Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km forming 12 atolls three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands known for its exotic beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’.

All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city Kochi in Kerala.

What are the main islands of Lakshadweep –Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy (southern-most island of Lakshadweep). These are inhibited islands and based on the drinking water availability.

Telecommunication - Only BSNL and Airtel provides telecommunication services to Lakshadweep Islands. BSNL provides connectivity in all 10 inhabited islands whereas Airtel provides connectivity to Kavaratti and Agatti islands.

The amazing history of Lakshadweep full of stories

Early history of Lakshadweep is unwritten. Local traditions attribute the first settlement on these islands to the period of Cheraman Perumal, the last king of Kerala. It is believed that after his conversion to Islam, at the behest of some Arab merchants, he slipped out of his capital Cranganore, the present day Kodungallor – an old harbor town Kochi, for Mecca. When his disappearance was discovered, search parties went after him in sailing boats and left for the shores of Mecca, in search of the king from different places. It is believed that one of these sailing boats of Raja of Cannanore was struck by a fierce storm and they were shipwrecked on the island now known as Bangaram. From there they went to the nearby island of Agatti. Finally the weather improved and they returned to the mainland sighting other islands on their way. It is said that after their return another party of sailors and soldiers discovered the island of Amini and started living there. It is believed that the people sent there were Hindus. Even now unmistakable Hindu Social stratification exists in these islands despite Islam. Legends say that small settlements started in the Islands of Amini, Kavaratti, Andrott and Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to the other islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat.

Another story –

The advent of Islam dates back to the 7th century around the year 41 Hijra. It is universally believed that one St.Ubaidullah(r) while praying at Mecca fell asleep. He dreamt that Prophet Mohammed(s) wanted him to go to Jeddah and take a ship from there to go to distant places. Thus, he left Jeddah but after sailing for months, a storm wrecked his ship near these small Islands. Floating on a plank he was swept ashore on the island of Amini. He fell asleep there but again dreamt of the Prophet asking him to propagate Islam in that Island. Ubaidullah started doing so. But this enraged the headman of the island and he ordered his exit at once. St. Ubaidullah(r) stood firm. Meanwhile, a young woman fell in love with him. He gave her the name Hameedat Beebi and married her. This further offended the headman and he decided to kill him. It is said that the headman and his henchmen surrounded Ubaidullah(r) and his wife to kill them. At once St.Ubaidullah(r) called up on the Almighty and the people were struck blind. At this time St.Ubaidullah(r) and his wife disappeared and as soon as they left the island people regained their eye sight.From Amini St.Ubaidullah(r) arrived at Andrott where he met with similar opposition but he succeeded finally in converting the people to Islam. He next went to other islands and successfully propagated Islam and returned to Andrott where he died, and was buried. The grave of St.Ubaidullah(r) is today a sacred place. Preachers from Androttare respected deeply in far off lands like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Burma etc. It is a marabout or Mukbara.

Another story of Laccadives–

The Arrival of the Portuguese in India again made Laccadives an important place for seafarers. It was also the beginning of years of plunder for the islands. The finely spun coir was much sought after for ships. So the Portuguese started looting island vessels. They forcibly landed at Amini to procure coir sometime in the early 16th century, but it is said that the people killed all the invaders by poisoning, ending the Portuguese invasion.

Even after the conversion of the entire islands to Islam, sovereignty remained in the hands of the Hindu Rajah of Chirakkal for some years. From the hands of the Chirakkal Raja, the Administration of the island passed on to the Muslim house of Arakkal of Cannanore around the middle of the 16th century. The Arakkal rule was oppressive and unbearable. So sometime in the year 1783 some islanders from Amini took courage and went to Tipu Sultan at Mangalore and requested him to take over the Administration of Amini group of islands. Tipu Sultan at that time was on friendly terms with Beebi of Arakkel and after deliberations, the islands of Amini group were handed over to him. Thus the islands suzerainty came to be divided as five came under the rule of Tipu Sultan and the rest continued under Arakkal house. After the battle of Seringapattom in 1799 the islands were annexed to the British East India Company and were administered from Mangalore. In 1847, a severe cyclone hit the island of Andrott and Raja of Chirakkal decided to visit the island in order to assess the damages and for distributing relief. ANOTHER BRITISH GAME An officer of the East India Company Sir William Robinson volunteered to accompany him. On reaching Andrott, the Rajah found it difficult to meet all the demands of the people. Sir William then offered the Rajah help in the form of a loan. This was accepted. This arrangement continued for about four years but when the interest started mounting, the English asked the Rajah to repay them which he could not. In 1854 all the remaining islands were handed over to the East India Company for Administration. so, came the British rule.

