Journey Back in Time - Mystical Angkor. 5Days 4Nights Travel Itinerary in Siem Reap, Cambodia (Big Circle)
Monday, 8 June 2015
5days 4nights trip,
Angkor Night Market,
Angkor Old Market,
Angkor Wat,
big circle tour,
East Mebon,
Neak Pean Temple,
Prasat Kravan,
Pre Roup,
Preah Khan Temple,
Pub Street,
Siem Reap,
Ta Som
Edit
Our journey continued on the second day of our trip by exploring the big circle complexes.
As soon as the sun illuminated, the crowds turned minimal and we decided to stay on to explore the temple's bas reliefs and photographs session.
Air Itinerary Details:
It was another early start. We woke up as early as 4.00am to catch sunrise at Angkor Wat. Pros Bou picked us up at the hotel around 4.45am and we make our way to the lake in front of Angkor Wat. That time, the place was already packed and filled with travelers all hoping to capture the magnificent sunrise view at Angkor Wat.
Of course, a trip to Siem Reap is never complete without visiting the grand Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of the many temples built by the Khmer Empire (9th-15th century). The place was abandoned in the 15th century when the Khmer empire moved its capital to Phnom Penh. Thought to be the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat is considered the most visible symbol of the Khmer’s national pride. We spent some quiet time exploring the temple and watching sunrise by the lake.
I have to say: getting here early is worth it! The morning glow was so magical! Check out my photos!
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| Angkor Wat waking up in the morning |
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| Angkor Wat waking up in the morning |
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| Angkor Wat waking up in the morning |
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| Angkor Wat waking up in the morning |
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| A ray of light, a ray of hope. Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Photograph courtesy of Bhavani |
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| Carvings of sensual Apsaras in Angkor Wat |
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| Detailed carvings on the walls of Angkor Wat |
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| Several scenes that features images of brave, weapon bearing warriors engaged in furious combat |
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| Bas-reliefs of Suryavarman II in Angkor Wat seated on his throne, surrounded by courtiers with fans and parasols |
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| Detailed carvings on the inner walls of the central sanctuary |
**Best spot to watch the sunrise: The West and East sides are recommended. The East side is wonderful to watch the sun rise away from the massive crowd. The West side of course is magnificent with the stunning classic silhouette of Angkor Wat and reflection of the lotus pond.
**Be prepared for a lot of walking and clambering up and down steep stairs.
After that, Pros Bou brought us back to the hotel for our morning breakfast. After breakfast, we continued our journey exploring Preah Khan Temple, Neak Pean Temple, East Mebon and Pre Roup Temple.
Preah Khan temple is one mega-temple that is really huge with much to see! Preah Khan, means “sacred sword”, was built in 1191 A.D. King Jayavarman VII dedicated it to His father. During the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom, the King lived there. The temple also functioned as a Buddhist University. There were many overgrown large trees surrounding the area.
**Tips: The best way to visit Preah Khan is through the East West gate which will allow you to see the temple in the correct sequence.
After Preah Khan Temple, we stopped by Neak Pean Temple, an interesting small temple is situated on an artificial island surrounded by water. Neak Pean means “coiled serpents”, which encircled the temple. Neak Pean was originally constructed for medical purposes, a form of a hospital, the water believed to have healing properties.
Our next stop was Pre Rup Temple, located in the mountain side and built by King Rajendravarman as his state temple. Pre Rup means “turn the body”, which translates as common funeral ritual. The temple was unique to us because it has five lotus-shaped towers and was built from bricks with nicely decorated entrance ways.
Continuing on the big circle was East Mebon, which has a similar design as Pre Rup Temple. The temple has several levels and large elephant and lion statues on the corners.
On the road to our next location.
Our next stop was Ta Som, a 12th century temple that appeared to be falling apart. It is a small temple built by King Jayavarman VII for his father, Dharanindravarman II. Some part of the structures are starting to fall apart.
We had our lunch at Angkor Flower Restaurant along the way to the next temple. Camel had the Khmer style fried yellow noodle meanwhile Chengy ordered Chicken Pandan with Fried Rice. Each meal cost us approx. US$7-8/pax inclusive of drinks (mango shake).
