MY FAMILY TRIP TO 3 COUNTRIES IN THE SPRING SEASON

“Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.” (Mark Twain)

If you love something, you will be willing to sacrifice your dreams for it. I have admitted that I love traveling so I always plan to do it well. I have been visited Singapore twice, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), India (New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Dehradun) and I just visited Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Hanoi and Halong Bay) and Cambodia (Siem Reap) from 19 to 24 April 2017. I would love to share you my travel stories ^_^

            When I was in Taj Mahal India, I did a video call to my mom and she said that she wanted to travel with me. So I planned this trip and I took my mom and sister to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It’s my family trip.

WHY I CHOSE TO TRAVEL TO THAILAND, VIETNAM, AND CAMBODIA?

THAILAND, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a Southeast Asian Country.The capital and largest city are BANGKOK. It is named the most visited city in MacterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index and was named “World’s Best City” for tour consecutive years by Travel + Leisure magazine.

VIETNAM, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a Southeast Asian Country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. HANOI, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. It is a great place to explore on foot. You could also visit HA LONG BAY in in northern Vietnam, 170 km east of Hanoi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2012, New 7 Wonders Foundation officially named Ha Long Bay as one of New 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

CAMBODIA, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. SIEM REAP is not the capital of Cambodia, but it is a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer Kingdom from the 9th – 15th centuries. Have you ever seen a Tom Raider Movie? One of the filming location of Tom Raider is in Ta Prohm Temple, located in the Angkor Wat complex, Siem Reap. Siem Reap, Cambodia ranks number 8 as World’s Best Tourist Destinations for 2017 by Tripadvisor.

ROUTE

-          Day 1 - 2: Bangkok, Thailand

-          Day 2 - 3: Hanoi, Vietnam

-          Day 3     : Halong Bay, Vietnam

-          Day 3 - 4: Hanoi, Vietnam

-          Day 4 - 6: Siem Reap, Cambodia

FLIGHT TICKETS

• Flight from Jakarta, Indonesia to Bangkok, Thailand for April 19, 2017, I bought the ticket on 27 November 2016 with the route from Jakarta (CGK Airport) to Bangkok (DMK Airport) through the Traveloka Apps and I got the best deal IDR 818.169 (ticket only). And I bought the ticket for Mom and Sister on 26 December 2016 with the same schedule and same route through the Traveloka Apps and I got the best deal IDR 1.663.732 (ticket only). So I spent the money for ticket Jakarta to Bangkok was IDR 2.481.901 by AirAsia Airline. The details of my flights are Jakarta (CGK Airport) at 01.05 pm to Bangkok (DMK Airport) at 04.20 pm is 3 hours 15 minutes journey.
• I Bought the baggage 20kg on 18 April 2017 for 19 April 2017 THB 488,56 (IDR 197.747).
• Flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Hanoi, Vietnam for 20 April 2017. I bought the ticket on 17 April 2017 with the route from Bangkok (BKK) at 02.00 pm – Hanoi (Noibai Int Airport) at 03.50 pm was IDR 2.116.449 (3 person+baggage 15 kg by VietJet Airline). The journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes.
• Flight from Hanoi, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia for 22 April 2017. I bought the ticket on 13 April 2017 with the route from Hanoi (Noibai Int Airport) at 04.55 pm – Siem Reap (REP Airport) at 06.40 pm was IDR 972.205 (1 person+ baggage 15 kg by VietJet Airline). And I bought the ticket for mom and sister with the same route and same schedule through Traveloka Apps and the price was IDR 1.875.753 by VietJet Airline too. So I spent the money in total for ticket Hanoi, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia was IDR 2.847.958. The journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Flight from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for April 24, 2017. I bought the ticket on 1 February 2017 through the www.via.com and I got the best deal IDR 3.303.544 (3 adults ticket+baggage 20kg by AirAsia Airline). The details of my flights are Cambodia (REP Airport) at 02.55 pm to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2 Airport) at 06.05 pm is 2 hours 10 minutes journey.
• Flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Jakarta, Indonesia for 24 April 2017. I bought the ticket on 1 February 2017 from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2 Airport) at 10.20 pm to Jakarta (CGK Airport) at 11.20 pm through Traveloka Apps and I got the best deal IDR 2.809.095 (3 adults ticket+baggage 20kg by AirAsia Airline). It takes 2 hours journey.

