April 10, 2019

Siem Reap, Cambodia

I took a sleeper bus from Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Siem Reap, Cambodia today. That was an experience. Firstly, I made the mistake of not paying attention to where the bus pickup is, as a result, I hopped on a tuk tuk in duress and paid $5 for it. I believe the fair market value would be 3 or 4 dollars, so the extra is the price that I paid for my lack of preparation.

The tuk tuk driver was good though, he ignored traffic regulations (red lights, staying on the correct side of traffic) to get me there on time . I made the bus. The problem I had with the bus though was that the twin sized sleeper was designed for two people which would be a tight fit. Besides, sleeping in the same bed with a stranger is just weird (I think).

Besides that, I visited Angkor Wat today, I believe it is the largest pre industrial city in the world. It was also the first time I booked a guided tour with me flying solo for pretty much all activities up till this point. It was $12 and I’m glad I did it. I made small talk with amiable fellow travelers which included a tour guide. Trying to DIY it likely would have been more expensive and would feel more overwhelming given the heat and distance needed to travel.

Plus I learned a few things about Cambodia that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. Like Siem Reap meaning “Thai Defeat” and that the reason there are so many temples is because kings of Cambodia’s past used the number of temples they built as power projection. As in the more temples they built, the more great they were perceived to be.

Previously, I’ve been under the assumption that group tours are touristy, but perhaps they hold some merit.

Kingston S. Lim

April 10, 2019

Siem Reap, Cambodia