Siem Reap
Siem Reap, Cambodia
I went to Siem Reap in 2017 and I walked out impressed with the city and its oversized village vibe. The city was vibrant and I spent 4 amazing days exploring the temples.
However, for the rest of Cambodia, I was not too impressed.
Come 2020, and I was traveling throughout Asia when COVID became a bigger and more dangerous issue.
I was in Indonesia when my friend Alice (who was in Laos), did not want to go back to China.
I also had a coworker and friend, John going between Vietnam and Thailand. Some Vietnamese had become somewhat hostile toward white foreigners. He was stressing. Myanmar and Cambodia were the only places open to Chinese citizens at the time. Since John and Alice were in the same piece of land, Cambodia seemed like the obvious choice.
From March until November, I enjoyed one of the best periods of my life. I got to meet so many amazing people and really got to know the Khmer culture.
Pub Street during COVID-19
PUB STREET TEMPLE
WALKING AROUND DOWNTOWN
SCARING COVID
The Khmers think that these dummies scare the evil spirits away. As COVID hampered an economy based on tourism, a lot of the locals started to make and post these dummies outside of their homes as a safeguard.
Viva Mexican Restaurants
Best Place to Start the Night
$1.50 - Margaritas
The food is constantly ok, but the $1.50 margaritas are great for the value. Also, it's legit tequila, which makes it a safe place to eat and drink.
WAT BEAST - BEST BURGER (Ron Swanson) & Really Good Mac & Cheese
Menu
Mac & Cheese with BBQ pulled pork
Ron Swanson with Potato Wedges
Belmiros - Good comfort food with a great owner.
Hot Dog with Potato Salad and Corn
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Big Mac Like Burger
Double Down on That
MADAME CAFE
A small coffee shop owned by a local and her sister. The coffee she gets is from Thailand and she offers free green tea to those who visit her shop constantly. She also offers baked goods at reasonable prices.
She's down the street from Jungle Burger and is located next to the river.