When in Cambodia, there are certain activities that will complete a Cambodian tour. Few months ago, my friends and I went to Cambodia for sight-seeing. But before we arrive in there, Larc, a friend of mine already researched and prepared for possible activities or tour groups to help us get around Cambodia. Then, he came to meet Pen Soktear a tour guide in Cambodia who offers touring services with the use of his tuk tuk (remork).
Wait! What is a tuk-tuk? In Cambodia, the term Tuk-Tuk (Khmer: áž‘ុកទុក) is used to refer to a motorcycle with a cabin attached to the rear. Cambodian cities have a much lower volume of automobile traffic than Thai cities, and tuk-tuks are still the most common form of urban transport besides Remorque.
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| In this picture, Ms. Charm Suerte, a professional make-up artist and a friend of mine. She is riding a tuk-tuk. |
Pen Soktear offers different day tours, from one day to four days tour. We took the three-day tour.
Our tour had cost us $70 dollars including the sunrise and sunset viewing. There were 5 of us in the tour.
source: http://www.angkordriverprivatetour.com/
On the day of the tour, instead of meeting Pen Soktear, we met Navuth Ou. He is the cousin of Pen Soktear. Well, we were a bit surprised because we were expecting to meet mysterious Pen Soktear. However, the presence of Navuth was relaxing. He seems nice and approachable. Navuth can speak English so it was not difficult to communicate with him.
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| Pen Soktear |
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| Navuth Ou |
For more information about the Cambodian tour services please visit: Angkor Driver Private Tour
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- First day
Note: We paid $40 dollars each for the entrance ticket to be able to see the temples. It is good for 3-days tour around Temples in Siem Reap.
Our tour guide (Mr. Navuth) came to fetch as early in the morning (5 AM), so we can watch the sunrise in Angkor Wat Temple. Watching the sunrise is a must-see in Cambodia. Don't miss this opportunity!
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| Sunrise in Angkor Wat |
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| Walls of Angkor Wat |
Then we went to see Prasat Kravan.
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Prasat Kravan is a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace. Say hi to my crazy friends! :)
Next temple is Banteay Kdei
 Banteay Kdei, meaning "A Citadel of Chambers", also known as "Citadel of Monks' cells" |
Top of the temple. In this picture is Larc, author of Cozy Living Ph
Then we entered Angkor Thom city to see more temples.
Angkor Thom, located in present day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire
This is the victory gate.
The Victory Gate is on eastern wall of Angkor Thom and is the second most used gateway into the Royal Square. Visitors entering or leaving Angkor Thom through this Gate will earn an opportunity to see many significant vestiges, including the Ta Prohm, Ta Keo and Banteay Kdei.
The Victory Gate is on eastern wall of Angkor Thom and is the second most used gateway into the Royal Square. Visitors entering or leaving Angkor Thom through this Gate will earn an opportunity to see many significant vestiges, including the Ta Prohm, Ta Keo and Banteay Kdei.
The Bayon is located in the center of the city of Angkor Thom 1500 meters (4921 feet) from the south gate. Enter tower of the Bayon is from the east. Prasat Bayon was built in late 12th century to early 13th century, by the King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to Buddhist.
It is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva
Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style.
Photo grabbed from Charm Suerte. (thank you!)
I was not able to take pictures of because it was raining already.(source: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/photos-temples/ph-tempn-t-terrelephants.jpg)
The stone monarch is absolutely naked, his hair is plaited and he sits in the Javanese fashion.(source: https://khunthongpoon.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/pic14-leper.jpg)That ends first day. I cannot remember some of the temples we had visited. But I think were able to visit the itineraries listed in the first day tour.
- Second day:
We started the tour at around 8 in the morning. Still, Navuth arrived early and patiently waited for us. He reminded us the proper attire recommended in entering the temples.
We entered Victory Gate again heading to Angkor Thom to see more temples.
First temple is Phreah khan.
Preah Khan is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father.
Preah Khan is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father. 
Neak Pean is small and a collection of five ponds, it is worth a visit for its unique features. It is believed to have been consecrated to Buddha coning to the glory of Nivana.
Next temple is Ta Som which is a small temple.
Ta Som is a single tower monument on one level surrounded by three enclosing walls with entry on the east and west carved with four faces, the face on the right of the east tower (facing the temple) has a beautiful smile. The entry towers are in the shape of a cross with a small room on each side connecting to a laterite wall.
Ta Som is a single tower monument on one level surrounded by three enclosing walls with entry on the east and west carved with four faces, the face on the right of the east tower (facing the temple) has a beautiful smile. The entry towers are in the shape of a cross with a small room on each side connecting to a laterite wall.
(photo credit: The Girl with the Muji Hat)
The lovely temple of Mebon, a pyramid of receding terraces on which are placed many detached edifices, the most effective being the five towers which crown the top Could any conception be lovelier, a vast expanse of sky-tinted water as wetting for a perfectly ordered temple.
(photo credit: The Girl with the Muji Hat)
Last itinerary is Prerup Temple. This is the best place to watch sunset. But because we are already tired and did not want to wait for 2 more hours, we decided to skip watching the sunset.
There are two views from the top terrace: the first looking east towards Phnom Bok and the mountain chain of Phnom Kulen; and the second looking west where the towers of Angkor Wat can be distinguished on the far horizon.
There are two views from the top terrace: the first looking east towards Phnom Bok and the mountain chain of Phnom Kulen; and the second looking west where the towers of Angkor Wat can be distinguished on the far horizon.That is the end of 2nd day tour. We started at 8 AM and finished at around 3 PM. We were all tired because some of the temples are far from the main entrance and the exit was on the other end. During the 2nd day, we were able to see more astonishing temples and few Cambodian delicacies.
