LOption 1.
1. Hire a tuktok or take cab to Mo Chit Station (150Baht from Khao San)
2. Buy a ticket to Siem Reap (750Baht)
Option 2.
1. Take the early train ride from Hualamphong
2. Alight in Aranyapathet
3. Hire a tuktok to the Thailand Immigration
4. Hire tuktok/taxi from Cambodia Immigration(Popeit) to Siem Reap
On our 3rd day in Bangkok, Kaye and I checked out early from D&D Inn to travel to Cambodia. We took the 8am bus trip from Mo Chit Station and arrived in the Thailand-Cambodian border around 3pm. Food and bottled water was provided during the 7-
8hrs trip which was bought from a nearby 711. A portable toilet is also available inside the bus that should only be used to take a leak. I realized that now, because I took a dump and it smelled inside the entire bus. Kaye was so embrassed because according to her everyone kept looking at the back side where the toilet is located and was covering their nose. I did spray scented alcohol to alleviate the odor but it didnt help. My poop-scent was just too strong. #shameless
The Border from Thailand to Cambodia is prone to scams and fraud especially for foreigners who needs assitance for Visa on Arrival. FAQ's on Visa on Arrival in this link www.embassyofcambodia.org
Since we took a direct bus, our exit from Thailand and entry to Cambodia was fast and easy. We got out of the bus in Aranyapathet and went inside the Thai Immigration, after getting our exit stamp we walked outside and just followed the signs to where it says "Go to Cambodia". We walked pass the friendship bridge and took a quick photo because it was super hot and there was no shade. We went inside the Cambodian Immigration, and quickly got our entry stamp. The Cambodian office is not airconditioned so even if its a good place to spot for cute Europeans, Kaye and I went up to the bus instead and waited for other tourist to finish. Although you can go check out Poipet's market or just step inside Grand Diamond City Resort and Casino which is right beside the immigration office if you need aircondition, free wifi and something to eat.
Mo Chit ➡️ Aranyapathet ➡️ Poipet ➡️ Siem Reap
Welcome to Cambodia!
Siem Reap is a small city and while we were travelling from the border in Poipet to our bus stop we noticed that most locals ride bikes as means of transportation. There is still tuktok but not so much of the cars. Also, Most of the guys wear plaid long sleeves. Im thinking its for protection from the sun but it could also be a fashion trend among them. I swear it felt like I've seen all the plaid patterns possible. No pun intended.
😍
When we arrived at our bus stop in Siem Reap a tuktok driver approached us, this is where we got scammed. The driver claimed he's affiliated with the bus company and offered us a free ride to our hotel and a $9 cheap tour to Angkor Wat. We took the offer given that he was wearing the same uniform as the other guys in the bus stop and he even showed us a receipt. Looked legit to us so we paid him before driving us to our hostel. We waited for him the next day but he never showed up. We got screwed up and we have no one to blame but us. It was almost 5am and we need to catch the sunrise in Angkor Wat so we booked another driver from outside the hostel. We were so irritated but we decided to just laugh about it and charged it to experience. Its just $9, no biggy. We just focused our attention to finally seeing the Angkor Wat sunrise.
*Angkor Wat
Lots had been said about how beautiful the sky is and the palace silhouette and its reflection to the pond but now we're here and witnessing it ourselves. #surreal
We arrived outside the palace gates 15minutes before 5am. We bought a snack and coffee and then walked towards the bridge. It was dark and cold and we only have our phone flashlights to see what were stepping on. There were so many tourist given the time of the day. It seemed like a concert is happenning.
When it was all light and day we went inside the ruins and toured the whole palace ground. It was huge and old and very picturesque. We didn't hire any guide or purchased any book to explain the palace grounds to us. We're fine just taking pictures and savour the moment. We'll just read it off from Wikipedia later on. LOL.
Walking to another important UNESCO world heritage site in South Eeast Asia.
Selfie with @kayerikit
This is all the way at the back of Angkor Wat*Angkor Thom City
-Bayon Temple
Buddha Face carved on stones -Baphoun Temple
The ascend to the top of the temple was a bit of a challenge because the metal stairs were steep and tiny but it was all worth it because of the view.
-Royal Palace and Phimeanaka Temple
-Phreah Palilay Temple
It was a bit difficult to find this temple because its all the way at the back side of the historic village.
*Phrea Khan Temple
#restoration
#belieber
*Ta Phrom Temple
The last temple we visited and definitely the most crowded one because this is the exact temple used in Angelina Jolie's movie.
Looks familiar? You probably seen it from the movie Lara Croft Tomb Raider.
All of the main temples are undergoing restoration so in a couple years the whole Angkor Village will look almost the same as how it was like century years ago.
Mind you, there's a whole lot of walking involved in this tour so be prepared and don't forget to bring water and sunscreen.
After a long day of touring temples, visit their Night Market for dinner and to buy souvenirs a maybe get a cheap massage.
Also, don't miss out on the crazy at Pub Street. This is where you would want to get drunk and hammered. I would recommend the Angkor What Bar and Temple Bar. These two had the most awesome vibe. Good music and cheap drinks.
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