So I spent flight tickets for Jakarta-Bangkok-Hanoi-Siem Reap-Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta was IDR 13.756.694

WHERE I STAYED

1. In Bangkok, Thailand I stayed at Preme Hostel from 19 to 20 April 2017 (one night). I booked on 14 April 2017 for a triple room without breakfast IDR 516.550.
2. In Hanoi, Vietnam I stayed at Hanoi Brother Inn Hotel from 20 to 22 April 2017 (3 days 2 nights). I booked on 15 April 2017 for a triple room with breakfast IDR 687.696.
3. In Siem Reap, Cambodia I stayed at La Residence Blanc D’Angkor from 22 to 24 April 2017 (3 days 2 nights). I booked on 15 April 2017 for family room with breakfast, free 2-way airport transfers,  free wifi IDR 884.223

So I spent for accommodations was IDR 2.088.469.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

BANGKOK, THAILAND

1. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

2. BTS Skytrain

3. Thai cooking class

4. Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

5. The Grand Palace

6. Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

7. Asiatique the Riverfront

8. Siam Paragon

9. The Golden Mount (Wat Saket)

10. Chao Phraya River

HANOI, VIETNAM

1. Ha Long Bay Tour

2. Old Quarter

3. Vietnamese Women’s Museum

4. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

5. Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

6. Temple of Literature & National University

7. Hao Lo Prison

8. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

9. Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat)

10. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

1.Angkor Wat

2. Bayon Temple

3. Ta Prohm

4. Angkor Thom

5. Angkor Archaeological Park

6. Banteay Srei

7. Preah Khan

8. Night Market

9. Apsara Dance Show

10. Baphuon Temple

Day 1

19 APRIL 2017

BANGKOK, THAILAND

            We arrived at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand at 04.20 p.m and we went straight to immigration, so many queues. It takes an hour for immigration. After it, we went down with escalators located near the immigration, we headed for baggage claim, without taking much time, we immediately found our baggage.

Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand

Queue at Immigration, Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand

            We went straight to the official taxi counter at exit 8. From Don Mueang International Airport to the Preme Hostel (where we stayed) charged THB 870 (taxi+toll). Actually we could go to Mo Chit (BTS/MRT) from Don Mueang International Airport by Shuttle Bus A1 at Exit 6 (it’s cheaper than taxi) but I went with my mom that’s why I chose went to the Preme Hostel by taxi and anyway this taxi is Camry so we could felt this car hahaha.

            We arrived at the Preme Hostel at 07.20 p.m. The location of this hotel is very strategic. It’s close to Terminal 21 Mall, Asok BTS Station, 24 hours Family Mart and main street, easy to get a taxi, tuk-tuk, bus, BTS/MRT and many food streets around the Preme Hostel. The checked-in process was quick. They asked THB 300 for deposit. We stayed in room no 212. There was no lift so we climbed the stairs up to the second floor. It was quite tiring with heavy backpacks. The room was cleanliness with three bed, AC worked well. TV worked well. The refrigerator worked well. But there was no teapot to make hot tea or coffee. The bathroom was small but the hot water worked well and we only got soap, shampoo, and towels.

My room at the Preme Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand

Lobby's the Preme Hostel

            When we got in the room, we put our backpacks, washed our face and we started our journey to Asiatique the Riverfront. From the hotel to BTS Asok Station by foot takes 15 minutes. I bought the BTS ticket at BTS Counter. From BTS Asok Station to BTS Saphan Taksin Station charged THB 126 for 3 persons.  Arrived at BTS Saphan Taksin Station then got out from the station using exit 2, we walked to Sathorn Pier. Then we were waiting for a free boat to Asiatique the Riverfront. It takes about 20 minutes to wait in the queue.

            Finally, we got our boat and started the journey to Asiatique the Riverfront. It takes about 15 minutes by boat from Sathorn Pier to Asiatique the Riverfront.

Boat to Asiatique the Riverfront

            Asiatique the Riverfront is a large open-air mall in Bangkok, Thailand. Open from 05.00 p.m until midnight but the free shuttle boat runs until 11.30 p.m. I appreciated the design of Asiatique the Riverfront. You could find all souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing etc. It’s best to place to shopping. If you are hungry, you could choose the food you would like to eat because there are many restaurants. There are also two biggest entertainment draws are the Thai puppets by Joe Louis Theatre and Calypso Cabaret, one of Bangkok’s celebrated ladyboy shows.

