Siem Reap, Cambodia: A Game Plan for Angkor Wat

With such an amazing history and story, it would seems a waste to only "drop by" Angkor Wat. You really need to have a game plan in effect for visiting this site. I explored the temples for two days, and felt like there was still so much that I could have seen and done.


In preparation of the big adventure, I would highly suggest that you contract with a tuk tuk driver for your entire stay in Siem Reap. Not only is it the easiest way to get around, but the drivers are reliable and affordable, and can definitely use the funds to help support their family.

Bayon

I have set out a two-day schedule for exploring Angkor Wat. However, if you have more time, that is fantastic!

For your first day, get up bright and early and visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, Elephant and Leper King Terrace. Be sure to get there for sunrise, as it is simply gorgeous at Bayon temple. You can either break for lunch at the many tiny restaurants dotting the nearby roads, or better yet, pack a lunch and picnic right there!



In the afternoon, take your time exploring and visiting Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat. Wear those walking shoes and be prepared for a full day!

If you aren't too scared of heights, be sure to climb (very carefully) to the top of Angkor Wat for an outstanding view. There is one hand rail for the 25 foot wide stairs, and since only one person is lucky enough to use it, most just pile up the stairs with reckless abandon. Me? Not so much. I waited it out til all those crazy kids got up there, then proceeded to take the handrail! Much better!


On day two, check out Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Mebon and Pre Rup. Don't miss Angkor Wat's reflection on the lake as the sun begins to set. It makes for a breathtaking view and awe-inspiring photos.




After seeing this amazing site, do your best to give back to the community, be it through making a few purchases at the local shops and restaurants, or simply by tipping your tour guide or driver. They appreciate it more than you will ever know!

Bangkok, Thailand - Night Events: Khao San Road

Khao San Road

Khao San is a street filled with little bars and restaurants and lined with vendors as well. You can buy anything from frames for your glasses for $5, to hair clips and earrings, to bugs. That's right, bugs... you have a choice of worms, maggots, and some type of beetle. We opted for the tourists variety pack (tourist in that the locals won't come close to this snack). They are baked, probably in the sun, until they are crispy.

Bug Buffet

They are kept in metal containers under a heat lamp to make you feel as if they were actually cooked. Just before serving the tourist these lovely treats, they are sprayed with a brown liquid, which I think is something like soy sauce. Then they are doused with salt. All I will say is... if you are going to try these, be sure to have some water on hand, because they don't go down so smooth!

Khao San is a backpacker's paradise. This has been the meeting grounds for backpacker's exploring South East Asia for some time now. The street is about 1km long and has everything from hotels, to travel agencies, to clubs, bars, restaurants, and market stalls. You can find the entire inventory of a clothing store on display. I can't imagine how long it takes to assemble and disassemble the "store" as it is only on the street for night sales.

This was a fun place to go because everything you could ever think of is within reach. If you are looking to meet fellow tourists, this should be your first stop!

Bangkok, Thailand - Night Events: Bars

Bars

Bangkok boasts a variety of bars and nightclubs. We visited the Q Bar. It was a pretty good time but didn't pick up until pretty late into the night. So I guess this would be the last stop if you are hopping. Q Bar brings in a lot of tourists because of live djs and cheap drinks (in US standards). It is a fun way to spend a night out on the town.

Q Bar

If you are hungry when you head home, hit the 7-Eleven. We, again mistakingly, asked our tuk tuk driver if there were any restaurants open. He drove us to a gamey smelling seafood restaurant that was severely over-priced.

Again an example of the tuk tuk drivers and the vendors being in cahoots. My advise to you, if you have a day to just spend driving around, feel free to ask the driver for his opinion, but beware if he takes you somewhere, you are bound to use the services, be it a store, restaurant, or tour.

Bangkok, Thailand - Night Events: Patpong Night Market

Patpong Night Market
Here you will find knock off everything from Tiffany, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, to course loads of Diesel. If you are interested in buying fakes, do buy in moderation, as the Lanham Act (US) steeply penalizes possession or distribution of knock-offs. I have not heard of a tourist being busted with a fine or jail time, but I have heard that the items will be confiscated. The prices at the market are cheap, but you do have to deal with the locals who are peddling goods and just may push you to the edge.

