This morning, Steven and I left Bangkok to catch a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia! Our plane ride was quite pleasant as it only lasted about an hour. Our airline, Cambodia Angkor Air provided us with a snack box filled with a ham and cheese sandwich, a muffin, a capaccino chocolate bar, along with water. I was surprised that they offered complimentary food for such a short ride.
Upon arrival at the Cambodia airport (arrival time: 1pm approx) a driver from our resort, Lotus Blanc Resort, was waiting for us outside with a name sign! I was so relived to be in a car with A/C, because it's mighty hot in Cambodia! The drive to the resort lasted about 10 minutes, driving along the main road, Road 6. Once we arrived at our resort, the staff greeted us both and provided us with a welcoming coconut drink, fresh from the coconut palm tree! On top of that, we were offered a free room upgrade to the premium room!
Our room appeared exactly as I expected it to be (according to the photos online). It was quite spacious as it included a walk-out balcony facing the pool, a large shower room, and free WiFi.
Also included in our package was a complimentary set course dinner for two, a welcoming fruit basket, free daily buffet breakfast, and access to the pool. In total, we booked this resort for approx $37+ per night.
Also included in our package was a complimentary set course dinner for two, a welcoming fruit basket, free daily buffet breakfast, and access to the pool. In total, we booked this resort for approx $37+ per night.
After we settled into our room, we decided to take a dip in the pool before deciding what to do for the rest of the evening. The pool was beautiful, as it was surrounded by the outdoor garden which had coconut trees, orange trees, and banana trees! If only the temperature of the pool was cooler (it was only lukewarm), it would've been very refreshing! It didn't really bother us that much though.
Following our quick dip in the pool, Steven suggested we visit Phnom Bakheng hill (at Angkor War Complex) to watch the sunset. We were concerned with the weather over the next few days, as it calls for rain and thunder. We decided not to risk cloudy skies tomorrow, and arranged a tuk-tuk driver to take us to Angkor Wat at 5pm (sunset begins at 6:30pm). Our first tuk-tuk journey in Cambodia was great, but a little bit frightening! It seems as though drivers there are very careless; weaving in and out of other cars, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks, driving on the wrong side of the road, and not looking out for pedestrians. At one point of our journey, a car basically drove our tuk-tuk off the side of the road!
Anyway, before arriving at Phnom Bakheng, our driver took us to the main Angkor Wat entrance where we took a picture and purchased a 3-day Angkor Wat pass to gain access to Phnom Bakheng.
Once we arrived at the base, we were swamped with children, begging us to purchase souvenirs from them. It was hard to resist them, so we bought some postcards and bracelets. Still, after purchasing some small goodies, more children approached us to buy their souvenirs. At one point, we couldn't move because the kids were surrounding us and going up in our faces!
Anyway, before arriving at Phnom Bakheng, our driver took us to the main Angkor Wat entrance where we took a picture and purchased a 3-day Angkor Wat pass to gain access to Phnom Bakheng.
Once we arrived at the base, we were swamped with children, begging us to purchase souvenirs from them. It was hard to resist them, so we bought some postcards and bracelets. Still, after purchasing some small goodies, more children approached us to buy their souvenirs. At one point, we couldn't move because the kids were surrounding us and going up in our faces!
We finally managed to escape the children and walked towards the entrance to Phnom Bakheng where we flashed our passes to security. The walk up Phnom Bakheng hill was long and humid. We quickly realised how important it is to stay hydrated and to wear comfortable shoes. There were many tourists already there, who arrived much earlier to save a good spot. We managed to find some front row seating on the temple steps, directly facing the forest and in good view of the sun. Steven took some good photos and a time lapse clip from his GoPro!
It was around 7:15pm when we arrived back at the resort, where we showered and prepared for dinner. We decided to use our complimentary dinner for two tonight. The restaurant appeared fancy, overlooking the pool and garden, which also included a patio. Steven enjoyed a Western meal, while I chose the Cambodian dinner meal.
Overall, the Cambodian food was good, but the American steak was tough to chew. At this point, I was ready to pass out and prepare for tomorrow!
Posted by Rebecca
No comments:
Post a Comment