While every group makes travel plans and forgets about them the following day, Omesh Nair and his friends are achievers when it comes to traveling to mind-boggling places. This squad never hesitates to go off the beaten path and make their evenings more exciting by strolling around in breathtaking places like Pub Street in Cambodia.
Based in Mumbai, Omesh Nair is a salesperson by trade and a traveler by passion. Aside from exploring stunning destinations in India itself, Omesh has visited many countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, and France; before going on a friends getaway to Cambodia and Thailand with Fred and Fuzzys. After returning from his solo trip to London, he came across Fred and Fuzzys via Facebook. That’s when he discovered how to proceed with his dream vacation to two of the most captivating Southeast Asian countries.
Read on now to delve deeper into Omesh’s enchanting 6 nights 7 days trip to Thailand and Cambodia!
Trip Type: FriendsDuration: 6 nights 7 daysDates: Nov 29, 2017Total Trip Cost: INR 22,555 per personAgent Name: Fantabulous HolidaysInclusions:
- English speaking driver/guide
- Taxes and service charges
- Daily breakfast (6 days)
- Airport transfer
- 3 star hotel stay
Exclusions:
- Airfare
- Visa cost
- Sights not mentioned in itinerary
What does travel mean to you?
Travel to me is more than just visiting places, capturing photos and posting them on Instagram. Life is what happens when we’re preoccupied with seeking ‘likes’, checking our phones every five minutes. I love experiencing the essence of a culture, the sunsets, and even random wanderings in an unfamiliar place (whether on an international tour or a weekend escape).
Day-wise account of the trip
Day 1: It all began with Siem Reap’s Pub Street
Our trip commenced late in the evening from Mumbai and we arrived in Siem Reap at 1 pm, the following day. There are no direct flights available from Mumbai to Siem Reap yet. Our layover was in Kuala Lumpur, it was quite lengthy but we made the most of our time. If you also find yourself having a long layover in KL Airport, you can spend some time shopping around; you have brands like Uniqlo and Body Shop. If you’re a food enthusiast, there are plenty of options from Subway to Starbucks.
Anyway, once we landed and retrieved our luggage, we were welcomed by a tour representative/guide, who then took us to our hotel. After relaxing for a while, we set off to visit Pub Street, aboard a tuk-tuk. This lively place, as the name suggests, is Siem Reap’s most happening party destination; filled with pubs, bars, and restaurants. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll love the small stores selling t-shirts and other trinkets. There are also tattoo studios and massage parlors lining the streets.
Day 2: The day we journeyed back in time while exploring Angkor Wat
The following day of our journey to Thailand and Cambodia was certainly a standout for us, as this was a motivating factor for me and my companions to prepare and visit Cambodia initially. There were just a few recordings of Angkor Wat which I presented to them and they were all prepared to go.
We were collected from our lodging at 8:00 am and the next thing we realize, we were traveling back in time. Angkor Wat, one of the finest places to visit in Cambodia undoubtedly. This temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site extending over an area of 162.6 hectares. The temples were constructed in the early 12th century, when it served as a sacred place dedicated to Hindu Lord Vishnu. However, by the end of the 12th century, the Hindu temples were converted into Buddhist temples.
If you come here with a prior understanding about the Khmer Rouge rule, you’ll comprehend this place better. I highly recommend getting an experienced guide, as they would recount the stories and provide you with minute details regarding architecture and much more.
We were returned to the lodging by 4 pm and after freshening up, we once again headed to Pub Street; exploring new locations and trying new beverages.
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Day 3: We strayed from the usual course and went to the floating village.
Next up in our schedule comes Kampong Phluk, a floating community established on the biggest freshwater lake in Asia. This as well is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s more of an unconventional attraction as the majority of tourists visiting Cambodia only explore the temples and consider it a vacation. It was just a thirty-minute ride from our hotel to the dock, where a private boat was waiting to take us to the floating community in seclusion.
The dwellings here are handcrafted, suspended above the water with the aid of stilts. Tonle Sap Lake and the floating community are interconnected, and if you want to witness some fishing in action, you must also visit Tonle Sap. However, capturing a sunset view in this place is something that will be cherished forever, so plan your visit to Tonle Sap lake accordingly. Unfortunately, this is something we will regret missing.