The Union Territory was formed in 1956 and it was named Lakshadweep in 1973.

Lakshadweep Permit - The entry to Lakshadweep islands is restricted. One requires an entry permit issued by Lakshadweep Administration to visit these islands.

Foreigners are restricted to the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat, plus transit only (maximum of 12 hours) in Kavaratti. Indians may visit the other islands as well, but accommodation is very limited

How to get around on Lakshadweep island

Boat and helicopter transfers are available from Agatti to Bangaram and Kadmat. The helicopter (USD 150 return) may be the only option in monsoon season from May to September.

By boats/ferries: These can be used for getting around from one island to the other but are very costly.

Once on an island, there aren't too many options as the islands themselves are very small: most of them are less than 10 km in length and less than a kilometer in breadth between their extremes. You can travel by foot or hire a bicycle.

Where to stay

There are three full-service resorts in Lakshadweep (though one of them, the Bangaram Island Resort, is currently not operating), which are also the only places where foreigners can stay. All prices listed below are for double rooms and include all meals.

• Agatti Island Beach Resort Privately owned, but quite run down; although apparently new cottages are planned. The main attraction is diving, which is better than at Bangaram. 20 beds. edit
• Kadmat Island Resort The choice of scuba divers, this is home to Lakshadweep's first scuba facility. 22 executive huts, 26 family huts. Government-run and basic.₹3000/4000 fan/air-con. edit

In addition, basic government resorts open to Indian citizens only are available at Minicoy, Kavaratti and Kalpeni. Some packages offered by sports include accommodation on board the ship, with only day visits to the islands.

How to reach Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep Island can be reached by ships and flights operated from Kochi. For all tourist purposes Kochi is the gate way to Lakshadweep. Agatti and Bangaram islands can be reached by flight from Kochi. Indian Airlines operate flights from Kochi. Onward flights from Kochi are available to most of the airports in India and abroad. Airstrip is there in Agatti island only. From Agatti boats are available to Kavaratti and Kadmat during fair season October to May. Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Bangaram Island Resort during monsoon and to Kavaratti throughout the year. The flight from Cochin to Agatti takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes.

Six passenger ships - MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on island chosen for journey. The ships offer different classes of accommodation: A/C First Class with two berth cabins, A/C Second Class with four berth cabins and push back/Bunk Class with A/C seating. A doctor is available on call on board. MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy also offer comfortable A/C seating ideal for a night’s journey.

For Lakshadweep holiday call Navigers on +91-9880-240-988

or click this to see the holidays available https://www.navigers.com/package_trips/search_results?country=India&pickup_location=Lakshadweep&days=

According to Myanmar law, you are not allowed to rent the car without driver so it has to be the best invention ever – it’s a motorbike

The road should be kicked off from Mandalay, the biggest city in north Myanmar going down south to capital Yangon. It is more than just an ordinary sightseeing since you are not only to visit Myanmar Heritage sites but also see the different villages in the remote area. It usually takes 12 to 13 days depending how many days you are adding to explore Yangon and other major places like Inle lake
 

Mandalay - PyinOoLwin - Shwe Bo - Monywa - Bagan - Magwe - Pyu - Yangon - Naypyidaw - Inle Lake – Mandalay

1. Mandalay to PyinOoLwin = 66 km
2. PyinOoLwin to Shwe Bo = 167 km
3. Shwebo to Monywa = 101 km
4. Monywa to Bagan = 153 km
5. Bagan to Magway = 152 km
6. Magway to Phyu = 313 km
7. Phyu to Yangon = 235 km
8. Yangon to Naypyitaw = 367 km
9. Naypyitaw to Inle Lake = 230 km
10. Inle Lake to Mandalay = 261 km

