Siem Reap really turned us off when we first arrived. I mean this place is TOURISTY. A street called "Pub Street" with nothing but bars. "The Lane", a tiny alley with cafes and wine shops. The "Night Market" full of souvenir stands and foot massage parlors. A plethora of boutique hotels with comfy beds and stylish pools. Wait a minute. This place is awesome!
That's pretty much how our experience there evolved.
Yes, it's full of tourists. LOTS of them. And all of the comforts that cater to them. Not at all the exotic, mysterious land I envisioned. Which makes sense, considering the 2 million visitors to Angkor Wat every year. Once we got over our damn selves and embraced it, we had a really good time. How can you be mad at $1 beers? What could you possibly have against $2 foot massages? Tell me one bad thing about a $22/night hotel room? And who wouldn't love $1.50 margaritas at an open air restaurant that actually serves damn good Mexican food? Be reasonable.
Toss in some Khmer boxing, Apsara dancing, and traditional craft-making, and you've got a pretty well-rounded experience. Not to mention that somewhat significant series of temples nearby.
Siem Reap is easy and fun and affordable and, while crowded, a place I could easily recommend to anybody. And please, have a blended margarita at Viva for me. With salt.
For photos of our time in Siem Reap, click HERE.
That's pretty much how our experience there evolved.
Yes, it's full of tourists. LOTS of them. And all of the comforts that cater to them. Not at all the exotic, mysterious land I envisioned. Which makes sense, considering the 2 million visitors to Angkor Wat every year. Once we got over our damn selves and embraced it, we had a really good time. How can you be mad at $1 beers? What could you possibly have against $2 foot massages? Tell me one bad thing about a $22/night hotel room? And who wouldn't love $1.50 margaritas at an open air restaurant that actually serves damn good Mexican food? Be reasonable.
Toss in some Khmer boxing, Apsara dancing, and traditional craft-making, and you've got a pretty well-rounded experience. Not to mention that somewhat significant series of temples nearby.
Siem Reap is easy and fun and affordable and, while crowded, a place I could easily recommend to anybody. And please, have a blended margarita at Viva for me. With salt.
For photos of our time in Siem Reap, click HERE.
Sabrina, your travel stories and photographs are the Best!!! I love the way you and Reece embrace the offerings of each place you visit in S.E. Asia and look forward to years of reading what you have to say about whatever you are doing, wherever you are. Appreciatively, Leslie
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