Cambodia Travel - Epic Bucket List Adventures

The Siem Reap Night Market: A Vibrant Evening in Cambodia

During our trip to Cambodia, one of the highlights of our visit to Siem Reap was exploring the Siem Reap Night Market. Located in the heart of the city, this bustling market is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the vibrant culture, unique crafts, and delicious street food that Cambodia has to offer.

A Nighttime Adventure Begins

As evening fell, we made our way to the Siem Reap Night Market, where the streets were already alive with activity. The market is a lively mix of locals and tourists, with rows of stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to trendy clothing. The atmosphere was electric, with the soft glow of lights reflecting off the colorful wares and the sounds of music and conversation filling the air.

Nibbling Fish exfoliating visitors to the Siem Reap Night Market

Shopping for Unique Treasures at the Night Market

The Siem Reap Night Market is a treasure trove for shoppers. We spent hours wandering through the stalls, each offering something different and unique. From intricately carved wooden statues and traditional Khmer artwork to stylish bags and jewelry, there was something for everyone. The vendors were friendly and eager to share the stories behind their products, adding a personal touch to our shopping experience.

One of the highlights was discovering the beautiful silk scarves and garments, which are a specialty of Cambodia. The vibrant colors and intricate designs were irresistible, and we couldn’t help but purchase a few as gifts for friends and family back home.

Bargaining in Good Spirit

Bargaining is a common practice at the Siem Reap Night Market, and we quickly got into the spirit of it. The negotiations were light-hearted and fun, with plenty of smiles and laughter. It was a great way to engage with the local culture and connect with the vendors. We walked away with some great deals, knowing that the experience was as valuable as the items we bought.

Night Market – Cambodian Street Food

No visit to a night market is complete without indulging in the local street food, and the Siem Reap Night Market did not disappoint. The market was filled with food stalls offering a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Cambodian favorites to international fare. We couldn’t resist trying a few local delicacies, starting with skewers of grilled meat seasoned with aromatic spices.

One of the highlights was sampling nom banh chok, a traditional Cambodian noodle dish. The fresh, fragrant flavors of the herbs and spices were a delight, and it quickly became one of our favorite dishes of the trip. For dessert, we treated ourselves rolled ice cream.

Experiencing the Local Culture at the Night Market

Beyond the shopping and food, the Siem Reap Night Market was a cultural experience. We watched local artisans at work, crafting intricate designs and creating beautiful pieces right before our eyes. There were also performances of traditional Cambodian music and dance, adding to the festive atmosphere and giving us a deeper appreciation for the local culture. The bustling activity included families buzzing by on motorbikes and tuk-tuks carrying tourists like ourselves.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit in Siem Reap

Visiting the Siem Reap Night Market was an unforgettable experience that added a rich layer to our trip to Cambodia. The market’s lively atmosphere, the unique shopping opportunities, and the delicious food all combined to create a memorable evening. Whether you’re looking to buy souvenirs, sample local cuisine, or simply soak in the vibrant culture, the Siem Reap Night Market is a must-visit destination.

Tourists with their feet in the nibbling fish tanks.

If you find yourself in Siem Reap, make sure to set aside an evening to explore this incredible market. It’s an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the heart of Cambodia.

Read more about our adventures in Southeast Asia!

Exploring Southeast Asia: Getting Around With The Grab App

Traveling through Southeast Asia is an adventure filled with vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. During our recent trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, we relied heavily on Grab, the region’s most popular ride-sharing app, to navigate our way through these diverse countries. Here’s a rundown of our experiences using Grab in each location, highlighting its convenience, affordability, and local nuances.

Background

During our previous to trip to Vietnam, we used Uber to get around. When we discovered that Uber is no longer available in the region, I booked with a car service to pick us up at the airport in Vietnam. It was a complete fiasco. First of all, the price was outrageous for what we received. Secondly, our driver was not there to pick us up at our pickup point when we arrived. So we ended up with an unnecessary delay, a very low quality car and a very high price point. After arriving at our hotel, a colleague shared that he uses the Grab App, which I immediately downloaded. It was a good decision.

Thailand: A Seamless Grab App Experience in Bangkok and Beyond

Our journey began in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, where traffic can be overwhelming, and navigating the city can be a challenge. We had side trips to Vietnam and Cambodia during our trip, but Bangkok was our base of operations during the trip. While we didn’t download Grab until we got to Vietnam our second day, it quickly became our go-to mode of transportation. The app was easy to use, and we appreciated the upfront pricing, which helped us avoid the haggling that can sometimes come with traditional taxis.

