Browsing the blog archive for Destinations: Siem Reap | Ambot ah! Travel Blog
Seeing the ancient temples of Angkor was the highlight of my trip to Cambodia last summer. People from half the world away go to this place to marvel at the accomplishments of early human civilization and I was very excited to also have the chance to see it myself. Angkor was a bustling metropolis built by the Khmer Empire in the 9th to the 15th centuries, it is known as the biggest pre-industrial city in history. Its immensity is comparable to settlements and grand structures built by other civilizations of the ancient world. Although most of the structures are now left in ruins, what remains is still very captivating and leaves any visitor a good grasp of Khmer history and culture.
Art Deli is one really cool place to hangout in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is an art cafe located along Alley West (the walkway behind Pub Street). Art Deli is filled with a lot of interesting and quirky pieces at every corner creating a light and perfect mood for a relaxing recharge over a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer, especially after a day of touring the temples. I like that Art Deli specializes in selling affordable art. You can already own some of the pieces even with just a few dollars in your pocket.
I finally arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is famous for the ancient Angor Wat Temple built by the Khmer Empire. I was so surprised with my first glimpses of Siem Reap! it looked so different compared to the images of Cambodia I had in mind. The roads were excellent, so many large hotels, and a lot of foreigners filling up artsy restaurants and bars. I was expecting more of a small farming community village than a bustling tourist city. What I loved about Siem Reap was its unique charming character, it wasn’t hard to fall in love with the place and be inspired with the brimming dose of culture.
Overland travel from Thailand to Cambodia was surprisingly easy and convenient (sans the long 9 hour travel time) especially now that the road conditions in the Cambodian side has improved significantly. When I was still planning the trip, I expected to travel from Thailand to Cambodia on my own so I already had an idea how to do it. It was my first time, nevertheless, and even though I’ve thoroughly did my research nothing, in travel amongst most things in life, is better than personal experience. Fortunately, my new travel buddies Kawajan and Bubbles knew their way around Bangkok and Thailand, which made my trip almost glitch free.
Here is my itinerary journal during my recent trip to Thailand and Cambodia. From Manila, I flew into Bangkok, Thailand first and then traveled over land to Siem Reap,Cambodia by bus via the Aranyaphratet-Poipet Border Gate. I got to visit a lot of the major sights and will be posting more of a general journal rather than a detailed day-to-day itinerary (like my Hong Kong and Macau Tour last year) since my visit was primarily a business trip and I wasn’t in control of my time. I would’ve loved to visit places outside Bangkok and Siem Reap but I guess that would just be reserved for my future visits to Thailand and Cambodia.
Monks in formation during an opening presentation for a corporate gala dinner at the East Gate of Angkor Wat
My trip to Thailand and Cambodia is finally over and I’m now back at home skimming through the photos and reminiscing wonderful experiences I’ve had during my stay there. My purpose of travel was primarily for work, hired by a friend as an assistant photographer for a big corporate event in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I only had limited time to see the different sights as a DIY tourist so I won’t be doing a comprehensive guide like my Hong Kong and Macau Tour. Rest Assured, I have a lot of useful info to share about traveling in Thailand and Cambodia that will slowly fill this blog in the coming weeks.
Locals buying fresh flowers for the Khmer New Year in Siem Reap, Cambodia
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
