This is Angkor Wat – the largest of all the
Siem Reap was by far the most unique place I have every been. The town is mostly known for Angkor Wat (and Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie). We arrived in the morning and the concierge at our hotel got us a Tuk Tuk driver. The Tuk Tuk drivers are lined up across the street and have to wait their turn for a new customer. A driver for the entire day was $15 (and you could negotiate if you wanted). We had the same Tuk Tuk driver, Niang, for the three days while we were there and he was amazing. Their hope is to get a customer that needs them for multiple days and not have to get back at the end of the line. First off, you are probably wondering, “What is a Tuk Tuk?” Well, essentially it is an auto rickshaw or three-wheeler attached to a motorbike. This is the primary mode of transportation in Siem Reap. Tourists actually are not allowed to rent a car in Siem Reap.
This is our Tuk Tuk driver Niang
Day 1: Angkor Wat Temples
The first day and a half we toured the temples. Passes are required to enter the complexes and cost $20 for a 1-day pass, $40 for a 3-day pass, and $60 for a 7-day pass. We got the three day pass although, we only spent two days there. I actually could not imagine spending 7 days at the temples, but I am also not a history/museum person. These temples date back to the 12th century built for the king and his empire. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved temple and the largest religious structure in the world.
Throughout the temple complexes there are many people praying. Additionally, there are little kids everywhere begging for money or selling postcards/scarves/anything for $1. It was really sad to see this. Instead of being in school these kids were told by their families to beg for money. I, of course, gave in way too often, but many say to not condone and reinforce the negative behavior. It was also interesting to see how much these kids know about geography. They actually learn a lot from the tourists and are really interested to learn about other countries. While some are very interested, others are huge scam artists. They will lie to you, tell you that it is a religious holiday and that it why they are not in school, etc. Even when you tell them you have no money, they will ask to reach into your pockets! Lesson learned: Only carry $1 or $2 in your back pocket! These kids would actually make unbelievable sales people back here in the US. They do not take no for an answer and even remember your name when they see you an hour later! It was really sad to see how the parents use their kids to make a living and are not necessarily teaching them right from wrong. Read the full article and see the many beautiful pictures at The USA Today.
2 comments:
I know it is sad and wrong for these kids to lie and cheat foreighners to buy and give. However, they must make a living to support and supplement their parents' income which are so low and insufficient to feed the wole families. For me, I am very proud of them because they have sacrificed their educaton and childhood to help out the families. People can say anything about them because they have never felt hungry or starved in their lives. Foreigners have no clue what means to be poor in Cambodia. I had lived that kind of life of myself to work at a very early age to feed my siblings and sick aunt. Being poor in the State or in other develped countries is way way better than being poor in Cambodia. You have government support but we don't!
The Siem Reap provincial and Apsara authority should involve in order this disorder thing.
The word Tuk Tuk is originally Thai word refer to a kind of Thai way of transportation using in Bangkok, mostly, and was recently adopted by Cambodian poeple. The Tuk Tuk in Cambodia was popular used many years ago in Kien Svay of Kandal province and some part in Kampot province as a REMORK. Tuk Tuk in Thailand and REMORK in Cambodia is uncomparably difference.
However, thank for interesting in visiting Cambodia. Please come again.
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