Wat Pathum Khongkha in Bangkok, Thailand

Pros:

Availability: Whether we were heading to a temple, a night market, or the airport, a Grab ride was always just minutes away. The drivers were friendly and often shared tips about the best local spots.
Pricing: We found Grab rides to be reasonably priced, especially when splitting the fare among a group. Compared to tuk-tuks or traditional taxis, Grab offered a more predictable and often cheaper option.
Variety of Options: In Bangkok, we had the option to choose from GrabCar, GrabBike, or even GrabTaxi, depending on our needs. GrabBike was particularly useful for zipping through the city’s notorious traffic.

Challenges:

Language Barrier: While most drivers were familiar with basic English, we occasionally encountered a language barrier.

Vietnam: A Reliable Grab App Companion in Ho Chi Minh City

Our first side trip from Bangkok was Vietnam. We downloaded the app after a bad experience with the shuttle service pre-arranged to take us from the airport. We used Grab extensively in Ho Chi Minh City. It was very inexpensive to get from our hotel to nearby restaurants or the market. All of our trips combined were less expensive than the one bad experience with the airport car service.

Church in Ho Chi Minh City near Banh Xeo 46A.

Pros:

Wide Availability: Grab rides were easy to find. The app’s popularity in Vietnam meant that we rarely had to wait more than a few minutes for a ride.
GrabBike: Similar to Thailand, GrabBike was a fantastic option. While we availed ourselves of this option in Bangkok, we did not in Vietnam.
Food Delivery: We did not use the food delivery option, either. But the app was very easy to use. Ordering food appeared to be very intuitive.

Challenges:

Traffic: While Grab offered a reliable way to get around, Vietnam’s traffic can be intense, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. This sometimes meant longer ride times.
Driver Communication: As in other countries, communication with drivers was sometimes a challenge.
Quality of Cars: The standard for cars in Vietnam was very low. They didn’t appear to be unsafe, but they were not up to typical ride-share standards. This may be part of the reason Uber pulled out of the region. I recall our Uber rides from our previous trip to Vietnam were in similar vehicles.

Cambodia: Grab App Convenience in Siem Reap

Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap (taken from my own tuk tuk).

Our final side trip took us to Cambodia. Our experience was limited to Siem Reap and the airport. Cambodia’s ride-sharing scene is less developed than Thailand’s, but Grab still provided a convenient way to get around. We took plenty of tuk-tuk rides in Siem Reap.

Pros:

Ease of Use: In Siem Reap, we used Grab to explore the city’s outskirts and make our way to local restaurants. It was a reliable alternative to haggling with tuk-tuk drivers, especially in more touristy areas.
Cashless Payment: We appreciated the option to pay through the app, which was particularly useful in a country where carrying cash can sometimes be a hassle.
Inexpensive: The pricing in Cambodia, like Vietnam, was very reasonable. Particularly for the tuk-tuks.

Challenges:

Limited Availability: While Grab was available, it wasn’t as widespread as in Thailand. During peak times or in less touristy areas, we found that wait times could be longer.
Communication: Most of our rides in Siem Reap were silent due to the language barrier.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Southeast Asia with Grab

Overall, Grab was an essential tool during our travels through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It offered a convenient, affordable, and often culturally immersive way to get around. Each country had its own unique Grab experience, but the app’s consistency and reliability made our journey smoother and more enjoyable.

For anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia, I highly recommend downloading Grab before you go. Whether you’re catching a ride to Angkor Wat at sunrise, zipping through Bangkok’s traffic on a motorbike, or having pho delivered to your doorstep in Hanoi, Grab is your ticket to a hassle-free adventure in this incredible region.

Read more about our adventures in Southeast Asia!

Sunrise Splendor: Angkor’s Ancient Temples in a Half-Day

Our half-day sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple was a breathtaking journey into the heart of Cambodia’s ancient history. The adventure began before dawn, as we made our way through the quiet, dark streets of Siem Reap, guided by the anticipation of witnessing the sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat. Our first stop was the ticket office to purchase our admission tickets to the ruins.

