15 “Backstabbing” Photos During Our IndoChina Tour

yAn L.

11 years ago

Last year, I organized a backpacking tour with my office mates to visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While Aaron and myself were busy with some other stuff, Roderick silently took our photos from behind.

All these fifteen photos are courtesy of Roderick Ordoñez.

1. Arrival in Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)

It was Aaron’s first time to be overseas and he was amazed how advanced the airport is, compared to the Philippines.

2. Arrival in Our Hostel, Lub d Siam Square

A lot of freebies: book exchange, free pop corns every night, free computer use and Wifi, and complimentary hot drinks; and a lot of comfort services: free theater use, in-house bar, book exchange, and in-house DIY laundry.

3. A visit in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya served as Thailand’s capital not after the 1767 great Burmese raid. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Related Story: A “Temple Run” in Ayutthaya

Approaching Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit in Ayutthaya

4. Photo Shoot at Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is located inside the compound of Thailand’s former grand palace featuring three gigantic chedis that houses the remains of three Thai Kings.

5. Photo Shoot at Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin

It was a big protest day but we didn’t mind the protesters’ business since we had a list to complete.

6. Stroll along Thanon Bamrung Muang

Along Thanon Bamrung Muang were series of shops selling religious items, amulets, and Buddha images. Perhaps, it was the biggest of its kind in Bangkok. It was comparable to the religious stores along Tayuman in Manila.

7. Angkor Wat Photo Walk

Immediately after the sunrise, we explored the interiors of the temple and I was startled with what I saw. The crafts, the artistry, the columns, the hallways, the corridors, the murals, the towers, the ceilings, the vastness, the statues, and everything within complex were all petrifying.

Related Story: The Angkor Wat, Bow!

8. A Photo Walk at Angkor Thom’s Bayon Temple

The Bayon Temple is located in the middle of the complex. It features monumental towers with faces on its four sides – which, according to historians, resembles a lot with King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire.

9. A Walk Across the Elephants Terrace

This 300-meter long terrace served as the viewing stand for public ceremonies and as the base of the king’s grand audience hall.

10. Approaching Baphuon Temple

The Baphuon Temple is a three-tiered pyramidal or mountain-like temple that was built in the mid-11th century. This 150-meter by 100-meter monument has a height of roughly 50 meters, including its tower.

11. A Walk at the Edge of Baphuon Temple

The second and the third tier of the Baphuon Temple appears like a pyramid mounted on the top of a vast edifice (first tier).

12. Exploring Angkor Thom

13. Arrival in Ho Chi Minh

After the 7-hour bus from Phnom Penh, we finally set foot in Ho Chi Minh. Without any clue on what to do next and reluctant to ride a public city transport, I relied heavily on my offline map.

14. Trying the Lift

While on our way to the Reunification Palace, a refreshment vendor approached us. He did not offer us a drink but asked us to try lifting his stuff for the photo shoot. After taking pictures, it was then he did the sales talk.

Related article: Teary-Eyed in the War Remnants Museum

15. Photo Shoot: The Reunification Palace

As the name suggests, the Reunification Palace is the landmark of the united Vietnam and the end of the Vietnamese War.