The faint of temperament should not visit this night market as you will find it quite vulgar. Men will try to sell you tickets to X-rated shows and ask you to try on various clothes or buy DVDs. It doesn't seem to matter if you are there with a guy, they continuously flock you for business. No matter how many times you tell them you are not interested, they follow you for blocks... not to mention the go-go dancers that beg you to come to their shows.

Patpong Night Market

In the end, I found it to be a memorable experience. I would encourage others to check out the Patpong area, if nothing else, for the shock factor alone. It is a must see in Bangkok. Go with an idea of what you want to purchase and that makes the experience all the better.

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Cinema

Cinema

Need a break from the Bangkok heat? Try catching a movie at the Bangkok cinema. The VIP seats entitle you to a plush velvet couch, fully equipped with cup holders and trays. They even offer blankets.

VIP Seats at the Major Cineplex

Their snack and beverage options are endless. You can get popcorn and a soda, or shrimp chips with a beer. We went to the Major Cineplex on the mall. VIP tickets were only about 250 baht.

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson was an American business man who helped revitalize Thailand's silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. The house is filled with Thai artifacts. But if you are just looking to purchase some Thai silk products, you can find them at the night markets in Bangkok for much cheaper. The cost to tour the house is 1,000 baht per person.

Jim Thompson House

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Snake Farm

Snake Farm

The snake farm was not on my agenda, but it was one of the stops on our canal tour. It was an interested show to say the least. When we walked in, we passed a man with a huge snake draped over his arms and shoulders and touching the floor. I mistakingly assumed it was a toy, but in fact, it was real. Only in Thailand.

The snake "arena" was surrounded by tiny cages of snakes with their breed written with a marker on the glass. There was also an area with crocodiles. There was no top to the cage and the walls were only about 4 foot tall. Indeed a strange set-up, and again... only in Thailand. We saw a few birds and a couple mammals, then on to the snake show.

Snake Show... eek!

Here, four men pranced around a small ring holding a large snake, probably over 10 feet in length. Then they proceeded to milk venom and collect it in a small glass jar. It was a little scary just to be so close in proximity to the snakes, but the locals didn't seem to mind. The entrance fee was about 400 baht per person. I am not necessarily recommending the farm, but it was an interesting experience.

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Canal Tour & Floating Market

Canal Tour

A canal tour down the Chao Phraya River is another way to spend a few hours of your day in Bangkok. But don't expect a Venetian cruise. We got roped into the cruise because we made the mistake of blindly asking our tuk tuk driver what we should see. Since the tuk tuk drivers are on contract with many of the restaurants, shops, and other vendors, not only did he take us to the "port" but left us there. Needless to say, there was not a lot going on in that area, so we took the overpriced tour. We jetted down a mud-filled waterway.

The sights along the way were children jumping into the water, houses on stilts, a snake show and laundry being dried in the polluted air. Our tour ended by the Grand Palace, but by that time, the Palace was closed for the day. The tour lasted about 30 minutes and was 1,000 baht per person.

Canal Tour - the little boys were doing flips for us!

Though it certainly was not a luxurious cruise across turquoise waters, it was a nice opportunity to experience the Thai culture.

Floating Market

The floating market of Bangkok was on my to-do list and one of the reasons we initially agreed to the canal tour. However, the floating market does not really exist any longer. We saw two women selling drinks and fans on a boat, but that was it. Be cautious of tours that offer to show you the floating market. Though it may sound appealing, it is likely a ploy to get you on the over-priced canal tour.

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Grand Palace

Like every city in Thailand, there are definitely sights to see during the day, and a completely different list of venues for the evening. The next few posts will cover day events for Bangkok.

Grand Palace
During the day, I would recommend visiting the Grand Palace. The Palace dates back to 1782, and was constructed during the reign of Rama I. From the 18th to the mid-20th Century, the Palace served as the official residence for the King. The Palace is surrounded by tall walls and canals in order to protect the royal family.

Grand Palace

Cost for entrance is 700 baht per person and it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Don't be surprised if you are hassled by kids before you enter the Palace. This is a huge tourist site, which also means masses of little solicitors.