OVERLY EXCITED

If you notice that I haven’t blog about something for awhile.. well, I was a bit tied up with some stuffs over the week. Other than struggling to perfect my pronunciation of my Nipon-go, I was also excited about Air Asia’s 4th anniversary 2 million tickets give-away.

Yesterday, I spent an entire 4 hours trying to book some air tickets for family and friends and was glad to say that my 4 hours’ worth of labor did not go in vain. (I even forgo a free ticket to watch Narnia!!)

I managed to get 3 trips altogether, to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Yes – someone is laughing at me right now for booking 2 different flights going to ONE COUNTRY, at different dates – shut up! What a genius! So what?? Dirt cheap mah!) and Kota Kinabalu.

I hope you guys out there keep trying to get the tickets. It’s worth it!!

Being overly excited, I did not catch a wink of sleep last night as the euphoric effect was overwhelming!

I decided to put the trips in synopsis (summary of e-mails to my fellow travel mates this morning) so you guys could have some ideas before making an informed booking on your trips to these two destinations in Cambodia! Don’t repeat my mistake! You can actually hire a boat (5 hours trip with breath-taking scenery) to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh!!

Phnom Penh

Introduction

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital and is found in the south where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. As the battered nation gets back on its feet after years of conflict this moderately sized city is starting to take shape.

The French architecture, Buddhist influences and royal splendour add some charm to this otherwise rugged third world capital. Reminders of recent genocide, such as the nearby Killing Fields give this Phnom Penh an undeniable if uncomfortable personality of its own.

Phnom Penh can be dangerous and security, although fine during the day, is an issue at night. Guns are widespread and hold ups still quite common - take a little extra care. There aren’t too many attractions, but what exists is interesting and makes a tempting weekend stopover before flying on to Cambodia’s trump card - the magnificent Angkor Wat.

Places of Interest

• Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace
• National Museum
• Killing Fields
• Tuol Sleng Museum
• Wat Phnom
• Wat Ounalom
• Independence Monument

For shopaholics

• Central Market
• Russian Market

I heard you can get genuine Levi's at USD7!!

Food

Food is generally alright and cheap. Mixture of Thai-Chinese. There were very few Khmer cooks left as they had been assasinated during the genocide. I read this somewhere lah.

My pilot friend warned me of the water though. Saying we need to get bottled water on the safe side.

Amusing facts

We can actually try out shooting at their shooting range near the airport.

It’s a very Cambodian operation and not very convincing in professional terms. A menu of weaponry is offered to visitors from AK-47’s all the way up to rocket launchers! There’s a pond around the back in which you can chuck a live grenade. (DAHSYAT!!!) Utterly irresponsible but great fun.

Siem Reap

A brief introduction

The historic ruins of Angkor are among the most incredible sites in the world. There are few places if any that can match what remains of the splendid Khmer civilization, which reached its flamboyant zenith between the 9th and 14th centuries. The top draw, the Angkor Wat, is deservedly one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Siem Reap is the small but rapidly expanding town that serves as the base for the temples which are set in protected jungle 8km away. Angkor itself is a fantastic and magical place. The varying character, isolation and romance of the sites leave a strong and lasting impression - it is definitely worth the trip.

Places of Interest

• Angkor Wat
• Angkor Thom
• Ta Prohm
• Bantay Srei
• Phnom Bakheng
• Preah Khan
• Ta Keo
• Eastern Mebon
• Vietnamese Floating Village
• Ton Le Sap

* In fact, the entire Angkor Watt would take you a few days just to finish it. This trip is FOREMOSTLY temples visits. (Gawd.. I am gonna love the photobug sessions!!)

Food

Food is generally alright and cheap. A lot of Khmer food to sample.

Plenty of bottled water at cheap rates.

General Info on both places

Accomodation

I have checked the hotels - the price ranges from USD26 to USD1,000 on twin sharing basis. Will check out the hotels later when the time comes.

Weather

The weather is usually darn hot. So be prepared to bring along your hats, sun glasses, umbrellas, sun block lotion, comfy shoes and lotsa cotton clothes. A friend advise that we shouldn’t wear something which made us look overly like tourists - the people there are very poor. He even told us to bring some used clothes and sweets for the children.

Documents required

Valid international passport at least 6 months. I have checked with my friend, and he said, we didnt need VISA - not sure about that, will revert later.

Currency

Banking services are presently very poor in Cambodia. Bank hours fluctuate, ATM’s non-existent and commission rates steep. Most banks don’t accept VISA. Hotels and travel agents are often more convenient. Effectively, the currency is the US dollar.

Language

These people damn high class. Most elderly people speak in French. Younger people are picking up English. Of coz, they spoke in Khmer as well.

Will revert with more info in the future.

Just keep our fingers crossed that Air Asia didn't screw up on the ticketing. You know how free things work! :-P

Have a good weekend.

Regards,
Gina

Happy planning!

P.S. Thanks, Mr K for the tip. Yes yes.. I owe you lotsa stuffs. Will own it to you someday. *wink*