Gorgeous Cambodia

My visit to Cambodia was limited to a weekend.  Let’s say it was one of my most memorable in Asia.

 

Until I stepped foot in Singapore, I had not even heard of Angkor Wat or Siem Reap. But it doesn’t take long to figure out it’s one of the “must see” places in Southeast Asia.

 

The first day was spent “temple hopping”, taking in the most famous sites.  Angkor Wat is a sprawling and intricate temple complex that has both Hinduism and Buddhism at its centre.  It was my first insight into the spread of Hinduism in South East Asia (another thing I had no idea about).

 

I loved the faces of Avalokiteshvara at the Bayon temple. But what really took my breath away, like 99% of visitors I’m sure, was Ta Prom.  Commonly dubbed the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple, this was where the film Tomb Raider was filmed. 

 

the faces of Avalokiteshvara

 

 

 

 

It’s absolutely magnificent, intertwined eternally with the giant rainforest that nearly engulfed it many years back.  Even the sight of hordes of tourists striking the “Angelina Jolie” pose at the doorway didn’t take away from the giant roots twisting in and out of the temple walls forming a truly magical experience.  We happened to be there in the evening, which I think was the best time to see it, adding to the Indiana Jones-esque atmosphere.

 

Tomb Raider Temple

 

 

 

 

 

On the second day we decided to go a little off the beaten track and took a boat out on Tonle Sap lake to take a look at the water villages.  About half an hour away is the Chong Khneas villages, which is where most people end their lake venture.  The real gem, Kompong Khleang, is a three hour boat ride into the lake, but so well worth the visit.  Houses are built on 10-15 meter-high stilts, to factor in the rising and falling levels of the lake.  A visit here is like stepping back in time over a hundred years ago.  People move from house to house and kids go to school in boats, tubs….anything that will float. 

 

Stilt houses

 

 

 

 

 

From the village you can take a little boat trip through the mangroves which is divine, even though it can get a little hot.

The flooded forest

 

 

 

Recommended:

Cute hotel with great location: Steung Siem Reap.  Also has a pool to cool of in the stifling heat.

http://www.steungsiemreaphotel.com/

Thailand

 Thailand is my favourite country in Asia, synonymous with friendly people, great food and amazing beaches. That might sound clichéd and passé, but I don’t care.

 

Being so close to Singapore, I’ve been able to make multiple weekend trips – from partying in buzzing Bangkok, to kicking back in Krabi, one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been to.

 

To me, Thailand is the perfect holiday destination.  It’s cheap and there’s plenty to do from snorkelling, to trekking in the rice paddies to riding elephants through bamboo forests.  Let’s not forget the plentiful massages.  Although I’ve never had a traditional Thai massage (I’m not too keen on the manipulation stuff), the foot massages are divine.  It is the ultimate food heaven: simple, spicy and salivating.  Good for vegetarians too, my favourites are Som Tam (green papaya salad),Pad Thai and Green Curry. Best washed down with a cold Chang beer.

 

The locals are happy-go-lucky (except when they are protesting for the country’s prime minister to step down and close down the airport for six days as they did in November 08).  They are usually full of banter and if they rip you off, it is usually done with a smile.

 

All said, I do see Thailand primarily as a holiday destination.  I don’t think I would be able to live/work there.  Perhaps a little too laid back for my liking.

 

If you haven’t been yet – go, go, go!

Recommended:

·        City: Bangkok, a happening capital city, full of great restaurants, bars and ladyboys.  For sightseeing, head to the Grand Palace. For a fantastic night out, take in the stunning views at Sirocco before heading out to Bed Supper Club. Great little vegetarian restaurant called May Kaidees just of Khao San Road – the backpacker belt in Bangkok.

http://www.thedomebkk.com/sirocco/sirocco_home.htm

http://www.bedsupperclub.com/

http://www.maykaidee.com/

·        Beach: Phuket, Phi Phi and Krabi.  Phuket is on the more touristy side so avoid the sleazy Patong beach, Kata beach is much nicer and quiter.  Phi Phi island is famous for being the spot where The Beach was filmed, it’s beautiful but can get pretty hectic.  Although the beaches are not powdery white, Krabi is the most stunning destination of all in my opinion. I haven’t been to Koh Samui, Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan, I’ve heard they are all lovely too.

·        Trekking: Head up north to Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand.  It has a surprisingly chilled out vibe and plenty of trekking options.

 

My Long Weekend Resolution

….was to set up a blog.  Goal achieved!