Local Markets in Siem Reap

Most of my Siem Reap travelogues are about temple sightseeing only and here's come the common question, where are the best places in Siem Reap for souvenirs hunting? For traditional items and souvenirs, the best place would be none other than Siem Reap's local markets. 

In Khmer, market is called "phsar" and these traditional Cambodian phsar are sprawling, semi covered affair of small shops and stalls, and a visit to any of them is an important part of any Cambodian experience.

Old Market (Phsar Chas)

The original Khmer market and most popular one in Siem Reap, Old Market caters to visitors and locals, offering a wide selection of everything; from souvenirs, silks, jewellery, antiques, clothes, shoes and even household items and homewares. There is even fresh food available within the market. This place is absolutely a true cultural shopping experience.

#1: Old Market of Siem Reap

#2: Statues and carvings, souvenirs, Cambodian silks and more in Old Market

#3: Colourful souvenirs

Location: Downtown near the Siem Reap river.

Art Center Night Market

Right opposite of the Old Market, Art Center Night Market offers a broad mixture of locally manufactured products such as silk, crocodile leather, clothing and other souvenirs. There are also a couple of restaurants which serve a fine combination of authentic Khmer and Western food. From Old Market, just cross one of the wooden bridges over the river and you will come across the entrance of the market itself.

#4: Art Center Night Market

#5:

Opening hours: Every day from 8 pm until midnight 
Location: Old Market area, on the east bank of the Siem Reap River

Angkor Night Market
Angkor Night Market is the first and original night market in Cambodia harbours more than 240 thatch roofed shops and stalls offering wide range of souvenirs and other traditional crafts. Besides shopping, one can also watch a historical documentary about the Khmer at the night market's movie mall. Here also is the place where one can pamper with an original Dr Fish massage or body and feet massage.

#6: Angkor Night Market

#7: Thatch roofed shops and stalls

Opening hours: Every day from 4pm until midnight
Location: On Sivutha Blvd, just 100m from Pub Street, follow the neon lights to find its location

One thing I love about night market is prices are always negotiable. Greet the vendor with a smile, talk friendly and for sure, you can always get the best price you want.

[Credit To: Siem Reap - The Webportal to Angkor Wat] 

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Motherhome Guesthouse of Siem Reap, Cambodia

Most of the times when I travelled with my family and friends, I always in charge of planning the whole trips, including selecting the accommodations. But for this time around, one of my travelmates suggested to stay in this lodge by the name of Motherhome Guest House in Siem Reap. 

We're almost heartattack when we found no more rooms available from Agoda (the first place where I always browse for accommodations), the other alternative would be directly email them asking for any rooms availability and luckily most of the rooms were still available. As no deposit and advanced fees are required and since the rate of the rooms were pretty affordable and reasonable, without any second thought, we knew this is the place we would love to stay in Siem Reap.

Upon arrived at Siem Reap International Airport, we were greeted by a friendly driver, who later on turned out to be our own personal driver throughout our whole trip in Siem Reap. The journey from the airport to the guesthouse took roughly 30-35 minutes.

#1: Refreshing pineapple juice as welcome drink

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 5: Banteay Srey, Kbal Spean & Beng Mealea

Date Visited: 5th March 2013

Another day for another temple sightseeing in Siem Reap but this will be our final day to do so, cause on the next day, we will leaving this incredible and amazing place permanently. Compare to the most temples of Angkor Grand Circuit we visited on the forth day, the temples we visited on final day were slightly crowded with the number of visitors. 

Banteay Srey

Banteay Srey is another Cambodia temple dedicated to Shiva, the God of Hindu. It is built largely of a hard red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are remain well-preserved until today.

#1: Red coloured stone of Banteay Srey 

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Foodie Friday: Foods in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Travelling Period: 1st March - 6th March 2013

Let's take a break from temple sightseeing and now let me share what my friends and I had for our meals when we were at Siem Reap, Cambodia. Although there are not much variety comparing to our pride Malaysian foods, but there are still some reasonably good and affordable priced restaurants around serving both Western cuisines and local foods. Most of these restaurants are concentrated in the Old Market and Pub Street areas.

NOTE: All are charged in USD.

