Out and about Siem Reap

When Brian and I were not touring Angkor temples with Mr. Kahn's tuk tuk tours, we spent most of our time hanging out in central Siem Reap and Pub Street.

I was surprised by how well the Khmer people (Cambodians) spoke good English, and that US currency was accepted everywhere.

On the surface level, Cambodia is a developing country rich in culture and history that is booming with tourism in recent years. The country has a lot of potential. When you look further however, you'll see that Cambodia has a tragic past linked to the Khmer Rouge genocide where 2 million people were massacred. Because of Pol Pot's brutal communist regime, communism created famine and mass poverty that is still apparent today in Cambodia. Cambodians immigrated to the US, France, and Australia in the late 70's - early 80's.

As a tourist, everything is super cheap in Cambodia! You can get 10 minute massages for $1, juices for $1, and meals under $4.

There are many Western and Asian tourists throughout Siem Reap. In fact, you seldom see any Americans throughout Asia or even South America until you are in Siem Reap! That's where all of the Americans congregate.

The Khmer people are proud of their rich heritage, as they should be.

Khmer food is sweeter than Thai food but similar in texture and aesthetics. Their menus are filled with curries, fried noodles, and beef / chicken / fish dishes paired with rice.

Pub Street nights in Siem Reap

River by the Art Center Night Market

Siem Reap Art Center Night Market

Loads of tuk tuks on Pub Street waiting for tourists

Deep fried scorpions and tarantulas!

Brian watching a Cubs game at a Siem Reap bar. Clearly, there are many Cubs fans in Cambodia.

Salumi market

Dried meats at a market

Dried meats at a market

Brian's favorite thing in Siem Reap was to get freshly made juices. They only cost $1 each.

Our home in Siem Reap was the S Hotel, a brand new bed and breakfast that opened only a few months ago that I found on AirBNB. For $29 a night, we got a large air conditioned room that came breakfast included every morning. When we went to go see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, the hotel even prepared us a boxed breakfast.

After long days touring temples, it was refreshing to hang out at the hotel pool blasting Justin Bieber and Katy Perry hits.

Thank you Siem Reap for a short but sweet trip. It was a wonderful introduction to Cambodia's rich heritage and culture!