Our precious last hour for the day had been reserved for Phnom Bakheng (for sunset viewing), a Hindu and Buddhist temple in the form of a temple mountain. Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, it was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman (889-910). Located atop a hill, this place is a famous spot for sunset views of Angkor Wat. There are two ways of going up to Phnom Bakheng: (i) the easy way is to take the elephant ride and (ii) hike up the hill yourself. Of course, we went the cheap way up, by foot.
Dinner was at Triangle BBQ Bar Restaurant, near the pub street area. This restaurant, a TripAdvisor recommended eatery spot serves good food (Khmer & International cuisine) at a reasonable price. We ordered the pork ribs and don’t forget to try the fresh river bar fish. Tasted superb and highly recommended. The meal cost us approx. USD$4.5-5.0/pax (inclusive of drinks)
**Triangle BBQ Bar Restaurant recommended menu: Pork ribs (US$2.50), Fresh river bar fish (US$2.50), Chicken Leg (US$2.50), Baked potato (US$1.00), Stir-fried rice with beef, chicken, pork, seafood (US$2.50), Steamed river fish Amok (US$5.00), Fruit juices and shakes (US$1.50-3.00)
After dinner, we crossed the street and walk along the old market & pub street where vendors were selling local food and goods. **Must-try street-eats: Banana Egg Milk Pancakes (US$1.00), Pineapple & Mango Shakes (US$1.00), Crocodile meat burger (US$15.00), Sea coconut fruits
Day 1: 22 May 2015
**Be prepared for a lot of walking and clambering up and down steep stairs.
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| Aerial view of Angkor Wat. Every aspect of Angkor is rich with meaning |
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| Chengy at Angkor Wat complex |
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| One for the album |
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| Central Sanctuary of Angkor Wat |
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| Within the Angkor Wat complex |
After that, Pros Bou brought us back to the hotel for our morning breakfast. After breakfast, we continued our journey exploring Preah Khan Temple, Neak Pean Temple, East Mebon and Pre Roup Temple.
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| Preah Khan Temple guarded by lions |
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| Preah Khan - The City of Glory |
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| Sandstone carvings in Preah Khan |
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| Centre stupa inside Preah Khan |
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| The sacred stone of "linga” (male) and “yoni” (female) in the centre of Preah Khan |
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| A Devada with a missing head in Preah Khan |
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| A headless Buddha statue guarding the entrance to the Preah Khan Temple |
**Tips: The best way to visit Preah Khan is through the East West gate which will allow you to see the temple in the correct sequence.
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| Neak Pean were used to heal devotees |
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| Towering lotus-shaped structures in Pre Rup |
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| Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, Pre Rup has five lotus shaped towers |
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| There are three levels that are topped by five towers in East Mebon |
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| East Mebon features amazing door carvings and spectacular free standing stone lions |
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| Lion statue in East Mebon Temple |
Our next stop was Ta Som, a 12th century temple that appeared to be falling apart. It is a small temple built by King Jayavarman VII for his father, Dharanindravarman II. Some part of the structures are starting to fall apart.
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| Delicate stone carvings on a wall inside Ta Som |
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| Delicate stone carvings on a wall inside Ta Som |
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| Some part of the structures in Ta Som are starting to fall apart |
Our precious last hour for the day had been reserved for Phnom Bakheng (for sunset viewing), a Hindu and Buddhist temple in the form of a temple mountain. Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, it was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman (889-910). Located atop a hill, this place is a famous spot for sunset views of Angkor Wat. There are two ways of going up to Phnom Bakheng: (i) the easy way is to take the elephant ride and (ii) hike up the hill yourself. Of course, we went the cheap way up, by foot.
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| Elephant ride anyone? US$20/ride to top of Phnom Bakheng |
We arrived at the foot of the hill a little bit early to beat the crowds around 3.30p.m. The hike can be really tiring and it took us approx. 20 minutes to reach the peak and the view was really pretty. So peaceful and you can actually take shots of the whole 360 degrees view up there. We waited for nearly an hour till we were told that most likely we are unable to catch sunset for today. So, sunset or no sunset, Phnom Bakheng is indeed a cool place to be!