Asiatique the Riverfront, Bangkok, Thailand

            We tried the Asiatique Sky. It as Thailand's tallest Ferris Wheel. The ticket for an adult is THB 300 per person. We enjoyed panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline atop the 60-meter high Ferris Wheel. Asiatique Sky is also known as Bangkok Eye.

Asiatique Sky Ticket

Asiatique Sky, Bangkok Eye

In Asiatique Sky

            After that, we felt hunger so we were looking for halal food and we ate dinner at Siam India Restaurant that sells halal food. The food was very tasty and the portions were big.

            After that, we started to go around the Asiatique and shopped. The clothes are sold here is very good and the price is cheap. An hour of walking around was not enough but we had to go to back to the Hotel because it was already 11.00 p.m which we did not want to miss the free boat. We waited for about 25 minutes we got our boat and sailed towards to Sathorn Pier. From there we walked to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, I went to the BTS Counter to buy the tickets, I gave the counter staff THB 126 (same price like before, from BTS Asok Station to BTS Saphan Taksin Station/from BTS Saphan Taksin Station to BTS Asok Station) but the staff gave me coins of THB 126 and I had to buy the tickets through a machine located not far from the counter.

Using this machine was not difficult, we just need to know the name of our destination station and see our destination station number on the board next to the machine, That number also means the price you have to pay for the ticket. BTS Asok Station is number 42 so I pressed the 42 button on the machine and inserted the coins one by one until THB 42 after that Card out of the machine. One card for one person.

BTS Ticket

From BTS Saphan Taksin Station to BTS Asok Station, we need to transit at BTS Siam Station. Arrived at BTS Asok Station, we walked to the Preme Hostel, Bangkok is a bustling city even though it was midnight but the atmosphere around was not quiet.

            Arrived at the Hotel, then showered and slept because tomorrow we had to continue the journey to Hanoi, Vietnam.

The cost on the first day was IDR 478.000 and THB 4.211

1.           Taxi from my home to CGK International Airport Jakarta, Indonesia IDR 250.000
2.           Toll IDR 40.000
3.            Lunch at A&W, CGK International Airport Jakarta, Indonesia Rp 188.000
4.            Official taxi from Don Muaeng International Airport Bangkok, Thailand to the Preme Hostel THB 750
5.            Toll THB 120
6.            BTS Tickets from BTS Asok Station to BTS Saphan Taksin Station THB 126 (THB 42 x 3 persons)
7.            Bought Brocade clothes THB 200
8.            Bangkok Eye (Asiatique Sky) tickets THB 900 (THB 300 x 3 persons)
9.            Dinner at Siam India Restaurant, Asiatique the Riverfront THB 1.184
10.            Bought Shirt Pink THB 250
11.         Bought clothes for mama THB 300
12.       BTS tickets from BTS Saphan Taksin Station to BTS Asok Station THB 126 (THB 42 x 3 persons)
13.         Bought snacks and mineral water at Family Mart THB 255

      Day 2

      20 APRIL 2017

      HANOI, VIETNAM

We got up early, showered, and tidied up our backpacks because of our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam was 02.00 p.m but before that, we wanted to visit The Grand Palace first. Our the checked-out process was complete. We left our backpacks at the hotel (The Preme Hostel have room for storage of backpacks or suitcases of their customers). Then I ordered a Grab Taxi to go to The Grand Palace but because we waited too long so I canceled it and we decided to stop the taxi on the road using the meter. The driver taxi said that the car could not deliver to The Grand Place, he would drive us to the pier and then we needed a boat ride to the Grand Palace (I already knew it before). And the taxi driver drove us to the private pier which serves private boat, it cost THB 1.000 per person so I paid THB 3.000 for us. (I Knew that this is a scam but I am lazy to argue because we were chasing the time). We went to N9 Pier by private boat. 

a private boat

Arrived at N9 Pier we were asked to pay THB 20 (retribution fee). We walked from N9 Pier to The Grand Palace, it takes 15 minutes. The weather was really very hot. When we entered the Grand Palace area, there were so many queues and very crowded. Because we could not stand in the very hot weather so we decided just took pictures around the area and we canceled to enter the temple.

