4am . . . Funny how getting up at that time for a holiday is so different to getting up for work. . . Although not as good when the 2yr old decides 4am is 1am ;(

Quick, easy and painless trip to KLIA2 airport. Still can't believe James gets up and takes his guests to the train at 430am. This man seriously goes the extra mile, if you ever need to stay in KL stay at Rumah Putih.

Question of the day so far: How many security screens do you really need to go through for the same passengers? Apparently the answer is . . 3!

After an uneventful flight with Air Asia we arrived in Siem Reap.

Geez I love this place. Exactly as I remember from a few years ago. Obviously more development going on, more hotels but unfortunately the poverty is still clear to see. Hopefully the tourism can help the locals without ruining what makes this place so special.

Clearing customs and immigration we were met at the front by our hotel rep for our trip into Siem Reap. These people are just so lovely. Picked up in tuk-tuks, the perfect way to start for our 'Cambodian rookies.'

A 25 minute ride to our hotel past the cliche rice paddies, the wind cooling the air to be absolutely beautiful, high 20's.  

Khmer Mansion Hotel is only 6 months old, just set back from 'pub street', pretty much in the middle of Siem Reap. Met by the staff who immediately took to Miss A, which isnt surprising considering their reputation for love of family.

Our rooms werent ready, but that wasnt surprising given how early our flight was, so after a quick welcome drink it was off in search of some food and drinks.

Is 10am too early for a beer? Not if you are on holidays :) The boys all partook in the local Ankor beer, which it really nice and perfect for this weather and Miss A had her 'cream' (ice cream). Well I have rarely had ice cream quite that good and it wasnt expected here. Full of vanilla beans and just so creamy. Needless to say I didn't get very much.

A quick swim in the pool and it was off for a nap. We'll kind of. Littlies and some biggies had a nap while other not so smart ones had beer and nuts. No guess which category we were in.
 
Interestingly the hotel sprays for mozzies. Not just a little spray either. Not sure I want to know what they used either!

And then onto our room. Very lovely, huge bed and a couch we have converted into a bed for Miss A. Bathrooms very spacious, simple and lovely although I still smile when i see the pipe comeout of the wall and go back in just below itself. Nothing we would get in Australia but then that is a big part of why we travel to places like this. Good just to realise how other people live.

After some more drinks and snacks at a couple of the local places, we came back to the hotel for tea.

Cambodian Amok Fish, the traditional dish, is just sublime. There is really no other words to describe it. Fish coated in local amok spices and cooked in coconut cream. Yum.

The chef at Khmer Mansion can really cook. The boys had pork ribs in XO sauce and grilled fish with vegetables in a creamy sauce I was told was amazing. Damn cream allergy really ruins trying things for me sometimes.  

Miss A finally decided a sleep was the go and the girls went off for massages while the boys (minus 1 - damn teeth) had beers by the pool.

A ride via tuk tuk to the massage place was a great way to see the streets of Siem Reap at night with a number of places to check out tomorrow determined along the way.

Massages were wonderful and a great way to end the day with Marie and Deidra deciding to book another one for tomorrow. Must have been good!

With another early start for the day tomorrow it was then off to bed.

Hmm. . Well I can say we were warned there would be music from the place next door but wow it was loud. Luckily once inside the room it did quieten substantially but unfortunately for light sleepers like me it was still pretty loud. Good thing the ear plugs were handy. It finished about 1am not so good for the 4am we were getting up at.

Tip for rooms here - probably the best rooms are the pool side room, they dont seem to get the noise as bad as those upstairs, which is amusing as they are the upgrade or 'better' rooms. No lift either which doesn't bother us but probably would those who dont deal with humidity or have any kind of mobility issues.