Temples of Angkor

People rave about going to see Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a monumental temple ruin from the 12th century. What I didn't realize is that Angkor (meaning "city") is a massive complex comprising dozens of ruins, less than half of which I could visit in 4+ days.

The temples range in age from the 9th century to the 15th, and vary in style, size, and setting. Angkor Wat is the largest. Others have amazingly preserved carvings and bas-reliefs, interesting architecture, and a few are overgrown with fantastic tree roots adding a "jungle" dimension.

Tomorrow I shift from the past to the present -- from Angkor, ancient capital of the Khmer empire, to Cambodia's current capital, Phnom Penh.

Vietnam

I have always had mixed feelings about traveling to Vietnam because of my country's role in what is locally called "The American War."

Despite my own sense of guilt about US military activity in Indochina, today's Vietnamese do not harbor any negative feelings toward the US or Americans.

The kids are particularly wonderful. They are very friendly and sweet... they wave as you pass by and sing "hello hello." I started in Saigon and worked my way north to Hanoi with a stop in Central Vietnam (Hue and Hoi An). Vietnam is bigger than it looks and has a diversity of scenery (river industry, beaches, big cities, sea with karst formations, rice terraces) and lots of history. Unfortunately, as I headed north, the weather worsened: non-stop rain and flooding in Hue gave way to freezing temperatures in the highlands of Sapa.

I am excited to get back to some warmer climes! Tomorrow I fly to Bangkok to work my way toward Angkor in Cambodia. I also predict a beach in my near future.

Five countries and counting...

I have arrived in Vietnam after spending a week in Singapore. I'm in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC for short, aka Saigon) and so far so good. It reminds me of China, which is an excellent sign.

On the airplane I had some time to review my budget from the past few months. Read on if you are interested in how I've managed to spend less than $6,000 touring five countries in about three months. I've already told you about the $2,000 I spent in China ($65/day)...

Malaysia was a bargain at about $1,500 for nearly a month ($55/day). The biggest expenditures were the Open Water and Advanced Open Water diving certifications (a mere $370 for 12 dives), three nights at the Shangri-La in KL, plus a flight from the Peninsula to Borneo ($90 thanks to Air Asia... I love them!).

A short side trip to the Philippines set me back $450 ($50/day) including a $100 flight (Air Asia comes through again) and another day of diving. The biggest bargain destination so far.

Bali was most pricey ($900 or $100/day) on account of the $300 I spent buying and shipping some unbelievable souvenirs. This total also includes two flights -- Manila to KL and KL to Bali -- plus an expensive overnight at a Marriott near the airport in KL. (There's a story there.)

Singapore is also relatively expensive, where I spent $765 ($95/day) even with three nights at the Ritz-Carlton courtesy of Casey. She also paid for a sensational dinner at the restaurant atop the tallest hotel in town... highly recommended for the food and the views! I spent a few hundred bucks on food and drinks during my week (3 Singapore Slings at Raffles will cost you $12 each). The total also includes an expensive flight from Bali (I had to fly Garuda instead of Air Asia) plus another $150 on shopping plus Singapore Post (three pairs of shoes from Charles & Keith, among other things).

My budget is right on target, and I feel like I'm achieving a good balance between "living like a local" and treating myself to nice meals, mid-range hotels, and lots of purchases. Either way, the money I spend on this trip is the best money I have ever spent.

The current plan is to tour Vietnam starting with the Mekong Delta in the South then head North to Hanoi and environs with a stop or two on the way. Next will be Laos, Cambodia (Angkor Wat), then Bangkok.