Day 1 (Part 3/3) – Sunset at Phnom Bakheng Hill
… continue from Day 1 (Part 2/3)
4.00pm – We have only 30minutes left before the sun set. First stop at the ticketing counter.
Tickets are priced at US$20 (1day) and US$40 (3 days). Tickets are needed at all entrance to temples. However, you can go in for free after 5.30pm, that is after the sun has set. So, today is free for us. The tickets can be used for the next day.
The moment we approach the foot hill, a group of kids came flocking to us. Each carrying something to sell. We don’t even had the chance to glance properly at their item. I was shocked to see them pushing each other while murmuring the prices. All we ask was, “How much?” and everyone started to offer their own prices and it goes lower and lower without us haggling.
“One for One Dollar.”
“I give you 2 for One Dollar.”
“I give you 4 for One Dollar!”
“I gib you 6 for One Dollar”.
Finally, the lowest win!
But that is not all, the other girls keep on coming, “Lady, this one not same. Red karer. Buy one.”
I can only felt pity at them. There’s really nothing much I can do. Anyway, I have to catch the sunset.
“Phnom” means “Hill” in the Khmer language. It is situated up on a hill. Climbing the hill after a day walking around the monuments can be a challenge, but the view from the top just before sunset is a rewarding sight.
Tourist are everywhere
Manyak olang lor (Many people)
It started to drizzle before we get the hang of the sunset. Remember that this is a hill and if it rains, the path will get wet and slippery. We started trekking down hill at a faster pace.
At the foot hill, once again we are surrounded by kids who is trying to sell us books varying from the archeology of Angkor Wat, guide books, etc. And again, I was attracted to one of the kid books. The haggling goes.
“Lady, 10 Dollar.”
“No. 5 Dollar.”
“Eight Dollar.”
“No. 5 Dollar.”
“Bla, bla, bla. That is too low. See, this is a good book. How about 6 Dollar?”
“No. 5 Dollar.” I just walk off. The child then ran after me.
“Ok, Lady. 5 Dollar.”
I was amazed he can speak English very well. I guess most of the children are motivated to speak English in order to make the sales.
We are exhausted and called it a day. Mr Tuk-Tuk appear to be quite an honest man. After he drop us at our hotel, he ask, “How about tomorrow sunrise at 5am?”
“How much is that?”
“15 Dollar.”
This time, I have to play smart after kena con by the first tuk-tuk. I took out my “homework paper” and ask him, “Does it include Angkor Wat? Bayon? Preah Khan? Boeng Barai? Elephant Terrace, bla bla bla…?”
He almost drop his jaw when I read him the whole list of temples and he goes, “Yes” while smiling at me. He must be thinking this women sot-sot dei wan. So kiasu yet kiasi. What to do! I’ve learn my lesson and is playing smart this time.
… to be continue, Day 2 – Sunrise in Angkor Wat.
Now gotta go catch my beauty sleep…. zzzzzzzzzzz……
Bernard said,
September 24, 2007 @ 11:31 am
Sunset over the tonle sap izzit?
Next time gueen say.. 5 dollat.. buy one book free bracelet. You drive a hard bargain, lady.
Kyels said,
September 24, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
I like the bead necklaces! They look nice to me!
🙂
leslie said,
September 24, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
You are having lots of fun in Siem Reap 🙂
wuching said,
September 24, 2007 @ 6:46 pm
wuah! see sunset liao still have to get up so early to see sunrise! tidur lah!
sila said,
September 25, 2007 @ 12:08 am
big crowd there watching the sunset…too bad it rained and you didn’t get to see the sun set properly… nice pics! 🙂
Selena said,
September 25, 2007 @ 4:17 am
oooh, so nice, must add to my list of places to visit. wah, all that sightseeing, shopping, bargaining….you don’t feel tired meh? 😉
Simple American said,
September 25, 2007 @ 6:17 am
I love the photo where you like the rays. Be careful you don’t go blind shooting that kind of shot. ok?
Annie Q said,
September 28, 2007 @ 11:02 am
U’re funny la Queen! No one can play fool on u.
I read three post in one go, when is the forth coming up?
Oh..they love french loaf? Ok Ok..give me some idea. Now my new maid is cambodian, so must know how is their culture. U said the kids speak very well english? But my maid….*sigh*
Eden said,
September 28, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
That Sunset nothing interesting. Can also see in KL… ho! ho!
If I able to go again, I will play smart when buying things. They only want you to buy their things no matter how much you pay. So next time, all the things pls offer 1USD Dollar..haha
Hijack Queen » Day 2 (Part 1/5) Sunrise in Angkor Wat said,
October 8, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
[…] … continue from Day 1 (Part 3 of 3) – Sunset in Phnom Bakheng Hill […]
Hijack Queen » Day 1 (Part 2/3) - Tonle Sap Floating Village said,
June 20, 2008 @ 10:15 am
[…] … Coming up, Part 3 – Sunset in Phnom Bakheng Hill. […]