Essential South Myanmar
Follow the ancient trail of Mon Kingdom, exploring the authenticity of Yangon, Hpa An, Golden Rock and Mawlamyine. The experience focuses on the cultural interaction which varies beautifully from vibrant cities to monasteries, Shampoo island to famous Golden Rock.  It usually takes 7 to 8 days depending how many days you are adding to explore Yangoon and other places

Brief itinerary: Yangon - Bago - Kyaikhtiyo - Mawlamyine - Hpa An - Yangon

1. Yangon - Bago = 119 km
2. Bago – Kyaikhtiyo = 107 km
3. Kyaikhtiyo – Mawlamyine = 153 km
4. Mawlamyine - Hpa An = 57 km
5. Hpa An to Yangon = 287 km

Myanmar larger circuit –

Option 1 - Min. 15 days circuit

1. Mandalay to PyinOoLwin = 66 km
2. PyinOoLwin to Shwe Bo = 167 km
3. Shwebo to Monywa = 101 km
4. Monywa to Bagan = 153 km
5. Bagan to Magway = 152 km
6. Magway via Naypyitawto Phyu = 313 km
7. Phyu to Yangon = 235 km
8. Yangon - Bago = 119 km
9. Bago – Kyaikhtiyo = 107 km
10. Kyaikhtiyo – Mawlamyine = 153 km
11. Mawlamyine - Hpa An = 57 km
12. Hpa An to Taungoo = 383 km
13. Taungooto Naypyitaw = 115 km
14. Naypyitaw to Inle Lake = 230 km
15. Inle Lake to Mandalay = 261 km

Option 2 – Min. 14 days circuit

1. Mandalay to PyinOoLwin = 66 km
2. PyinOoLwin to Shwe Bo = 167 km
3. Shwebo to Monywa = 101 km
4. Monywa to Bagan = 153 km
5. Bagan to Magway = 152 km
6. Magway via Naypyitawto Phyu = 313 km
7. Phyu to Yangon = 235 km
8. Yangon - Bago = 119 km
9. Bago – Kyaikhtiyo = 107 km
10. Kyaikhtiyo – Mawlamyine = 153 km
11. Mawlamyine - Hpa An = 57 km
12. Hpa An to Naypyitaw = 473 km
13. Naypyitaw to Inle Lake = 230 km
14. Inle Lake to Mandalay = 261 km

Happy BiKing.!!

For Any help on Myanmar Holiday, you can reach us @ travel@Navigers.com / navigers@gmail.com

Visa requirement for Myanmar

From December 2016, Singapore passport holders can visit Myanmar for 30 days without a visa. This
exemption is not applied for foreigners who live or work in Singapore. The mutual signed by Singapore
and Myanmar government also allows Burmese tourists to visit Singapore without a visa.

A similar agreement amongst Asian countries including Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Philippines, Thailand,
Cambodia and Myanmar indicates that the citizens of these countries can travel to Myanmar for 14 days
for purpose of tourism without a visa.

The restriction of the agreement shows that free visa is only for those who arrive by Yangon, Mandalay
or Naypyidaw international airport.

Accordingly, travellers from America, Europe, Africa and other countries in Asia need to obtain Myanmar
Visa.

From late 2014, Myanmar Government has created a new system which enables travellers to obtain
an electronic visa for Myanmar. This system supports citizens from more than 100 countries to obtain visa
easier for their travel to Myanmar. Please contact us if you want to apply for Myanmar visa

Myanmar e visa can be applied if you are entering from these airports / Ports / Checkpoints

1. Yangoon
2. Mandalay
3. Nay Pyi Taw
4. Tachileik Land Border checkpost
5. Myawaddy Land border chekpost
6. Kawthaung Land border chekpost

Visa Fee

The total Government fee is US $50/ person or application. There is no discount or a cheaper price if you
apply for a group. Navigers processing fee is $25 per visa forex and 5% government tax. Pls fill the visa
form or call us

The visa is single entry and you are not able to travel to Thailand then return without having a second
visa. We strongly advise you to study their website carefully before you apply since the visa fee is
nonrefundable.