Day 4: Arrived in Pattaya and the evening was dedicated to the bustling Walking Street
In the morning of our fourth day of our week-long trip to Thailand and Cambodia, we checked out from the hotel and headed to the airport to catch a flight to Bangkok. Our destination was Pattaya, the resort city with scenic beaches, designer golf courses, shopping complexes, cabaret bars, and clubs that operate round the clock. But that’s not all! There are numerous fascinating sites to explore in Pattaya, including the Sanctuary of Truth, Siracha Tiger Zoo, and Nong Noch Tropical Botanical Garden.
Once we arrived at Bangkok Airport, a shared-cab was pre-arranged to take us to Pattaya. For us, the highlight was the Walking Street. This is the place where you can have the time of your life if you’re traveling with your buddies. The massive bright signs will definitely capture your attention, as it makes this place stand out. In this area, you’ll find a variety of pubs, nightclubs, sports bars, and more. It is also a great place to indulge in some of the most delectable seafood delicacies.
Day 5: Squad’s trip in the tropical paradise, Coral Island
On the following day, we traveled by a shared cab to reach the Pier, from where a boat transported us to the enchanting Coral Island (also known as Koh Lan). It took us approximately 45 minutes to reach the island from the Pier. This destination was another heavenly place we discovered during our journey to Cambodia and Thailand. The crystal-clear turquoise ocean, pristine white beaches, and abundant vegetation would make you believe that you’re living in a fantasy.
If you have a passion for adventure, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are numerous aquatic activities you can partake in, such as snorkeling, underwater walking, parasailing, and riding the banana boat. Thanks to the high salt concentration in the water, you can effortlessly float, so you don’t necessarily need to be a proficient swimmer. This location is undeniably a fun-filled place to be, even if you prefer to unwind and relax.
We chose to unwind in a beachside hut, enjoy some beer, and tantalize our taste buds with delectable cuisine. Later, we took the last scheduled boat back to the main city and once again had a memorable experience at the Walking Street.
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Day 6: Bangkok- a bit of relaxation and shopping
This marked the day when we bid farewell to the delightful city of Pattaya, so we checked out from our hotel. The final leg of our vacation brought us to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. This city seamlessly combines modernity with antiquity. On one hand, you can revel in wild nightlife until the early hours of the morning, while on the other, you can find inner peace at the magnificent Buddhist temples scattered throughout the city, including the iconic Wat Ratchanatdaram. This is a place where meditation and distractions coexist harmoniously.
Though there are numerous sights for tourists in Bangkok such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, we opted for a more relaxed approach and spent our time swimming at our hotel. We indulged in some shopping at the local market.
Day 7: And it concluded with unforgettable memories we will always treasure
This marked the final day of our journey, so we decided to delight in swimming before checking out from the hotel. A pre-arranged cab dropped us off at the airport, and we boarded our flight back home. When we arrived, it was 5 pm in India.
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Recommendations for Travelers
- Always wear a smile, particularly in Cambodia.
- When shopping, avoid excessive haggling and strive to negotiate a fair deal for both parties.
- Conduct some research about the Khmer Rouge regime before visiting Angkor Wat. It will enhance your understanding of the place.
Summarizing the experience
The most enjoyable moments during our trip
- Our time at Angkor Wat left us in awe. Showcasing a magnificent heritage, this place transports you to the pre-engineering era.
- The fun we had at Walking Street, relishing the finest drinks and food, accompanied by laughter, dancing, and music.
- We always wished for a happening Pub Street in India too. My friends and I had a fantastic time here!
The less pleasant moments of our trip
- The hotel in Pattaya. It is advised to explore better options than Royal Q & D Suites Pattaya. Our stay wasn’t as enjoyable due to dissatisfaction with the rooms and service.
What we missed seeing in Bangkok
- The sunset in the Floating Village in Cambodia.
Wasn’t that an inspiring experience? Do you want to follow in Omesh’s footsteps or fulfill your travel dreams with your own itinerary? Book customizable tour packages with Fred and Fuzzys for a hassle-free adventure!
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