khmer – soloflighted.com

Why I Keep Coming Back to Siem Reap

In the last two years, I’ve been to Siem Reap five times. In that duration, I also lived in this quaint city for a month. The first time I stayed here, I spent three days visiting tourist spots with a couple of friends.

the famous Angkor Wat

I had no idea about this side of Cambodia except for the Angkor Wat. I was a tourist who only cared about getting as many photos posted on Facebook for other people to see that I’ve been to a world heritage site. But my perspective changed in a short span of time.

After that trip, I told myself that I’d come back once I quit my job and start my backpacking adventure. I did, after a year, and stayed longer.

near the river

Siem Reap

So how much can one usually spend in Cambodia for 3 days and 2 nights? Minus shopping and other unnecessary expenses? Around 7866.15 Php excluding air fare.

The amount is inclusive of expenses in the Philippines (taxis, buses and travel taxes from Cebu to Manila to Clark – around 3000 Php), transport from Bangkok to Siem Reap and going back to Bangkok, 2-days tour around the temples and some food trips on the side.

Also, this computation is based on 3 people who shared a budget for the hostel and transportation which meant we were able to divide the cost of important expenses.

Cambodian Riel

Philippine Expenses: (Airline Fees, Transportation, Food)
150 Php – Taxi to Mactan
200 Php – Terminal Fee Cebu
50 Php – Breakfast Food
137 Php – Bus Ride from Manila to Clark (Victory Liner Bus)
180 Php – Snacks at Beatico Café in SM Clark
100 Php – Jeepney from Clark to Airport
1620 Php – Travel Tax
600 Php – Terminal Fee
——————————-
3037 Php

Thailand Expenses (Transport and Food)
* Free Bus Shuttle from Suvarnabhumi airport to Bus Terminal
34 Baht – Bus from Shuttle Terminal to Mo Chit Bus Stop
8 Baht – Mo Chit Bus Stop to Hua Lamphong Railway Station
32 Baht – Noodles Shop in Hua Lamphong
48 Baht – Train from Hua Lamphong to Aranyaprathet
1 USD – Tuktuk from Aranyaprathet to Border
40 Baht – Lunch at Aranyaprathet Border
——————————-
162 Baht and 1 USD

During our stay in Siem Reap, we mostly ate on the streets and nearby eateries. Because of having a limited budget, food is one of the things we had to compromise when eating in Cambodia.

We spent 3 days and 2 nights there but we did not starve ourselves during that trip. However, we didn’t splurge either. Average food costs around 2 to 2.50 USD but we really went in for those cheaper alternatives such as 1 dollar meals.

Breakfast Meals in our Guesthouse
Breakfast food were already provided during our stay in Bousavy Guesthouse so we saved a lot considering we had three meals in total.

What I like best is that they always have a banana and some pineapple slices on the side to go with the breakfast. A simple meal can look great when you know how to present it. With the big servings, my friends were not able to eat it all so lucky for me, I got to take the remaining portion of their food. hehe.

Omelet with Bread (Baguette) | Stir-Fried Noodles with Vegetables and Meat

Pancake with maple syrup | Iced Tea

Dinner Meals at Bousavy Guesthouse
Apart from the free breakfast meals, we took advantage of a package that included one free dinner meal of our choice. It was great that we were able to choose from a wide set of choices. I apologize if I was not able to write down the actual names written on the menu.

Milk Fish Soup | Pork Curry

Pork Meat in Coconut milk — not sure if this is Amok

“Sir, sir.“, I hear a faint voice calling.
“3 for 1 dollar, 3 for 1 dollar.” A sweet girl was selling her items in a small basket she was carrying. Trinkets and what-nots were inside.

She was about five years old but her frame seemed as if she were three.
I turned around, trying to shrug her away as I didn’t want to buy any of her goods despite the relatively cheap price.

After a long day of walking, I was heading for the loo to take a leak when this kid wouldn’t budge. She kept insisting that I should buy some bracelets as souvenirs; hoping I would give in any time soon. Only when I had to hurry my pace did she also attempt to walk faster; giving me a better deal for her merchandise “Ok, 4 for 1 dollar, 4 for 1 dollar.”

Khmer kids selling merchandise

Unfortunately, I still didn’t want to buy anything. Even after I got back from the bathroom, she still kept pursuing her items. I fell into a game of patintero (gatekeeper and trespasser), looking for a way to avoid her.

After realizing that I was too stubborn, she followed other tourists passing by. Going back to her old spiel, she was able to sell a few items from those foreigners.

people-watching

Second day of our tour of the temples in Cambodia. We were supposed to meet with our driver at 8am but we departed at around 9. The destinations were far from each other which explains the early call time. But it didn’t matter, we still ample time. I wanted to rent a bike (1 USD … Read more

Cambodia Trip: Trees in Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap

Trees, tall trees are abound in all the temple areas in Siem Reap, Cambodia. But one can noticeably distinguish Ta Prohm from the rest because of how these trees grow from stone ruins. After Angkor Thom Gate, Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace, we proceeded to this temple which is known for having a lot of … Read more

Siem Reap and Bangkok Chronicles

Siem Reap in Cambodia and Bangkok in Thailand was fun. I’m glad that we didn’t rush into scenes and had time off to retreat. Most of my travels usually were getting to different tourist spots and other famous destinations. Sure, we also did some sight-seeing in Siem Reap and Bangkok but we weren’t in a hurry which made it all the more worthwhile.

temple-hopping in Cambodia

I was able to travel to two cities in two countries over the past week and I thought I could easily update this site with pictures and snippets just to give out glimpses of the places and things we did. However, I’m having difficulty where to start. With so many pending entries and backlogs from different trips, it’s a challenge for me to maintain this site and keep it current. But I’ll figure out a way.

fish spa at 3 USD

For now, let me just post a few photos of scenes in these countries. Each place has its own charm and story to tell which enriches one’s knowledge on how people go about their way of life.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Siem Reap

Total Budget Expense in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia Trip: A Guide to Eating Cheap Khmer Food in Siem Reap

Cambodia Trip: Those Khmer Kids Selling Merchandise

Cambodia Trip: Pre Rup, Banteay Srei and East Mebon Temples

Cambodia Trip: Trees in Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap

Siem Reap and Bangkok Chronicles