(Cambodian pandan flavored jello in a sugary coconut sauce)
CAMBODIAN DESSERTS
(Navuth encouraged us to try it. He said it was delicious. Well, it tasted really good! A must-try in Cambodia)
(Navuth encouraged us to try it. He said it was delicious. Well, it tasted really good! A must-try in Cambodia)
- Last day:
We started a bit late this time around 9 AM, I think. Again, Navuth patiently waited for us because there were some emergencies. He just stayed outside the hotel. Thank you! You have been very patient with us.
First itinerary is Bantey srei temple. It is also called "Lady Temple"
The tenth century temple of Banteay Srei is renowned for its intricate decoration carved in pinkish sandstone that covers the walls like tapestry.
The tenth century temple of Banteay Srei is renowned for its intricate decoration carved in pinkish sandstone that covers the walls like tapestry.
The temple is worth the extra effort to experience the elaborate architecture, and fine carvings, although theft has mutilated many of the temple's treasures.
On the last day, we missed the following itineraries:
- Kom Pung Phluk Village
- River of a Thousand Lingas
- Phnom Kulen National park.
Impression about our tour guide:
- It's nice to see that our tour guide is also our tuk tuk driver.
- The tour guide is very mindful of time. He arrived early and patiently waited for us because we got up late a bit.
- He was able to communicate with us, although there were time that we cannot understand his pronunciation of some words. We would ask about the word again to clarify. He would nicely repeat his words.
- He would offer us the free cold water and wet towel every now and then. (included in the package)
- He was able to share information about the temples and history of Cambodia.
- He recommended us to places where we could eat. But somehow the price of the food stores near the temples are quite expensive. It had costs us around $3-7 each.
- Before leaving the tuk tuk he would always remind us where to meet and what time to meet after going around the temples. No one would get lost. ^.^
I've read in an article that an effective tour guide should have the following characteristics:
- Speak loudly & clearly
- Continues to learn & improve
- Relays accurate information
- Helps tourist learn
- Act professionally
(source: http://solimarinternational.com/resources-page/blog/item/150-5-characteristics-of-a-great-tour-guide)
Well, Navuth was able to meet our expectations. He has those five characteristics to be an effective tour guide. He was eager to have our opinions and reviews about him, which I think is part of improving. He was able to share a lot of knowledge about Cambodian culture, even about his family. He became a friend to us, not just a mere tour guide. He has shown his concern throughout the tour.
Areas of improvement:
- He should improve English speaking skills. There were times that we cannot understand his pronunciations. But, he was polite in repeating the words.
- He should improve English speaking skills. There were times that we cannot understand his pronunciations. But, he was polite in repeating the words.
Impression about the tour:
- It was really tiring to see the different temples in Cambodia. You have to climb very high and steep stairs. You have to go deep in the middle of the forest. And Explore the insides of the temples. You need to have a good stamina, sunblock and lots of water.
- The whole tour costs us $70/group, not bad for a group of five people. It was affordable and less stressful since no need to hire different tuk tuks every day.
- The Khmer art was really astonishing. The carvings, placement of stones, architecure, everything. Until now I am still wondering how they built the temples.
- People in Cambodia are nice, and approachable except for the people in the immigration at the airport. :P
- The place is really clean. The forests are well taken care of.
Tips in going on a tour:
- Have your money exchanged in your own country. US Dollars is mostly used for purchasing and other transactions.
- Hire Navuth or Pen Soktear for the tour, inform them in advance so arrangements can be made beforehand.
- If you will wear shorts or revealing clothes, prepare a shawl or something to cover your body. Revealing clothes prohibited in the temples. There are guards who will check on you.
- Leggings, Cambodian pants, or wrap-arounds are more preferable to be worn.
- Water! Always drink water. :)
- Sun protection! Most temples are open, so if you are scared of having dark skin better have your sunblock, hats or umbrellas.
- Hiring a tuk-tuk is convenient and cheap. But it is more relaxing and fun.
- Never ask if you will not buy. Some sellers will not stop asking you to buy things from them. If you will not buy just say no. If you started asking them about price, they will think you are bargaining with them.
- Never say "I don't have money". They will not believe you.
- You can buy ref magnets 3 for $2.
- Bargaining is good but be sure to buy.
- Never be too shy to ask for directions or information. Khmers will be eager to answer your questions.
- Try their delicacies. Try Khmer foods. It is worth trying.
- 3 days stay is enough to see the majestic places in Cambodia. You should buy 3 days-tour pass, it costs $40.
- Most stores in Cambodia have free Wi-Fi access. Do not be shy to use it. They have fast internet connections compared to Philippines.
- If you are planning to cross borders going to Vietnam, you can buy a ticket for $21 dollars.
- Try staying in KING BOUTIQUE HOTEL, they offer good services and the staffs are really nice. They can prepare your breakfast if you will watch sunrise. They also have free breakfast buffet.
- There is a night market if you want to buy souvenirs. It is near the Pub Street
- If you like to experience night life, visit Pub Street.
- If you want to be happy, try HAPPY PIZZA.
- If you want exotic foods, try fried spiders, cicadas and crickets.
That's it for our Cambodian tour! Thank you!
That's all travelers and readers. I hope I was able to impart information. If you have any comments, suggestions, or anything. Just leave a comment and I will be eager to respond.
That's all travelers and readers. I hope I was able to impart information. If you have any comments, suggestions, or anything. Just leave a comment and I will be eager to respond.
Sources:
http://www.tourismcambodia.com/
http://kingboutiquehotel.com/
More travel info about Cambodia and where to stay by The Girl with the Muji Hat:
- Chesca the Critique
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