Crowded at Grand Palace

                 And we went back to the N9 Pier, we were a little confused because the sign on the pier was very minimal and when I asked some people, they could not speak English, we ended up queuing up in the left row and I heard a woman explaining to the tourist couple. And I asked her “whether this line for a boat to Sathorn Pier?” And she answered, “yes right, I will also go to Sathorn Pier”. Finally, we found someone who understands English. We got our boat and this boat sailed leaving the N9 Pier.

                Arrived at Sathorn Pier, we walked to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, and I exchanged THB 126 into coins at the counter and bought the tickets on the machine. From BTS Saphan Taksin Station to BTS Asok Station, transit at BTS Siam Station takes approximately 40 minutes.

             Upon arrival at the BTS Asok Station, we hastily headed for the Preme Hostel and takes our backpacks. I asked the hotel staff to order a taxi for us to go to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We waited around 25 minutes and the Grab taxi came. Bangkok road jammed at that time and I asked the driver to pass the toll and I also said that our flight is 2 p.m.

              We arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 12.00 p.m. Then we went straight to VietJet counter to check-in. After that we went to the immigration, then we went to our gate. This Airport is so good and spacious. Thankful we were not late to our gate because our gate was C-10 is located very on the end.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand

                We arrived at Noibai International Airport at 04.00 p.m Then we was queueing at Immigration, the queue was long enough. It takes an hour for immigration. Then we went to the baggage claimed. After that we went to the exit, this airport has two exits, we were looking for a car driver from the Hotel. Yes, I asked for pick up service from the Hotel. But we did not find a driver. I bought Vietnam Simcard (Vinaphone) at the tourist information, then I called the hotel to ask the driver to meet us near the tourist information. And the driver came, I was thinking that the driver was waiting at the other exit.

Queue at Immigration, Noibai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vinaphone Simcard

                  We left the Noibai International Airport to the Hanoi Brother Inn Hotel. We arrived at Hanoi Brother Inn Hotel at 06.00 p.m. This hotel is located in Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam. We got a welcome drink (hot tea without sugar). The checked-in process was quick. We got a room on the 5^th floor with number 502. There was no lift so we had to climb the stairs to the 5^th floor and it made us exhausted (especially my mom). The room was clean with one single bed and one queen bed. At the first the AC did not work well, although it was turned on but still hot, I called the room service to fix it and after room service came then the AC worked well. The bathroom was big complete with soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairdryer, towels and hot water worked well. TV worked well. But in the room, there was no refrigerator and no teapot. If we needed hot water we had to go down to the dining room on the first floor.

My room at Hanoi Brother Inn Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam

                We were showered and then we went to the Sinh Tourist outlet by foot to exchanged the vouchers I’ve purchased the Ha Long Bay one day tour with a bamboo boat on 15 April 2017 through their website https://www.thesinhtourist.vn The price for Ha Long Bay one day tour was VND 2.724.820 (in IDR 1.624.926) or 3 persons. After that, we were looking for halal food. We found it. We ate dinner at Tandoor Restaurant. After that, we walked back to the hotel while looking around the shops along the way. It was still crowded even though it’s late night.

Dinner at Tandoor Restaurant, Hanoi, Vietnam

                  We arrived at the Hotel and slept because tomorrow we had to Ha Long Bay Tour all day.

      The cost on the second day was IDR 1.624.926, THB 4.021 and VND 1.165.000

•          Taxi from Preme Hostel to Pier THB 360
•          Private boat from Pier to N9 Pier THB 3.000 (THB 1.000 x 3)
•          Retribution fee N9 Pier THB 20
•          Boat from N9 Pier to Sathorn Pier THB 45 (THB 15 x 3)
•          Ticket from BTS Saphan Taksin Station to BTS Asok Station THB 126 (THB 42 x 3)
•          Toll THB 70
•      Grab Taxi from Preme Hostel to Suvarnabhumi International Airport THB 400
•           Simcard Vinaphone VND 300.000
•           Dinner at Tandoor Restaurant VND 865.000
•      Ha Long Bay One Day Tour for 3 persons VND 2.724.820 (IDR 1.624.926)

     Day 3

     21 APRIL 2017

     HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM

                   We got up early and got ready to go to Ha Long Bay. I was very enthusiastic about this trip. After a tidy, we went down to take our breakfast. We ordered breakfast at the Hotel dining room. Many travelers stay at this hotel. We enjoyed our breakfast while waiting for the pickup from The Sinh Tourist Tour. Yes, they would pick us up at the Hotel.

