Sunday, February 12, 2012

From Chiang Mai to Siem Reap - Sun. Feb 12

We were up at 4:15 am to get into the bus and off to the airport at 5. First the entire 32 of us flew back to Bangkok, and then 12 of us flew to Siem Reap, Cambodia. The flights were wonderful. No more than an hour in the air each way, and a meal served on each. Yes, the meals were pre packed, but they were just fine. And on the second flight we watched some version of Candid Camera and old cartoons. Great!

Here's the tour bus that met us to take us to the hotel in Siem Reap.

Cambodia requires a visa, so Nancy and I were all prepared with e-visas we'd gotten online. There were others who were unprepared and had to get theirs on entry. And, guess what, it made no difference as we all had to wait for the luggage to be unloaded anyway. My only question is why was I the only one NOT fingerprinted on arrival. Perhaps I look Cambodian?

This hotel is a step down for us. Only one sink! It's is a bit tired compared to past hotels, but the pool is gorgeous, and we went swimming this afternoon.

 

And we have free wifi in the room!!!!!!!!!! Maybe it's not a step down after all.

Siem Reap has lots of tourists, but also has a backpacker/Haight-Ashbury feel. There are lots and lots of stands and markets, and the vendors are more aggressive here than in Thailand.

We finally took a tuk tuk ride as the traffic is calmer than in Bangkok. The only question was deciding which of dozens of tuk tuks to choose. It was fun!

Tonight we enjoyed a "typical Cambodian meal" and a traditional Aspara show,

Guess what? We can eat the food in Cambodia! It's much less hot and spicy, and there seem to be more vegetables.

 

No comments: