Cambodia – Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog

Relaxed Three Days Itinerary:Siem Reap,Cambodia 2019

Published on June 21, 2019November 6, 2022 by iamjosemanuel1 Comment

With all these promo airfares popping almost every weekend, it is now easier for us Filipinos to plan weekend getaways overseas without spending so much. Vietnam, Hongkong, Thailand and Singapore are nearby destinations we usually visit, as these countries are just around 3 hours away by plane, and are Visa-free for Filipinos.

Aiming to encourage people to see beyond the usual, I am uploading a series of blogs shedding more light to a humble Buddhist nation seated between Thailand and Vietnam, which is the Kingdom of Cambodia (…also Visa-free up to 21 days for Filipinos and we have direct flights as well).

Angkor Wat, 2013. Taken during my first visit.

Two weeks ago, I had a chance to revisit Siem Reap,Cambodia. It was my second time to see the city. Still enchanting and deep-rooted as it has always been. Among our neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, Cambodia probably boasts the most intriguing records of ancient times. The Khmer (ancient Cambodian) civilization dates back 802 CE. The preserved ruins and temples tell a lot of stories. Written words will never be enough to describe a Cambodian experience. As such, I am sharing a sample itinerary, expenses and places to see in Siem Reap, with hopes on encouraging readers to include Cambodia up their travel bucket list.

Here’s a sample three-day Itinerary that may help you plan your weekend stay in Siem Reap. I made this itinerary as relaxed as possible.

Take the weekend flight. Cebu Pacific flies Manila to Siem Reap every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Take the Thursday flight out, and return on Sunday. Three days in Siem Reap is good enough. For proper schedule and ticket cost, click here.

Day 0 (Thursday): Cebu Pacific flies to Siem Reap in the evening. With this, pwede ka pa mag half day sa work and file a scheduled leave in the afternoon. File mo na din Friday. Don’t forget.

There’s an hour time difference between Siem Reap and Manila. You’ll probably arrive there at 10 PM.

Day 1 (Friday): Siem Reap is most known for its centuries-old Buddhist Temples,made more famous by Angelina Jolie in her movie “Tomb Raider”. Most tourists visit the temple complex immediately on the first day. However, I highly suggest that we visit the “Angkor National Museum” before entering the temple proper. The museum’s presentation of Cambodia’s historical timeline is impressive. A visit to the museum will give a better perspective and understanding on the history of Cambodia, and on how and why these sacred temples were built. This is highly suggested for history and Architecture enthusiasts. Ticket is only 12 USD. Optional 5 dollars to rent a walk-thru audio guide in English, to further explain each exhibit you are viewing.

Angkor National Museum, 968 Vithei, Charles De Gaulle St.. This is located near the City Center and is not part of the Angkor Complex. Hire a tuktuk to get here. 1 USD-5 USD, depending on distance.

Late afternoon is a good time to visit the temple. Spend your hours at the Angkor Main Temple ’til sunset.

Three Days Temple Pass costs 62 USD per person (One day Pass is also available at 37 USD, and Seven days pass at 72 USD. Kids 12 and below are free, with passport as proof).

In the evening, you may opt to avail traditional Thai massage for relaxation. Casual street massage cost 6 to 8 USD. Spa setting or hotel service at 12 to 20 USD. Your hotels can help you book this if desired.

Day 2 – Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Be on site at 5:00 AM to experience the breathtaking moment, as the sun shines striking colours and atmospheric effects against the spiring towers of the Angkor. Spend the rest of the day touring nearby cluster of temples built between 9th to 12th Century

Expect a bunch of spectators with you, as everyone wants a good shot with the reflection of the towers on the moat. Alternatively, you can just sit at a random nearby cafe and wait for sunrise with a cup of coffee. That is a better idea. =)

Bayon Temple. The most intricate temple with 54 towers, decorated with 216 smiling faces of Buddha.

Ta Prohm . The Tomb Raider Temple. (Sidewalk bargains here are the cheapest. Just haggle.)