**Tips:
◊ Wear comfy shoes
◊ Wear comfy shoes
◊ Be there by 4.00p.m. and spare at least 20-25 minutes to hike up to the temple
◊ Wear proper attire (particularly for ladies – no shorts and wear shirts with proper sleeve)
Dinner was at Triangle BBQ Bar Restaurant, near the pub street area. This restaurant, a TripAdvisor recommended eatery spot serves good food (Khmer & International cuisine) at a reasonable price. We ordered the pork ribs and don’t forget to try the fresh river bar fish. Tasted superb and highly recommended. The meal cost us approx. USD$4.5-5.0/pax (inclusive of drinks)
**Triangle BBQ Bar Restaurant recommended menu: Pork ribs (US$2.50), Fresh river bar fish (US$2.50), Chicken Leg (US$2.50), Baked potato (US$1.00), Stir-fried rice with beef, chicken, pork, seafood (US$2.50), Steamed river fish Amok (US$5.00), Fruit juices and shakes (US$1.50-3.00)
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| A meal to remember |
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| Banana egg milk pancake anyone? |
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| Be sure not to miss out the Pineapple / Mango Shake when you're in Siem Reap |
Day 1: 22 May 2015
Penang International Airport (PEN) → Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2)
◊ Capsule by Container Hotel at KLIA 2 (3 hr stay)
Day 2: 23 May 2015
Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) → Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
Small Circle
Morning: Angkor Thom South Gate (Bayon Temple, Baphuon, Phimeanakas) - Terrace of the Elephants - Terrace of the Leper King - Chaosay Tevoda – Thomanon - Ta Keo
Afternoon: Ta Prohm - Banteay Kdei - Srah Srang – Angkor Wat (Sunset) – Preah Palilay –
Tep Pranam – Prasat Suor Prat
L/D: Krousar Khmer Restaurant / Angkor Village Apsara Theatre Khmer Set Dinner
Day 3: 24 May 2015
CAMBODIA (SIEM REAP)
Big Circle
Morning: Angkor Wat (Sunrise) – Return to Hotel for morning breakfast - Preah Khan
Temple - Neak Pean Temple
Afternoon: Ta Som Temple - East Mebon - Pre Rup Temple - Phnom Bakheng (for sunset viewing)
B/L/D: Continental Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel / Angkor Flower Restaurant / Triangle BBQ Bar Restaurant (Pub Street)
Day 4: 25 May 2015
CAMBODIA (SIEM REAP)
Outside Circle
Morning: Banteay Samre - Banteay Srey - Beang Mealea
Afternoon: Kompong Phluk (Tonle Sap Lake)
B/L/D: Continental Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel / Red Piano Restaurant / Blue Pumpkin Restaurant (Pub Street)
Day 5: 26 May 2015
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) → Kuala Lumpur International Airport
2 (KLIA 2) → Penang International Airport (PEN)
B: Continental Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel
Places of Interest / Suggested time spent / Entrance Ticket(s):
◊ Capsule by Container Hotel at KLIA 2 (3 hr stay)
Day 2: 23 May 2015
Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) → Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
Small Circle
Morning: Angkor Thom South Gate (Bayon Temple, Baphuon, Phimeanakas) - Terrace of the Elephants - Terrace of the Leper King - Chaosay Tevoda – Thomanon - Ta Keo
Afternoon: Ta Prohm - Banteay Kdei - Srah Srang – Angkor Wat (Sunset) – Preah Palilay –
Tep Pranam – Prasat Suor Prat
L/D: Krousar Khmer Restaurant / Angkor Village Apsara Theatre Khmer Set Dinner
Day 3: 24 May 2015
CAMBODIA (SIEM REAP)
Big Circle
Morning: Angkor Wat (Sunrise) – Return to Hotel for morning breakfast - Preah Khan
Temple - Neak Pean Temple
