Total Expenses In Cambodia and Thailand for 12 days

MY TOTAL SPENDING :


RM380(AirTicket)+ $155(Cambodia)+5996B(Thailand)

= RM1561.20

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Spending details :

Airticket
Kuala LUmpur to Phnom Penh(MAS) :RM160
Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia): 2199B = RM220

Traveller's cheque : US$200 (spare money for emergency)

Starting Cash in hand for 2 person

RM984 for US$280 ( US$1= RM3.52)

RM500 for 4720B ( 10.6B= RM100)

All transaction in Cambodia is in US dollar as below for 2 person (Starting cash $280)

8-9-2007

Water(1.5L) : $0.50

Dinner : $2

Electric converter :$1

Tuol Sleng Museum : $4

Coconut : $0.50

Total Expenses : $8

Balance : $272

9-9-2007

Wat Phnom($2)+ Map Phnom Penh($2)+Meal($3)+Stamp(13x1800R)+Grill Frog(2000R)+Food($16.25)+Parking(400R)+Postcard($1.25)= $17.60

Total Expenses :$17.60

Balance :$242.45

10-9-2007

Sunday GH 2days($13.30)+INternet($0.5)+Airport TUKTUK($5)+2Bikes($4)+Bus Ticket to Siam Reap($10)+Jasmine Lodge 2 days($12)+Lunch($1.5)+TUKTUK($2)+Mask($0-8)+Dinner($1.1)=$50.20

Total Expenses :$50.20

Balance :$192.725

11-9-2007

Angkor Wat 3 days ticket : $80

Novel about Poipet regime : $4
Magee Mee 3 bowls : $3
mineral water (6x500ml) : $1
Monk +Donatn : $1.675
Dinner : $6.90
Water biscuit: $4.375
Lost :$0.35

Total : $101

Balance :$91.375





12-9-2007

Mee+ dessert : $1.357
Ruby Pendant :$3
Lunch : $1.25
Clothes: $9
antique Scoop : 2
Sugar Cane :$0.125
Bag pouch :$!
Thailand LonelyPlanet guide book : $4.50
Buddhist statue :$22 -Boo
Clothes :$6.5 - Boo
Souvenier :$11
Supper :$2
Banana: $0.625
Bicycle(2) 2days: $8
laundry $1
Souvenir: $14.50 -Boo



total :$78.875


Balance :$12.50





13-9-2008


(Encashment of 2 traveller's cheque $196 with $4 commision)
Bon Savy GH $6
Boat to Battambang :$28

Motor:$1
Pickup truck: $6
Food :$4


total :$45
balance :$163.50

All transaction in Thailand is in BATH for 2 person as below (starting with 4720B)
Poipet to border :20B
Border to Aranyaphratet: 50B
Guest hosue:250B
Dinner :150B

Total 470B

Balance4250B

14-9-07
train Aranyaphratet - bangkok :96B






Bun/Mineral water: 10B/20B
Train from Bangkok -ChiangMai :771B

Sawasdee Khaosan Inn :700B
Toilet/Lunch/Map :4B/40B/50B
Taxi /Silom night taxi:60B/200B
Dinner /Salad/Orange juice :20B/60B/60B
condom:37B
Shopping:93B/42B
MRT/BTS: 52B/25B
Busticket/Beggar:14B/1B


Total:2355B

Balance:1887B

15-9-07


Sawasdee Krungthep Inn:500B

Ticket Wat Pho :100B
Chaophrya boat :26/31/6B
TukTuk :35B
Donate 2B
Lunch water:70B/10B
Massage:400B
Dinner:25B
Bag/chain:200/140B
MRT:35B
Food:16B
Bus laundry:24/20B

Total:1640B

Balance :247B


Exchange another 3896B (balance in hand now = 4143B)

16-9-07


Bar/Dj Station disco: 200/200B
TukTuk:120B
MRT/BUs:31B
Massage :400B -Boo
Airport transfer : 123B- Boo
Personal use: 200 -Boo
Lunch/online/water/telephone:25B/45B/13B/6B
BabyL SPa:310B
MRT/Bus/Tuk-tuk:40B/14B/20B