#1: Our lunch on first day at a random eatery nearby KFC in Sivatha Road where they served authentic Khmer cuisines such as Fried Rice Loklak

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 4: Part 2 - Tonle Sap Lake

Date Visited: 4th March 2013

Once we done with the Angkor Grand Circuit tour, we requested our driver to stopby at KFC for our lunch break. We did spot this fast food chain restaurant right on the first day we reach Siem Reap and honestly to say, this fast food is definitely can't run away from our staple meal. Of course, if there is any McDonald's outlets available, for sure we will list it as one of our itinerary but so far, the huge yellow M logo  with red background hasn't breakthrough into Cambodia market yet. And so we did try Cambodia's KFC but not much different from Malaysia one.

After satisfied our hungry tummy, we moved on the our final destination on the forth day - visit the infamous Tonle Sap Lake. Tonle Lap Sake is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and it is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.

#1: The entrance fee to the floating village is US$10

#2: Dry season by the time when we were there

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 4: Part 1 - Angkor Grand Circuit

Date Visited: 4th March 2013

Most people came to Siem Reap just to visit the well-known Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm but there are actually quite number of temples worth for you to spend some time for visit. Almost all the temples we visited on the forth day were less crowded with low traffic of tourists, hence it is good for us because not just we had peaceful time to wander around, we don't even have to worry our photos with any expectation of photobomb.

Pre Rub

#1: The reddish colour Pre Rub temple 

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Foodie Friday: October Coffee House, Kota Kinabalu

Lifestyle cafes in Kota Kinabalu are springing up like mushrooms after the rain. There are more and more options of these cafes opened lately and honestly to say, it's kinda hard for me to chase up sometimes. Just when you notice there was one just newly opened in Lido Plaza, but the reality there are three cafes within the vicinity. And so far, I have only been to few of them and hopefully more to come in future.

Out of few cafes I visited previously, October Coffee House is the one recommended by majority of the netizens. They said October Coffee House serves the best and finest coffee in Kota Kinabalu town and without hesitation, I decided to give a try.

Up to date, October Coffee House has three outlets located at three different location; first one in Peak Vista, second one located in Wisma Merdeka Food Court but only for take-away and for the latest one located in Jalan Gaya.

October Coffee House - Peak Vista
The Peak Vista
Lorong Puncak 1, Tanjung Lipat,
88400 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah.
Opening Hours: 11am until 10 pm (Closed on every Wednesday)

#1: Menu written on the blackboard

#2: Love the way they decorated these colourful mugs

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Reasons Why I Revisit Taiwan for Third Times

Hello blog readers! I just came back from my recent trip to Taiwan!

Instagram @dtdianateo 

Before I embarked my journey to Taiwan, my dad asked me, "How many times already you've been Taiwan?". I know I went not once but twice before but I love to return Taiwan again for more. Frankly speaking, comparing to almost all South East Asia countries I've been with East Asia countries, I prefer the latter one. Countries like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan especially, never failed to amaze me eventhough I went more than once. 

Customised 9D8N Taiwan Itinerary by yours truly

Forget about the language barrier, here are few of the reasons why I love Taiwan so much that I went back for third times:

1) Colourful & Unique Themed Accommodation

The experiences of staying in minsu and motel are completely different and unique comparing staying in a conventional hotel. I love the way how majority of these accommodation in Taiwan are decorated in varierty and colourful themes and decor to light up the atmosphere. Check out my post on

Minsu (民宿) I Stayed in Taiwan

Our room on the first night for recent trip - Superman!

2) 7-Eleven & Family Mart Almost Have Everything

If we can't figure out what and where to eat, convenience stores would always be our choice. Their convenience stores, especially 7-Eleven are like everywhere within our sight. Just grab whatever you want, from bento to spaghetti, we never worry of being hungry whenever we're in Taiwan. Not just foods, you can even buy stamps, purchase train tickets, photocopy documents in the middle of odd hours. Absolutely convenient! Check out my old post on 7-Eleven in Taiwan.

3) Creative Postcards

I love postcards so much and majority countries I went would probably with photo captured from the camera as cover. Unlike in Taiwan, they are not only printed in typical hard cover cards but their postcards are designed and printed on wood, fabrics and even metal license plate.

4) Chop & Stamp Like A Child

When I was in Taiwan, I felt like I was like a young gal. I bought a mini notepad, solely just to collect all those cute chop and stamps whenever I saw around Taiwan. Even Boyfie joined me for this so-called childish activities. Majority of these stamps can be found in train stations, information counters and shops selling postcards. I was indeed a happy gal whenever I saw them.

