Cambodia Gallivanted
SharePosted on 31. Mar, 2008 by Gallivanter in Gallivantings
It’s been 3 weeks since my Cambodia trip with Mel. It took me so long to blog about this because I was not overawed with Angkor Wat. Sure, it’s beautiful, but after 4 hours, you hear yourself say, “And then what?”. It’s all temples, temples and temples, perfect for you DLSR nerds.
We spent 3 nights there, and it felt like 3 years. Seriously, ONE night is more than enough. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a 3-day pass for the temple tour, it’s just not worth it because how much temples can you see before you get bored? Trust me, a couple of hours is more than enough.
Apart from that, food sucks – everything’s sweet, no matter how spicy and no sugar you tell them. Stall food cost USD1 minimum and food in cafes start from USD3 and above. Food is forgettable. If only Cambodians knew how we in Malaysia enjoy the greatest mix of food in the world.
Booze is OK – USD1 for the lame ass Angkor beer, which tastes bland, and USD3 for the other beers like Heineken etc. Guinness Stout is usually USD4.
You have to polish your bargaining skills if you want to buy souvenirs, start from 70% less than the original price and stick to it. If you really need it, then you can negotiate further, but if you only want it for the sake of wanting it, walk away and don’t bother. They will either call you back or you WILL get it at a cheaper price elsewhere. The Old Market is the only place worth checking out to buy souvenirs.
Tuk tuks cost USD1 per ride and nothing more. A dude tried to con his way when he quoted USD3, it took me less than 40 seconds to get him to drop to USD2, then USD1. Really can’t blame him, the white folks have once again tainted a laidback place with money and thanks to them, the prices are inflated. Thailand is CHEAPER.
We stayed at Molly Malone’s, which cost USD25 per night. Pretty decent stuff and it’s located right at the HEART of the town. The town, can be covered in 5 hours – WALKING. That’s how small it is.
Cambodia is certainly a place to visit ONCE just to get it out of your system that you’ve seen a wonder of the world. Apart from that, it’s just not worth the second visit.
keeyit
Mar 31st, 2008
Actually quite some times I din pay a visit to your blog.. Hope you still remember me.. hehe..
Cambodia, is one of my wanted list to go.. I m thinking whether to join the package or backpack.. hmm dangerous ?
ezooone
Mar 31st, 2008
whooaaaa…that’s honest…makes me think twice about going there…
Gallivanter
Apr 3rd, 2008
keeyit Yeah I do of course, welcome back! Well, Cambodia is NOT dangerous. It’s FINE.
ezooone Well, you can visit it once just to get it out of the way, but honestly, kinda overrated.
Jewelle Tan
Apr 4th, 2008
Angkor Wat is one place that I wanted to visit but my husband is not eager. And after reading this, he will definitely say forget it. But who knows, one of these days when we’re feeling adventurous and can leave the kids to fend for themselves, we’ll gallivant there too.
But great useful post.
Gallivanter
Apr 5th, 2008
Jewelle Tan Yeah, just go for the experience, but not more than one night.
deedee
Nov 25th, 2008
gee, just when i thought to put Cambodia as another destination for me to visit next year, i stumbled to this entry la pulak…
but thanks for this tho.. i’m someone who gets easily bored especially with the surroundings
Gallivanter
Nov 25th, 2008
deedee – Well, then Cambodia is not the place for you. It’s fun for the first 30 minutes, after that, hmmm…