Exploring Angkor Wat

As we arrived at Angkor Wat, the air was cool, and the sky was just beginning to lighten. The silhouette of the temple against the gradually brightening sky was a sight to behold. We found a spot by the reflecting pool, and as the first rays of sunlight broke through, the temple’s majestic towers were bathed in a golden hue, mirrored perfectly in the still water. It was a serene moment, filled with the awe of standing before one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Structure inside the Angkor Wat complex.

After the sunrise, our guide led us through the intricate corridors and towering structures of Angkor Wat, sharing stories of its history, architecture, and spiritual significance. The detailed carvings, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and Khmer history, were fascinating to explore up close.

The Many Faces of Angkor Thom

After stopping for breakfast, we ventured to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Entering through the grand South Gate, we were greeted by the massive stone faces that guard the entrance, a prelude to the incredible Bayon Temple within. Bayon, with its 54 towers adorned with 216 smiling faces, was an enigmatic marvel. Each face seemed to carry a different expression, watching over the once-great city with serene grace.

Tomb Raider Vibes at Ta Prohm

Our tour continued to Ta Prohm, famously known as the “Tomb Raider Temple” due to its appearance in the film. Unlike the other temples, Ta Prohm has been left largely as it was found, with massive trees growing out of the ruins, their roots intertwining with the ancient stone. The juxtaposition of nature and architecture was hauntingly beautiful, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Bayon Temple

As the morning drew to a close, we returned to Bayon Temple, where we spent our final moments marveling at the unique blend of spirituality and artistry. The intricate bas-reliefs, depicting everyday life in the Khmer Empire, added depth to our understanding of the culture that once thrived here.

Aside from the amazing architecture of these ancient temple complexes, we were also amused by the abundance of monkeys at the ruins. They were ubiquitous. At one point, I stopped to sit on the large stones outside the Bayon Temple. My wife started pointing to alert me. I turned to find a monkey directly behind me. The monkey was harmless, but I was careful not to make contact.

Final Thoughts on Angkor’s Ancient Temples

This half-day tour was an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and mystery of Cambodia’s ancient past. The combination of history, architecture, and the natural beauty of the sunrise made it a truly magical journey. For anyone visiting Siem Reap, this tour is a must, providing a deep connection to the ancient world that still resonates today.

Read more about our adventures in Southeast Asia!

Siem Reap: Inside The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor

Our stay at The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor in Siem Reap was a mixed experience. It was a combination of luxury, rich cultural heritage and poor customer service. We arrived early, so our room was not ready. We went out to explore downtown Siem Reap while we waited. The staff appeared a bit indifferent to us, and this attitude continued the following morning.

King room at The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor

Located just a short drive from the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor provided a convenient base for our exploration. The check-in process was smooth once our room was ready. Our room was a haven of comfort, spacious and beautifully decorated with a mix of traditional Khmer elements and modern luxury.

Because we had a pre-dawn tour of Siem Reap planned, we were going to miss breakfast. The hotel staff said they would have a packed lunch waiting for us in the morning. They did not. When we arrived early in the morning, there was no staff around. When staff did arrive, and we inquired about breakfast, we were told that we didn’t request it. Although we did. There was no attempt at accommodating this request even with that in mind.

They also did not offer a late check out, meaning we had to leave our bags alongside the desk during our tour. Normally, bags would be locked in a room where only staff had access. Not only was this not the case, but when we were ready to depart in the morning, there were several bags sitting out, but no staff in sight. At least they tagged our bags, but it was a bit unsettling that they did not store them in a secure area.

Entrance to The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor

The hotel was a bit off the beaten path, but my wife and I walked into downtown to explore when we were waiting for our room. The walk wasn’t horrible, although maybe a bit warm. We took at tuk-tuk back to the hotel to check-in. We also booked rides (both car and tuk-tuk) using the Grab app, which was convenient. The hotel itself was beautiful, but we didn’t enjoy any of the amenities due to the short duration of our trip.

Pool area at The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor

Overall, our stay at The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor was mediocre. It felt luxurious, but the service left a lot to be desired. We paid just under one hundred dollars for one night, which is at the higher end for this area. The three highest rated hotels on TripAdvisor currently have lower rates than we paid, as a comparison. For our price point, I definitely expected more. In the end, this visit was very disappointing. I would definitely consider an alternative should I ever return to Siem Reap.

Read more about our adventures in Southeast Asia!