                 At 08.30 a.m the tour guide picked us up by minibus. It was not a private tour but we were with other tour participants in the minibus. This minibus was very convenient. AC worked well and the tour guide (Mr. Bang) and the driver (Mr. Kong) were also friendly. From Hanoi to Ha Long Port takes 4 hours. But after half a trip, we stopped for 25 minutes at a shop selling handicrafts, souvenir, food made by people with disabilities. I bought mangoes, jackfruit, and Vietnam coffee. After that, we had continued the journey.

                  We arrived at the Port at lunchtime. The tour guide distributed tickets and guided us to our cruise. We went straight up to our cruise and chose a seat in the dining room. After all the tour participants got their seats. Cruise leave port and start sailing. The food began to be served on the table of each tour participants. We enjoyed our lunch on the cruise while sailing.
                  

Enjoyed our lunch on the cruise

                  After finished eating, we saw the outside scenery and we climbed the stairs to the top. Wow. Ha Long Bay is really incredible. Now I know the reason why Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I was so happy to be at Ha Long Bay, one of new 7 wonders of nature in the world. One of my bucket lists has completed again.

Ha Long Bay, new 7 wonders of nature

                  Our destinations of the route were Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Ba Hang Cave, Cho Da Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Trong Mai Islet.

Throng Mai Islet (fighting cock rocks) is a famous islet on Ha Long Bay. It has become a symbol of Ha Long Bay and also Vietnam’s tourism. 

Throng Mai Islet

We headed the Bang Hang Cave. It is one of 4 fishing villages serving major tourist attractions in Ha Long Bay. We started bamboo boat from here. We went around seeing the sights with a bamboo boat.  

Enjoyed the scenery by bamboo boat

Cho Da Islet is worth a must-see spot on the journey of discovering and conquering the wonderful bay.

Dinh Huong Islet seems like a holy symbol dedicated to national heroes who died to protect the country. Our bamboo boat driver informed us that we could see Dinh Huong Islet on the banknotes VND 200.000.

Dinh Huong Islet

After that we sailed back to Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave) is Located in Ha Long Bay is one of the most famous attractions in Ha Long. The cave has the ancient and unspoiled beauty with many stalagmites having special and strange shapes.

Beautiful Cave

Then we walked to Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave) is located in the southwest of Ha Long Bay, 4 km away from Dau Go Island, which is considered the most beautiful primitive cave of the Bay.

The tour ended at 04.30 p.m and we sailed back to the Harbor. Then we headed to Hanoi by minibus. As before, half way, we stopped at the shop for 25 minutes. Then we continued the journey.

All tour participants were not delivered to their hotel but we were driven to the West Lake, Hanoi. We got off the minibus and took a walk around the West Lake, I bought the hat because suddenly it was raining. Then we walked to Hoan Kiem Lake. 

The Huc Bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake

We ate dinner at KFC near the Hoan Kiem Lake. After we finished eating, we watched a group playing a musical instrument around the fountain near the KFC. After that, we walked to the hotel. Arrived at the hotel then showered and slept.

KFC

KFC near the Hoan Kiem Lake

      The cost on the third day was VND 981.000

1.            Mangga dan Nangka VND 185.000
2.            Kopi Vietnam VND 245.000
3.            Tips for a bamboo boat drivers VND 50.000
4.            Drinks on the cruise VND 80.000
5.            Hat VND 120.000
6.          KFC VND 301.000

     
     Day 4

     22 April 2017

     HANOI, VIETNAM

We got up early and packed our backpacks. Then I have taken care of check-out process because our flight to Siem Reap late afternoon so we were leaving our backpacks at Hanoi Brother Inn Hotel. We had our breakfast at Hotel, then we went to Vietnamese Women’s Museum by foot. We passed Hoan Kiem Lake and it was quite crowded, probably due to a weekend.

Hoan Kiem Lake in sunny day

Vietnamese Women’s Museum is dedicated to Vietnamese women. The main building of the museum is divided into 4 areas: permanent exhibition, a special exhibition, the Discovery Room, and the museum shop. Temporary exhibitions are also organized in a nearby area of the main building.

Vietnamese Women's Museum

After that, we went to Starbucks is located opposite the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. We enjoyed our drinks at Starbucks.

Enjoyed our drinks at Starbucks

After that, we walked to Old Quarter and shopped. Then we walked to Al-Noor Mosque, took a picture then we walked back to Hotel.

