Tags
Cambodia, food, happy, Night markets, Phnom Penh, Photography, Pub Street, Siem Reap, travel, Tuk Tuk, Vietnam
It was about a 5 hour coach trip from our hotel in Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, and gateway to the ruins of Angkor, including the main temple of Angkor Wat.
Siem Reap is a fast-growing city with plenty of new hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Actually we really enjoyed Siem Reap.
We found the most effective way to get around Siem Reap is by Tuk Tuk (or Remork, as the locals call them). For short trips flag one down; for tours ask your hotel or guesthouse for advice. We used them day and night. In actual fact there were always Tuk Tuks parked outside our hotel waiting on standby day and night. We ended up having the same Tuk Tuk driver each time, Mr Peach. It was like he was always waiting for us. He was very patient in answering all our questions and we even learned a bit of their history through him. He speaks English quite well so it was easy for us to communicate. Most importantly he makes you feel comfortable and safe. And the tuk tuk itself is nice and clean and comfortable.
We hired Mr Peach for a few hours on our last morning in Siem Reap to take us on a private tour around the city. We headed out into the city streets and the back alleys and got a little taste of how the locals live and work. My friend and I had a great trip in Siem Reap. Mr Peach was a really nice driver, he takes the time to explain things (Cambodia culture, history, his own family, etc), and takes initiative in showing extra spots. It was a great little tour and left us with a great impression of Siem Reap. This was an experience to remember.
Smile! Cambodians are extremely friendly, and smiles go a long way. They are the nicest, friendliets people I have encountered and I have travelled the world!
In the evenings Mr Peach took us to Pub Street – an evening time Must Visit. I read about Pub Street before visiting Siem Reap but was still pleasantly surprised when I arrived. I wasn’t expecting such a bustling area in Siem Reap. The street is closed for traffic at night, giving it a festival atmosphere.
Pub Street is the main street in Siem Reap for Bars and restaurants. Walk down the street and you can chose from almost any cuisine in the world – Burgers/American – Pizza/Italian – Greek – German – Thai – Australian etc. plus a good selection of local Cambodian (Khmer) restaurants.
It is quiet during the day but comes alive after dark and is the go to tourist destination in the town. Drinks are cheap (G&T, cocktails cost $US 1.50, Draft Beer $US 0.50) during happy hour, which in many places seems to last all night. You can find every type of food from fried grasshoppers and tarantulas to rib eye steaks in Pub Street.
Close to Pub Street, just across a little bridge is the night market where you can pick up more souvenirs, clothes and much more. Once again a great atmosphere with live music.
Pub Street is an excellent place…. Rather than just a street of pubs, it is actually a district of pubs, clubs & restaurants around the old market.
Thank you Lyn, I haven’t been to Cambodia so a lovely read this morning.
Thanks June. Cambodia was a delightful surprise. We especially liked Siem Reap.
Sounds Very Interesting. Loved the pictures. Daphne D
Lyn
It looks very beaugiful there. How long are you there?
Yes George it is so very beautiful, loved it. I am now back in Aus but have a million stories to write so I can relive such a wonderful time. Great to hear from you guys Lyn
Oh yes, what a fantastic atmosphere in Pub street – yet we felt quite safe. Thanks for reminding me about Mr Peach..our own personal driver! Would have liked to bring him back to drive me around here!
How good would it be to have a pub street here. And yes, I want a tuk tuk parked outside my house every day so I don’t ever need to drive around here again. Where are you Mr Peach
Loved cambodia when we were there in 2015
Yes Francis, an easy place to love.
thanks Lyn. Looks vibrant. Hiring a tuk-tuk great idea if you have free time. nxx gg
It is the best way to get around and to see lots when in Vietnam and Cambodia. xx
How fascinating! You described your journey very well.
Thanks Linda. It was such a fun time in a very interesting country.
Great photos as post as always Lyn!
I’ve been to Siem Reap twice now and with 10 years between visits, I noticed many changes: https://imageearthtravel.com/2015/07/17/northwestern-cambodia-siem-reap/
Gosh, you sure would have noticed changes especially in the tourist aspect of it. It was my first trip and I really enjoyed it. Most of all, the people. They are so humble, so friendly and so polite.
Lovely reminder of Siem Reap. Thank you!!
My pleasure. I really enjoyed Siem Reap. Thanks for your comment Lyn
So happy to come across this post, I’ve been trying to find out more about what to do in Siem Reap other than Angkor Wat. I can’t wait to go and will definitely being getting a tuk tuk and visit Pub Street. Thank you!
I am also happy that you found my bog. We so enjoyed Siem Reap and the tuk tuks were fab. Easy fun and cheap.