Angkor, the forgotten city
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Children playing at Ankor Wat. Photos: Tony Chen |
Getting there and around
Traveling to Angkor is quite convenient. The closest city is Siem Reap and a tuk-tuk to Angkor, 2 kilometers away, takes about 10-15 minutes.
With its own airport, getting to Siem Reap is simple. You can fly direct from overseas or from the capital, Phnom Penh. Another option and the one that I chose, was to jump on a bus from Phnom Penh for about $7. Most buses arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon, allowing you to wander around the Angkor complex before dark and catch the breathtaking sunset at Bakheng Hill.
The US dollar is the preferred form of payment in Cambodia. There is a national currency, the riel, but in Phnom Penh and Angkor almost all goods and services are calculated and paid for in US currency. Currencies other than US dollars can be exchanged at local banks that are usually open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-2.30pm.
There are three different tickets for Angkor: $20/1 day, $40/3 days and $60/7 days. It is usually recommended that first time visitors go for the 3-day ticket. There is no charge after 4:30pm. A tuk-tuk that carries up to four people can cost any where from $20-$50 for three days, depending on your bargaining skills and what tourist attractions are included in your route.
Life in Cambodia is plain and simple. Material living standards are basic and food is relatively cheap. A meal on the street ranges from $1-$2 and a few dollars more in restaurants. The lifestyle of most locals is easygoing and it seems that they are content, satisfied and relaxed. Most of the local children love sweets and if you have some spare, you will instantly find yourself some new friends.
Accommodation in Siem Reap ranges from budget guesthouses at $10 a night to luxury five-star hotels and private villas. While booking in advance is not necessary, it may save you the hassle of bargaining through hoards of vendors when you first arrive in the city.
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