Banteay Srei. renowned for its intricate decoration of carved sandstone that covers the walls like tapestry. Portrait photo by @Detourista

Tuktuk drivers normally charge 25 USD for a whole day service (Driver and car included). However, a trip to Banteay may require an additional 5 USD, as this cluster is around 30 minutes away from the rest of the temples.

After whole day temple hopping, spend the Saturday night at Siem Reap’s city centre Pub street.

Day 3 (Sunday): Shopping day. Siem Reap local products are cheap. The main old market is the best place to haggle and shop in the morning. The Art Centre Market in front is also worth visiting. For the rest of the day, you may just laze around the artsy cafes and restaurants while waiting for your flight. Cebu pacific has a Sunday evening flight back to Manila. Back to work on Monday. =)

Kandal Village – Artsy district of Siem Reap. Burst of color everywhere.

Chitchat with a local artist from the Art Centre Night Market

European Architecture influence is very still evident in modern day Siem Reap, as they were once a colony of France.

Rough Budget :

Where we stayed:

Crown Angkor Hotel (link here). Hotel pool area photo grabbed from hotel’s official Facebook page with permission.

Angkor Wat Solo Day Tour

Published on October 10, 2013May 5, 2014 by iamjosemanuel4 Comments

My Visit to Angkor Wat Complex has somewhat put to reality the days when we used to research and detail this temple for our History of Architecture Subject. More than Just a sacred Religious Site for Buddhist , Angkor Wat is a showcase of early mankind’s craftsmanship and ingenuity, making it one of Man’s greatest Architectural Masterpieces . On my first morning in Siem Reap, I rented a tuktuk for $ 19 USD that i could catch the temple as the sun rises behind its towers and perfect symmetry. At 4:30 am , Indeed, it was amazing!

Angkor Complex is around 20 minutes ride from the city. It would have been cheaper if I knew how to ride a bike since they can be rented for only 3 USD. Entrance fee to the complex is 20 USD. You get an ID Pass with your picture in it.

I did not book a guide to talk me though the temples but I made brief researches on its history, and also the maps and brochures I got from Angkor Museum were helpful.

SAM_0878 — My 19 USD tuktuk ride , good for 4. Picks you up at 4:30 am .
Any hotel can help you get one.

The Angkor Wat Main Building ,

The biggest and most well preserved. While generally considered a temple for worship, some expert say this was built as a tomb , because of its west orientation.

I was the first one to get inside the Complex, and It was very difficult to do a selfie without a tripod. haha

Carved Frescos depicting the life and struggles of the Khmer Kings during the early days

A pact of tourists , taken from inside Angkor Wat, since I was the first to go in, while they are still busy taking sunrise pictures. — Pact of tourists , taken from inside Angkor Wat, since I was the first to go in, while they are still busy taking sunrise pictures.

SAM_0758 — Angkor at around 6:30 am, moments after sunrise.

The Bayon in Angkor Thom,

one of the most widely recognised temple in Siem Reap because of the giant stone faces that adorn the towers. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman’s capital, Angkor Thom.

The Ta Prohm

Strangely beautiful as it has been taken over by the jungle , and minimal restoration has been done to maintain its atmosphere of of trees growing out of the ruins. This is the most dramatic of all Khmer Temples .

SAM_0842 — Cambodian Artists selling his sketches inside the temple

After I visited the lesser temples , I asked my tuktuk driver to take me back to the main Angkor Wat to see the sunset. But it was obvious that a storm was brewing, so we decided to head back to the City.

It was a tiring day of walking and climbing, but Ill definitely visit this place again to take an Angkor Sunset Selfie =)

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Published on October 10, 2013October 12, 2013 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

On my last day in Siem Reap , I decided to make it my ‘No Itinerary day’ and just experience the charming small city on foot. I Got up at 6 am and decided to visit the central market to experience how the locals start their day. Indeed, it was an interesting morning where everything was relatively new to my senses.