Is There More to Siem Reap Than Angkor?

Siem Reap, Cambodia - a once quaint town in the northwest realms which so happened to feature of the world's most impressive temples glows with a radiant beam of tourist dollars and optimism. So touristy, I've seen more Westerners and massage parlors than native Khmer in town. Luckily, I just so happen to be staying in a guesthouse off an unpaved, canyon-ridden road which does offer that slice of authentic urban Cambodia.

It is of the upmost importance that I mention isn't overran with 7-11s like Bangkok.

Some may call Siem Reap fake, but let's not judge it as such quite yet for one very imporant reason. Nearby Angkor, with its many temples, was once epicenter of one of Southeast Asia's greatest empires. It was Angkor and its temples that showed this might and beauty, and its the shell of Angkor that is now ferociously reviving Cambodia back to life, with Siem Reap designated as its base. Angkor represents the glorious past and optimistic feature with the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, filling in the blanks of darkness and grief.

And it was so, departing Bangkok at 4:30 am via bus to the border, seeing a beautiful Thai sunrise over the hills and fields, and arriving in the searing mid-afternoon heat at the border, before hitching a ride with two French tourists in a share-taxi to Siem Reap. I've stayed for a few days, and after my second visit to Angkor Wat at sunrise tomorrow, it'll be time to say goodbye, and to dive deep into Cambodia's tragic past in Phnom Penh.

So what's there to do besides leave Siem Reap for Angkor? Party wooooooooo! My choice sobriety prevents me to do a lot of that, but hey, when you're hanging out with two French dudes who'll drink your share with their's,massage sessions turning into massive pillow fights and local women all over you for vain reasons, it's all good. They have a street specifically for partying needs designated Pub Street. Pub Street...in Cambodia...not the "Holiday in Cambodia" the Dead Kennedys sang about nearly 30 years ago.

Okay, the alcohol can be resisted by some, but come on, pillow fights? That's reason enough to visit! Oh yes, and Angkor Wat and all of the other temples as well, which are simply breathtaking. There's so much to say but so little time and consciousness.

Phnom Penh tomorrow!