Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K

Tripoto
21st Jan 2018
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

Among the bucketlist of most of the people,solo trip was also one of my longing dreams.Incidentally,found few days in the 4th week of January among the national holidays to utilise. So decided to go on trip all alone,& coincidentally it was also my first trip abroad.As the duration was short,I chose Cambodia-which had The Angkor Complex (one of the wonders of the world) as well some islands .

With mind full with hesitations as well as excitement,I packed my bags ( carry-on only) & left Kolkata.

Day 2

In order to see the famed sunrise at Angkor wat,I had to leave my hostel at 4am sharp (all thanks to my tuktuk driver).But the weather wasn't quite helping,as soon it started to rain.I reached the Angkor site only to find hundreds of others waiting for the sun to come out,while the clouds kept the whole sky covered.Honestly speaking,I don't advise anyone to visit for the sunrise,as it has become too touristy.Also you may not have your time & composure for the perfect shot among hundreds beside you.Rather opt for the sunset at the main complex.

So disheartened at the sunrise,I went off to the next temple according to the 'grand circuit' of the angkor tour by tuktuk.To my surprise,I was the only person at the whole temple of Bayon.Suddenly I felt content.I explored every corner of the temple & also took lots of pictures without anyone else coming in the frame.My tuktuk driver was a wonderful person & accompanied me to every temple along the circuit.

I am not going into the details of all the temples,but only sharing some pics of my fav ones.

Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA

I took air asia flight to Siem Reap,with layover at Bangkok.I reached at about 11am,& my hostel had already arranged for a pickup,by tuktuk.So it wasn't much difficulty to begin my trip in a new place all alone.After taking a shower I got out by foot to explore the area.Maybe as it was my 1st solo trip,I felt a new sense of calmness n freedom.The whole experience can't be put to words completely.

I was planning to visit the Angkor wat complex tomorrow,so got out to buy the ticket & enjoy the sunset today itself.

Angkor Wat ticket counter

Photo of Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Siem Reap, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA

In the evening I went to the famous Made-in-Cambodia market.The people are so nice everywhere.They all had their varied artwork on display.

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

This guy was on a video in youtube.His mother could speak english & is quite chatty.

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

Barbequed crocodile

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

Snake wine

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

Fresh juice parlor

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

As some travellers rightly said,towards the evening I got templed out.So after the tour went directly to the bus station to take a minivan to Phnom Penh for my onward journey.

Day 3

Early morning I checked out of the hostel & took a minibus to Kampot.I was a pleasant journey & got to know a few faces along the way.

Photo of Kampot Province, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Kampot Province, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA

Local breakfast takeaway

Photo of Kampot Province, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Kampot Province, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Kampot Province, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA

Kampot is a small town which you can pretty much cover by a foot.So after finding a hostel,I arranged a bike to cover the nearby town of Kep as well.The owner of the hostel,Jack,is a wonderful guy & will help you out in any way possible.I spent quite some time at night just chatting with him about both of our countries.

As i can't drive a bike ( I know its pretty shameful & useless in SE Asia),I had to opt for a guide as well.Jack asked one of his friends to guide me,for 13$ for the day.

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

Kampot salt flats

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

Fishing village

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

Kep crab market

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

The famous crab from Kep

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

MY friend cum guide,who only understood 2 words in english-Yes & OK...

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Day 4

Day four.I thanked my host for all the help as he also arranged a bus to Sihanoukville (including bike ride to the bus).Sihaoukville is quite costly place to stay,so i planned my forward journey to Koh Rong Samloem island by ferry service.The journey was very smooth & refreshing through the dark blue waters,the ferry rushing its way through the waves n splashing all over the exposed areas of the ferry.It took 45min to the island,the next stop being the Koh Rong island.So I got down at M'23 pier.

Photo of Koh Rong Sanloem, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Koh Rong Sanloem, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Koh Rong Sanloem, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Koh Rong Sanloem, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Koh Rong Sanloem, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Koh Rong Sanloem, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Koh Rong Sanloem, Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA

The first view at the island left me speechless.The island isn't much bigger like Koh Rong but the pristine views from every corner just fills up your heart.

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA

I booked a bed at the Yellow Moon hostel,the only reason being they have a fireshow every night.And believe me,its worth it.

Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Backpacking though The Kingdom of Cambodia under 20K by BISWAJIT SAHA
Day 5

The next morning I got the return ferry to Sihanoukville,and a connecting bus to Phnom Penh.The capital being the hustling bustling centre of the country,outskirts being full of industrial regions and chaotic traffic.No doubt why most travellers spend least amount of time here.I did not like the chaotic mess around the backpacker hostel area,though some people may love it for the party environment.So spent the evening roaming the local market & trying khmer delicacies.

Day 6

Last day in Cambodia. I woke up early,in order to explore the morning markets on my own to take in the local feel.

Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA
Photo of Phnom Penh, Cambodia by BISWAJIT SAHA

Costs incurred (excluding flights) -

Visa - 30$

1day entry ticket to Angkor - 37$

Whole day TukTuk for Angkor tour - 15

Dorm in hostels - 5-6$/ day for 5 nights

4meals a day - total about 15$/ day for 6 days

Transport - about 8$/day for 6 days

Ferry fare - 23$

Kampot-Kep sight seeing on bike - 13$

Tshirts(souvenirs) - 15$

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