A Wanderlust Post: Siem Reap, Cambodia (Part 1)

Probably the last set of stamps my first-ever passport would get.
Update (June 5, 2013): Wrong. Passport got extended, and I had about 2 more sets from Brunei and Indonesia!

"What is there to see in Cambodia?"

In a span of eight months planning for my ultimate travel in 2012, I have been asked this question so many times. 

"Angkor Wat. This is where you see Angkor Wat. You know, this massive ancient temple where Tomb Raider was shot. and Indiana Jones."

That seemed to satisfy them.

Now I realized, the answer I was used to mindlessly shot back at people's queries was an understatement of how an amazing historical artifact Angkor Wat is, and of that distinct charm Siem Reap has.

This is a lengthy answer, friends, but this is how I would answer you now if ever you'd want to ask me again.

INTROBLABBERS

We arrived in Siem Reap at 9:45 PM (Cambodia is an hour later than the PH), and the humble Siem Reap International Airport greeted us with its truly Cambodian building architecture. It wasn't too busy that night, basing from the number of people in line for immigration. I guess only the passengers from the same Cebu Pacific flight I was in were there at that time. (Also, we figured that Jay Taruc of the QTV's Motorcycle Diaries was also with us on the flight, probably going to feature Siem Reap or its neighboring cities).

The facade of Siem Reap International Airport's Arrival Area.
Yeah, blurry. And dark. Literally.

Incidentally, our Cambodia getaway was in time with the
ASEAN Ministers' Meeting in Phnom Penh (4 hours away from SR).

On our way out, we were greeted by a WHOLE LOT of tuktuk drivers who were from the accommodations the passengers reserved, with signboards bearing our names. I observed that most of them came from the same hostel we booked, Bou Savy Guesthouse. And there was my name, "EAMARIE" in its full glory, being handled by a relatively young tuktuk driver who had a really big grin on his face. "I'm so lucky my passengers came out first" said Ney, who will eventually be our assistant-slash-driver-slash-waiter-slash-roomboy-slash-friend in the whole of our stay in Siem Reap. Aww I miss Ney (in a non-malicious way).

Oh hey, it's Ney!

They got my name right! And it's in Cambodia!
Also, please don't mind my hair.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It was dark at night. I thought maybe the airport was located in the outskirts, that's why. But later I realized Siem Reap is not yet THAT urbanized. But in contrast to that description, there was a plethora of hotels, hostels, inns, guesthouses lined up in the streets, almost all having "Angkor" in their names. Restaurants offering buffets along with a show featuring the Cambodian dance "Apsara" were also in multitudes. 

Just one of them "Anchors" you'll get to see. This is beer, btw.

And another one. 

A conclusion in my mind had been formed upon realizing these. Cambodia lives by tourism. What I appreciated more is the fact that while on one hand, there's competition amongst them in the tourism business, it is amazing that almost all the businesses are linked to each other - tuktuk agencies link up with hotels, which have networks with travel operators, who are connected to restaurants, so on and so forth. I dunno, but I felt a sense of 'bayanihan' in that more than competition. (I'm not really a business strategist, but hey, don't you think this could work in PH as well?)

So true.

BOU SAVY GUEST HOUSE

If you try to search for most recommended hostels in Cambodia, it is without a doubt that you'd get to stumble with Bou Savy Guesthouse, it being one of the top ranked accommodations in the whole of Siem Reap. Cleanliness, good service, strong Wi-Fi connection; name it, Bou Savy has it. What tops the list is that this guest house has an INCREDIBLY CHEAP RATE. Believe it or not, I and Jam only paid $ 18.50 (around Php 780) each for a 2 night, 1 day stay at a twin aircon room in Bou Savy. This is already inclusive of a whole day tuktuk ride to Angkor Wat and other temples, and 2 bottles of water.

Not only was it cheap, booking service via email is soooo easy.

And if you think it stopped there, you're wrong. Because there was an available room which was bigger (for three people), the owners decided to let us stay in this room instead for the same rate! This, plus free breakfast and other perks. 

To any of you guys who plans to go to Siem Reap, I highly recommend Bou Savy Guest House for a comfortable, satisfying and memorable stay. (Click here for reviews)

Banana-Pineapple Shake, our Welcome Drink. Yum!

Isn't our room nice? You can see satisfaction in Jam's expression.

Our mini-TV which was mainly for the purpose of watching FTV. 

Free breakfast! In chopsticks.

Cutesy bananas! Haha

KHMER PEOPLE

Of all the Southeast Asian people I've come across with in my travels, Cambodian people are the most charming. They always have these bright smiles everywhere you go. Their way of talking is comparable to Ilonggos in the Philippines, it being sweet like music to the ears. I'll always have a perpetual imagination of these people blurting out, "Hey laaaaydeeh, tuktuk? masaaahge?" and it never fails to remind me of their character. They were always kind and accommodating especially to tourists, and never get mad when you ask for a discount in shops. Their sense of trust was also admirable; when you are in a business establishment, everything is post-paid. This means that when you stay at hotels, or eat at a buffet-type restaurant, payment is always collected afterwards. It is easy to sneak out given the many customers and unsuspecting staff, if you want to. But this is like a standard. But well, it is too difficult to do something inappropriate if you've been given this big a trust.

One of the most touching things: As we were about to board a
bus to Bangkok, a staff from Bou Savy ran after us to hand this cute souvenir. :)

Well, that's it for the first of the third part of this whole Siem Reap, Cambodia experience. Stay tuned for more on the Angkor Wat and other noteworthy places to go to in Siem Reap in my next blog entries! :)