The Truth About Tibet

This is a video made by an American about the truth about Tibet.

A Member of TripAdvisor

I am a member of TripAdvisor. I share my profile and places of interests that I have been in the past years. I find good tips and read a lot about other travelers' experience at Trip Advisor also.

I also write some Reviews about the places I stayed, their service, food I have tried and cafes and restaurants I have been.

Air Asia Mother’s Day Break

Air Asia is doing it again. Air Asia is having a Mother’s Day Holiday Break promotion for all those filial sons, daughters, wife and husband out there.

As a son or daughter, I think we should send our mom to a holiday break away from their daily routine as a way to thank them for all their work being our mother, who took care of all our needs when we were young, to show our appreciation.

air asia mothers day holiday break

Booking dates are from 5 May till 14 May 2008. Traveling period is from 1 July till 25 September 2008. And all departures are from the LCCT Terminal in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

air asia mothers day promotion

Show our love to our mom by sending her on an Air Asia holiday break this year, will do wonders to our karma, as well.

Central Angkor Temples

Tep Pranam

This is a long walkway with a Buddha figure at the far end. Tep Pranam was originally a Buddhist shrine built in the 9th century under the rule of Yasovarman 1, the King that moved the capital to Angkor. It was expanded over the years with 12th century balustrades, 13th century lions and significant post-Angkorian modifications and additions. The Buddha statue at the western end is made from reused material. It is unclear how long that particular Buddha has been there.

Spean Thmo

This literally translates to ‘Stone Bridge’ with trees on the temples. It lies just beside the Siem Reap river.

Chapel of the Hospital

This is a hospital built by Jayavaraman 7. Some carvings are still visible. This is a quiet meditative spot, easily accessible but rarely visited by tourists.

Chau Say Tevoda

This is a small temple with similar design and floor plan to that of Thommanon. This temple is in poor condition, however, it is a good place to get a glimpse at the restoration process and appreciate the sheer scale of restoring these temples.

Ancient Angkor Elephants Carving

Phimeanakas

phimeanakas angkor wat

This is an impressive laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom providing a nice view from the top. Good to take photos before noon.

Terrace of the Elephant

terrace elephants angkor

This is an impressive two and a half metre tall and 300-metre long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and garudas that span the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon, Phimeanakas and The Royal Palace area. The wall faces east so the best lighting for photography is before noon.

Terrace of the Leper King

This is a double terrace wall at the north end of the Terrace of Elephants with deeply carved nagas, demons and other mythological beings. The statues of the Leper King are displayed at the terrace is a replica. The original resides in The National Museum in Phnom Penh. The wall faces east so the best lighting is before noon.

Preah Palilay

This is a sandstone and laterite tower in a cool area with good jungle views. The temple is on an area behind the terrace of the Leper King.

Shopping Center

In SIem Reap, there is a modern shopping center or mall called Angkor Trade Center. There is a supermarket on the ground floor of this newly built building. Follow by an escalator leading up to the first floor of smaller outlets selling all sorts of both imported products from neighboring countries. The Food Court of local Khmer food stalls are located on the second floor.

angkor trade center

Angkor Trade Center

shopping mall center

Ground Floor, Angkor Shopping Center

shopping siem reap

First Floor, Angkor Trade Center

angkor trade center food court

Second Floor, Siem Reap shopping mall

Souvenirs in Siem Reap

When you are on a trip, you simply can’t resist buying up some souvenirs to bring back home to your family and friends. I try to bring back a souvenir or two wherever I travel, to bring back memories of that place.

Here are some of the places in Siem Reap where you can get your souvenirs.

Angkor Naga Designs

You can get a made-to-order fashionable T-shirt, stubby holder or even a pair of slippers here. They offer natural and original designs with a touch of tribal reminiscence and simplicity. Custom print ready by the next day. Located at the Angkor Night Market, Stall #3. Tel:855-16-706 700

Artisans d’Angkor

This is also known as Angkor Crafts Center. They help young people to develop traditional craft skills and helps market for them. They also offer free guided tours for small groups. There are also shops in the Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports. The Angkor Cafe opens daily from 8am till 5.30pm. Located off Sivatha Street in Siem Reap. Tel: 063-963 330

Angkor Silk Farm

The Angkor Silk Farm is located at the National Silk Center in Puok district. Entrance and guided tours are free of charge. Opens daily from 7.30am till 5.30pm. Tel:063-380 375

Angkor Trade Center

This is a new and modern shopping center near the Old Market, in the heart of Siem Reap. Shopping is easier and more convenient with a wide variety of daily use products. Located at Pokambor Street, just east of the Old Market bridge. Tel: 855-63-766 666

Ivy Hoursim Khmer Crafts Center

This is a retail and wholesaler of a wide variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. Khmer sculptures at very reasonable prices. Antiques and Buddha statues are also available. Located at 315 Sivatha Boulevard in Siem Reap. Tel: 855-63-965 370

Khmer Angkor Art Workshop

This workshop has been operating for eleven years and trains the vulnerable amongst Khmer society, especially those who are disabled and orphaned and no opportunity for employment. They are trained in carving skills so they can earn an income and provide for their families. everyonw is welcome to visit and help support the project. Located at Tro Peang Sess Village, Kokchok Commune, Siem Reap (north of Killing Field). Tel: 855-12-990-603

The Siem Reap Hostel

If you are a backpacker or a budget traveller, but looking for a reasonably priced hostel, I would recommend The Siem Reap Hostel. I have stayed there. The place is operated by three expatriates partners. You will be greeted by friendly Cambodian staff at the reception. They have a small swimming pool (yeah … in a hostel) and pool table and a back rest area on the first floor.

Oh! You also get picked up by the hostel when you arrive at the Siem Reap airport.

Yes! You saw that. Your morning breakfast comes with the room and you have them beside the swimming pool. Toast, Cereal, Fruits, Milk, Juice, Coffee and Tea.

the siem reap hostel

AirAsia Airfare Promotion to Cambodia

AirAsia is having a March Airfare promotion departing from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

airfare siem reap

Air Asia’s has opened the Booking period from 10 till 23 March 2008 for the travelling period from 11 June till 31 July 2008.

Although this is considered the low season to travel to Cambodia, take advantage of the fact that there will be less tourists, tour groups and crowd visiting these Ancient temple sites that you want to go to visit and take great photos in your own sweet time.

Special Red Sandstone Temples

Special Red or Pink Sandstone Temples

Banteay Samre

banteay samre

This is the largest temple constructed in similar style to Angkor Wat’s architecture and artistry. The Banteay Samre was constructed in the same time as Angkor. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition. You can combine a trip to Banteay Srey with this temple.

Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey

angkor banteay srei

This translates to ‘Citadel of the Women’ or ‘Citadel of Beauty’. It is a beautiful pink or red sandstone temple in the middle of the jungle and is on the way to the landmine museum. It is about 38km away from Siem Reap town. The temple is relatively small but the pink or red sandstone color of this temple is magical to see before 10 am morning and after 2 pm noon.