Special notices

1. E-Visa is good for both tourist and business Myanmar Visa
2. This visa is not for all border gates or airports, please check the latest update Myanmar Visa News
3. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the time you enter the country.
4. Tourist visa is valid for 28 days from the date of arrival, business visa is for 70 days
5. Payment should be done by credit, visa card, no cash or banking option.
6. Visa fee is non-refundable
7. Contact the government support team on phone if you need more information
8. You should apply for the visa at least 1 week before arrival and no sooner than 3 months prior to your
travel date.

Requirement

1. Your full name in the passport :
2. Your father`s full name:
3. Your date of birth and place of birth:
4. Passport number, issued date, expired date

5. Your address, telephone and email.
6. Your occupation:
7. Date of arrival and flight number:
8. Date of departure and flight number:
9. Your visiting plan: at least the name of the first hotel
10. Your photo in jpeg, pdf, word extension

E-visa is applicable for 100 countries including

Hey guys can you help me locating this light house. I feel like going there. Look at the crimson light fallingon its face. Its amazing

Thailand is one of the favorite holiday destination for tourists from India.

You can avail 2 types of Visas for travelling to Thailand.
(1) Take Visa on Arrival on Thai airports
(2) Apply for Thailand Tourist Visa for stay more than 30 day

The VISA ON ARRIVAL allows passport holders of 19* countries to enter Thailand under this rule provided that they meet these requirements:

(1) The visit is strictly for tourism purposes.
(2) The passport must be genuine and should be valid for at least 30 days.
(3) You must have a valid address in Thailand whether a hotel or apartment that can be verified. (Atleast 1 day of hotel booking is mandatory)
(4) You must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 15 days of entry
(5) It will also be necessary to prove that you have funds of at least 10,000 THB (250 USD) per person and 20,000 THB (500 USD) per family during your stay in Thailand.
(6) A fee of 1,000 THB (decreased from 2,000 Baht) is payable upon entry and is subject to change without notice. It must be paid in cash and Thai currency only.
(7) Submit one 4 x 6 cm. headshot photo taken no longer than 6 months.  

Apply For Visa before You Travel
If you’re in Thailand for longer than the 30 days, then you can pre-emptively apply for Visa to the Royal Thai Embassy. The regular tourist Visa can be obtained from the Royal Thai Consulate General present at New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

It takes 3 to 5 working days for visa processing.

Here is the list of Thailand's international airports were Visa on Arrival service is available:
• Don Muang Airport, Bangkok
• Phuket International Airport
• Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
• Samui Airport, Surat Thani
• Chiangmai International Airport
• Hatyai International Airport, Songkla

And here is the list of countries eligible for the Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA):
• Andorra
• Bulgaria
• Bhutan
• China
• Cyprus
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• India
• Kazakhstan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Maldives
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania
• San Marino
• Saudi Arabia
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

I really like the punch line of Navigers - "World is outside home, come travel with us"
This line made me think why should one travel? And what is the reason, that some people (like me), are always eager to pack the bag and set out travelling...

After think alot, I conculded on the these 6 reasons on why one should travel

(1) Traveling helps you learn who you are
When we are at home - at our self built comfort zone. We carry on to live a systamtic life; where we know how to carry on with the daily stuff without much hazzle.
Travel puts you out on a open space, with nothing much to predict. All the challenges and opportunities travel lays at your feet help you discover who you are and what are your true potentials and desires.
Sometimes it’s only far from home that you realize you you’ve got skills you’ve never used.

(2) Life is not all about work and career goals

If you think of working every inch today and hoping to have more time when you retire - think again!!!
Life has never guaranteed us 'old age'.
Experience this gorgeous mighty planet in which you are born. Because traveling open ups to more opportunities - beyond your set goals.

(3) Chance to be a part of a story

There are numerous stories associated with every place - stories that are much more exciting than the breaking news that media covers.
Travelling lets you learn and discover about the history and current affaris of a place and gives to a chance to be part of that story.

(4) Be generous to your taste buds

There is so many types of food in the world. Traveling to different places and tasting the local food prepared by the local chefs opens up a spirit of being part of that region's culuture.
It is much more fun to experience how different people enjoy different food; than eating at a continental restauarant at your city.

