Siem Reap, Cambodia Reflections
We recently spent two weeks in Siem Reap, Cambodia. And it was fabulous. I would (and already have) recommend it to other travellers. I would return in a heartbeat.
I want to try a new style of writing that’s more reflective. I want to be able to look back on these pieces and remember how I felt when I was visiting all of the incredible places.
So here are some of my reflections about being in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Angkor Wat and Surrounding Temples
This is why you come to Siem Reap. And probably Cambodia, in general. Some tourist spots can be over-hyped. Angkor and all the other temples are not.
We got a three-day pass, which is valid for 30 days. This meant we could space out our visits to the temples. We could have a day at the temples, then have a few days to digest what we saw, research the other things we would see and generally get excited all over again about seeing these ancient structures.
I would recommend getting a multi-day pass if you have the time. Yes, Angkor Wat is incredible. But there’s a range of architectural styles that you’ll miss if you only visit that one temple.
Our Location - Vihara, City of Temples
We were staying for a relatively short amount of time. We made this decision as we weren’t sure we would love it. So we divided our holiday into several destinations.
Which meant booking a hotel rather than an apartment. We originally booked somewhere slightly further out of town but then cancelled and booked Vihara, City of Temples. We decided to prioritise proximity to town, which was an excellent decision.
Vihara is in a suburb full of schools and social enterprises. There’s a constant buzz in the neighbourhood as kids get dropped off and collected. The older children stop for smoothies or snacks from the street vendors.
Then, as you walk towards Pub Street, you will find plenty of food options. The majority are social enterprises with a mission to do good in the world. We ate so many great meals within a ten-minute walk of our accommodation.
Cambodian People
I believe that most people are lovely. In most countries we’ve visited, the people have been friendly and welcoming. Cambodia is no exception.
Kids will wave at you. Locals smile and make eye contact. Our driver for our tour of the temples Mr Kim was a genuinely kind and wonderful person. (You can book him for your tour via WhatsApp: +855 12 589 955).
Vegetarian Food
This can be such a hassle at times in Southeast Asia. But as soon as I tasted a vegetarian amok, I was so excited. A tasty dish that is easily made vegetarian and available in most local restaurants! What a win.
The social enterprises near our hotel also had a great range of meal options. So it was just all fried rice and noodles for two weeks.
It sounds like such a simple thing, but this can make or break a place for us.
Tuk-tuks: A New Favourite Way to Travel
I’ve never felt like such royalty travelling around. The most common way to travel here is in tuk-tuks, small carriages attached to the back of motorcycles. These are comfortable, well-shaded and give you a great view of the surroundings as you travel.
I highly recommend booking a guide for your days at the temples. Mr Kim took us in his tuk-tuk for two days, dropping us off and collecting us. It was so lovely to be able to leave things on the transport, which you wouldn’t be able to if you were ordering Grab rides between each. He also provided cold towels and water whenever we wanted them.
Running and Walking Track
We stayed near the centre of Siem Reap, which was a great decision. The river that runs through the city has a walking path along both sides, which made the perfect running track. The streets are chaotic with cars, tuk-tuks and motorbikes, so this was a welcome break.
You might not appreciate things like this if you’re just on a short visit and spend most of your time at attractions, but if you’re traevlling slowly things like this really add to a location.
An Intellectual City
Siem Reap appeals to those interested in history and culture. I don’t think I’ve seen a small city with so many bookshops. Several cafes we visited had shelves lined with books available to read or purchase. This, alongside all the school kids we saw daily, gave the impression of a place that values education.
Perhaps it was because we mostly avoided Pub Street and didn’t spend much time drinking, but it felt like a city full of interesting people you’d want to get to know.
Angkor National Museum
This is a must-visit before going to the temples, especially if you’re not going to pay for guided tours. The museum sets you up well to understand things once you get to Angkor and the other temples.
Come prepared to spend a few hours. We had the audio guide and listened to most of it, although we got a little worn out towards the end. But if you are going to listen to it, you’ll need quite a bit of time.
I liked the first room with all of the Buddhas the best. But I have more of an interest in Buddhism than ancient cultures.
Returning?
Most of the time we were in Siem Reap I was considering how we could return. We love our life in Lombok but this made a nice change of pace.
However, we felt great about Melaka when we visited on a weekend trip. But when we returned to spend a month, the experience was really different.
We stayed further out of town and our daily budget was a lot less. I think the things that make a place great to visit aren’t always the same things you’re looking for in a longer term stay.
Final Note
I hope this honest reflection of our time in Siem Reap, Cambodia is interesting for anyone considering spending time there. If you’ve visited, either on a short trip or on a longer term stay, I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments.
