Wheels Up, Cambodia Bound

Temples, ruins and breath-taking views. This is what Angkor Wat in Siem Reap provides plus much more from such a small place.

This past Chinese New Year we took a trip to visit this gorgeous UNESCO site. I was so happy because this is a place I have dreamed of visiting for a while. We actually went at a pretty good time of the year too. I couldn’t imagine going past February, due to the heat.

After a long, very cold layover in the HK airport we arrived in Siem Reap only to find out my luggage was still in HK. I was told in Taiwan that I (unknowingly) purchased the luggage transfer fee so my luggage would go right to Cambodia, despite the overnight layover in HK. Well low and behold, I was suppose to pick it up in HK and check it again. We booked a nice hotel not too far from the heart of Siem Reap. Golden Butterfly Villa. They were very accommodating, even with the lost luggage as we had to go back and forth to the airport again. We had AC, wifi, breakfast, and we were able to book tuk-tuks through them. They even provided a free hour massage per person.

I had two goals on this trip; Angkor Wat and the Cambodian Circus. Since we only had the clothes on our backs and whatever was in our shared carryon bag, the first day and a half were spent gathering immediate necessities. This postponed our trip to Siem Reap because we had to wait on the airport to call us for when the luggage arrived. After we finally received it we were able to get everything sorted and enjoy the rest of our time. Angkor Wat was amazing. We ended up doing a sunrise day trip around the small circuit with a tuk-tuk driver from the Villa to go buy tickets for the ruins then we were off! We waited for sunrise over the ruins and then walked around taking in everything possible. It was exhausting but one memorable experience.

There’s always a story. It’s all stories, really. The sun coming up every day is a story. Everything’s got a story in it. Change the story, change the world.– Terry Pratchett

The Cambodian circus was also a really nice treat. I suggest going. This is full of acrobatics and actors. No animals. The show we saw was titled “Same Same But Different”. It was about the difference and similarities between foreign visitors and Cambodians. Amazing show. Funny, moving, and breath-taking, as some of the stunts left me on the edge of my chair. It takes place inside something similar to an enclosed circus tent so it is quite intimate.

Siem Reap is full of touristy spots that cater to the western pallet but there are some gems with amazing local eats. My favorite was lok lak. We found some pretty cool street food too but nothing too crazy for us since we are from Taiwan.

Our trip to Cambodia was eye-opening and just a really nice way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and see somewhere new. I would say if you are planning a trip here and don’t want to spend 3 days doing all the circuits of Ankor Wat, then 3-4 days would be the max. There isn’t too much to do outside of the temples/ruins and a few other touristy activities.