(5) Cherish on what really matters

Every airline penalises the extra baggage - and thus traveling forces you to learn on how much to carry, and what is the one that is really needed and what is ‘extra’.
This is a good lesson in life too - to drop the extra baggages of life.

(6) Pamper yourself - Relax and rejuvenate

A restful vacation is just what you need to renew yourself.
You need to pamper yourself more often and take a break from the stressful life - A new place, good weather, and bright colours of mother nature is the best rewarding gift that you can give yourself.

Travel and live the moment. World is generous with wide range of things it can offer. Just put a step forward and explore a new place of this vast universe - Travel pays back :)

I started my Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan bike trip with my 4 friends from Bangalore.

We landed at Darjeeling's Bagdogra airport at night. At the airport we took a cab and went to Darjeeling city. 
Darjeeling was covered with mist and fog; and the climate was soothing with tea plantations all across the roads.

We first checked in to the hotel, got fresh. And then moved to collect our bikes to kick start our Eastern India and Bhutan exploration trip.

Next day morning, we went to Sikkim (Gangtok) which was approximately 100 kms from Darjeeling.
The ride was full of fresh air, forested mountain valleys and long stretches of snow-clad mountain peaks.

We took the cable car ride in Gangtok and witnessed the stunning views of the picturesque Gangtok town. The ride covers a distance of one km in just seven minutes and allows one to enjoy a bird eye view. We boarded our ropeway ride from Tashiling station. 

Later we explored many beautiful waterfalls which were close to our hotel.

We gave a miss to Rumtek Monastery which is located 24 kms south-east of Gangtok.  
There are lot of markets in Sikkim which over local cuisine and sell many Tibetan goods.

Next day morning we went towards Ghantaghar to meet an agent who could arrange the entry permit Nathula.
The agent charged us INR 200 per vehicle. But you can directly get the permit in INR 100 if you have some extra time to spare. You will need to submit an photocopy of ID proof and a photo to obtain this permit. 
Nathula permit is granted only to Indians. Tourists are not allowed on Nathula on Mondays and Tuesdays. Nathula remains closed in winters due to heavy snow.
Nathula is located around 56 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 14450 ft. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

We had to leave our bikes down and walk for some distance to get close to the border. Photography was not allowed near this region.

We had gone close to the international border from where we could see the Chinese soldiers on the other side.
While coming back from the border; we visited Baba Harbhajan Singh Shrine, Tsomgo Lake and Siva temple.

The stories around "Baba" Harbhajan Singh was very touching. Harbhajan Singh was a young Indian army soldier who died near the Nathula Pass in 1968. Legend has it that he had appeared in a dream of fellow soldiers who were patrolling the border, and had expressed the desire that a monument be built his memory. Since then the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir was built in this place and the mandir has acquired the status of a pilgrimage centre. As per local legend, spirit of Baba Harbhajan Singh is still guarding Indian armies at these high altitude region.

We later visited the Tsomgo Lake aka Changu Lake, which is one of the highest lakes in India. The lake lies at an altitude of 12,400ft and is frozen in winters. 
It was a beautiful lake, and the lake water had the reflection of nearby peaks.
There was option for Yak riding near this lake.

We had to walk for some distance to visit the Shiva temple. The view of large Shiva statue in middle of trees and waterfalls was breathtaking. 

We had stopped by many cascading waterfalls on our way.

Next day, we started our ride towards Bhutan via Siliguri. The ride was through foggy road and the visibility was very low.
En-route we visited Jaldapara National Park. This park is famous for one horned rhinoceros.
We stayed overnight at Jaigaon which was very close to Bhutan border. (The distance from Gangtok to Jaigaon is approximately 225 kms.)

Next morning took permit to enter Bhutan. We had to provide original id proof to get the permit.

Phuentsholing city is the first city that you get when entering Bhutan.

We visited some monasteries on the way. And stopped over for shopping.
If you have extra time then you can visit the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery in Paro. It is a unique monastery is located in a cliffside. 
You can also visit the 2nd longest suspension bridge of Bhutan at Punakha. 
We returned back to Jaigaon at night.

Next day, we started our ride back to Darjeeling which was approximately 200 kms away. On the way back we visited Tiger Hills, Rock garden, botanical garden and Japanese temple.
The ride was full of waterfalls and surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks.

