Siem Reap Angkor - Day 1 Activities

Cambodia, Day 1 - The travelling, the preparation & the City tour

Day 1 - 13th May 2007, Sunday

I have written about our third honeymoon in click here. Following my disoriented mood, I'm now ready to pen down a story of our second honeymoon. It's a well plan trip. In April 2007, after 10 years of working with MMC Engineering and the third issuance of resignation letter I finally affirmed my decision to move on to another company. After everything was set, confirmed and I personally get over with depression before changing job, I went ahead to buy a Nikon DSLR camera, D80. It felt like commencing a new chapter of my life, being in early 40, having a mid life crisis. Though hubby's holiday preference is enjoying lots of sun by the beaches, he agreed to my suggestion for archaeological tour in Siem Reap for not wanting his wife to have another depression, hehehe. My reason to him was none other reason than witnessing a sight of "Angkor Wat" in person.

We chooses a cheap fare deal from Air Asia which took less than 2 hours to reach the destination, Siem Reap International Airport. No visa is required for Malaysian visiting Cambodia. The elephant sculpture in below photo is seated before the immigration counter, arrival hall. We paid for an airport cab (Mercedes), USD25 to a pre-booked hotel, Prince D' Angkor.

After we checked-in and freshen-up, we went to explore the Siem Reap's old city by walk and to have lunch. Siem Reap's weather and Malaysian weather does not differ much, thus, we tried to make our tour as fast as possible. Below photos were taken inside the food bazaar.

During lunch, I heard a noisy sounds from nearby area and quickly grabbed my camera and ran towards the sound direction to see what was happening. Apparently there were a ceremony sending a young monk by their parents selected by the temple to start their education, all paid for. It was a remarkable grand ceremony as the young monk being ushered by villagers riding in a ceremonial horses.

Thereafter, we went ahead to explore more areas of the old markets including getting a souvenirs for our family and friends. The views of the market can be seen from the 3 photos below.

On the way back to the hotel, we found a local travel agents in a nearby shops. We managed to book a day transport for Angkor tour, the next day on a comfortable sedan car, and booked our self a dinner  while enjoying a traditional Cambodia Apsara dance. It was an international buffet dinner and the show was awesome. As I am too a traditional dancer, the urge to dance with them came naturally.

At a hotel lobby, waiting to be picked-up and to captured an impressive Cambodian carved furniture.

to be continued..