Afternoon: Ta Som Temple - East Mebon - Pre Rup Temple - Phnom Bakheng (for sunset viewing)
B/L/D: Continental Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel / Angkor Flower Restaurant / Triangle BBQ Bar Restaurant (Pub Street)
Day 4: 25 May 2015
CAMBODIA (SIEM REAP)
Outside Circle
Morning: Banteay Samre - Banteay Srey - Beang Mealea
Afternoon: Kompong Phluk (Tonle Sap Lake)
B/L/D: Continental Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel / Red Piano Restaurant / Blue Pumpkin Restaurant (Pub Street)
Day 5: 26 May 2015
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) → Kuala Lumpur International Airport
2 (KLIA 2) → Penang International Airport (PEN)
B: Continental Breakfast at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel
Places of Interest / Suggested time spent / Entrance Ticket(s):
Places of Interest | Recommen- dation | Suggested Duration (hour/minutes) | Entrance Ticket Fee(s) in USD | |
Small Circle Tour | ||||
Angkor Thom South Gate | ✪✪✪ | 10 – 15 minutes | Included in the 3-day Angkor Pass (USD40/pax) | |
Bayon Temple | ✪✪✪✪ | 2 hour | ||
Baphuon | ✪✪✪✪ | 30 minutes | ||
Phimeanakas | ✪✪ | 15 minutes | ||
Terrace of the Elephants | ✪✪ | 10 - 15 minutes | ||
Terrace of the Leper King | ✪✪ | 10 - 15 minutes | ||
Chaosay Tevoda | ✪✪✪ | 2 hour | ||
Thomanon | ✪✪✪ | 15 minutes | ||
Ta Keo | ✪✪ | 45 minutes | ||
Ta Prohm | ✪✪✪✪ | 2 hour | ||
Banteay Kdei | ✪✪✪ | 30 minutes | ||
Srah Srang | ✪✪✪ | 10 – 15 minutes | ||
**Angkor Wat (Sunset) at Phnom Bakheng | ✪✪✪ | 1 - 2 hour | ||
Preah Palilay | ✪✪✪ | 10 – 15 minutes | ||
Tep Pranam | ✪ | 10 – 15 minutes | ||
Prasat Suor Prat | ✪ | 15 minutes | ||
Big Circle Tour | ||||
Angkor Wat (Sunrise) **wake up early! | ✪✪✪✪ | 1 - 2 hour | Included in the 3-day Angkor Pass (USD40/pax) | |
Preah Khan Temple | ✪✪✪✪ | 1 - 2 hour | ||
Neak Pean Temple | ✪✪ | 45 minutes | ||
Ta Som Temple | ✪✪✪ | 45 minutes | ||
East Mebon | ✪✪✪ | 15 – 30 minutes | ||
Pre Rup Temple | ✪✪✪ | 1 hour | ||
Prasat Kravan | ✪ | 30 minutes | ||
Outside Circle Tour | ||||
Banteay Samre | ✪✪✪✪ | 15 – 20 minutes | 3-day Angkor Pass (USD40/pax) | |
Banteay Srey | ✪✪✪✪ | 20 – 30 minutes | ||
Beang Mealea | ✪✪✪ | 1 – 1.5 hour | USD5/pax | |
Kompong Phluk (Tonle Sap Lake) | ✪✪✪ | 1 - 2 hour | USD15 / pax for boat ride to Kampong Phluk | |
** Phnom Bakheng Temple (for sunset view) – proper attire (no shorts, no shirts without sleeve)
Market(s): | What to see / buy: |
Angkor Night Market | Jewelry, cloths, accessories, paintings, souvenirs and decorative items, etc. |
Angkor Old Market | Jewelry, cloths, accessories, paintings, souvenirs and decorative items, etc. |
Siem Reap Art Center Night Market | Jewelry, cloths, accessories, paintings, souvenirs and decorative items, etc. |
Angkor Pub Street | Bistros, cafes, pubs, restaurants, souvenir shops and street vendors |
Air Itinerary Details:
AirAsia: Penang – Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) – Siem Reap / Siem Reap – Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) – Penang
From To Flight Date Dep Arr
Penang KLIA 2 AK6121 22 May 2320 0020
KLIA 2 Siem Reap AirAsia 542 23 May 0650 0750
Siem Reap KLIA 2 AirAsia 543 26 May 0835 1135
KLIA 2 Penang AK6114 26 May 1435 1530
Local Transportation:
Car / Tuk Tuk Driver(s): Pros Bou
Telephone: (+855) 12 733075, (+855) 93 733075
WeChat ID: boup936
LINE ID: prosbou
Facebook: Siem Reap tour & Sightseeing
e-mail: prostuktuk@gmail.com
Rate: USD135/6 person(s) = USD22.5/pax. Inclusive of wet tissue, petrol, daily cool
drinking water, headset , return airport pick-up service.
