Siem Reap, Cambodia Tourism: Where To Go and Eat - 6D5N - Day 2

Siem Reap, Cambodia Tourism: Where To Go and Eat - 6D5N - Day 2

MUST TRY: Best noodle soup at Borei Angkor Resort and Spa

August 24, 2012 – Our second day in Cambodia began with a hefty breakfast. I had 3 bowls of noodle soups that day. It was so good that I couldn’t resist having more. Our tour guide had to remind us that we still have a long day ahead (it’s his way of saying “HURRY UP” and stop eating :p )

After breakfast, we went back to the airport to pick up the lost luggage. Thanks to Air Asia and Siem Reap airport personnel for the quick action. (WE GREATLY APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS)  :)

Getting our ID pass for Angkor Wat

From the airport, we headed straight back to the hotel for them to change. Then, we had our pictures taken for our Angkor Wat pass. It was $40 for a 3-day pass so better not lose it or you’ll end up paying another fee for a new ID.

Banteay Samre

We went to 3 temples and the first was Banteay Samre. It was very beautiful – peaceful and quiet. If only I can paint, I would love to just sit here, enjoy the rustic colors and set up my paintbrushes to work on a masterpiece.

I think we stayed here for quite some time. Next thing we know, the sun was already telling us to go and pack up so we did. Before going to the next temple, we had lunch first at Srey Koulen Restaurant, which is also inside the Angkor Wat vicinity.

FYI: An average meal will cost around $5-6 per dish.

Banteay Srei a.k.a. “Lady Temple” or “Jewel of Khmer Art”

This temple has vivid colors and intricate carving details. Most of the areas were cordoned off though so we only got to appreciate the lovely ruins from a distance.

TIP: Slather a good amount of sunscreen when visiting Banteay Srei because there is very little shade in the area.

Phnom Bakheng

Last, but certainly not least, was Phnom Bakheng where we spent the rest of the afternoon. After all, it is the best spot to watch the sunset :)

TIPS:

• Take the elephant ride ($20) on your way up and hike going down.
• It’s cheaper to buy from the sellers outside the temples than in the market.
  Magnets (2 multi-colored for $1; 4 single color for $1)
  Scarfs (5 for $10)
  Bamboo Sticky Rice ($1.75)

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Siem Reap, Cambodia Tourism: Where To Go and Eat - 6D5N - Day 2

Tags: Siem Reap Cambodia,Siem Reap,Cambodian beer,Cambodia,Banteay Samre,Banteay Srei,Phnom bakheng,Elephant ride,Borei Angkor Resort and Spa

Phnom Bakheng (Siem Reap, Cambodia) – Elephant Ride To A Beautiful Sunset

Phnom Bakheng (Siem Reap, Cambodia) – Elephant Ride To A Beautiful Sunset

August 24, 2012 - Earlier, we visited Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei. We saved the afternoon for Phnom Bakheng, which is a spectacular temple mountain located atop a hill; because, we wanted to see for ourselves why this is hugely popular to tourists. We got what we were looking for - a magnificent sunset view of Angkor Wat and the magic surrounding it.

You have two options to reach Phnom Bakheng – one is to hike up the temple mountain; or, ride an elephant. I didn’t have any second thoughts. Riding an elephant is way easier and I think it adds up to the whole experience as well :)

Elephant Ride at Phnom Bakheng

Price of going up for a short 5-10 minutes is not cheap: $20 per person and if you want to ride again going down, it’s another $15 per person.

TIP: Only ride uphill and enjoy the walk down. The elephant path is different so at least you get to see both.

View of Angkor Wat temple from our Phnom Bakheng elephant ride

(tipping is welcome)

Final stairs up the temple mountain

(hooray to us! This is the only ascent we did)

Be prepared to bring a snack and have a little picnic of your own. There are a LOT, I mean really, A LOT of tourists on top. Everybody’s looking for the perfect shaded spot while waiting for sunset.

Phnom Bakheng offers a breathtaking 360 degree view. This is truly the best place to watch the sun set. I would love to come back again and again.

 

Ruins just below the spectators’ seats.

You wouldn’t want to miss this so better take the hike down than ride the elephant.

Locals serenading the tourists as you go down the hill

All in all, Phnom Bakheng leaves a memorable spot in our hearts. They say that they close the gates at 5:30PM and it gets really dark after so most tourists go down even before sunset. I suggest that you bring a flashlight and a good company and ENJOY!

