t r i p
j o u r n a l
105
{ }
DIALING CODE
+66 (2)
CURRENCY
THB1 = PHP1.33/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN
There is a free airport
shuttle to the Public Transportation
Center in town. A taxi costs THB200
(
PHP266). In the city, use the BTS
Skytrain and avoid the jams.
Tuk-tuks
are
available but only for short distances.
SEE&DO
The Grand Palace should top
your list! Peek into Thai culture and life
along the canals at Baan Silapin (aka the
Artist’s House) in Khlong Bang Luang — a
Thai puppet show is held at 2pm daily. Side
Pocket Sports Bar and Entertainment on
Sukhumvit Soi 5 is a fave among Filipinos
featuring musicians from back home.
SLEEP
HQ Hostel is an affordable
boutique hostel located between two
Skytrain stations in the entertainment and
business hub of Silom.
EAT
Try the best
khao man gai,
the Thai
version of Hainanese chicken rice, at a
food stall on Silom Convent Road.
SHOP
Spa products like lemongrass
body wash and rambutan-scented soaps.
MUST-TRY
The Siriraj Hospital Forensic
Museum features medical oddities and
the mummified corpse of a serial killer.
Jeremy
Villasis
travel
photographer
THAILAND
BANGKOK
Siem Reap means "the flat defeat of
Siam".
DIDYOU
KNOW?
DIALINGCODE
+855 (63)
CURRENCY
KHR100=PHP1/US$.02
TOUCHDOWN
From the Siem Reap-
Angkor International Airport, hire a
tuk-
tuk
for about US$5 (PHP207). It will take
you 20 minutes to reach the town proper.
Most hotels offer a free pickup service, so
make sure to book in advance.
SEE&DO
Angkor’s temples are an
obvious choice, so escape the crowds and
walk or mountain bike along the top of the
Angkor Thom wall. It’s 12km around, nicely
green and quiet. You come upon gates
every 3km so you can shorten the journey
if you like. Mebon Restaurant is a truly
Khmer experience.
Off Route 6, Airport Rd.
SLEEP
Quiet, stylish and well-run, Heritage
Suites is a Relais & Chateaux property close
to town. Good value for money.
Near Wat
Po Lanka, tel: +855 (63) 969 100
EAT
Freshly baked croissants, sausages,
Khmer coffee and free WiFi at Bougeviller.
MUST-TRY
Head to the Angkor Hospital
for Children
(
angkorhospital.org)
to learn
about the social struggles of Cambodia.
SHOP
Buy souvenirs at 1961 — a small
hotel, gallery, café and quirky gift center
in one.
Scott
Coates
owner,
smilingalbino.
com
CAMBODIA
SIEMREAP
LESTER LEDESMA
