If you have not been to Cambodia…GO! We spent only a couple of days (definitely not enough) in Siem Reap, where we watched sunsets and sunrises over Angkor Wat, explored a busy city, got lost in the tranquility of ancient temples with powerful histories, and sweat profusely for the entirety of the trip from the second we stepped off the plane.
Things to know prior to arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia:
1. Everything is paid for in US dollars because their currency is so weak, if you wanted to buy something worth $10 you would need to bring a wheel barrel full of this monopoly money.
2. There is Mexican food there!
3. Don’t be afraid to get a Tuk Tuk, for $1 you will avoid the sweatiest walk of your life guaranteed.
4. Cambodian BBQ is a must.
5. If you don’t get a foot massage on the street and people watch, then you will not experience the luxury of the eclectic crowd that visits Siem Reap.
6. Try, with all your power, not to buy too many T-shirts when you are there. Somehow, you will all of a sudden have 5 t-shirts in your hands as you count all the people you need to buy for.
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Things to know prior to visiting the temples:
1. Wear clothing that cover your shoulders and your knees (this doesn’t mean bring a scarf because even this is not allowed), otherwise you will not be allowed in many of the temples.
2. Be prepared to walk up so many flights of stairs that are at such a steep incline you wonder if it would just be easier to crawl up.
3. You will sweat. You will sweat so much. Don’t think that this is going to be a day that you will look good in pictures.
4. Do not think you will beat the crowds by going to the sunrise at Angkor Wat. I promise people are there starting from like 4:30am. There are SO many people. However, the sunrise is a MUST DO. I promise you won’t regret the painful morning alarm.
5. Do the Sunrise watch over Angkor Wat and then go to all the temples straight after the sunrise. It is less crowded, and it gives you lots of time to see as many temples as you want.
6. Be prepared for many many jaw dropping experiences. Honestly, this is a special place. Try to think about just how many people have been in the same place you are for thousands of years. It is pretty spectacular.
If you have gone to Angkor Wat, what else should we add to this list?
