their own bicycles shuffling from places to places – a great way to adventure at your own time.
Walkable distance you ask? Hmmm… I don’t really recommend that because you’d be so absorbed by the heat of the sun and that might tire you out faster. I was dripping perspiration and the noon sun was extremely unforgiving.
Angkor Wat (Constructed: Early – Mid 12th century)
A definite must-see temple even if you are in a rush for time. I reckon this is one of the more majestic and breath-taking architecture. This centre piece of all temples contains a massive 3-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65m from ground level.
Yes! I caught the sunrise! You will find other people as eager as you – trying to find a spot to take photo of the amazing sunrise. I followed the crowd and stood on the left side of the pool facing the Angkor Wats. There were some people standing on the right side of the pool. The photo I took was pretty decent so I guess standing on the left side was the right decision after all!
Ta Phrom (Constructed: Mid 12th – Early 13th century)
This is the site where sexy Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider (the first movie). Again, another memorizing jungle-like temple where the roots of the Kapok tree extend into the temples’ grounds. I got lost in this temple and lucky for me there were a few Cambodian workers on site. A kind young lad was nice enough to lead me out. When you think that might not be an exit, check again. Ta Phrom has 2 entrances/exits on at the front and back.
Pre Rup (Constructed: Late 10th century)
I spent about 30 mins there. Basically this was one of the few temples that had rich detailed, well preserved carvings, particularly on the top of the entrances and in the lintels. Interesting to see and worthwhile to make a quick stop on my way to Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei (Constructed: Late 10th century)
Banteay Srei loosely translates to “Citadel of the Women” The temple’s small size and pink sandstone with Apsara dances carvings makes it a really nice sight in addition to the other temples. However it lies 38 km from Angkor Wat and will take about 45 mins (by tuk tuk) to get there. However, along the way, you will be able to see much more of the Cambodian’s houses and even steal a quick glance at their backyards. If you are lucky you will be able to see school friend riding on their bicycles to school. Banteay Srei is worth the effort I would say.
Preah Khan (Constructed: Late 12th century)
Honestly, this is one of my favourite sites to visit. Preah Khan means “scared sword” and one of the thriving cities during its time. Huge and highly explorable monastic complex. Full of carvings and contains 2 entrances. I love the bridges – it appears like 2 rows of “warriors” pulling on 2 ropes , well most of them are headless tho (some due to natural deterioration and thief). Upon entry, I was pleasantly surprised by the parallel string of frame-like doors (beautifully carves) one leading on to another until the exit.
Angkor Thom (Constructed: Late 12th – Early 13th century)
The big Angkor is a 3 squared km walled and moated royal city and the last capital of the Angkorian empire. Here, there are other temples including the famous Bayon – the temple of smiling faces, Phimeankas, Baphuon, Peah Pithu etc. Be sure to catch the beautifully carved terrace of the Elephants as you walk out from Bayon and towards the Terrace of the Leper King.
Hello Freedom 12!
As I depart from Singapore to Siem Reap Cambodia, I proudly call this operation Freedom 12. Before my work at SGH imprisons me in Singapore, one more time I would like to spread my wings again. Feel the wind in my hair and the sand on my fingers. This was such an impulse to travel – buying the tickets only 2 days before the departure date.
Terminal 1 @ Changi is amazing. Believe Terminal 3 would be the same =) Extremely efficient and clean. Not that Im blowing my own country’s horn and harping on it. You should really really visit Singapore Changi Airport – See, Feel and even smell the difference! I saw a couple of travelers lying on beach-like deck chairs with cushions! GOSH! This is like heaven isn’t it?
Anyways, before I embark on this journey. I’ve got to set some rules.
1. No flipping to the front pages of travel journal.
2. No mention of him, his name, his memories whatsoever. This is a trip to forget not reminisce.
3. Reflect much. Much much much….
Barely had any shut eye and my miserable flight is at 6am. It’s already 5.45am. No sign of the counter opening – I believe the pilots overslept and are late. Australian pilot I suppose. The air smelt cool… gentle whispers here and there. Too early for anyone to be screaming now. I really would like to knock our for a few hours before I start the day.
Terminal 1 @ Changi is amazing. Believe Terminal 3 would be the same =) Extremely efficient and clean. Not that Im blowing my own country’s horn and harping on it. You should really really visit Singapore Changi Airport – See, Feel and even smell the difference! I saw a couple of travelers lying on beach-like deck chairs with cushions! GOSH! This is like heaven isn’t it?
Anyways, before I embark on this journey. I’ve got to set some rules.
1. No flipping to the front pages of travel journal.
2. No mention of him, his name, his memories whatsoever. This is a trip to forget not reminisce.
3. Reflect much. Much much much….
Barely had any shut eye and my miserable flight is at 6am. It’s already 5.45am. No sign of the counter opening – I believe the pilots overslept and are late. Australian pilot I suppose. The air smelt cool… gentle whispers here and there. Too early for anyone to be screaming now. I really would like to knock our for a few hours before I start the day.
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