Thailand's political unrest: GAIN for INDO-CHINA

According to a Straits Times report, the political unrest in Thailand has made travellers from Singapore look at other travel destinations like Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Those who have not travelled to Indochina will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable these countries are apart from the fact that they're just a short plane ride away.

Having been under France's colonial rule, these countries still retain traces of French influence. To me the best example are the cosy cafes, especially in Vietnam.

Unless you're on Forbes list as one of the richest in Singapore, most people think of cost when they travel. Having travelled in all the Indo-Chinese countries, I can tell you that the cost of accommodation, food and transport is extremely affordable as pointed out earlier. I hesitate to say "dirt-cheap".

For instance, for US $5 to $15 you can get a nice double room with an attached shower and toilet (even air-conditioning at the higher end).

Venturing a bit further is the gem of an island in Sri Lanka. Travel features in newspapers and magazines routinely rave about the island.

So Thailand's loss is other countries' gain.

Unmistakable example of French influence in Laos. Do you know why?

                                Vang Vieng in Laos will reward those who make the effort to get there.

Angkor Wat, Part 4/4 Siem Reap, Cambodia

Apart from the Angkor Wat (Angkor Temple) complex, there are others like the Bayon Temple complex seen here.

Look closely and you can see the faces of the god-kings.

Here is one of them.

The god-kings' presence is everywhere.

Buy some souvenirs and help a Cambodian family.

Angkor Wat Part 3, Siem Reap, Cambodia

More highlights from Angkor Wat:

Dancing ladies in their outlandish headgear.

When faced with a climbing opportunity, people never fail to respond. But climb at your own risk. Ask whether your athritic joints can take the journey down.

Others are more prudent to remain earth-bound.

Intricate patterns awaiting your admiration.

Wandering around, every corner of the vast temple complex had something interesting for me to enjoy.

Road to Angkor Part 3, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cycling to Angkor Wat, I noticed harried parents with their kids hurrying to hospital. Initially I didn't know what was going on. Gradually I understood the reason for the commotion. There was a severe outbreak of dengue fever.

An appeal for blood donation.

The eye-catching children's hospital in Siem Reap

When you cycle, you see more and pay less and exercise more. LOLA. A win-win situation, don't you agree? No?

Road to Angkor Part 2,Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cycling to Angkor Wat gave me the wonderful opportunity of observing the Cambodian way of life, Here are some snapshots. I'd stop riding the moment I spotted anything interesting.

A no-frills barber shop.I almost wanted to have the experience.

A "shopping mall" by the dirt road. Dust is part and parcel of the shopping experience so don't fret.

A Siem Reap High School.

A busy Cambodian village outside town. Small businesses have mushroomed along the roadsides. A slice of Cambodian life not seen by those on packaged tours. No problem for me to pretend I was a Cambodian as I looked just as scruffy.

Eating in Siem Reap, Cambodia

One of the things that will either make or break your trip is food, and whether it's fit for your conmsumption. Food poisoning can be a nightmare, and can ruin your whole holiday. In Siem Reap, apart from Khmer food, there's also western food. You certainly won't starve in Siem Reap.

If you keep counting your riel (Cambodian money) every night, then you should eat at the market at rock bottom prices. The market is very close to "Shadow of Angkor Guesthouse" in Siem Reap. But make sure you've a strong stomach. Speak English here, and you'll be the star attraction.

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This is a Chinese restaurant where I  had my dinner a few times. Friendly staff. As bees to honey, Chinese people get excited whenever they see the word "Beijing".

Feeling rich, and want to splurge a bit? Cafe Indo Chine will lay the red carpet for you, especially if wads of US $ are sticking out from every part of you. This is one of the nicest cafes in Siem Reap.

Mid-range and top end hotels in Siem Reap

I might have given the wrong impression that Siem Reap has only budget accommodation. Far from it as these two pictures show. But this blogger is a poor man so understandably I'm more enthusiastic about budget places. So those with extra disposable income don't despair. I was surprised to see many mid-range and top end hotels in such a remote place as Siem Reap. There's even one called Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor.

Siem Reap - street life

Street Life of Siem Reap

The market area is near "Shadow of Angkor Guesthouse".

You name it, he has it. Hey, only household goods, OK?

Hawker with baskets slung on a pole. Her shoulder and leg muscles given a daily workout. But a tough life no doubt.

Monks also need daily neccessities. No meter, just hop onto the motor-bike taxi.

Mussels (hope I'm right) are obviously a local delicacy. If you like to crunch on them, then you'll go crazy over the dirt cheap price.

Siem Reap, Cambodia - accommodation

It says it all.

Tut-tut driver brought me to see two guesthouses but I finally settled on my original one: the weirdly named "Shadow of Angkor Guesthouse" for US$15. Everything here is richly "wooden". Housed in an old French building, it overlooks a sluggish river. Has paid internet access.

There's a nice restaurant below the Guesthouse, and with tempting prices like these my customary high tea was replaced by "high beer". US prices notwithstanding.

I rented a bike at US$3 and cycled around town and to Angkor Wat.

Looking down from my balcony I watched these Cambodian ladies laughing and gossiping. At this point all my fears about residual Khmer Rouge fighters still lurking in the shadows vanished. I breathed easy from then on.

Siem Reap, Cambodia - from airport to town

Mention about travelling to Cambodia, and most people are a bit nervous when they think of the atrocities during the Khmer Rouge regime when millions of Cambodians were murdered. And the clashes with Thailand over the ancient temple of Preah Vihar serve only to strengthen these fears. However, I think Siem Reap can serve as a gentle introduction to the country.



The quiet Siem Reap airport. I took my time to leave the airport as I was going around snapping pictures. All the passengers having left, the airport was deserted. I acted cool as if I had been here a hundred times.

When I finally got out of the airport, I spotted this tut-tut driver. He accepted US$2 for the 8km ride to town.

I sat at the back, and then I noticed his registration number. Good number for 4-D I thought.

Along the way to town, I became increasingly impressed as many luxurious hotels flashed past. I relaxed. Not bad at all. Nobody was going to put a bullet into my head!