We Eat, Shop & Sleep in Hatyai: Klong Hae Floating Market

Date Visited: 22nd June 2013

Floating markets in Thailand are the most popular attraction among the tourists. Like the one in Bangkok,  Damnoen Saduak Floating Market I eventually went twice and I found it was pretty interesting and unique experience which hardly to seen in Malaysia. So when I was in Hatyai, I never missed the opportunity to visit their local floating market.

The floating market in Hatyai is known as Klong Hae Floating Market, the name was given upon where it's located. They are commonly known as Hatyai Floating Market too, so don't worry if you couldn't memorise the actual name.

#1: One of the mode of transportation to the floating market - Tuk-tuk

We took tuk-tuk to reach this popular floating market and the ride cost 420 baht for return. The more people, the lesser you pay but because there were only two of us, hence it cost 210 baht each. The driver allowed us to venture the floating market for 3 hours, at least. In case you are wondering how to look for these tuk-tuk driver, most of the time these tuk-tuk drivers would eventually approach you everytime step out from the hotel, especially if you are staying nearby Lee Garden Plaza.

#2: Small stalls before reaching the floating market selling unique and cute handmade handicrafts 

Klong Hae Floating Market is only open from Friday to Sunday. Generally, the vendors start to operate from 3pm to 9pm. So if you are lucky to be in Hatyai on that particular day, why not spend some time to visit this interesting and unique floating market? 

#3: Klong Hae Floating Market

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We Eat, Shop & Sleep in Hatyai: We Eat Shabushi @ Lee Plaza Plaza

Date Visited: 21st June 2013

Right after we checked out our hotel room in Centara Hotel Hatyai, both of our stomach were growling and rumbling and by when we looked at the time, it was 2.30 pm. Straight from the airport directly to the hotel, we didn't have anything yet and hence, we instantly cleaned ourselves and went out for the late lunch.

As Lee Garden Plaza situated right in front of our hotel, we decided to go in to look for any restaurants were still open at this odd hour. After ventured almost the whole area of this shopping mall, we decided to try this Shabushi located on the ground floor, which was easily noted right we went in from the entrance.

#1: Shabushi located on ground floor of Lee Garden Plaza

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We Eat, Shop & Sleep in Hatyai: We Sleep @ Centara Hotel Hat Yai

A trip to Hatyai, Thailand is an impromptu one after I decided to cancel off the 10 days trip to China & Vietnam with a group of awesome travel bloggers due to my own business and work commitment (click here).  

At that moment, I realised that I seriously need another short getaway after didn't travel anywhere for more than two months. Coincidentally, a friend of mine who travelled together to Bangkok also need another short break from her hectic life too and ended up, both of us chosen to go Hatyai. It was indeed kinda last minute plan and luckily we bought cheap and affordable airfares less than two months ahead when we saw the promotion from AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. How much we bought then? A trip to Hatyai with AirAsia for only RM161 return and as for my ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur, a return airfare for only RM136 - including 30kg of baggage allowance and in-flight meal. What a great bargain as we bought less than two months beforehand! 

#1: We're welcomed by mini bronze mermaid statue in Hatyai International Airport

From the airport, we took airport taxi directly to the hotel we're staying for the next four nights. Our hotel, Centara Hotel is situated right in the heart of city center of Hatyai. The location of this hotel is perfectly strategic as it was surrounded with plenty of street stall vendors, night markets, eateries, massage parlours and more. Even the infamous Lee Garden Shopping Mall is located right in front of this hotel.

#2: The elegant hotel lobby located on the 6th floor

Formerly known as Novotel Hotel, we were surprised when we found the hotel lobby is situated in 6th floor instead on the ground floor. Not until when we came to their lobby, I just recalled that I stayed in this hotel 10 years ago with my family when we went Hatyai for the very first time. This hotel is quite popular among Malaysian especially , hence the check-in process may took some time especially during the weekend.

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Summary of My 6D5N Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Travelogue & Travel Expenses

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia for 6 days and 5 nights. I also share on the transportation charge as it vary on each day. Besides that, by end of this post, I also share on how much I spent throughout my trip.

Day 1: 1st March 2013

Transportation charge for Day 1 is US$15, including pick up from airport to the guesthouse and also to Phnom Bakheng for sunset viewing.

First Day in Siem Reap


Stay: Motherhome Guesthouse


Day 2: 2nd March 2013
Transportation charge for Day 2 is US$30 for day touring.

Catching Sunrise at Angkor Wat


Angkor Thom; South Gate & Bayon Temple


Ta Prohm Temple


Day 3: 3rd March 2013
Apsara Dance

The cost of show is US$8 per pax (approx. to RM24) which include buffet feast and tuk-tuk pick up and drop off.

Day 4: 4th March 2013
Transportation charge for Day 4 is US$45 for day touring and journey to Tonle Sap Lake.

Angkor Grand Circuit


Tonle Lap Sake

The admission fee is US$10 (approx. to RM30).

Day 5: 5th March 2013

Transportation charge for Day 5 is US$70 as these three tourist spots located far away from Siem Reap city center.

Banteay Srey, Kbal Spean & Beng Mealea


Extra Features

• 2013 Sneak Peak of Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Food We Had in Siem Reap
• Local Night Markets in Siem Reap

And the following is the details of my travel expenses that I spend for my 6 days and 5 nights trip in Siem Reap, Cambodia:

PARTICULARS	NOTE	AMOUNT
		US$	RM
Airfares KK-KL-KK via AirAsia KL-Siem Reap-KL via AirAsia Add On Accommodation Motherhome Guesthouse – 5 nights Local Tour Guide/Driver Engaged for 4 days Transportation Tuk-tuk from/to guesthouse Admission Fees 3 Days Temple Pass Apsara Dance Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Beng Mealea Food & Beverages Around Siem Reap Others Souvenirs, food haul, postcards & stamps	1 2 3 4	- - - 60 20 4 40 8 10 5 54 57	100 287 20 180 60 12 120 24 30 15 162 171
		TOTAL:	1,181

(The exchange rate by the time I changed; RM3:USD$1)

NOTE:

1. Baggage allowance for my flight KL-Siem Reap-KL and shared among my friends.
2. Stayed for 5 nights throughout the trip, which including the breakfast as well.
3. Rate for a day is charge differently - depending on the itinerary. The tour normally start at 8am and end at roughly around 7-8pm. Throughout our trip, we engaged the local driver from our guest house and they provided us with a mini van which  can accommodate up to 8 people. The fee charged including the fuel and driver fee. As we engaged their service for 3 days, we were given free pick up and drop off to airport.  
4. For more of the temple pass, read more HERE.

#Souvenir haul

• Fridge magnets, keychain
• T-shirt - US$3
• Photo frame - US$6
• Silk shawl - US$2
• Silk cushion covers - US$4 for a pair
• Ancient Angkor book - US$5

#Food haul

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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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