Types of package(s):
◊Tour via Tuk tuk: USD12 (small circle), USD15 (big circle), USD70 (outside circle via van)
◊ Tour via air-conditioned van USD30 (small circle), USD35 (big circle), USD70 (outside circle)
Entrance Pass/Fee(s):
Angkor Pass (entrance ticket to all the Angkor temples and monuments in the Siem Reap area)
Please click here for more information
Angkor Village Apsara Theater Dinner
Menu: Khmer Set
Price: US$27/pax
Time: 19h30 to 21h30
Address: Angkor Village Resort, Phum Traeng, Siem Reap , Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: 855-63-963561
Fax: 855-63-963363
Mobile: 855-89-555263
Skype: mithuna.tep
e-mail: welcome@angkorvillage.com (Ms. Mithuna TEP)
Website: www.angkorvillage.com
**Read more about our travel experiences @ Siem Reap:
Note: All entrance / transportation fees and accommodation rates/charges listed on this post are based on our (chengywong.blogspot.com) travel dates (2015) and therefore subject to change(s). ©chengywong.blogspot.com is not responsible for content on external web sites.
Travel Package (AirAsiaGo – inclusive of return tickets and hotel):
◊Two return tickets from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Siem Reap (REP)
◊Deluxe Room for 2 person at Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel (inclusive daily breakfast) = RM730 nett (inclusive of taxes & other charges) = RM365nett/person
Accommodation(s):
Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel
Address: Krom 7, Phoum Sala Kanseng, Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap
Website: http://malikadangkor.com/
e-mail: book@malikadangkor.com
Telephone: 855 (063) 767 789
Fax: 855 (063) 761 405
Room Type: Deluxe Room (inclusive of (i) daily continental breakfast, (ii) free wireless internet, (iii) free one-way airport transfer
Accommodation(s):
Malika d'Angkor Boutique Hotel
Address: Krom 7, Phoum Sala Kanseng, Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap
Website: http://malikadangkor.com/
e-mail: book@malikadangkor.com
Telephone: 855 (063) 767 789
Fax: 855 (063) 761 405
Room Type: Deluxe Room (inclusive of (i) daily continental breakfast, (ii) free wireless internet, (iii) free one-way airport transfer
Local Transportation:
Car / Tuk Tuk Driver(s): Pros Bou
Telephone: (+855) 12 733075, (+855) 93 733075
WeChat ID: boup936
LINE ID: prosbou
Facebook: Siem Reap tour & Sightseeing
e-mail: prostuktuk@gmail.com
Rate: USD135/6 person(s) = USD22.5/pax. Inclusive of wet tissue, petrol, daily cool
drinking water, headset , return airport pick-up service.
Types of package(s):
◊Tour via Tuk tuk: USD12 (small circle), USD15 (big circle), USD70 (outside circle via van)
◊ Tour via air-conditioned van USD30 (small circle), USD35 (big circle), USD70 (outside circle)
Entrance Pass/Fee(s):
Angkor Pass (entrance ticket to all the Angkor temples and monuments in the Siem Reap area)
Fee(s):
◊USD40 / 3-days visit per one week validity (photo required)
◊USD20 / 1 day validity (photo required)◊USD40 / 3-days visit per one week validity (photo required)
Please click here for more information
Angkor Village Apsara Theater Dinner
Menu: Khmer Set
Price: US$27/pax
Time: 19h30 to 21h30
Address: Angkor Village Resort, Phum Traeng, Siem Reap , Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: 855-63-963561
Fax: 855-63-963363
Mobile: 855-89-555263
Skype: mithuna.tep
e-mail: welcome@angkorvillage.com (Ms. Mithuna TEP)
Website: www.angkorvillage.com
**Read more about our travel experiences @ Siem Reap:
**Stay tuned for our next travel episode: Journey Back in Time - Mystical Angkor (Outside Circle)**
“You lose sight of things… and when you travel, everything balances out” – Daranna Gidel
Welcome to Small World! This blog is not a travel agency, but rather a personal site which allows us to share our past travel experiences in a straightforward and far-reaching way. We often made great use of other peoples travel blogs and sites every time we plan for our travel itinerary as they often contained most updated information and invaluable resources from their past travel experiences. We hope that you will find every piece of information & images contained within our blog handy and useful. Thank you very much for reading our post(s). If you find this blog worth a read, please feel free to leave a comment/testimonial or click "Like/Share" if you love reading them all. xoxo Both Chengy & Camel are passionate travelers who enjoys speaking to young keen travelers about the freedom to get cultured and to taste the fullness of life. Feel free to contact them if you need any travel advice, guidance or tips or if you have any burning questions with regards to your upcoming trip(s)/ journey
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