Cambodia had never been on my must-visit list. Well, I’d heard a lot of the majestic ruins in Siem Reap, but ancient temples and historical sites were never really my cup of tea. So, I never had the urge to go.
I had this upcoming long weekend that I wanted to use to travel somewhere nearby I had never been. That’s when I finally thought: Maybe it’s time to check out the Siem Reap.
The most efficient flight from Jakarta is to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. A direct flight to Siem Reap cost more than 2x. So being frugal as usual, I flew to Phnom Penh first then bus to Siem Reap then return to Phnom Penh again for the flight back. Will need extra time indeed, but hey this time I can afford that.
Phnom Penh
I didn’t have high expectations for Phnom Penh, but still excited to go and explore the city. The city’s most well-known sites are actually centered around its painful past under the Khmer Rouge regime, particularly Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. I did not feel for such a depressing experience this time, so I decided to skip it.
Instead, I spent my time sightseeing the city’s monuments and temples, and immersing the local life by the riverside each afternoon and hunting the local food. It was a more laid-back and light-hearted way to experience the city.
Speaking of the food — and I say this with all due respect to Cambodia and its cuisine. As someone with a proudly picky Asian palate, I came with a very high hopes. I mean, Cambodia is literally nestled between Thailand and Vietnam— countries known for its strong flavors. So it’s fair to have such a high expectation, right? Though a couple of friends had already warned me not to get too excited, but I did not want to believe them, had to try it myself.
I had tasted five local dishes, all recommended by Google reviews and hyped up on TikTok. Sadly, none of them truly sit well with my tounge. Maybe I just picked the wrong places, or maybe Cambodian food is just not made for my particular taste buds. Either way, here’s my honest review:
- Fish Amok — This was probably the best of the bunch. It’s a creamy, steamed fish curry served in a banana leaf. The texture was pleasant, and the presentation lovely. But flavor-wise? It felt a bit…too soft for Asian curry. If Indian curry is too intense for you, you might enjoy this lighter version. For me? A polite 6/10.
- Lort Cha — A stir-fried rice noodle dish that reminded me of Malaysia’s Char Kway Teow, but with much moderate seasoning. It wasn’t bad, just a … forgettable. 5/10. (Sorry!!!)
- Beef Lok Lak — Ugh I had a struggle to finish this. The meat felt unseasoned, almost like it skipped the marination process entirely, like somebody was just too lazy to cook then he just thrown the meat and the sauce together in a rush, stir-stir-stir! Tadaa! Bon Appetite! Well this was a 4/10 for me.
- Khmer Noodle Soup — I gave it one last shot at a highly recommended local spot. Again, sadly the noodle was so so and broth just too bland. Seriously, What happened here?! Another 5/10.
To be fair, food is subjective. What doesn’t work for me might work for somebody else, so you gotta try it yourself.
Unfortunately, during the trip didn’t interact much with the locals — but from my overall observations, Cambodians looks more reserved than their Thai or Vietnamese neighbors, but still kind and warm in their own way.
Siem Reap
I took a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, it’s a straight forward 5,5 hours journey with 1×20 minutes break halfway through. Transportation options from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is surprisingly pretty convenience, there’s always a bus / mini van runs in every 30 minutes whole day, you could even opt for overnight ride.
Another surprising thing from Siem Reap was how affordable hotels are. I’m not sure if it’s because I came during the low season, but I managed to book a modern, super clean room with breakfast and a rooftop pool — all for just USD 50. Wowsy.
We arrived around 3PM, and right after getting dropped off at the bus office, we grabbed a tuk-tuk via Grab (yes, Grab works here!) to head to the hotel. After a quick rest, we went out for dinner and took a casual stroll around the city center.
Just like other tourist-heavy cities in Southeast Asia — the nightlife are packed with go-go bars. I remember being fascinated by the whole chaotic go-go girls vibes during my first visit to Thailand years ago. But now, it just feels… tacky to me.
The Angkor Wat
Before I came to Siem Reap, I honestly thought Angkor Wat was Siem Reap — like the one massive temple in the middle of nowhere. But wow, I was wrong. The Angkor complex is huge, and Angkor Wat is just one of the many temples scattered around the area.
Yes, it’s the most famous and definitely the biggest, but in my humble opinion… not the prettiest. Some of the other temples are much more mystical with some raw vibes.
Here’s my personal ranking of the temples I visited:
Angkor Wat – Impressive, grandeur, and iconic. A must-visit, of course, but maybe a bit too polished and crowded to feel magical. Best place to take a picture? By the pond in the way in.
Ta Prohm – Also known as the Tomb Raider temple. Wild roots growing over crumbling stones. It felt like nature was taking it back. Hauntingly beautiful.
Bayon – My favorite! Also known as temple of thousand faces. The greatest art piece a temple can offer. It felt like you’re being watched from every direction, so mystical it got me a little goosebump just to look at it. Yet just so ubercool!
Banteay Kdei – Smaller, quieter, and far less crowded. A peaceful spot to breathe and wander.
Ta Keo – Massive stone pyramid with steep steps and no carvings. A bit plain but physically challenging. Great if you like a good climb.
Prasat Preah Khan – Full of corridors and crumbled mystery. Underrated, but so worth the walk.
I was ambitious enough to visit all of them in one day – or I should say half day? since I started around 10 ish in the morning and finished around 5. Super glad I could survive the sun grill! Seriously the heat was no joke. The entrance fee was quite pricey but for that so much temple, I would say it was worth it! Anyway here are the basic survival kit when visiting Angkor Wat :
- Comfortable clothes and shoes! I am sure you know what to wear when running around in tropical countries right? Ah, but make sure it’s still temple friendly (not too much skin reveal)
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses is a must. If you’re Asian, portable fan will help!
- Lastly, a liter of water and thanks me later!
