Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 2: Angkor Wat at Sunrise

Date Visited: 2nd March 2013

On the second day of our Siem Reap trip, we woke up as early as 4am, before the sun appeared. Luckily for us, Cambodia time is 1 hour behind our Malaysia time and technically we had to wake up and be ready before 6am Malaysia time. Our driver was ready earlier and picked us from the guest house for the main highlight of this trip, none other than the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Tip Before Going To Angkor Wat

Despite how rush you are especially when you wake up late in such an early hour, make sure you bring along your Temple Pass before heading out or else, it will waste your time to go back to your lodging again and take your temple pass. Worst to worst, there would be possibility you might miss the sunrise.

Once we arrived the destination, it was really dark. Using our smartphone, we turned on the flashlight to lead us into Angkor Wat. Just when we thought we were the earliest one, we were so surprised there are almost hundred of tourists gathered before us. Almost all of them prepared and ready positioned their camera to get the best shot for the sunrise. Therefore, I would advise you to be there by 4.30am Cambodia time, at least.

Waited for more than an hour, here's the time that everybody waited for;

#1: Sunrise at the world heritage of Angkor Wat with the reflection of the entire temples

Honestly speaking, it's not easy to take the above shot cause beside being short, everyone was holding their camera so high up. Thanks to a friendly Caucasian who was eventually standing in front of me, he gave his best spot for me. 

#2: Group photo. Credit to Kming

#3: Local kid with selling postcard for US$1 only. So young but he can speak different kind of languages; English, Mandarin and even Japanese and Korean.

Right after we done with the sunrise shooting, we spent few hours ventured around Angkor Wat.

#4: Aspara and devata statues are characteristic of the Angkor Wat style

#5: 

#6: Part of Angkor Wat structures

#7: One director, two photographers and two actors. "Lights, Camera, Action!"


#8: Final glimpse of Angkor Wat before leaving 

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 1: First Day in Siem Reap

Date Visited: 1st March 2013

Since ever my collegemates and I graduated 6 years ago, we always wanna have a gathering trip but it's not easy anyway cause sometimes it's difficult for us to find the suitable date for us to gather for a trip. Finally, like finally we managed to arrange our hectic schedule for a gathering trip and for my part, I managed to secured airtickets to Siem Reap, Cambodia for 7 people, at least. Although not many of my collegemates able to join this, but at least I managed to gather few of us. And here we are to the "Kingdom of Wonders".

The flight to Siem Reap from Kuala Lumpur was as early at 6:50 am. As usual, I reached LCCT one night before the actual flight as I had to fly over from Kota Kinabalu. Two flights in a row was extremely tired and exhausted but I can't wait for our adventures around Siem Reap. The journey took almost 2 hours and finally we reached the destination we've been waiting for almost a year.

#1: Siem Reap International Airport, second largest airport in Cambodia and its modern architecture is based on the traditional Khmer style.

#2: Welcome to the Kingdom of Wonders signboard

Once we got out from the arrival hall, we were greeted by a friendly local driver which we hired directly from the guest house we reserved. His name is Sao Titan and we called him, Sao. He is very good in speaking English and he always told us many kind of jokes, including some dirty jokes as well. He dropped us in our guest house before starting our tour at 5pm of their local time. By the way, Cambodia time is 1 hour behind our Malaysia time.

#3: MotherHome Guesthouse

We booked 4 rooms and three rooms were ready by the time we reached. We even allowed to check-in earlier. More review of this guest house will be in the next upcoming post.

Once we done with everything, we went out for lunch hunting. Can't wait to explore more of Siem Reap city.

#4: Motordop which commonly known as tuk-tuk

#5: KFC? Perhaps next time

#6: We settled down in a small eatery which served most on local foods - especially Khmer dishes. 

[Clockwise from left: Fried Rice Loklak, Rice with Chicken, Coconut shake, Angkor Premium Beer (local beer) and Bread Omelet with Vegetables]

#7: From there, we took tuk-tuk to Old Market for another souvenirs hunting. So many things can be found here - fridge magnets, keychains, T-shirts, handicraft and silks which are incredibly cheap.

Right at 5pm of local time, Sao, our driver picked us up from guest house to purchase the 3 Days Temple Pass.

#8: For more info about the temple pass, refer above.

#9: Paid directly and on the spot, they will snap photo of you directly. Must keep this pass properly cause any time, they will do investigation or checking before entry to certain temples.

Done with passes, we went to Phnom Bakheng for sunset viewing.

#10: What a long queue before can go up to Phnom Bakheng

#11: Before back to the guest house, we requested Sao to drop us at Art Center Night Market which similar to Old Market but its only open during the night time.

