Siem Reap, Cambodia - May 2011

Siem Reap in Northern Cambodia has always been rated as one of the world's top travel destinations. Angkor District was the seat of Khmer civilization,  and the temples that still stand today, were said to have been built from the 9th century through the 13th century.

I was in the Cambodian capital city of Phnom Penh in February 2010.  I was impressed by the great Cambodian architecture in the city by the mighty Mekong River, but nothing prepared me for what I was to see in Siem Reap.

I booked for 5 persons 9 months in advance, long before low-cost carriers started imposing fuel surcharges on their ticket costs. Air Asia's Clark-Kuala Lumpur-Siem Reap return ticket per person was around PHP2,800.00, and this, as usual, was a steal. 

In transit, we decided to just stay within Kuala Lumpur city limits, as we were eagerly anticipating our trip to Siem Reap. And so the next day, we boarded our early morning flight  at the LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) in Sepang, Malaysia. We landed at Siem Reap International Airport after 2 hours and fifteen minutes. 

Collecting baggage at the terminal.

The terminal building was typically Khmer design.

After immigration formalities, we immediately boarded the van sent by Hotel 89 (our home in Siem Reap), to pick us up.

Hotel 89 (PHP1,100/USD25 for a triple room, with continental breakfast, unlimited brewed coffee, internet access - FREE).

On our way to Hotel 89, which I also booked in advance via my favorite Agoda, we passed by several upscale hotels built in traditional Cambodian style:

After check-in, we settled into the tuk-tuk that would tour us around the vast Angkor Complex.

And what a better way to cap the day than to indulge in a rejuvenating tantric khmer massage and gastronomic pleasures in an authentic Cambodian buffet restaurant with cultural shows.

Bullet dinner = USD12

The air-conditioned massage room replete with elaborate decor and an ensuite toilet & bath.

80-minute massage = USD15