Sawadee Smile Inn:240B

Total : 1987B

Balance: 2142B

17-9-08

Lunch/ Yogurt moose/mixed fruit juice: 35B30B25B

MRT/Bus/Tuk-tuk:72B/7B/60B

Dinner 271B

Lonely planet guide original/Map:50B/70B

Toothpaste DXN : 117

Internet /supper/Water:10B/20B/13B

Lagguage store:40B

Total : 820B

Balance: 1338B

18-9-08

Swangtae :40B

Lunch Dinner :78B/90B

Bicycle/Banana/titbits: 50B/10B/5B

Jewellery/Short /necklace: 230B/100B/80B

Tarot card predict : 100B

Others :15B

Total:796B

Balance :545B

19-9-08

Five-star Guest House :150B

Car- airport :60B

Nampiknum :31B

Total :241B

Balance :304B

Kuala LUmpur to Phnom Penh(MAS) :RM160

Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia): 2199B = RM220

MY TOTAL SPENDING :

RM380(AirTicket)+ $155(Cambodia)+5996B(Thailand)

= RM1561.20

Cross border Camb-Thai (Tonle Sap, Battambang- Poipet)

13-9-2007

There are a few routes from Siam Reap to Poipet (border of Cambodia and Thailand).

Since it is the monsoon season now, we choose to go to Battambang through Tonle Sap, and take Pickup truck to Poipet.

The trip to Tonle Sap takes 6 hours, the day is sunny. The lake smell sour. Lying on top of the boat is a great relaxation in a secluded area in the world.

Boat Siam Reap --> Battambang (Tonle Sap) US$14 per person

Pick-Up Truck Battambang-->Poipet US$3 per person

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The Tonlé Sap (meaning Large Fresh Water River is a combined lake and river system. It is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hotspot

For most of the year the lake is fairly small, around one meter deep and with an area of 2,700 square km. During the monsoon season, however, the Tonle Sap river which connects the lake with the Mekong river reverses its flow. Water is pushed up from the Mekong into the lake, increasing its area to 16,000 square km and its depth to up to nine meters, flooding nearby fields and forests. The floodplain provides a perfect breeding ground for fish.

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Writing personal feeling while enjoying cool breeze

Photography the precious moment.
Floating Village is one of the splendid sight here!!!

Along the ways there are many trees blocking the water path. Some are clear path but the driver have to takes the blocked path according to his compass. Although the whole journey may be tough, but eventually we will reach the destination.

In real life. A goal in life is like the compass. Some path may looked glamarous, and some path looked full of difficulty, but the goal will guide you to achieve your target.

The kids here are playing in the yellowish water here, they grin with neat white rows of teeth welcoming us. Some even send kisses to us!! This is a great contrast compare to our Malaysian kids who are having many tuition classes and endless school work to be completed. Behind the naive smile, they need to pay a big price for that. What about their future undertaking without education? The nostalgia of the poor community..

How many people can FIT into a pick-up truck like this ???

30 over
Imagine we are crammed in the pick-up truck like this:

The whole journey on the dusty road caused our clothes to be covered in yellow sand. We are responsible to our safety depending on our grip on the side of the truck. Hazardous.

When we reached Poipet, the local even cheated us that the border had closed at 6pm. But we continued our journey knowing that the risk of getting rob is higher if we stay in Poipet a second longer.Crossing border from POIPET to Aranyapratet

Experience With the Local Cambodians

12-9-2007

Spacious BONSAVY GH. Only cost US$6 per night. Best GH in Siam Reap

Local delicacies. Very delicous but the taste is mainly sour...

The girl in the souvenier shop. We buy a few items from her shop, and start talking to her..

Boo seems to like her very much......

We have lunch at their house, she invited us because she welcome our presence.

THERE ARE FREE MEAL IN CAMBODIA!!

Angkor Thom (12th-13th century AD)

Angkor Thom moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall/moat and some of Angkor's greatest temples including his state-temple, Bayon, set at the center of the city. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant faces.

Bayon

The smiling of BAYON:

The Bayon is a well-known and richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII

The poor guys get all wet after cycling in the rain...

WHO copy WHO??

This is Sin Chew Jit Poh on 14th October . The 9 words circled is my trademark since i started this blog in June 2007.
Now the minister also quote my trademark... HAHA!!!

Angkor Archeological Park tour 11-9-07

We set off at 6am local time for the sunrise in Angkor Wat. Heard that it's marvellous.
It's pitch dark. But we saw many tourist were heading towards Angkor Park. Some was on the foot jogging for the 15 KM. Not easy, i can say

The sunrise is awesome. However the building attracted us more. We keep taking pictures of different posture.
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Angkor Archaeological Park/Siem Reap Province - The following temple ruins are located in Siem Reap Province, most within the boundaries of the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap City. The temple sites with the Angkor Archaeological Park represent the ruins of the ancient Angkorian capital cities and include most of the most famous Khmer temples including Angkor Wat and Bayon
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The following is our itinenaray of visitation to various temple following the small tour circuit (the red line in the Angkor Archeological Park map below)

Angkor Wat (Early-Mid 12th century AD)
Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. This is the Landmark of the whole Angkorian Park. Thumb UP!!


Prasat Kravan (Early 10th century AD)
East-facing brick towers containing unique bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi rendered in brick - the only example of brick bas-reliefs in the Angkor area.

Bantey Kdei (Late 12th - Early 13th century AD)
Sprawling, largely unrestored, monastic complex in much the same style as Ta Prohm. It was originally constructed over the site of an earlier temple, and functioned as a Buddhist monastery under Jayavarman VII.The 13th century vandalism of Buddha images that is seen on many Jayavarman VII temples is quite apparent on Banteay Kdei

Ta Prohm (Mid 12th - Early 13th century AD )
Jayavarman VII temples , this quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best ‘tree-in-temple’ photo opportunities at Angkor. Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mother. Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of control over 3000 villages, thousands of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold.

Boo keep saying that he is very tired, and we are not in mood to take more pictures in this fantastic temple.

Srah Srang (Mid 10th and Late 12th century AD )

Picturesque baray opposite the east entrance of Banteay Kdei. Remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII's massive building campaign. A multi-tiered landing platform on the west edge of the baray is adorned with naga balustrades and guardian lions. The very sparse remains of an island temple can be seen poking out of the middle of the lake during the dry season when the water is low. Srah Srang offers a pleasant, much less touristed sunrise alternative to Angkor Wat.

Ta Keo (Late 10th - Early 11th century AD)

Towering but plainly decorated temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva. Known in its time as ‘the mountain with golden peaks.’ The first to be constructed wholly of sandstone, this temple employing huge sandstone blocks. Constructed under three kings, begun by Jayavarman V as his state-temple and continued under Jayaviravarman and Suryavarman I. When Jayavarman V first constructed Ta Keo, he part ways with previous kings, constructing his state temple outside of his main capital area. Construction on Ta Keo seems to have stopped particularly early in the decoration phase as evidenced by the lack of carvings.

The local young girl TRY to sell the postcard to the tourist.

This guy agree to buy her postcard after he reached the top of the temple which is around 15m high.

The poor girl followed....

BUT

she should be in SCHOOL now!!

Chau Say Thevoda

Chau Say Tevoda is now undergoing an extensive restoration project, for the moment allowing the visitor a close up look at the restoration process.

Phnom Bakheng (Late 9th - Early 10th century AD)

The construction of this temple mountain on Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill), the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. It served as King Yasovarman I's state-temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite and earthfill of most other temples. Bakheng's hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. (A good photo of Angkor Wat in the distance requires at least a 400mm lens.) The temple is usually overcrowded at sunset, sometimes even completely overrun by tourists. Due to overuse and damage, the main stairway up the mountain has been closed and an alternate path to the top has been opened.

Buddist Bath Ceremony

Here we joined the manthly local Buddhist ritual. The bath is said to be bringing great fortune and prosperity. The locals guy are very friendly to both of us.

GREAT EXPERIENCE!!

Phnom Penh -> Siam Reap 10-9-07

We took the bus from Phnom Penh to Siam Reap. The printed price is 17000 Riels, but we got it from the guesthouse for the price of $5 ( 20000Riels). Slightly more for the transport from the GH to bus station and commision.

The whole scene along the 5 hours journey is a pleasant experience. However don't expect the nice straight highway bus experience as you found in Penisula Malaysia. To me, the scene is almost the same as in Malaysia, mostly paddy fields, small houses. I believe this is one of "exotic" tropical country scene to the caucasions.


Upon arrival in Siam Reap, the next scenario here is shocking. Before disembarking from the bus, our bus were encircled by a huge crowd of locals when it drove into the parking space. Wow, it was the most shocking experience for me in the whole trip.