You get amazing views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks and the valleys from Tiger Hill.

You can also board Toy train from Ghoom Station but it is very expensive.

Next day we returned back our bikes and took cab to reach Bagdogra. On the way back, we went to tea factory where a worker showed us the whole process of tea manufacturing.

We reached Bagdogra at 4:00 PM and later flew back to Bangalore.

On the chilling night of August 2015, I saw the Milky way with my bare naked eyes in the dark sky of Nako. 
Many times I have sighted different constellations and parts of galactic lights. But nothing was a match for what I saw in Nako. After this, I was always wondering on how can I spot this marvellous sighting again.....

Technically we're in the Milky Way galaxy; so its weird to search for Milky way. What we need to look out for is the Milky Way Galactic Center. And the best times to observe the bright galactic center of the Milky Way, from any part of the world, tends to be from about mid-March through mid-October.

One of the most important factors that contributes to the visibility of the Milky Way is the time of observation. It moves across the sky throughout the course of the night and the position of the Milky Way will differ depending on the time of year.

I was lucky that I was rewarded with this beautiful sight after a tough ride through the broken Spiti trail. I was not carrying high end camera to capture the sighting as I believe in experiencing the moment than capturing it...

Here is the list of some of the places where you can catch a glimpse of Milky Way Galactic Center:

(1) NAKO, India
Nako has no light pollution. The population of this place is very less, always resulting to clear skies. So you can usually sight the Milky Way Galactic Center here on any dark day when there is no moon light.

(2) Natural Bridges Monument, Utah
It is the first certified Dark Sky Park of US. 
It’s possible to see up to 15,000 stars throughout the night in this place — in contrast, you can see fewer than 500 in most cities.

(3) Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
This is rugged 82-acre state park is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest making it a perfect Night Sky Viewing area

(4) Some other places in India
If you strategically plan your your trip by considering the best weather and the the right time of year with no moon light; then you can get a glimpse of Milky Way Galactic Center from the following places that have the less population and less light pollution.
1. Jaisalmer and Bikaner in Rajasthan
2. Sarchu and Nubra in Jammu and Kashmir
3. Kuari Pass in Uttarakhand
4. Hatu Peak in Himachal Pradesh
5. Neil Island in Andaman

1999 and I was in New Delhi watching Tomb Raider. Movie got over somewhere at dusk and I was racing on the street on my KB, I remember I jumped quite a few red lights. I lived that dream of racing my bike in the Cambodian ruins for more than a decade when it finally came true on in March 2016. I was flying to Cambodia for a dirt biking trip.

I flew from Bangalore to Siem Reap via Thailand..

Thailand airport is a kind of mess. No/almost no drinking water facility and toilets were like public toilets and to my utter surprise girls had entered the men’s toilet because water was over in lady’s toilet.

I had already got my visa done from Cambodian government website to save time at the airport and had bought US dollars from a currency broker. I exchanged some of Cambodian Khmer currency also at the currency counter at Siem Reap.

Siem reap airport is small, calm and easy to navigate. I took a pre-paid taxi from airport to hotel, reached somewhere in noon and by the time was could freshen up and eat it was evening. I lived in mad monkey hotel. It is wonderful, comfortable and wow if you want to connect to travelers but the only thing that I didnt like is we have to buy drinking water all the time. I spent that evening walking along the lake side and night at Pub Street. Pub Street; yayyyyayyy music, beer, smoke and a combination of awesome Cambodian street food and a lazy walk.

Tickets can be picked up easily on the first morning of your visit or the night before (the park closes at 6pm but the ticket office may close earlier). There is a separate window each for single, three day and week long passes. Queues move quite quickly – we were in and out in ten minutes. At Angkor Wat entrance tickets are available for single day, three day and week and so on. I suggest people who are not there to research pls take three day ticket or single day if you are unsure for three days.

Dress code: To go inside the actual temples you will need shoulders covered and legs covered to at least your knees. Scarves aren’t permitted

Two to three days are enough to see Siem Reap. Tha Prom, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the nearby places. Taking a tuk tuk is awesome. So not take an enclosed taxi. You need to sweat, you must feel the heat of Cambodia. Tuk tuk take you around the Angkor complex $15 per day, you can use electric bikes for hire, which cost around $10. I took tuk tuk. I recommend to carry an umbrella along with sun screen if you don’t want to get darken like me.