Al-Noor Mosque

Arrived at Hotel, I requested for a car service to drive us to the Noibai International Airport. 

Arrived at Airport, checked-in flights and luggage, then immigration processed. Then waited at the boarding room while I sent an email to La Residence Blanc D’Angkor to pick up us at Siem Reap International Airport.

VietJet Check-in Counter at Noibai International Airport

                 Our flight has taken off at 04.55 pm and arrived at Siem Reap International Airport at 06.40 pm. The immigrations processed and baggage claimed ran smoothly and the queue was not too long.

                  As we headed the arrival gate, we looked for someone who held the paper with my name. We found him, a tuk-tuk driver who picked us up.

We and our backpacks

                 From Airport to La Residence Blanc D’Angkor was not too far away. We were warmly welcomed upon arrival at La Residence Blanc D’Angkor. We were served welcome drinks while waiting for check in process. It was tamarind juice. After the check-in process was completed we were escorted to our room. We got room no 209. We also got a welcome greeting in the room. Yup, there was a note which is formed from pandan leaves on our bed “Welcome Rizki Ernawati”. It was sweet welcome J There were 3 beds in our room, TV worked well, AC worked well, hot water worked well, complete toiletries, all facilities in our rooms worked well. I liked the design of this room. There was power cut but only briefly and everything was fine.

Our room at La Residence Blanc D'Angkor

                We tidied our backpacks and showered, then we went to Night Market by tuk-tuk. After shopped we went back to the hotel by tuk-tuk, we ordered dinner from our room due to the restaurant in the hotel was closed, and the waitress delivered the food to our room. After that, we slept.

     The cost on the fourth day was VND 2.447.000 and USD 29,5

1.            Car Pick and Drop off Noibai Airport-Hanoi Brother Inn Hotel-Noibai Airpot VND 690.000 (VND 345.000 x 2)
2.            Vietnamese Women’s Museum VND 90.000 (VND 30.000 X 3)
3.            Cappuccino at Starbucks VND 70.000
4.            Clothes for Mama VND 1.100.000
5.            Clothes for nephew VND 450.000
6.             Snacks at Circle K VND 47.000
7.             Chicken porridge and drinks (pocari sweat and orange juice) on airplane USD 11,5
8.             Tuk-tuk from La Residence Blanc D’Angkor Hotel to night market USD 3
9.            T-Shirt USD 2
10. .          Souvenirs USD 10
11.   .     Tuk-tuk from night market to La Residence Blanc D’Angkor Hotel USD 3

     Day 5

     23 April 2017

     SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

                 We got up so early at 03.30 a.m because we started Angkor Wat journey at 04.30 am. I had booked tuk-tuk for Angkor Wat tour from Safy Angkor Wat. (His phone number is +85581918918 or you could find him on Tripadvisor)

                   Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia. Angkor, meaning “city” of “capital city”, is a vernacular form of the word nokor, which comes from the Sanskrit word nagara. Wat is the Khmer word for “temple grounds”, also derived from Sanskrit vāṭa meaning “enclosure”. So Angkor Wat means “Temple City” or “City of Temples” in Khmer.

            First, we went to the ticket counter by tuk-tuk to buy the Angkor Wat ticket. I had bought an entrance ticket Angkor Wat for a day was USD 111 for 3 persons (USD 37 per person for a day). The clerk took my photo for printing on the ticket so there will be a photo of me on my ticket.

Queue when buying tickets to Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Tickets

            After that, we went to Angkor Wat Temple by tuk-tuk to see the sunrise. There were so many visitors who are also waiting for the sunrise. The sun rises in in Angkor Wat so beautiful. After the sun rises perfectly. We went to the Angkor Wat Temple.

Sunrise atAngkor Wat

Angkor Wat Temple

the visitors were waiting for the sunrise at Angkor Wat

            After that, we went to the Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk. Angkor Thom located in present-day Cambodia was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. We visited the Bayon Temple, the Baphuan Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King by foot.

Gateway to the Angkor Thom

Bayon Temple

         The Bayon is a well-known and richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia.

Baphuon Temple

Terrace of the Elephants

               After that, we went to Ta Keo Temple, Ta Nei Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Kdei Temple by tuk-tuk.

Ta Keo Temple

Ta Nei Temple

Ta Prohm Temple

         Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. UNESCO inscribed Ta Prohm on the World Heritage List in 1992. The temple of Ta Prohm was used as a location in the film Tomb Raider. 