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Foodie Friday: Excapade Sushi @ Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Date Visited: 17th February 2013

In order to fly to Bangkok directly from Kota Kinabalu, we don't have many choices and all required transit, either in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Brunei. And since we flew with Royal Brunei Airlines, we had to transit in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei for almost 8 hours before reaching back home. Luckily my relatives are staying there, hence we decided to get out from the airport instead of stuck inside the airport and doing nothing for the whole long 8 hours.

Again, the thing that my family and I love to do in Brunei is definitely to satisfy our crave towards the cheap, huge and fresh sushi in one of the famous Japanese chain restaurant in Brunei. That would be none other than Excapade, which has quite number of outlets all over Brunei and this time around, we went the one in Gadong area, not so far way from the airport.

#1: Ready for the foods?

#2: Kani Maki and California Maki - My favourite kind of sushi

#3: Sushi

#4: Mentai salmon sushi

#5:

#6: Tamago sushi and inari - Another of my favourite

#7: Chicken Katsu Curry

#8: And more sushi

Well, actually we ordered more than the above cause my family and I were separated into two different tables but guess what, the total damages for almost 20 people of us was $170++ (roughly around RM425). Surprisingly cheap, right?

Excapade Sushi (Gadong Branch) 
Abdul Razak Complex, 

Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519, 

Brunei Darussalam.

Couldn't get enough of Excapade's sushi and more? Check out my first post of Excapade Sushi in Kuala Belait Branch.

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Summary of My 6D5N Bangkok, Thailand Travelogue (2013) Version 2.0

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Bangkok, Thailand for 6 days and 5 nights. Some of my trips were repeated cause this is the first time my family went to Bangkok.

Day 1: 12th February 2013
Travel To Bangkok With Royal Brunei Airlines


Stay: Centre Point Pratunam Hotel Bangkok


Day 2: 13th February 2013
Wat Pho, The Temple of The Reclining Buddha

How To Get To Wat Pho:

From Tha Tien Pier (N8), walk straight to the main road, Maharaj Road and turn right. The temple is on your left.

Chinatown (Yaowarat)

How To Get To Chinatown:
Take Chao Phraya Tourist Boat and get off at Ratchawongse Pier (N5). Walk along Ratchawongse Road for 500 meters to reach the intersection of Yaowarat Road.

Terminal 21

How To Get To Terminal 21:

BTS Station: Asoke (Exit 1) or;

MRT Station: Sukhumvit (Exit 3)

Nara Thai Cuisine

Branches:

1) Lower Ground Floor of Erawan Bangkok

2) 7th Floor of Central World

Opening Hours for both branches: 10am until 10pm daily.

Day 3: 14th February 2013
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market &
Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple

Initially the day tour was supposed to be Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bridge on the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple but our driver was overslept while waiting for us in our hotel early morning, hence we only managed to visit two. The cost of the tour was 600 baht (approx. to RM63) which included pick-up service from hotel, transport, boat ride an lunch but excluded the admission fee to Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple which cost 600 baht per pax. Booked from Mama Travel & Tour, local tour operator.

Khao San Road, Backpacker's Paradise 

How To Get To Khao San Road:

As there is no connection to Khao San Road by Skytrain and metro, the only options are by taking express boats, buses or taxis. Taking meter taxi would be cost less than 100 baht either from Victory Monument, Siam or Silom. As for bus, take the bus numbers 157, 171 and 509 from Victory Monument (Rajavithi Hospital bus stop) pass Ratchadumnoen Road. You can get off at Khok Wua intersection (one stop away from Democracy Monument). Khao San Road is only a short walk from there. For more adventurous like us, we took tuk-tuk but remember to negotiate and fix the price before hopping on. Most likely will cost between 150 baht - 160 baht for one way from Khao San Road to the nearest Skytrain (BTS Siam).

Day 4: 15th February 2013
The Shopping Malls I Visited in Bangkok


Day 5: 16th February 2014
Chatuchak Weekend Market

How To Get To Chatuchak Weekend Market:

BTS Station: Mo Chit (Exit 1) and follow the crowd until see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and accessories or; 

MRT Station: Chatuchak Park (Exit 1) and follow the crowd as well.

Open on every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

Day 6: 17th February 2014
Transit in Brunei for 8 Hours Before Flying Back Home (Coming Soon!)

Extra Posts:

• Sneak Peek (2013) Version 2.0
• My Travel Loots & Expenses Version 2.0  

You can even check out Summary of My 5D4N Bangkok Travelogue (2012) Version 1.0.

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My Bangkok Travel Loots & Expenses (2013) Version 2.0

Read My Version 1.0 of Bangkok Travel Loots

I know I just came back from my first visit to Bangkok (less than half year), but it's really hard to stop myself from keep shopping and shopping in one of my favourite shopping spots in the world.