Cambodian Beer ($2) and Cambodian Steak ($5.50) at AnnAdya Restaurant

We had an awesome time today that we decided to celebrate the night at AnnAdya Restaurant with a good Cambodian beer and lovely steak.

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Banteay Srei – Siem Reap, Cambodia

After our visit to Banteay Samre, we had lunch at the nearest restaurant, Srey Koulen Restaurant and had “fried chicken with garlic and pepper” ($ 5.50) and “spicy beef soup” ($5.50). The soup was just okay, but we enjoyed the chicken a LOT!!! :D

With happy tummies, we are now again ready to face the super hot (and HUMID) day and explore Banteay Srei.

Also located in the Angkor area, with exquisite decorative carvings in pink sandstone, Banteay Srei is routinely described as the “Jewel of Khmer Art.” This temple is built in miniature proportions that speaks of great beauty - a  peaceful, isolated, semi-wooded setting, also known as “Citadel of Women” or “Ladies’ Temple.”

Banteay Srei ruins has no ceiling, so better put on a lot of sunscreen

Inscriptions found on the doorframes inside Banteay Srei

Carving details

The sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei are among the finest in all Khmer art. Apart from being attractive in itself, the pink sandstone is relatively hard and had weathered only a little. (You can actually see most of the original work.)

 

Banteay Srei at a glance

TIP: Wear closed shoes and always watch your steps! You’ll never know what will welcome you :p (In our case, a tarantula)

Click [HERE] for more Banteay Srei pictures

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Banteay Samre, Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, Cambodia

Banteay Samre, Angkor Wat, Cambodia  

Picture taking for the Angkor Wat 3-day pass

Before being able to visit the Angkor Wat vicinity, show your best smile for your ID picture. We paid $40 each for a three day pass. DO NOT lose your ID or else, you will have to pay again to enter. (They’re very strict about this)

 

Once inside the Angkor area, take time to enjoy the serenity of the site and the peaceful atmosphere – biking is highly recommended. Do not rush - just enjoy and take in the view – children playing, swimming in the lake and artists painting.

 

Banteay Samre Façade

 

Located away from the more visited Angkor temples, at the far east side, is Banteay Samre, a well kept temple with a few crowd, somewhat "off the beaten track."

 

A lot of people say that the most striking element to the temple would have to be its tower because it has an astonishing resemblance to the Angkor Wat tower. Moreover, to anyone familiar with North East Thailand's Phimai temple, this could also be an almost exact replica.

 

 

Peace and Serenity at Banteay Samre

 

Hubby and Me

 

Lots of “framed” photo ops possible at Banteay Samre

 

 

Don’t forget to look up – you’ll be amazed at the littlest detail there is.

 

 

MORE PICTURES of Banteay Samre [HERE]

 

 

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Romantic Spa in Tagaytay: Asmara Spa (Taal Vista Hotel)

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Romantic Spa in Tagaytay: Asmara Spa (Taal Vista Hotel)

 

It is common to have a relaxing spa experience in Tagaytay; but, Asmara Spa adds a luxurious romantic get-away feel to the whole experience. Situated right at the top center of Taal Vista Hotel, the professional massage experience is just fantastic, especially with the majestic view overlooking Taal Lake.

 

We had the AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE. You can choose among 7 scented oils to delight your senses - peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, orange, rosemary, lemongrass and ylang-ylang. Citrus scents seemed to be the best match to keep up with our happy mood that afternoon. My husband chose orange and I, lemongrass.

Asmara Spa's outdoor massage nook for quick hand/foot/back massages and mani-pedi services

Reception Area

Asmara Spa's HUGE couple room - this is just half of the whole room. On the other end is the lovely bathtub filled with rose petals

View from our massage room

 

FYI: Did you know that Asmara Spa used to be Mr. Henry Sy's penthouse? No wonder it has the best view in Taal Vista Hotel :)

 

So romantic!!!

The massage was so good that we both fell asleep... Zzzzz ☺

 

Asmara Spa only has a few rooms available so better call in advance for a reservation

 

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ASMARA SPA - Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay

For Reservations, Please call:

+63-2-886-4325

+63-46-413-1000

 

Website: http://asmaraspa.com/

 

Asmara Spa's Menu of Services

 

 

Romantic Spa in Tagaytay: Asmara Spa (Taal Vista Hotel)

Tags: aromatherapy massage,asmara spa,spa in tagaytay,taal vista,taal vista hotel