Three Nights in Siem Reap

The second day of our Southeast Asia trip started early as we are about to depart to Cambodia. Our stay in Vietnam was indeed kind of short; a full day isn’t enough to uncover everything this country has to offer; there are still many places to get to but as what every travelers do, we have to get moving. For sure, sooner or later I will find myself again wandering on this charming country.

Prior to getting to this trip, I had already asked our hotel to book us for our bus ride going to Siem Reap, Cambodia. The bus ticket costs US $24.00 with approximately 14 hours travel time. By 6:45 AM (ICT), we were fetched by the bus conductor from our hotel. The bus left the city at around 7:00 AM (ICT). While on the bus, I was surprised that the bus conductor was distributing sandwiches and distilled water for everyone. I didn’t know that these things were included on the ticket we paid for (or I just forgot). I haven’t taken my breakfast yet that time but despite of, I didn’t eat the free sandwich as it doesn’t look appetizing or am I not just in the mood to eat that moment since I was really sleepy. Anyway, I had spent most of the time that morning in the bus sleeping.

Since we were crossing borders to get to our destination, the bus conductor will have to ask for the passports of all the passengers (and you have to trust him) for an easy processing of our exit from Vietnam. In about 4 hours since we left the city, we had finally arrived at the Bavet / Moc Bai border. Since we were Filipinos we don’t need to have a visa to get to Cambodia.

We waited for about half an hour before we have heard our names called at the immigration area of the border of Vietnam. Once all the passengers were settled, we hopped into the bus again and headed to the border of Cambodia. This time we had given our passport by ourselves at the immigration for an entry to Cambodia while our bus waited for us on the other end of the immigration office.

Before getting into another more hours of travel to Siem Reap, we stopped by in an eatery first for lunch.

Afterwards, we then all hopped in to the bus and traveled the road.

There came a point during our road travel that the bus have to get into the big boat to cross the river (or sea).

By looking at those places we had passed by during our bus ride, I can say that Cambodia seems like a dormant country, a peaceful one. It wasn’t that developed yet or I must it was still undeveloped as I wasn’t able to see buildings and even business districts. Nevertheless, this country is a wonderful country to travel to as it gives one a unique and different travel experience by its culture and harmony.

At around 3:00 PM (ICT), we had arrived at Phnom Penh. We have an hour to spend on this place before the bus to Siem Reap arrives. We just waited at the nearby cafeteria. If  I only knew that we have an extra hour, I should have searched for some tourists spots nearby for a quick tour.

In less than an hour of waiting, our bus had finally arrived. We didn’t pay extra anymore for this ride as it was already part of the ticket we paid for earlier. We were also given another set of food and drink, this time it’s pastries. I ate it as it looks like appetizing than the other one we had earlier.

We then traveled the road again. It was raining on and off; hoping it doesn’t rain that much on our destination. We stopped by at another eatery for dinner.

After 5 to 6 hours, we had finally reached our destination. It was already dark and I couldn’t see establishments open anymore. Seriously, they do close this early? Anyway, it was good that the night before, I contacted our guesthouse here in Siem Reap via email for a pick up from the bus terminal. And just this afternoon while we’re in Phnom Penh I was able to receive a reply of confirmation from them. Kudos for always checking your emails, plus point for a guesthouse!

Bou Savy Guesthouse

We were fetched by two tuktuk at the bus terminal. Tuktuk is a rickshaw which is a common transportation used in countries like Cambodia and Thailand. It is motorized and usually three-wheeled cabin cycle. In Cambodia, a tuktuk can fit 2 to 3 persons (or 4 persons which we did when we visited Angkor Night Market from Koulen II Restaurant).

It took us about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the guesthouse from the bus terminal.

We settled first on their reception / dining area. We then welcomed by the guesthouse staff; I forgot his name but as far as I remember he was the brother of the owner. We then given welcome drinks! Wow, another plus point!

We then asked if we’ll be getting the one free dinner already, and we said yes as we don’t like to go out anymore as we needed to rest early for our early tour the next day.

These food resemble some Filipino dishes. We were able to enjoy these food; and I couldn’t agree more with my buddies when they said that these are much better than what we’ve had on our previous lunches and dinners.

Afterwards, we were carried into our rooms. We booked two rooms which each room fits two persons. I’m not sure if it’s a custom in Cambodia and Vietnam but you have to take off your footwear before getting inside.

And here’s our big room. This room can already fit more than two people. And that bed, that gave me a restful sleep for two nights.

The room has fridge, TV with cable, private bathroom and room safe. They also provide complimentary drinking water and for a budgeted traveler like me, yes they do have water refill on their dining area wherein you can refill your water bottles.

It seems like that the building is relatively new or they are just too well-kept on cleaning the walls, the room and the establishment itself.

Also included when booked at Bou Savy Guesthouse is the daily breakfast. What I like about their breakfast is they offer options for you; though most of it is bread you still have a choice if spread or egg. They do have pancakes and noodles too. For two consecutive mornings, I always asked for the bread + omelette. Oh, how I miss the taste of that omelette.

Aside from that, they do also offer free wi-fi connection. Though you need to get out of your room so you can have a decent connection.

What can I say more about our accommodation? Well, I must say Bou Savy Guesthouse was the best accommodation we had during our entire Southeast Asia trip.

Initially, we were charged US $ 16.00 for a twin room / double room with A/C per room per night but because we also availed Angkor Wat sunrise tour and booked our van ride to Bangkok from them; as well as we booked our stay at the guesthouse during their room promotions we were given discounts. To know more about their rates, you may visit this link.

Did I also mention that most of the guests staying here are Filipinos? Yes, and after two nights we were able to hear someone aside from us who speak our language.

It has been a long bus ride for us to get to this small town. Well, the comfy bed from our room compensated all the butt-numbing ride we endured during the 14 hours travel.