5) Night Markets

Imagine enormous variety of authentic Taiwanese food, tasty snacks and drinks popped up from no where when the day turns to night. A visit to Taiwan is incomplete without a visit to any of their night markets, which believed there are more than three hundred of them. Almost every nights, I spent most of my night time wandered around the night markets, regardless in which townships including Kenting. Check out my old post on Taiwan's Night Markets & Foods.

Ruiefong Night Market in Kaohsiung

6) Milk Tea Overdosed

Coffee or tea? Of course, I choose the latter as I'm not a coffee lover. I rarely visit Starbucks or Coffee Bean but when comes to order any drinks, tea would always be on top of my choice. I had milk tea in Taiwan more than I drank mineral waters. Imagine milk tea for breakfast, lunch and even during the dinner time. But no worries, milk tea in Taiwan is definitely less sugar and yet, they are so tasty and delicious. Most importantly, there are even cheap. I got a bottle of milk tea from 7-Eleven for only NT$19, that's like less than 2.50 in Ringgit Malaysia. 

7) Sushi For Only NT$10

I'm huge fan of Japanese cuisines and I could have sushi almost every week. Surprisingly in Taiwan, the sushi there is only selling as low as NT$10, roughly around RM1.20 for a fresh piece, including the salmon one. Tell me, how could I ever resist from having them? For cheap sushi, do check out Sushi Take-Out or even at the 7-Eleven stores.

8) Bookstores, Watson, Carrefour Open for 24 Hours
It's like the city of Taipei never sleep. I knew there are few bookstores open for 24/7 but only until my recent trip, I was surprised when I asked the security guard of Watson what time does the shop close and he told me it's opens for 24/7. Even Carrefour in Ximending too.


9) Celebrated My Birthday
Two years ago, Boyfie had his birthday celebration in Taiwan, Two years later, I want mine in Taiwan too. I don't mind for not having a birthday cake, even a small piece but as long as I could celebrate abroad is what I wish for my birthday wishes every single year.

Actually there are even more reasons than the above of why I love Taiwan so much. Seriously, I don't mind going back Taiwan for the 4th time. Anyone been to Taiwan more than once?

Last but not least, thanks to Malaysia Airlines for the amazing flight to Taiwan. We flew directly from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei for return only RM650. Thanks for the upgraded to Business class too! #mas #malaysiaarilines

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 3: Apsara Dance

Date Visited: 3rd March 2013

On the third day we woke up in Siem Reap, it was a drizzly morning and we informed our driver to cancel our plan for sightseeing cause majority of them are involved outdoor. After we had our scrumptious breakfast provided by the guest house, we went back to our slumberland again to continue our sweet dreams. 

Once we awoke, the rain stopped and we took tuk-tuk to a nearby shopping complex for lunch. Did nothing much on that day except for lunch and scouted around for souvenir shopping.

Because we have plenty of time to spend in Siem Reap, our guest house suggested to watch traditional Khmer Apsara Dance. The show is performed daily in a large-sized dining hall which I believe can accommodate more than hundreds of people at the same time. The walk-in price for the show is US$12 but we got the discounted ticket from our guest house for only US$8 per pax (approx. to RM26), which comes along with buffet feast, which we think it was pretty affordable and great bargain. 

#1: The Apsara Dance show was held at Angkor Mondial Restaurant. Our guest house even arranged tuk-tuk to pick us up from the guest house to the restaurant itself.

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Sharing Saturday: Seven Great Reasons To Travel With An Auditor

NOTE: Eventually, I came across this article shared by Kaki Berangan and being as ex auditor myself, I found out majority of the points here are indeed so true. After granted permission from the owner herself - Phebe Bay, hereby are the "Seven Great Reasons To Travel with An Auditor". 

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Mention the word “auditor” and the image of a number-loving office worker punching numbers into the calculator until the wee hours of the night comes into mind. You would think that the hectic schedules of auditors would make them less than ideal travel partners, compared to marketing folks who have the chance to wine and dine all over the world while pushing out their regional marketing campaigns.

But I had the good fortune of travelling with two auditors on multiple trips, and I must say, they’re a big asset to travel with. If you have the chance, do acquire them immediately.

With my unqualified opinion on this topic, I hereby present you, seven great reasons to travel with an auditor.

1. Travel with an auditor and you’ll never fear getting cheated by money changers. 

I’m not sure about you, but I’m a klutz when it comes to counting foreign currency denomination bills. It takes me a good three minutes to re-count the amount of money the moneychanger has given me, and it has been proven that my auditor travelling buddies effectively take half the time.

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