I’ve been to Siem Reap before (2009), but only for a couple of days just to see the majestic Angkor Wat. This time around I went back to Siem Reap to stay for three weeks. And what a huge difference it makes when you stay longer in one place.
Here are some things that I have observed in my stay in Siem Reap:
1. People here seemed to be calmer and less aggressive in offering their products and services than their Thai and Vietnamese neighbours.
2. Aquariums offering fish massage are all over pubstreet and the main Sivatha Road.
3. So many volunteer students from Korea are also now in Siem Reap. Korea is now becoming a major tourism player in Siem Reap according to our tour guide.
4. Siem Reap is abundant with mid-range hotels that offer nice rooms at a very low price. There’s also a lot of very cheap rooms, probably some of the cheapest rooms I’ve ever found in my trip to Southeast Asia.
5. Angkor Draft at $0.50 per glass in a restaurant, who could beat that? Maybe Bia Hoi of Vietnam.
6. There’s quite a number of art galleries around the town.
7. Croc leather everywhere. I found out that crocodile leather seems to be one of the specialty of this city.
8. Angkor Wat is NOT the only place of interest to see in Siem Reap.
9. A lot of roads have not been paved still since the last time I was here.
10. And the biggest realization of all, Siem Reap is actually a nice liveable city that I could see myself staying for a long time. I love the nice laidback and artsy vibe of Siem Reap and wouldn’t hesitate to live in this city for awhile.
Care to feed the fish with your dead skin cells?
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I love Siem Reap! I was there April of this year and I fell in love with the place. Like you, I can also see myself living there. Accommodation is cheap, you could eat in restaurants every day without breaking the bank, and people are just generally nice. We biked around town for a $1 a day and took our sweet time to see the place. Did you try the happy pizza?
i didnt try the happy pizza… i did try though eating grilled frogs and snakes …taste like chicken…
Sounds like a sweet place to live. Have any idea how much a 1 bedroom apartment might run?
there are $200 apartments in SR
there’s a lot more cheaper options…
I’m with you! Love Siem reap, and totally agree esp about the people there. There is an element of peace and “content” that you could almost smell them. Even when I visited the houses on stilts at the Tonle Sap Lake, I likewise sensed the pride and dignity of the poor folks there. Like you, I can live there!
I fell in love with Siem Reap. It’s so laid-back despite the huge number of tourists. And the Khmers are really really nice. They’re so accommodating and warm.
I can also imagine myself living there for awhile. I might consider looking for work opportunities there next year.
I love the artsy and laid back vibe of Siem Reap also. The energy of the city is so alluring … basta, I can’t fully explain it but I felt inspired walking down its streets or having an excursion to its ancient temples. BTW, you met a few of my Ilonggo friends pala in Siem Reap
Definitely go for the fish pedicure. It’s a blast and your skin will be sooo soft.
i absolutely 101% agree with you! my husband and i also fell in love with the charming, mystic beauty and laid back Siem reap when we travelled there last year! and to top it all — so many warm and hospitable people we’ve met! definetly will be back here again…