Cambodia – Woke and Awake Travel

To and From Cambodia

Whilst Cambodia is accessible from Dublin via the normal one or two stop air corridors, unless you are taking an extended Country tour it can work out cheaper and more convenient to go via a larger regional hub, such as Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. The main attraction is Angkor Wat, and the area is served by Siem Reap airport. Phnom Penh is the Capital and a melting pot of urban bustle, Siem Reap is the tourist Capital and provides the gateway to the temples. Much of Cambodia is undeveloped and the infrastructure poor, so unless you enjoy the castaway feeling exploring the islands in the South West provides a stark contrast to the many highly commercialised island resorts famous in the South East Asian region.

Regardless of point of entry a one-month tourist visa is issued on arrival by air or sea.

To avoid stifling temperatures don’t travel March to May, best take your chance outside the rainy season, unless you really want fewer crowds and a muddy visit from November to February.

Awake Tip : The Visa is 20 US Dollars so have some in your wallet to avoid a large queue at the ATM in the arrivals hall.

Figure 1 : Outside Temple Angkor Wat

We arrived from Ho Chi Minh City and skipped Phnom Penh in favour of Siem Reap, a quick one-hour flight. If you have US dollars for the Visa you will move through immigration without hitch and grab a waiting Taxi that takes about 30 minutes to get you to the town, only about 8 kilometres away.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Siem Reap, unless you want a remote resort, a great option is the Prince D’Angkor or Park Hyatt, both in great locations, close enough to the lively downtown areas, so you are not reliant on Tuk Tuk travel everywhere.

Siem Reap is safe so walking is not an issue despite obvious poverty, the people are courteous and not pushy.

We had arrived mid-afternoon so plenty of time to explore the outskirts of the town, and its many shops and curiosities.

Figure 2 Great for foot therapy

Angkor Wat…..Wonder of The World!

The largest and oldest religious monument in the world, is increasingly becoming a must-see monument in Asia. Now, the temple is part of Angkor World Heritage Site and is considered one of the seven wonders of the world

It is essential to book a tour guide to visit the temples and all visitors are required to buy a minimum day pass ( USD 37 ).

There are plenty of tour guides, but the hotel will have a list of approved guides with air conditioned clean and safe cars, it can be a lottery booking blindly on the internet, so you will have some comfort using the hotel concierge.

Plan to leave as early as possible as the grounds are extensive and to visit all the temples you will need the full day. If you can get an English speaking guide, they are well versed with the best Itinerary to follow and will wait at each of the attractions whilst you explore.

There are books written on these temples so best to select what you want to see and leave the rest to your driver.

Figure 3 Exploring the Grounds Angkor Wat

Following a long day at the temples, head out to the other main attraction in Siem Reap—Pub street, a neon infused street crammed with bars, restaurants, and dubious night clubs.

Figure 4 Traditional Cambodian fare