Where to stay in Siem reap, what to visit in Cambodia and which temples not to miss, especially costs and activities to do in this part of Asia.
"The most dangerous thing to do is to stand still. " So wrote William Burroughs a few years ago. And I want to infect you by leaving for the Cambodia through his words to let you know that, contrary to what many think, this is now a lively and safe country, as well as beautiful. So don't stand still and take your bags and luggage in the direction of Southeast Asia. It is really worth it.
Cambodia is first and foremost a country to be discovered and offers at a decidedly economic price many of the attractions that most are looking for for a respectable trip of relaxation and golden beaches. But it is not only this, on the contrary. For this first part of the story about my Cambodian exploration I will mainly talk about Cambodia's most acclaimed destination, that is, Siem Reap..
This city created specifically to host the ever growing tourism dedicated to the temples of "Angkor" was a nice surprise. Because, contrary to what I had imagined, I was faced with one charming town of the province with its entertainment. It is understood that visiting temples is not an easy thing for those who are not well trained to walk temperature which sometimes reach 40 ° and therefore it turns out to be tiring, but it is one of the most beautiful experiences I have had in my life so I highly recommend it. As I recommend, on your return, also to some entertainment and some places where you can relax and have fun at more than competitive prices.
How to reach us
But before we reveal everything that can be found, it is essential get to Siem reap by cheap means. During my trip, where I had a lot of time and little money, the choice fell on a low cost flight with Nokair from Bangkok to Phnom Penn, where I then embarked along the river that bathes the Cambodian capital to reach the waters of Tonle Sap lake only because I was willing to visit the capital. Although at times it turned out to be an adventurous trip I recommend it because you can see all the facets of a beautiful landscape passing by the river and the lake, however, if your time is limited you can book a flight directly on Siem Reap, via Bangkok. You will certainly benefit from it, that is, you will avoid the Cambodian roads which are a real disaster if you are not willing to do six hours by boat like me.
Accomodation
Well, once you get to town you will need to get yourself a accommodation, and for this reason there are no particular problems if you do not happen in the periods of maximum turnout related to the Chinese New Year or local festivals for which you will need to book in advance.
In any case, the structures that I preferred are related to cleaning (minimum) demand and affordability. You can safely sleep in a double room for just under $ 10 a day with the bathroom in the room 5 minutes walk from the city center and the market. Once the accommodation problem has been solved, all you have to do is decide, based on your interest and your body, how long you intend to stay to visit the temples.
My choice was to stay a whole week also because the entrance ticket to Angkor is not cheap and for 3 days of admission usable in a week, even if not continuous, they asked for $ 40. Not cheap considering the prices of the place. The ticket is made at the entrance of the archaeological site so you will still have to make a last effort before setting out to explore the various temples and walk through the city streets in search of a remork. Or, if you prefer to organize yourself with other mezze you will still have to go and choose how you prefer visit temples.
Getting around
I adopted the technique of negotiating the price by choosing the much more comfortable and modular remork, which is the most common transport in Cambodia. This is a scooter with attached cart which can carry up to 4 people plus the driver in "comfort". Obviously these small businesses, mostly managed by the Chinese, don't have well-defined rates so it's up to you bargain on the price and on modes of transport. In any case I have seen that the conductors of remork offer a decent service if they realize that the ideas of the traveler on duty are very clear you should make your own plan to visit the temples, however, if you do not want to know to read guides and books in this regard but you are only interested in taking a few photos, in any case, they are ready to help you by driving you according to the actual possibilities of the vehicle for the whole day at a figure that is around around $ 15-$ 18.
Visit of the Temples
Once these tasks are finished you are ready to enjoy the beauty of the temples the day and the quiet life that a small town like Siem Reap can offer you at night. Since the hotel where I was staying was equipped with attached restaurant where for $ 3 I could have a hearty breakfast prepared and with the addition of an extra dollar to bring sandwiches with me for a snack, I organized myself in such a way as not to be forced to buy everything during the day while visiting the temples; also because, for those who do not suffer too much from the sun, it is advisable to visit the most famous during meal times when the groups of "all inclusive" tourists are taken to eat at the hotel.
So the period that goes from noon to two in the afternoon turns out to be the best time to enjoy the peace of the temples and take some photos that will make your return home beautiful. However, if the heat suffocates you and you choose to rest in the shade of an improvised restaurant, you don't have to worry anyway because it will cost you only a dollar or two more to eat comfortably without having to carry your backpack on your shoulders for the whole day. But I had chosen the convenience of remork, over bicycles or minibuses, to visit the temples so I preferred to cut back on food and avoid meals on site as much as possible.
Market, massage and dinners
After the trekking day of the temples, after a cleansing and refreshing shower, I recommend you spend a few hours in the old Psar Chaa market in Siem Reap which is located a few steps from the city center and the main street, or 8 street. In fact, in the market you can stroll peacefully, refresh yourself with a coconut or one fresh squeezed juice or buy any kind of goods or trinkets at very low prices. Remember that all around the market you can enjoy the delicious dishes of Khmer cuisine and drink some angkor beers a very low figures.
After the visit to the market I recommend a nice one massage, perhaps at the foot, in the many centers that you will meet along your way in the direction of the more noble 8 street. These centers are not of the highest quality like those you can find in Thailand, but I recommend them anyway because I have often seen tourists who are really taken by pain in the feet and legs from not being able to walk in the days following the first.
Relax and refresh yourself, considering that you have spent less than $ 35 all inclusive, it will be up to you to decide if you are too low cost or not. In the second case it would be nice not to leave out the town nightlife which takes place mainly around 8th street, and therefore, to let you go to some bar for the last drinks before going to bed.
Here you can sit and let your legs rest while, at a little higher but still competitive prices, you can relax and enjoy the movement present in the street, the neon lights and music. By doing so you will mix with all the tourists but you can delight your palate with excellent dishes and refreshing cocktails served iced at the table, perhaps on the second floor, of a pub.
