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Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia
In May 2019, I took time out of my flight to explore Cambodia!This beautiful country Has been on my bucket list for years, but this time Emirates Finally added Phnom Penh To their flight network! When joining Emirates, one of my goals was to visit every country on its flight network. HHaving been a crew member for four years, I think this is an opportunity for me to explore a new destination and complete it alone. I’m traveling alone for the first time!
Traveling alone is not uncommon, but I am skeptical of traveling alone. You think this will allow me to do more research before I set off, but when I planned my trip, I didn’t do much. I checked the online reviews, saw some positive reviews, and everything was booked after a few clicks! With only one carry-on bag, I jumped on the plane and that’s it. I am ready to explore!
After arriving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, I went to bed directly after checking in. Ohana Phnom Penh Palace Hotel. I managed to sleep until noon (oops!), and I hopped on the first tuk-tuk I saw when I was in bed. My first stop? Choeung EK.
There is not much rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (where I am), but when the temperature drops and the clouds darken on the way, I know something bad is about to happen. The wind rose and the road became less congested. After a while, my tuk-tuk driver stopped by the side of the road and pulled down the curtains. BOOM, it’s pouring rain. The road became a river, and we started sailing. I was soaked in rain from head to toe!
Skulls of several Khmer Rouge victims
Pay tribute to the lost life
Smiling during the experience, I arrived at the first stop. Holding an umbrella, I began to tour the killing fields.This place used to be an orchard, now it is a mass grave Khmer Rouge victims. More than 17,000 people were executed here, and more than 8,000 skulls were left in a 17-story glass pagoda as a tribute to them. If you are not familiar with the history of this website, I strongly recommend that you read more about it. I will not go into too many details because it is very morbid.
When the sun began to show up from behind the clouds, I took a tuk-tuk to go again Security Prison 21 (S21), Now called Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. During the Khmer Rouge era, more than 20,000 prisoners were held here, interrogated, tortured, and executed.Again, the history behind this place is despicable, but I encourage you read more.
After this adventure, I ate some local food in a small place that my driver knew.I don’t remember the name of the restaurant, but I like it very much Traditional Cambodian cuisine Called “Lele”. It consists of corned beef, served on a green salad, topped with sliced ​​tomatoes and cucumbers, served with rice and black pepper sauce, but there are also chicken, pork and vegetarian options.
Fortunately, when I finally returned to my room, I realized that I had forgotten my key was inside. This is not new to me, but what makes me laugh is that the door is locked by itself. The safety lock is completely locked, as if someone is in the room! Two staff members are required to pry open the door and break it. When they did, no one was there. Freak!
Lele Traditional Meal
National Museum of Cambodia
The next day is very interesting. I woke up in a thunderstorm at noon, there was no rain.I decided to move to National Museum of Cambodia On the street before the storm started. Good luck came again, when I was a minute away from my destination, I managed to get into trouble! I took refuge in a restaurant and waited for nearly an hour until the rain stopped.When they did, I went to the museum, and I went to Royal palace and silver pagoda. The best part? The palace is under construction, so it is closed! My life, I swear.
Before choosing the rest of the day to rest by the pool, I walked around again. Because it is Saturday night, I can’t sit for that long.I decided to take a tuk tuk to my favorite place to eat Hard Rock Cafe Phnom Penh Some live music.
My third day in Cambodia was more interesting than other times.I have booked a driver through “Book Me Bus” and asked someone who speaks English to take me there Siem Reap. I confirmed that I was a foreigner and left a note for them, saying that I want to stop halfway Tonle Sap. My booking has been successfully processed and I confirmed this with their customer service team via email. Unfortunately for me, the driver did not speak English and refused to stop where I asked. Not only that, the poor guy was still using the mobile app to translate our conversation and told me that the company did not notify him of my request. He didn’t have the money to call, and he didn’t know where my hotel was. That’s why I should buy a $12 bus ticket on a $80 American taxi. Please learn from my mistakes!
Souvenirs from the museum
Hotel landscape in Phnom Penh
The hotel I live in, Odds, Exceeded my expectations. Usually, I will stay in a hotel safely, but I must have a complete Cambodian backpacker experience. I booked a private room and met some cool people there.
On the fourth day, I got up early to catch the sunrise Angkor Wat Use the tours provided by my hostel. I didn’t see much due to the heavy fog, but the temple itself is incredible.Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is Siem Reap The most iconic temple. Built in the heyday of the Khmer Empire in the 12th century, it is the largest religious building in the world, covering an area of ​​162.6 hectares.I also stopped at a few other In that area, These include: Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Angkor Thom and Preah Khan Temple.To enter all these temples, you need a Temple pass. I spent about 40 dollars a day, which is very expensive for Cambodia.
After exploring, I met a friend who flew over for lunch from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We went out at night to stroll around the night market. These are very popular in Asia, but I like to see everyone enjoying food and entertainment on the street.
Although my stay in Cambodia was short, it was exactly what I needed. From here, I continue to go to neighboring countries, Laos. I will save that story until another day!
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
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Disclaimer: My post is my personal opinion and does not represent the opinion of my company.
* This was written in May 2019, but I forgot to publish it. In view of the current pandemic, choose travel wisely. *
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