Siem Reap, Camboida

Home to the world renown "Angkor Wat", Siem Reap is a haven for tourists of all types. You'll meet a barrage of backpackers and higher-end tourists all around town, with varying services and hotels to match.

First Impressions

I never imagined Siem Reap to be so developed! Rolling into town, the last thing I expected to see was the Grand Hotel d'Angkor... but, I guess it caters to the Brangelina-types with too much money in their pockets.

With one/three/week day passes to Angkor Wat running at a cool 20/40/80 US dollars, respectively, I wouldn't be surprised if the entire Cambodian economy was weighted on these tourist dollars. Despite the steady flow of cash from the tourism industry, there is still quite a bit of disparity between the rich and the poor. The government provides no social net for those in poverty, so its quite common to see beggars of all ages - mostly children. Hopefully the government's gears are in motion to get that changed.

Angkor Wat

This entire area is under a mass reconstruction funded by governments from all over the world. It seems as though every big nation has their hand in restoring one of the many crumbling temples in the region. It waters down the experience a bit, but it still doesn't make it any less spectacular than it really is.

This is one of those "must-see places before you pass onto the afterlife"... words can't describe the work that went into these structures which were erected in the 13th century. For those non-backpacker types, its easy to come to Siem Reap and enjoy the wonders of Angkor Wat in the comfort of a fancy hotel and western accommodations.

To me, there are a few too many tourists here for my liking... its like going out to enjoy the western rockies in peace and quiet and ending up in Banff. Beautiful, but... intense.

Anyhow, I should go soak up some sun. Check this place out! I will post pictures another day...