The young lenglui here is so terrified of all the tuk-tuk drivers who are too aggresive in fetching business

They were just the tuk-tuk drivers who was trying to offer u a drive to your desired GH or be your guide, recommend you any GH or anything if you are willing to pay. What makes it so difference is they are so PROACTIVE in the way that they cornered you and don't let you go anyway until you make up your decision where you going. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!!

Boo step out decisively and we followed a tuk-tuk driver who can speak Bahasa Malayu. And here is the first time we paid using Ringgit Malaysia in Cambodia as the drivers request!!! Boo seem to like him very much so we paid him another RM1 after he drove us to JASMINE LODGE.
After checking in, we started walking nearby to get bicycle. Following our previous experience, we knew a quality bicycle is so essential as we depends on it ultimately. We finally chose a nice Mountain Bike for $8. Until now i still miss that bike, really a terrific bike with great suspension, nice seats easy to menuever/control. The following is my bicycle. The best bike in our whole trip

We decide to cycle to Angkor Wat for sunset as we don't want to waste the half day left. The ticket to Angkor Park is $40 for 3 days pass and $20 for 1 day pass. I vote for 3 day pass because of the photo embeded on the Angkor Pass. Here is our biggest regret as our time in Siam Reap is limited to 2 days the most.

Unexpected rain hit us when we first saw the outside river of the Angkor Wat. At the first sight we don't know the building standing infront of us is Angkor Wat. This is due that the normal sight we view is from the west door. We have to terminate our journey and bargaining for dinner while waiting for the rain to stop.

However the rain seem to be forever, and Boo is 100% excited at the idea of cycling in the rain. Tell you the truth, i hate that idea, just imagine being drenched inside out and the freezing condition in the rain really terrified me! I am scare especially i know that my specs will be watery and i can hardly see the road. But, i was left with no choice now.

We packed our electronic devices and wallet in multiple layers of plastic bags and set off. I was in front and i look back occasionally to confirm boo is behind. The distance from Angkor Wat to Jasmine Lodge is approximately 15KM(45mins in rain).

Suddenly i couldn't found boo behind me anymore. i was startled. i slowed down but i just can't see him catching up. It was already 8pm, dark night engulfed me and i can only see i was the only cyclist along the whole way. A very scary and eerie experience especially after you found out you lose your companion whose wallet is with you. Morover Boo don't know the way back to the GH as he is always the follower!!! "Boo, you are on your own now!" i sighed.

When i reach the GH, i am sure he wasn't back yet. I was really really worried. We don't have ways to communicate,nor does he have any money/ identification with him. "I will go for the police if i cannot find him"i thought so. I set off again in the rain in attempt to find him with no avail. I really don't know which way to start off as there are so many ways to our GH. After a cycling around in random direction, i gave up.

I went back to the GH, after 10 minutes, he came back.

"Walau , Why you cycled soooo fast???"he yelled.

I am relieved with tears and forget to argue back . That is my first reaction. Totally relieved...

After that we argued but what drives me mad is when he said he purposely cycled slowly because he enjoyed cyling in the rain so much and it's his best experience in his life. When i saw the big grin on his face, i was so "boiled" up/furious until i cannot speak a word and i leave the room immediately. It is as if the whole worrying and searching process is STUPID!!!

Conclusion,
for an enjoyable trip, it's utmost important that each and every travelmates be responsible for his own action. Remember, you are NOT lone ranger, you are travelling with somebody and both must always report to each other especially in a place where no comuunication device is available.

I was lucky enough that i didn't fall sicked... Thanks

Phnom Penh Attraction

We tried too wake up for the sunrise but it's too late. We rented 2 bicycles from Sunday GH. 6am is like 7.30am in Malaysia... We started our journey by asking using this map and asking around.

Our destination planned today will be based on the backpacker's guide given by Lonely Planet Cambodia. A nice and detail reference.

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CYCLING in Cambodia is an exhilarating experience to be forgotten. The drivers there are kind of "skillful" as they will do U-Turn anywhere, drive into other's lane, disobey the traffic light, and horning is like saying "hi". We noticed some broken pieces of glass on the road because they drive recklessly. Don't complain if someone "kiss" your bike from behind, just beware of your legs when cycling as we have lots of similar experience expecially in the Central Market (Psah Thmei) area. The dusty road makes the visibility worse and you will end up feeling your throat dry-crack in the end of the day of cycling.

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal

1 night stay will EAT up all my budget in Cambodia.
1 night = $260(standard room)- $2000(presidential suite)
Very luxurious!