#1: My total damages from Bangkok - 4 dresses, 12 tops, 2 shorts, 4 skirts, 4 bags and accessories. And also pillow case (my current addiction lately)

#2: Hair accessories from Platinum Fashion Mall

#3: Earrings from Platinum Fashion Mall

#4: Long necklaces from Platinum Fashion Mall

#5: Cute USB flash drive - Bought from street stall nearby our hotel

#6: Fridge magnets and most of them I bought from Chatuchak Market

#7: Passport cover and luggage tag from Platinum Fashion Mall

#8: Handmade luggage tags from Platinum Fashion Mall

#9: Last but not least, foods haul - Thailand famous junk food like Lay's (Potato chips), Pocky (Biscuit sticks), Koh-Kee (Peanut snacks) and more. 

As for the amount of expenses I incurred, I unable to share the full and exact details because as you may know, i went with my family and majority were paid by my parents, especially in terms of transportation fees, foods and so on. Even for my shopping loots, some paid by my mom cause the more we bought, more discount were given.

Hereby I share some of the travel expenses I managed to track down throughout my 6 days and 5 nights trip in Bangkok, Thailand:


(The exchange rate by the time I changed; RM10: 10.42 baht )

1. Return airfare with Royal Brunei Airlines from Kota Kinabalu to Bangkok (transit in Bandar Seri Begawan in between)
2. Stayed for 5 nights throughout the trip, which inclusive the breakfast only on the first night stay. For more information about this hotel, click HERE.
3. Included pick-up service from the hotel, transport and boat ride.
4. Not a complete details cause mostly paid by my parents. 
5. Including 100 baht free call plus 7-days unlimited internet
6. Most of my souvenirs and shopping haul are as above photos. Also including postcards and stamps which I bought and sent out earlier.

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Khao San Road, The Backpacker's Paradise

Date Visited: 19th & 20th October 2012

14th February 2013

One of the main reason I went Khao San Road was mainly to book the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour and also this was the drop-off spot after back from the eye-opening and exciting tour. Here in Khao San Road, there are many relatively inexpensive travel agents which not only offer tour around Bangkok city, but they also arrange visas as well as transportation to the neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia.

#1: Mama Tours & Travel, one of the local travel agent I would recommend. Click here for more info

For backpackers and budget travellers, Khao San Road is known as "the backpacker's paradise" in their dictionary as there are countless of budget guesthouses to reasonably priced of mid-range hotels. This is the place that draw backpackers from every corner of the world, as it has by far the cheapest place to search for accommodation in all of Bangkok. But bear in mind, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Although most of the accommodations here are dirt cheap, but literately they are dark, unclean and poorly lit, and if you are unlucky, you might spend your night with bedbugs.

#2: Khao San Road - Backpacker's Paradise Spot

Besides the cheap accommodation, this 1km long road is packed with plenty of bars and clubs, restaurants, internet cafes, cheap massage parlours, travel agents (like I mentioned earlier), bookstores, convenience stores, pharmacies, tattoo shops and much more. Even the global chain of fast foods restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Subway and even Starbucks can also be found in the area.

#3: Khao San Road during the day time

#4: Lunch break in McDonald's - Pork Burger which not available in Malaysia #nonhalal

In case you are not planning to stay in this area, why not come and visit Khao San Road during the night time as the road becomes alive and filled with vibrant atmosphere. The streets are lighten up with sprawling neon signboards, hundreds of street vendors appeared along both sides of the road selling almost everything including fried inserts as well as numerous of crowded pubs and bars serving drinks at cheap price.

#5: Khao San Road during the night time

#6: Good place for street shopping as well

Although Khao San Road doesn't have any huge shopping complexes like those other areas, but it is a good place to bargain for cheap shopping along the shopping bazaar on the both sides of the road. Expecting cheap clothes, souvenirs, counterfeit merchandise such as CDs, VCDs or even fake student IDs and graduated certificates are available here. Based on my past experience, besides Phuket, I think the bikinis sold here were freaking cheap. I even bought two sets of bikini for my best friends and how much they cost? 250 baht for a set and if you are buying more, more discount would be given.

#7: Chill out in a cafe while sipping a cold Chang beer. By the way, that's not mine cause I don't drink

How To Get To Khao San Road

As there is no connection to Khao San Road by Skytrain and metro, the only options are by taking express boats, buses or taxis. Taking meter taxi would be cost less than 100 baht either from Victory Monument, Siam or Silom. As for bus, take the bus numbers 157, 171 and 509 from Victory Monument (Rajavithi Hospital bus stop) pass Ratchadumnoen Road. You can get off at Khok Wua intersection (one stop away from Democracy Monument). Khao San Road is only a short walk from there. For more adventurous like us, we took tuk-tuk but remember to negotiate and fix the price before hopping on. Most likely will cost between 150 baht - 160 baht for one way from Khao San Road to the nearest Skytrain (BTS Siam).

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Bangkok.com]

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