From Phuket to Siem Reap Cambodia : A Tale of Two Worlds

After a mesmerizing stay in Phuket, with its sun-kissed beaches and turquoise waters, I set off on my next adventure—Siem Reap, Cambodia. The allure of Angkor Wat had long been on my travel list, and now, I was finally making it happen.

Flying Into Cambodia: Choosing Siem Reap First

I flew into Cambodia, eager to experience its rich history and cultural heritage. I chose Siem Reap as my first destination because it is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor temples. Only Air Asia has direct flight from Phuket to Siem Reap it works out cheap also you save on lot of time .It made sense to start my journey with the most iconic and historically significant site before exploring other parts of the country. With five days planned in Siem Reap, I knew I would have enough time to fully immerse myself in the grandeur of Angkor and the surrounding attractions.

I was excited about the transition from Thailand’s island paradise to Cambodia’s historical heartland. The flight was short, yet it felt like a journey through time, moving from modern tourist hubs to a place steeped in history and ancient grandeur.

Upon landing at Siem Reap International Airport, I was greeted by the warm, tropical air and a sense of anticipation.I had Booked for the airport pick up to my hotel . It was easy to meet the pick up person as the airport is small and not very busy airport . This made my move to the hotel very smooth and less botheration . I had booked the service by Klook as it is the cheapest .It is always advisable to book a cab in advance as it saves on a lot of hassle in a new country. My plan was to stay for five days, allowing myself ample time to soak in the city’s charm before diving into the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park. later visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, which is totally different culture and setting more towards the big city with limited tourist spots . This way I could dive deeper into the country's modern history, its resilience, and its evolving culture. But first, I wanted to take a step back in time and walk among the ancient wonders of the Khmer Empire.

Exploring Siem Reap: A Blend of Culture and Entertainment

First day was just spent in exploring the resort and area around it, as the flight had landed in the afternoon there was not much time to explore . Second day in Siem Reap were spent in making the plans to visit Agorwat . No doubt there are many You tube videos etc and ones own research but what you can get from the locals and by interacting with the local tourist shops it can help in saving a lot and to focus on the top worth and hidden gems of the area . This what i did by wandering in its vibrant streets, sampling Khmer cuisine, and visiting local markets and local tourist shop to make a plan for seeing the Angor wat .Also i visited the Old Market and Pub Street which buzzed with energy, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.Most of the tourists are in this area in the evening making it a totally different cosmopolitan town .

Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife, a lively avenue filled with neon lights, bustling bars, live music, and an infectious energy that draws travelers from all over the world. Whether it was savoring authentic Cambodian dishes at local restaurants, enjoying fresh tropical fruit shakes from street vendors, or dancing the night away at lively bars, Pub Street provided a fun contrast to the historical grandeur of Angkor.

Siem Reap is also known for its relaxing massage and spa services, which offer the perfect way to unwind after long days of temple-hopping. I indulged in a Khmer massage, a unique blend of acupressure and stretching techniques, at one of the many affordable spas in town. Fish spas, where tiny fish nibble away dead skin, were another quirky experience that added to the charm of the city.

For a more immersive cultural experience, I attended an Apsara dance performance, a traditional Khmer dance that tells ancient stories through elegant movements and elaborate costumes. Watching this graceful performance over a delicious Cambodian dinner was a highlight of my time in Siem Reap.

Tips for Tourists Visiting Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

1. Best Time to Visit:

• The ideal time to explore Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and less humid.i had gone in the beginning of feb so it was nice .

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat is a must-do, but arrive early (around 4:30 AM) to get the best viewing spot.

2. Getting Around:

• Tuk-tuks (mini Auto Rickshaws) are the best way to explore Siem Reap and the Angkor complex. Negotiate fares in advance.it is very cheap and very comfartable .this way your transportation is taken full care .

• Renting a bicycle is an eco-friendly and adventurous way to navigate the temple grounds.

3. What to Wear:

• Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as the temples are sacred sites and they do not permit shorts , skirts etc.

• Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to uneven terrain and lots of walking.Lot of walking in the old temples is required .

4. Tickets and Passes:

• The Angkor Pass is required to enter the complex. Options include:

  • 1-day pass: $37

  • 3-day pass: $62 ( best buy for three days )

  • 7-day pass: $72

• Buy tickets at the official Angkor Ticket Center (avoid street sellers offering fake tickets).

5. Essential Packing List:

• A refillable water bottle (stay hydrated!) because even in feb it gets quite hot and you need a lot of water . Important to remember that even Tuk - Tuk provide good cold water when you book them for the whole day .

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun

• A small backpack to carry essentials

• A flashlight for exploring darker temple areas

  

6. Temple Etiquette we Indians know about it .

7.In siem reap Dollar US is the ideal currency their local currency is hardly used so do not waste in converting to riels their local currency .

7. Enjoying Siem Reap Beyond Angkor:

• Visit the Angkor National Museum for a deeper understanding of Khmer history.

• Take a Tonlé Sap Lake boat tour to see floating villages.(Must see and a totally different experience ).

• Explore the Artisans Angkor workshops, which showcase traditional Cambodian crafts.

  Angkor Wat: A Step into Eternity

On the first full day of exploration, I dedicated my time solely to Angkor Wat, ensuring I absorbed every detail of its grandeur. Arriving at dawn, I stood in awe as the first light of day illuminated the temple’s grand silhouette. The experience was surreal—the reflection in the moat, the intricate carvings, and the sheer scale of the temple were overwhelming.I will cover this in details in my other write up .

I spent hours exploring its galleries, admiring bas-reliefs that narrated epic tales from Hindu mythology. The central tower, symbolizing Mount Meru, felt like the heart of an ancient world. The blend of spirituality and architectural brilliance made it clear why Angkor Wat is one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Beyond Angkor Wat: The Angkor Complex

On the second and third days, I expanded my exploration to other fascinating temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park.

• Day Two: The Grand Circuit I visited Bayon Temple, famous for its mysterious stone faces, and the grand terraces of Baphuon and Phimeanakas within Angkor Thom. Later, I marveled at Preah Khan, a vast monastic complex, and Neak Pean, a serene temple surrounded by water.

• Day Three: The Small Circuit and Hidden Gems This day was dedicated to the enchanting Ta Prohm, where nature and ruins blend in perfect harmony, and Banteay Kdei, a lesser-visited yet equally stunning temple. I also made time for Banteay Srei, renowned for its pink sandstone and intricate carvings, and East Mebon, a temple built on an ancient island.

A highlight of these days was taking a tuk-tuk ride through the jungle trails, adding an adventurous touch to my explorations. The serenity of these ancient structures, often shrouded in mist and mystery, transported me to another era.

Reflections on a Journey Well Spent

As my five-day adventure in Siem Reap came to an end, I realized this was more than just a trip—it was a deep dive into history, culture, and spirituality. From the white sands of Phuket to the timeworn temples of Angkor, the journey was a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and human ingenuity.

Moving out of Siem Reap, I carried with me not just photographs but an experience that would linger forever—a journey through time, carved in stone and memory. Next, I was ready to explore Phnom Penh, eager to see how Cambodia's past intertwined with its present and future. I will be covering some of the important temples to give clear picture as to what should not be missed out and how much time to spend at each temple complex also what is the highlight of the temple .