Nattaproblem

Traveling to SE Asia is always a refreshing experience. The temperate climate, delicious produce and warm, friendly people always helps recharge the soul. I went to Singapore for a couple days, then Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur on a surprise trip to visit my mom and other relatives in Thailand. It was Songkran Week, and because my mom’s birthday and mother’s day all fell within one week of my visit, I decided to celebrate all 3 with her while I had the chance. She had no idea, and it was even more of a shock when I said, “alright now pack your bags because we’re going to Angkor Wat.”

Flying to Angkor Wat is a piece of cake and serendipitously, I was able to skip the immigration line because of my Thai passport. There are two main options when visiting from the Thai capital. You can either fly from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or into Don Muang International Airport. There are more local flight options through Don Muang International Airport and the prices are slightly better than the alternative options that fly through Suvarnabhumi. Both airports are modern and have shops, cafes and plenty of comfort food. Suvarnabhumi is newer, that’s all. I suggest booking a trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap through Don Muang, especially if you are planning to continue touring SE Asia after Angkor Wat. There are bus tours and weekend tours that take groups of people from Bangkok into Cambodia and back as well. If that’s your style, go for it. I enjoy planning trips and customizing it as much as I can so I opted for flying. Lastly, for those with passports belonging to a country outside SE Asia, there is a $30 VISA fee, which needs to be paid in USD at the airport. Airport personnel are extremely welcoming and willing to help guide you.

Arriving in Cambodia from Bangkok, the torrid air felt more extreme than it did in Thailand. Both locations were hot but I noticed a slight increase in heat at the Siem Reap Airport. The gateway to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple ruins, Siem Reap is a welcoming town with many activities and excursions for tourists staying more than 3 to 4 days. In my opinion, four days is perfect. For the archaeologists or historical zealots out there who want to explore the differences between all the 72 major temples, Siem Reap will be the perfect place to rest in between each day-trip. Most hotels and accommodations have really nice cafes and restaurants and the local food is phenomenal. If you see it on the menu, please give the Amok (Cambodian for ‘fish’) fish curry a try. It’s a local favorite and the Thai version is ‘Hawmok.’ I learned throughout my journey that the Khmer language helped form the Thai language throughout history. Although I couldn’t understand everything, many words sounded familiar and the tour guides were extremely informative about all things etamology.

The main attractions at Angkor are: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Ta Phom (the Tomb Raider one, thanks Hollywood), Temple and Banteay Srei. There are several others that will take your breath away and if the heat doesn’t enervate you, explore as many corners of the temple grounds as possible. The detail on the limestone that was left behind by the Khmer Empire is arguably the eastern version of the Pharaonic splendors of Ancient Egypt ; a couple thousand years later. I couldn’t imagine the labor that went into the stone designs, all in honor of the monarchs.

On the rides to and from the temples, there are sugar-cane stands, Mangosteen smoothies and local tuk-tuk or rickshaw guides that will show you the hidden gems within Siem Reap and the surrounding vicinity for a reasonable price. There was a kind local who picked us up from the airport and he ended up being the main tuk-tuk driver throughout the majority of our tip. In between temple visits, Siem Reap has activities for tourists and their family members to partake in as well, including the Phare Cambodian Circus, featuring impressive acts by the local Khmer people, most of whom were rescued into a training facility by the the circus organization. Visitor funds from ticket sales, gift-shop purchases, and donations help support the local initiative to provide a better life for surviving victims of the Khmer Rouge. They are extremely talented and delivered a stellar show.

Throughout the visit, the best way to fight off the heat is to drink plenty of fluids, fan fan fan, and wear sun block. A fresh cup of cold, freshly pressed sugar cane juice is also highly recommended.

Exploring Siem Reap and Angkor is quite simple, just make sure to book independent excursions through viator or local group-tour agencies at least 2 to 3 days in advance during the summer and a week in advance during peak season. The convenience of travel with a smartphone is ridiculous and with the new eSIM technology, simply download a data plan onto your sim card and explore as you go.

Angkor, check. Surprise my mom with a trip to a world wonder, check. Happy travels all! Stay happy, stay healthy, and keep moving!