Journey to Cambodia
The Scenic Route
Our adventure began with a unique train journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap:
- Multiple transportation options available (plane, bus, minivan)
- Chose the scenic train route for a more authentic experience
- Witnessed an unusual incident: the train left a car behind at the station!
- Despite the mishap, passengers remained calm and the journey continued
Border Crossing Experience
The Thai-Cambodia border crossing revealed some challenges:
- Unusual visa requirements for Su Ji
- Border officials requested extra money due to photo size issues
- Quick resolution with a small payment (100TBH ≈ $3)
- A lesson in local bureaucracy and negotiation
Exploring Siem Reap
The city presented both charm and challenges:
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Transportation
- Unique tuk-tuk design: motorbike with mounted trailer
- Versatile vehicle that can be used as both bike and trailer
- Constant offers from drivers became overwhelming
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Local Economy
- Simple pricing structure: everything costs in whole dollars
- Heavy focus on tourism services
- Aggressive sales tactics from locals
Discovering Angkor Wat
The highlight of our journey was exploring the magnificent temple complex:
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Practical Details
- Rented bikes for $1 each
- Purchased three-day tickets at $40 per person
- Needed multiple days to fully appreciate the site
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Architectural Marvels
- Complex of 10 distinct temples
- Each temple with unique structure and style
- Testament to human achievement and dedication
- Far more extensive than commonly imagined
Business Ethics and Cultural Reflections
Our experience prompted important observations about business practices:
"For me, this is the reason why Cambodia will stay a poor country for a long time. People don't value their customers and focus only on money."
Key incidents that shaped our perspective:
- Border crossing bribe
- Restaurant experience with misleading pricing
- Short-term profit focus over customer satisfaction
Lessons Learned
This journey taught us valuable lessons about:
- The importance of customer service
- Long-term business relationships
- Cultural differences in business practices
- The impact of tourism on local economies
Final Thoughts
Despite the challenges, Angkor Wat remains a breathtaking experience:
- Architectural wonder of the world
- Rich historical significance
- Testament to human achievement
- Worth the journey despite the difficulties
As we prepared to leave for Luang Prabang, Laos, we carried with us not just memories of the magnificent temples, but also important lessons about business ethics and cultural understanding.