After Angkor Wat, we headed to Phnom Bakheng for the sunset. We’re not big fans of sunsets, preferring the sunrise to a sunset any day, but why miss a chance to view another temple. Phnom Bakheng is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There were two choices to get to the temple: an elephant ride up [...]

After a quick lunch consisting of noodles and stir fried vegetables and a bit of rest at our hotel, we were ready to roll! At 2:30 PM, Dara was there to pick us up. As usual, he came five minutes ahead of time. Our destination this afternoon was the most famous of all Cambodian temples [...]

November 30, 2007. Siem Reap, Cambodia. (notes from my journal) We woke up and got ready fairly early because Dara, our guide, was at the hotel at 7:30 AM. We exchanged introductions and we were off in a green Toyota Camry. Our first stop was the ticket center, run by the Sokha Hotel Group (and they make it [...]

Here is the itinerary for the three days that we’ll be in Cambodia: Day 1: Friday November 30, 2007 Morning Angkor Thom Bayon Temple Baphuon Phimeanakas Preah Pali Lai Terrace of Leper King Terrace of Elephants Evening Angkor Wat Phnom Bakheng Day 2: Saturday, December 1, 2007 Morning Preah Kahn Neak Pean Ta Som East Mebon Evening Bantey Kdei Ta Prohm Pre Rup Day 3: Sunday, December 2, 2007 Kbal Spean (added as a bonu later. Thank You, [...]

November 29, 2007. Luang Prabang, Laos / Siem Reap, Cambodia (notes from my journal) As I exited the airport and onto actual Cambodian soil, I was overwhelmed. I had finally made it to Cambodia! After dreaming, wishing and planning to come here for a good part of 12+ years, I was finally there! I’ll never forget that [...]

The Good: Luang Prabang: Yes the town itself! It’s very charming and probably the most relaxing place! Lovely people! Scenic views on the Nam Khan and Mekong. Boat rides on the Mekong. Lao coffee, baguettes, fresh cheese, fresh fruit shakes and pastries – what’s there not to like? Tasty Lao food: Subtle flavors. I finally stopped gobbling food up and actually [...]

November 29, 2007. Luang Prabang International Airport departure lounge. (notes from my journal) We loved Lao! The people here are innocent, mild and simple. Except the sellers at the night market, they’re hard to bargain with and tough, yet never rude :) Life is slow and people did not seem in a “rush” here. Even the tuk-tuk drivers [...]

After the Tak Baat fiasco, we made our way to JoMa bakery, to get some fresh chocolate croissants and Lao coffee. And we were not disappointed! The coffee was strong, the croissants warm and the chocolate divine. We decided to continue our sightseeing of Luang Prabang. As usual, we gave ourselves an easy morning of relaxing [...]

November 28, 2007. Luang Prabang, Laos. (notes from my journal) We woke up at 5:30 AM to witness Tak Baat, an ancient Luang Prabang tradition where the monks walk along the main street, getting their daily alms from the locals. We were really excited since it was one of the things about Luang Prabang that had attracted [...]

November 27, 2007. Luang Prabang, Laos. (notes from my journal) We woke up around 7 am ish today, but my throat was in a bad condition. I just felt like staying in bed and not venturing out. With the throat ache, came a bad cold and a weak body. We took my health in our stride and took [...]