Winter 2013: Part 1- Siem Reap Cambodia

So this winter 2013, I decided to really "go in" on my 40 by Forty and hit south east asia. I was going to see everything, spoil myself with a massage every day, eat and drink, and immerse myself all while enjoying a 3 week hiatus from work in Baku. 

Pub Street

First stop was Siem Reap, Cambodia. For those of you who have been, you hopefully know how I was feeling when I say it was a very clean KoSahn Rd (Bangkok). Siem Reap was one of those places that I could go back to in a heartbeat. After I had originally decided to embark on this journey across 4 different countries in 3 weeks I was told I needed to come to SR. I am so glad I did!

The grounds at Angkor Wat

After meeting up with one of my besties from Abu Dhabi (Kara) at our hotel [more on that later], we decided to hit the town and explore before our sunrise expedition to Angkor Wat very early the next morning. 

the souvenir @ AW

Angkor Wat

WOW! That place is amazing. Even with all the tourists and the commercialism on the actual grounds, it was a rather spiritual experience. We watched the sunrise and then made our way to explore only one of the infinite temples. Having wandered a bit and being separated, we caught up with each other and headed back after each getting a "souvenir" from a monk at the temple. Whether or not it was "authentic," we will never know but it was an experience that we both shared…along with 100's of others in Siem Reap (just look at their wrist). 

The outside of the FCC

The next days were spent exploring little cafes, bars, shops, and spas. When I tell you it was cheap, it was CHEAP. A 60 minute massage was the cost of a meal at Cosi or any other "high-end" fast food place. 

Needless to say, we spoiled ourselves. The eating establishments in this city were also on point and one of our favorite places was the FCC (thanks Claudine for the recommendation) or the Foreign Correspondents Club. It was a beautiful space with a lot of green and a serenity away from the noise and traffic. The spa here was also beautiful and of the highest quality. After a great spa experience we booked dinner for the next night and much to our surprise, it was the best meal we ate that week. 

The Visaya Spa @ the FCC

inside the Visaya Spa


 

The rest of the days and nights were spent at the pool at our hotel (The Royal Crown Hotel and Spa), enjoying Pub Street, eating in other "to do" establishments and enjoying the surroundings to the best we could.
Siem Reap was a great way to start my journey and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking Cambodia.