Day One – Getting there is half the fun!

Traveling can be summed up by many clichés, “Getting there is half the fun.”, or more aptly, “All the plans of mice and men often go awry.”

We pretty much nailed what we had planned to do, IE spend Tuesday getting packed, and take care of any last minute items that may have been forgotten. Then head out to the airport around noon for our 7pm flight. You might find this to be a little ridiculous, except that we were flying Business Class and I wanted to take full advantage of the Asiana business lounge.

We left the apartment at almost 12 noon on the nose. Half way across the parking lot, the number 3 bus that would take us around to Seoul Station was just driving past! We were able to run, with all our bags and catch the bus. This is where our plan might have needed a little refinement. With my carry on Camera suitcase, my checked luggage suitcase, and my notebook bag, plus Mi Jung’s luggage. Taking a Taxi might have been a better plan in hindsight. This is something both Mi Jung and I agreed upon once we got to the airport.

If you have not read about how I feel about Incheon Airport in any of my other traveling blogs. I will once again praise the virtues of this wonderful airport. Not only is it one of the best thought out airports I have ever used, Korea really makes getting there as easy… well.. as easy as being able to check in at Seoul Station, clear immigration, and get on a comfortable train that will take you right to Incheon’s Transportation Center, which is just across the street from the terminals.

The convenience doesn’t end there. You are also able to use the Crew, and Diplomat security line, and have your own dedicated final immigration check. All in all the process of getting into the departure terminal took Mi Jung and I less then 10 minutes! All for just 13,000 won per person. If you normally take a taxi or a Limo Bus to the airport. I highly recommend you give the Seoul Station City Side check in a try.

While enjoying the Asiana business lounge, we treated ourselves to some really good white wine, light food, and 30 minutes in a relaxation room with an automatic massage chair.

While waiting for our flight, we were entertained with a little Korean culture, and I got to do a little plane spotting. Here is Korean Air’s Air Bus A380 (I flew on a similar aircraft to Hong Kong a couple of years ago.)

I got to practice my portrait skills, here is Mi Jung while waiting at our gate. Turns out the aircraft was delayed an hour due to connection issues.

Finally on board our Airbus A321, getting ready to depart Incheon. I was mistaken, I guess there really is not enough passenger load to warrant a larger aircraft with Asiana’s full business class product.

We landed an hour late, but were still met at the airport as arranged by our travel agent. Customs and Immigration where straight forward, and no hassles at all. We purchased our VISA’s prior to departure online. Which helped to greatly speeds up the process of going through Immigration. If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and are arriving at either of the two main airports, I highly suggest going to the eVisa site. The staff are extremely helpful, as I originally provided Mi Jung’s Korean National ID number, instead of her passport number and a quick call to the company had it corrected free of charge!

The website for Cambodia e-Visa is https://www.evisa.gov.kh . The cost is $37 USD, $30 VISA fee, and a 7$ processing fee. Again the added convenience of having the VISA already complete when you land is monumental. Otherwise you have to wait in line with everyone who is processing a VISA on arrival before you can even clear immigration.

We arrive at the hotel after 1am, and it was time to go to bed for our first day of touring Cambodia.