Wat Phnom Temple on the summit of Wat Phnom

A small hill crowned by an active wat (pagoda) marks the legendary founding place of the Phnom Penh. Elephant rides available. The legend of the founding of Wat Phnom is tied to the beginnings of Phnom Penh. Legend has it that in 1372 Lady Penh (Yea Penh) fished a floating Koki tree out of the river. Inside the tree were four Buddha statues. She built a hill (‘phnom’ means ‘hill’) and a small temple (wat) at what is now the site of what is now known as Wat Phnom. Later, the surrounding area became known after the hill (Phnom) and its creator (Penh), hence ‘Phnom Penh.’ The current temple was last rebuilt in 1926. The large stupa contains the remains of King Ponhea Yat (1405-1467) who moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422. Look for the altar of Lady Penh between the large stupa and the vihear. She is said to be of particular help to women. Wat Phnom is the busiest pagoda in town the night of Chinese/Vietnamese New Year’s Eve.

The enormous mechanical clock

US Embassy

We are not even allowed to take any photo even from far away. The guard came and chased us away!!

Post Office

Funny enough, there is no English Signboard showing that this is the main Post Office in Cambodia, only in Khmer wordings. We find it by guessing.. We posted a few post cards to our loved ones in Malaysia. The stamp for a postcard is 1800Riel.

Luckily the staff here can speak simple English. Will take 2 weeks for Asean countries. "Just nice when we return they will receive it!"

P.S : Our motive of sending not trying to "show off". We debate for it. Imagine one day you came from work and found a lovely postcard in our mail box, you will smell the scent of Phnom Penh and feel relax. Very sincere!

Central Market (Psah Thmei)

This unique, art-deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark. Prior to 1935 the area was a swamp/lake that received the runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained and the market constructed in 1935-37. Wet season flooding in the area around the market of the market is a vestige of the old lake. The entrance to the market is lined with souvenir merchants hawking everything from T-shirts and postcards to silver curios and kramas. Inside is a dazzling display of jewels and gold. Electronic goods, stationery, secondhand clothes and flowers are also in ample supply.

(Phsar Thmei means ‘New Market’, but ‘Central Market’ has caught on in English.)

This is where Boo and I got lost, and i lose my temper. Sorry Boo.

This area is Phnom Penh busiest part. The traffic outside here is very heavy. Our bicycles were "kissed" many times. Boo scared :)

The inside of the Dome-shaped building is well constructed with the natural aircon compared to the 35C outside. Simple but stunning.

Do you dare to eat this??? Small frogs 1500Riels. Boo found it disgusting. Taste??? normal...

Biggest Shopping Complex in Phnom Penh- Receipt of Sorya shopping complex..

The Receipt of our spending.

All printed in both

US$

and

Riel

National Museum/ Royal Palace

The distinctive rust-red National Museum next to the Royal Palace was dedicated by King Sisowath in 1920. Over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts, most notably the legendary statue of the ‘Leper King

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh was constructed over a century ago to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, his family and foreign dignitaries, as a venue for the performance of court ceremony and ritual and as a symbol of the Kingdom. It serves to this day as the Cambodian home of King Norodom Sihamoni and former King Norodom Sihanouk

We go for one of the recommended Khmer cuisine restaurant recommended by Loney Planet.

The Banana dish (forget the name) is one not to be missed. Still have fire on it when it's served.

The price is still reasonable with the nice surrounding.

Flood in front of the Royal Palace

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Dinner at Chhay Heng Restaurant, the BEST Khmer food recommended by Sunday GH's staff

WHY THE MUST-GO TOURIST ATTRACTION SPOT IS NOT OUR MAIN FOCUS ???

As our travel philosophy sounded, see, taste, feel and involved in the real Cambodian's culture. We are not the normal tourist who will only visit the gorgeos pre-arranged tourist destination, which all the staff there are well-dressed in clean uniform and speaks fluent English, which the buildings are fully aircond, where you feel like being served like the king and tour guide and tuk-tuk touting their 1 day service to bring you around the city.

"If you just want to take the photo of the Royal palace, monuments, artifacts inside, you can easily find a professional one in postcard or internet." Boo commented.

What we want is visit the real life of Cambodians with 5 million people live on less than AUD $1.60 a day,and the khmer language based community. Believe me, you will feel frustrated trying to express yourself in English, but you will see how a friendly is these Cambodians trying to help you. No Pain, No Gain!!!