Your Siem Reap Travel Guide (What To Do)

It was my first time visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia. A few of my friends have already been there and they did tell me it's a MUST visit if temples and ruins are of interests. Now. if you ask me, in my honest opinion, Siem Reap wasn't too big of a city. The airport is literally 15 minutes away from the city via Tuk-Tuk and everywhere else is walking distance - that is if you like walking under the hot sun. 

I was only there for 4 days but I did manage to cross off all the things and places I had in mind. There wasn't a lot of planning done for this trip because it's only 4 days and it was going to be a relaxing holiday with a bit of exploration. But anyway, here are a couple of things I can share with you based on my trip to Siem Reap.

Everything (or most things) are in U.S. dollars. So, just to be safe, exchange dollars instead of Khmer (dollars?). Some things in Cambodia are reasonably cheap. 

- THINGS THAT ARE MOST WORTH IT IN SIEM REAP (A MUST!) - 

$4 massage for 60 minutes. It's even cheaper than Thailand or Bali! Hence, I didn't mind going for a massage everyday while I was there. 

$1/$2 Avocado Shake

$0.50 Beer. I've never been to a country where the beers are cheaper than water. 

- FOOD - 

- PLACES TO VISIT - 

Ta Prohm (where Tomb Raider was filmed)

Bayon

Angkor Wat

P/S: I also got to try out scorpions. Here's a little vlog for you :) 

Tips on Travelling on a Budget

From students to working professionals to parents, there are always reasons as to why people can't make their globetrotting dreams come true, and it's usually because of the price tag.

Even if you are working as an air-steward/stewardess, you don't necessarily get to explore a new place because you're just doing your job.

While travel does involve costs, the experience you take home with you is totally worth it.

I've been travelling on budgets since the beginning of the year. The truth is, whatever your budget is, you can make it work.

Here are some of my tips on travelling on a budget:


1) Destination

• Pick a place that you know you can afford. Yes, I want to go to Switzerland, and yes, I am saving up for that but in the meantime, if I want to travel, I look into countries closer to me i.e. Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines... 

• I would always set 20% of my budget on flight tickets. So, the cheaper and the earlier you can get your tickets, the better. Also look out for any airline sales

2) Accommodation 

• Pick a place that is in the middle of everywhere you want to visit. That's where research comes in. Do some research on places you want to visit and find an accommodation (hotel, AirBnB, homestay...) that meets in the middle

• I would always allocate 40% of my budget on accommodation. Again, if you can get deals, it's a plus point

3) Transportation

• Again, location is everything. You don't want to be staying miles away from the places you want to visit and spend on transportation. Here's a tip: always allow yourself to spend more on accommodation than on transportation because walking is ALWAYS an option 

• I would allocate 5% of my budget on transportation. Mostly, to and from airport and only when absolutely necessary

4) Activities 

• Steer clear of tours because that's always a rip off 
• Try to ask for reasonable discounts
• Check everything online for special deals first before you go
• Try looking for activities and places that are free of charge

• 10% is my budget for activities because I tend to do touristy things sometimes but other than that, it's mostly beaches and places that are free of charge 

5) Food 

• Here's a tip: Always book hotels or stays that provide breakfast because you save so much on that already. Try hitting local stores and getting yourself some snacks from there. Experience local food stalls
• I would always avoid fine dining unless I have loads more budget on the final night

• 20% would definitely go to eating. At the end of the day, how much can you really eat? Do you really want to force yourself to eat everything you've read online? Pick one and go with it

6) Miscellaneous 

• Here's a tip: Skip the souvenirs. Take pictures of some of the amazing places you've visited, print them out and DIY something out of it 

• Shop at local stores instead of big department stores 

• My final 5% would always be on miscellaneous items - mostly spas, massages 

Hope this gives you a bit of idea on how I normally travel on a budget. Did I miss out anything? Please let me know in the comments :) 

x

Your Nha Trang Travel Guide

Many of you who have been reading my blog for quite some time would know by now that I love myself a good beach holiday. Beaches are where I would always run to when I am under extreme pressure.


I have been eyeing Vietnam for quite some time now because I've never been before. In my 2018 travel bucket list post, I did mention that Vietnam is one of the places I would definitely love to visit.

Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known mostly for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands.

One thing I will say about Nha Trang is that I am definitely going back there again.

- FOOD - 

I have a new found love for Vietnamese cuisine. For vegans or vegetarians, it will be a little bit more tricky to find food but there are definitely vegetarian restaurants.

- EXPENSES - 

I literally brought RM400 to spend and I came back with RM100 to spare. So altogether, I spent about RM300 on this 3D2N trip. However, there will definitely be times when you will get asked to pay ridiculous amount on food and transportation. Just be prepared to spare some cash on that.

- SCENERY - 

Absolutely free of charge. I would definitely visit Vinpearl Amusement Park the next time I go back but that would be about RM120 per person.

I stayed at the amazing An Vista Hotel. Here's how it looks and also an unofficial guide on what you can do when you are in Nha Trang:

Your Koh Lipe Travel Guide

It still amazes me that there are so many islands I have yet to visit or even discover. That's probably one of the reasons why I love travelling. There's so much to learn.


Koh Lipe is a tiny Thai island near Malaysia's border. 


Recently, I was there on a vacation for 3 days and let me tell you, if you are looking for pure beach relaxation getaway, I would highly recommend Koh Lipe.

Here's a handy travel guide if you are ever in/visiting Koh Lipe, Thailand:


- The only tricky thing is getting to the island itself. We took a ferry from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe. And because the water's too shallow, the ferries all have to stop quite a distance away and we have to actually get to the island by a longtail boat. But honestly, that was the only tricky bit -

- FOOD - 

Koh Lipe Walking Street has a lot to offer. Whether you're vegetarian or not, you can definitely find what you want there. But since you ARE in Thailand, I would recommend Mango Sticky Rice (a must), Pad Thai, Thai Ice Tea (also a must), Tom Yam, and seafood.

- EXPENSES - 

I did not spend a lot at all. In fact, I probably spent a total of RM300 (roughly THB2,500) for 3 days. Mostly on food. Transportation is only THB50 per person wherever you go. But we walked most times. Massage was about THB250-300 depending on what you're getting.

- SCENERY -

It's completely free to enjoy the sceneries.

Here's an unofficial guide in video form: