Days 7 – 9: From Thailand to Cambodia

I took a train from Bangkok (Thailand) to Poipet (Cambodia) which left at 05:50am in the morning to the Thai-border at Aranya Prathet. The train is not the fastest and stops at even the smallest villages, however the journey is exciting if you like completely packed coaches, mosquitos, dust and smoke from burning plantations and a bumpy ride.

The bumpy train from Thailand to Cambodia

The bumpy train from Thailand to Cambodia

The train takes ages for this short distance and dropped me off at the border where I took a motor-taxi to the border. Of course this guy did not drop me off at the official border but at a “fake” border office where I was told to fill out an application form for the Cambodian visa and to pay 1,200 Bhat – PURE SCAM! Fortunately, I was aware of this trick and told the motor-driver to take me to the actual border.

At the border to Cambodia

At the border to Cambodia

The border crossing was not a big deal, however, it was not entirely clear where to go and which offices were official and which ones were fake. The best way to continue from the border was to take a cheap shared taxi to a terminal where buses and other taxis are offering transport to Siem Reap. The price for a shared taxi for four people from Poipet to Siem Reap is approximately US$ 40,- and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Grabbing some food in Siem Reap after arrival

Grabbing some food in Siem Reap after arrival

Siem Reap is conveniently located next to temples of Angkor – the eight wonder of the world, which of course, I couldn’t miss. The next day (09.04.2011) was therefore dedicated to get a glimpse at the temples of the kingdom of Cambodia which was once the heart of the shiny Khmer empire.

A convenient way to explore the temples is simply renting a tuck tuck (+driver)

A convenient way to explore the temples is by tuk tuk (plus driver)

One way to check out the world’s largest religious building is to rent a tuk tuk (around US$ 5,- per person) and to let the driver show you around (a day pass is required to enter the sights, US$ 20,-). An intense rainfall during the night did not allow me to watch the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temple, but a short day-tour through the temple area was impressive though.

The Angkor Wat Temple - one of the Eight Wonders of the World

The Angkor Wat Temple - one of the Eight Wonders of the World

Cambodia obviously still suffers from the consequences of the horrible Khmer Rouge genocide, but their unique mentality, optimism and strength are admirable. With this attitude and a currently growing economy life can only improve in the future and once issues such as corruption and health are tackled the Khmer spirit may eventually pay off for Cambodian citizen.

Another impressive temple - reclaimed back by nature

Another impressive temple - reclaimed back by nature

Days: 7, 8, 9
Date: 08.04.2011 – 10.04.2011

Impressions of the Train Ride to Cambodia

I’ve shot tons of photos, I know :) If you’re still keen to see more – check out these photos of the stunning Angkor temple system in Cambodia which was built by the Khmer between 800 and 1220 AD:

Impressions of the Angkor Temples in Cambodia

More photos of my trip: Picasa Web Album

 

 
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10 Responses to Days 7 – 9: From Thailand to Cambodia

  1. Philipp Babcicky says:
    April 20, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Gracias Albalu! Que bueno que te gustas meu blog :) abracos, philipp

  2. Albalu says:
    April 18, 2011 at 2:37 am

    Amazing!!!!!

  3. Jakob says:
    April 18, 2011 at 1:32 am

    What camera did you buy after the unfortunate ceasing of your G9???

    • Philipp Babcicky says:
      April 20, 2011 at 4:00 pm

      Just after her death I bought the cheapest camera I could find in New Zealand… I must say I was surprised how good the photos turned out. But when I arrived in Singapore I replaced the new cam with the younger sibling of the G9. I really did my research on cameras, but what else would you choose if not her younger sister! She is not as fast as the G9 but has some features which I really like – however, I’m pretty sure you know ten times more about her than I do anyway :)

  4. Tom says:
    April 17, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Great pictures!

  5. b says:
    April 17, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    great story & amazing photos! enjoy your trip & keep us up-to-date