A Frizzy Experience… Siem Reap
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed after a 6-hour coach ride into Siem Reap was how dusty Siem Reap was. I have never reached for a bandana so quick in my life.
Money
Dollars are the main currency used in Cambodia. They also have Cambodian Riel, which I made sure to get during a transaction for souvenir purposes as the currency is really weak and using dollars works out better for you.
What I Did In Siem Reap
Partied at the Cambo Beach Club. A man-made beach in Siem Reap, that serves food and drink and is a really chilled location. I fast myself there because on their website they said it was Afrobeats day. I was extremely excited but the joke was on me because, I got there and all I heard was some dance-ish, techno music. I wanted to cry. A couple of sweet words later, it became my Afrobeats beach party. The end.
Spent the afternoon at the local school, Stung Themy, teaching English to the local children and playing games with them.
Experienced a Khmer massage at the Secret Corner Residence. If you think Thai massages are hardcore, wait until you have one of these!
Visited Angkor Wat, the biggest religious monument in the world. I bought a 1-day pass, and I underestimated how much there was to see and take in.
Food
The food in Siem Reap was amazing. Rice is the go to. There is an abundance of fruit available. Fresh smoothies and juices are available in every restaurant. You will have to get used to some of your meals coming with a fried egg on top of it, even when it isn’t mentioned on the menu. But when I say amazing, the food was always well seasoned, not spicy but flavoured, and the curries were extra saucy. I hate going places and they are stingy on the sauce. I’m extra I know, but I don’t like eating dry rice!
I didn’t hold back with eating in Siem Reap. I was in a constant state of hunger and forever ready to eat a curry, (even in 30 plus degree weather). Pub Street ,also known as Street 8, is known for its luxury and high-end restaurants that naturally give you less for your money but I really wanted to eat my amok curry out of banana leaves so I was found there at dinner times singing along with live bands. You can get funky dishes like frog there. But at all other times, I was a regular on Sok San road. I would eat 2 lunches there daily and I also grew an unhealthy obsession with fresh avocado and coconut smoothies.
By Siem Reap’s ‘Art Center night market’ there are food stalls. The stalls are on the side of the road, and there is a dining area on the pavement. No joke, my dinner there hit the spot. It worked out being noodles, with some greens and King prawns. With a fried egg thrown in for extra measure, of course! But that meal sweet me so good and the sauce was litty! The food isn’t ‘Instagram pic worthy’ but the flavours were everything.
Food Recommendations
Amok fish curry: A creamy curry with coconut milk as a base which is seasoned with turmeric, lemongrass and other ground spices. You can have it with chicken but it’s not the same. For aesthetic purposes get it in banana leaves, it’s the traditional way and it just looks nicer.
Lok Lak: Lightly fried strips of beef, with salad on the side and a fried egg on top. It comes with granules on the side and a wedge of lime which makes the sauce.
Khmer Curry: A chicken curry stew with carrots and potatoes inside.
Wrap Up
Siem Reap really has my heart and for sure it is somewhere that I would go back to. My friend described it as a hippy city and they aren’t my exact words but I agree that it really is that chilled, “everything gon’ be alright” sort of place. Bohemian would be my one word. Yes, Siem Reap is bohemian. Everyone, there is friendly, community-focused and give off positive energy. It’s not an expensive city yet allows you to experience the good-good life with spas, delicious food, boutique hotels all being accessible to you. If I ever have to skip the UK, I’m pretty sure you’ll find me in Siem Reap pretending to be humble.