Cold drinks and lunch – which can be expensive. Expect to pay around $10 per person for lunch.

Next day I was up soon and had to go to Angkor Wat complex. Just know that by 10 a.m. or even 9 a.m., the sun will start to beat down hard. I covered almost all including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon was amazing in Angkor Thom, and Ta Prom, etc.

Bayon - There are numerous smiling Buddha heads in this temple and this adds to the awe and mysteriousness of the temple. There are stories carved on to the wall which reflect great craftsmanship.

Tha Prom is my favorite in that complex. Being there feels like being in a dream world. Trees have eaten up the temples. Its amazingly astonishing. Ta prom is something that will leave you an awestruck traveller with an enthralled feeling – is it real?

If you cover Angkor Thom (Bayon, etc), Angkor Wat, Ta Prom, and nearby temples, you have almost covered 90% of it. At around 5 p.m., the sun will start to mellow and this would be a great time to head back to town. Phimeanakas temple or roam around the Prasat Suor Prats can be seen in evening.

All the evenings I was at Siem Reap, I did nothing but down at the pub street.

After two days I left for Phnom Penh and hired a bike there – Honda Degree … a monster dirt bike for Cambodian biking. It didn’t ride, it just flew with front wheel pooping up in the air every time I started.

I rode to Kampong Cham 130 km. Road was good, traffic is less and most of them drove sensibly well. In Kampong Cham I was lucky to be a part of Mekong river festival celebration. It was jointly celebrated by Khmers and Thais together, held at Mekong river bank. I drank strawberry juice, it was ummmmm pulpy. (now I feel like drinking one more time). Kampong Cham is the place where you can ride over the bamboo bridge to the Koh Paen island. Each year the bridge is washed away by the rising Mekong river during the monsoon season; and each year they rebuild. And it can be quite a tight fit, so watch out that you don't fall into the river. Sometimes, you don’t only need skills, you also need guts. You have it, you go over it.

I throttled my dirty Degree over the hot tarmac from Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom 140 km. This is the place where partial shooting of Tomb Raider happened along with Ta Prom. If you have courage and a navigation brain, get ready to get lost in the jungles of Cambodia in Sambor Prei Kuk - The ruins, which are several centuries older than Angkor Wat. I rode my bike over the sand, mud, water, over the broken stairs, just everywhere. You need to get inside that jungle to locate those ruins. Be careful with the wild animals. There is a fake ticket counter, they fooled me for $20; don’t take ticket for Sambor Prei Kuk, it’s not required. At Sambo Preykuk, it is the real deal. These temples have been truly lost to the jungle and recovered. Everything about my time in this complex was like living a Tomb Raider film.

When I rode back from Kampong Thom to Phnom Penh, I was a terrific ride. I felt like, I was sitting over a devil and racing at the speed of 140 km/hr and though it was cloudy I could feel the heat on my thighs from the bike radiator.

Phnom Penh offers killing fields, some temples, etc, nothing adventurous but good for tourists for a day or 2. Going to city market especially Russian market was amazing. Don’t forget to buy cigarettes there at the dirt cheap rate and ya they are original but be careful with alcohols. Taking a short trip at Mekong River by a boat or jetty is recommended or if not, take a long never ending walk along the silent river bank.

Camodian food is different. I love their soup. They boil meat (some meat I don’t know), asparagus, lemon leaves, mint, cabbage, basil, Cinnamon, and it taste awesome.

Caution – Always park your vehicle in garage, or consider it unsafe and no charity, it’s all fraud.

Currency – They use USD in almost all cases and also Riel. 1 USD - 4008.70 Cambodian Riel

For Cambodian e Visa –

You can contact Navigers.com for visa services or you can do it through Cambodian government (govt. also charge service fee) https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

help@mfaic.gov.kh and cambodianevisa@mfaic.gov.kh

e-Visa Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affair and International Cooperation  

Telephone: (+855 23) 224 973 and fax: (+855 23) 224 972

If you want any info on Cambodia for your trip/holiday pls contact me