So, I just got back from this whirlwind trip to Siem Reap, and wow, let me tell you, the best things to do in Siem Reap aren't all what you'd expect. It was a mix of planned adventures and delightful surprises, with a fair share of wrong turns and unexpected moments. I mean, that's travel, right?
This spot? Total surprise.
I had read about Angkor Wat, of course—who hasn't? I thought I was prepped for it—a little online research, a few YouTube videos, even a vague sense of what to expect. Honestly, though, nothing could prepare me for seeing it in person. I decided to wake up early one morning (and by early, I mean 4 AM early). I thought, “Sunrise over Angkor Wat? Classic move!” But there I was, bleary-eyed and half-lost in the dark, trying to navigate through a maze of other early birds and local vendors.
The moment the sun popped up, casting that perfect golden light on the temple, I felt all those doubts fade away. It was like a giant “wow” moment, filled with colors I didn't even know existed. And then, just when I thought I'd seen it all, I wandered a little further and stumbled upon this small, unmarked spot—totally off the beaten path.
It was a less famous temple, one not listed in the guides, just a crumbling structure hugged by trees. I found a little bench, sat down, and let the tranquility wash over me. No crowds, just me and the whisper of the wind through the leaves. Sometimes the best things aren't the popular tourist traps, I thought. Sometimes they're the quiet, out-of-the-way gems that stop you in your tracks.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
So, after that morning, I felt pretty good, right? I mean, who wouldn't? But later in the day, I decided to relax and check out some local cafes, thinking I'd treat myself to a nice Khmer iced coffee. Just a little pick-me-up before tackling the rest of my day. I headed toward Pub Street, thinking, “This will be easy.” Yeah, spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Somehow, I walked in circles for what felt like forever. At one point, I was convinced I was stuck in some weird local episode of “Lost in Translation.” I mean, there are a ton of cafes on Pub Street, but navigating the back alleys was like playing a game of Pac-Man. I nearly gave up.
Then, I ducked into this place called Sister Srey Cafe, and I swear, it turned everything around. The decor was like something out of a Pinterest board—colorful murals everywhere, and the air smelled like freshly ground coffee. I ordered the iced coffee, but I also got a raspberry cheesecake because, why not? It felt spontaneous, which is rare for me.
As I sat there, sipping my drink, I met these two local artists who were explaining their work and the stories behind their pieces. That changed my whole mood. Their passions for their art and lives infused the air, and I realized I was in a little bubble of creativity. It was a fantastic reminder that sometimes the unplanned moments are the ones that leave a lasting impression.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Speaking of unplanned moments, there's definitely something to be said about getting lost. I opted to visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake on a bit of a whim. I thought, “How hard can it be to find my way?” And you can probably guess how this went.
Let me tell you, I should have checked the directions twice. I ended up on a completely wrong boat, and instead of heading to the floating village, I found myself in this group of local fishermen who could not have been more confused about why I was there. At first, I panicked. “What am I doing here? How did this happen?”
But then, I relaxed. I watched these fishermen haul in their catch—bamboo fish traps and little nets. They were laughing amongst themselves, and I just soaked in the atmosphere. I heard kids yelling and splashing in the water. I don't think I've ever felt so outside of my comfort zone, but in the best way. Being “lost” introduced me to a slice of life that I hadn't even planned on seeing. Eventually, I figured out how to get to the right place, but hey, chalk one up for serendipity, right?
A meal that will linger long after I'm gone
After all those little detours, I felt a bit peckish again. Cambodia is known for its food, but I hadn't really hit the culinary jackpot yet. Then, on my last day, I decided to try a cooking class after overhearing someone at another cafe rave about it. I mean, I can boil water, so how hard could it be to make a traditional Khmer dish?
I showed up at this place called Cambodian Cooking Class, where they welcomed me with a smile and a plate of fresh ingredients. I was like a kid in a candy store, fascinated and excited. We made amok trey, which is this beautiful fish curry steamed in banana leaves. Honestly, I didn't think it was going to be that great—just another dish, right?
But when it was done? Oh man. The flavors exploded in my mouth. Fresh, vibrant, just bursting with life. I didn't even want to share; I was greedily shoveling it down, thinking, “Wow, I'm never going to do this justice when I try to make it back home.” If I ever so much as hear someone say “fish curry,” I'll be transported back to that little kitchen in Siem Reap, surrounded by laughter, stories, and the spice of new friendships.
As I sit here, sipping my coffee and reminiscing about this journey, I still can't believe how much I packed into those few days. From climbing over ancient stones to sharing meals with strangers who felt like friends, the days blurred together in a beautiful mess of memories. I guess that's the charm of travel—the unexpected, the delightful, the moments that sneak up on you and shake your heart a little.
So, if you're ever looking for the best things to do in Siem Reap, don't just check off the tourist spots. Just let yourself wander a bit. You never know what unexpected turns will lead you to something unforgettable.