Tuk-Tuk

            Then we went back to Hotel due to we were so tired and sleepy. Arrived at Hotel, we ordered lunch and after had lunch, we fell asleep until late afternoon. After that, we swam until 6 p.m. Then we showered and got ready to watch the Apsara Dance.

Swam in the hotel

            We were picked up at 7.00 p.m by tuk-tuk. We went straight to the Kullen II Restaurant. When we arrived at the Kullen II Restaurant, the waiter immediately drove us to our seats, which we had reserved seats through Safy Angkor Wat.

            The Apsara dance is a traditional dance of the Kingdom of Cambodia that dates back to the 7th century according to some of the carvings found in the Sambor Prei Kuk temples (Cambodia’s Kompong Thom province) which immortalized Apsaras dancing on the stone. Traditionally, apsara means the beautiful girls and they are said to be supernatural female beings. In modern time, the apsara dance is performed by both men and women.

Apsara Dance at Kullen II Restaurant

            After finished watching the Apsara Dance, we went to the night market, again ^_^ to shop. After that, we went back to the La Residence Blanc D’Angkor and slept.

Night Market Siem Reap, Cambodia

     The cost on the fifth day was USD 186,95

1.            Angkor Wat Entrance Fee one day USD 111 (USD 37 x 3 persons)
2.             Long Pants USD 5
3.            Apsara Dance Performance USD 18 (USD 6 x 3 persons)
4.            Watermelon juice+apple juice+orange juice USD 11,5
5.            Magnets USD 10
6.            Long Pants for mama USD 5
7.            Tuk-tuk full one day USD 15 (USD 5 x 3 persons)
8.            Snacks at Angkor mini market USD 11,45

      Day 6 

      24 April 2017 

      SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

     
                      We got up more relaxed due to there was no activity. We enjoyed our lunch at the Restaurant’s La Residence Blanc D’Angkor. Finished enjoying our breakfast, we swam again and relaxed.

                       After that, we packed our backpacks due to our flight at 02.55 p.m. Showered and went to Siem Reap International Airport by tuk-tuk from the hotel. 
                      Arrived at Airport, checked-in process at airasia counter, then immigration process and waited at our flight gate. I bought burger king for our lunch, we enjoyed our lunch while waiting for our flights.
                     Arrived at KLIA 2 Malaysia at 6.00 p.m. We went straight to immigration, finished immigration process we took our backpacks and headed to the departure hall. Then we went to AirAsia counter to checked-in flight and our backpacks. After that, I exchanged money at the money changer at the Airport and we had dinner at Bumbu Desa. After that, we went to immigration and shopped at the souvenirs shop at the Airport.

Dinner at Bumbu Desa, KLIA 2 Malaysia

   
                         We flew from Malaysia to Jakarta at 10.20 p.m and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Jakarta at 11.20 p.m, then went to immigration and waited for our backpacks. It takes an hour for our backpacks. After that, we went to home by taxi.
                        Ahh, welcome home ^_^

            The cost on the day sixth was USD 68,55, MYR 156,75, and IDR 220.000

1.            Laundry 3 kg at La Residence Blanc D’Angkor Hotel USD 6
2.            Meals+drinks at La Residence Blanc D’Angkor Hotel USD 49,55
3.            Burger King mineral water USD 1
4.            Burger king meals packages USD 12 (USD 6 x 2)
5.            Lunch at Bumbu Desa KLIA 2 Airport MYR 121,75
6.            Pencil case MYR 35
7.           Toll IDR 20.000
8.           Taxi from CGK Airport to my home IDR 200.000

            So, expenses for this trip was IDR 28.819.434 ^_^

            1. THB 8.232 in Bangkok, Thailand (in IDR 3.210.480)
            2. VND 4.593.000 in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (in IDR 3.123.240)
            3. USD 285 in Siem Reap, Cambodia (in IDR 3.786.225)
            4. MYR 156,75 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (in IDR 531.400)
            5. IDR 13.756.694 for flights
            6. IDR 2.088.469 for hotels
            7. VND 2.724.820 for Ha Long Bay Tour (in IDR 1.624.926)
            8. IDR 698.000 for taxi, toll, meals from home-airport-home

           See you on my next trip ^_^ Thank you for taking your time to visit my blog. For more photos please like and follow my FB page fb.me/travelstoriesofrizki and follow my Instagram www.instagram.com/rizki.qq1210