I really appreciate how Amelia's expressions show empathy for others anytime the genocide is mentioned. Her facial expressions, tone, and the seriousness of the situation are all reflected in her demeanor. It reveals that she has empathy for others and sincere respect for the seriousness of the topic, and the gravity of the horrors the Cambodian people experienced under that monster who had them in his grip. Excellent content. Safe travels!
I first went to Cambodia in 1999… I fell in love with the Khmer people. Angkor Wat is incredible. I have been back 35 times since then and now we build fresh water wells for the villagers in the countryside. It’s a magical place truly is “The Kingdom of Wonder” It definitely gets into your soul… makes you want to come back again and again. So glad you guys loved it like I do!
It sounds like you've experienced the magic! We can’t believe how much we liked Cambodia. Did not see that coming. Although we were in Phnom Penh for the start of burn season and it was brutal. We do not want to be anywhere in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam between January and April going forward.
I was in Siem Reap over Christmas too, and it completely stole my heart. Like you, I didn’t expect to fall in love with Siem Reap as much as I did, but the amazing people, the stunning scenery, and the unbeatable prices were just incredible. Now I’m also so curious to explore more of the country-there’s just something so special about Cambodia that makes me want to go back and see even more.
I lived near a Cambodian-owned frozen yogurt shop back in the 90’s and the whole family were so friendly and always smiling and interested in our family news. I learned it was from their culture. I’ll never forget them.
I lived in Siem Reap from November 2019 till March 2020. It was a nice change from Thailand and offered a lot if you're ok with less amenities than Thailand. I really liked the little cafes that were abundant, as well as some very nice restaurants. I joined a gym which allowed me to stay in shape, and rode my bicycle everywhere. Very affordable, and a very simple existence which I really liked. It can get quite hot though, and the dust at the ground level can be nasty.
Visiting Angkor Wat a few years ago was one of the highlights of my travels. Not just the main temples, but if you drive around (or are driven) the vastness of the structures built all around the area is awe inspiring. I didn't especially like Pub Street which had a bunch of wide open front bars and restaurants who had their sound systems cranked to the maximum in the who can play the loudest music competition. One of the more interesting things I saw on the streets was people riding these low powered motor scooters, with 3 or 4 kids hanging on wherever they could, and also carrying large loads of various supplies and products. There were many more scooters than cars. I also took a boat ride to a floating marketplace.
Ankgor Wat was on my bucket list for over 40 years. March 24’ I was fortunate enough to visit with my wife, and it did not fail to amaze us. If you find a nice, quiet place to clear your mind, you can feel the energy vibrating through you.
Just got here today! Too tired to explore tonight but i can't wait to get out and see what there is to see bright and early in the morning! Up first - flying foxes!!! Great video!
We were in Angkor Wat in Feb of ‘20, right before Covid and it was also a low tourist time. The entire trip-Vietnam & Cambodia was amazing! While sad, I think it’s important that tourists visit places like the Pol Pot Museum, Auschwitz, or the Civil Rights Museum. Remembering those that suffered and honoring their memories is an important step to insure those histories aren’t repeated. Thanks as always for your video-beautiful!
For those going to Siem Reap, I recommend going to nearby Kulen waterfalls if you have the time. It's ~1 hour drive away. There's a big waterfalls (can swim) & lingas on the river. There's also a temple, so dress appropriately. If one has time, get the 3-day Angkor Wat ticket (there's a 1-day ticket too). Siem Reap is a great place. Tourist town, lots of tourists & expats. I liked it more than Phnom Penh & felt safer too (but tastes vary, so try both). From SR, there's a night bus to Kampot if one wants the beach. Phnom Penh is 2-3 hrs away from Kampot.
Boy what an improvement. I was there in May 1994. Only way to get there back then was by riverboat. My travel buddy and I were the only two people at Anchor Watt. We could have rented King Sihanouk's vacation villa for $10USD but it was too musty and no place nearby to eat. Instead we stayed at a hotel that had a restaurant. They only had one choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The outside wall was covered with bullet holes from a recent firefight with the Khmer Rouge. UNTEC soldiers were patrolling the streets.
I lived in Cambodia for nine years. My daughter was born there. I prefer Phnom Penh over Siem Reap because Siem Reap was so much more touristy being much smaller and next to Angkor Wat. There's a good chance I will move back to Cambodia in about two years after my daughter finishes high school. Siem Reap, btw, means Siam (Thailand) defeated. Great video!
Fascinating to know, thanks. “Wat,” of course, means “temple” in Thai as well. I’d be curious as to why the languages share that word, since they’re otherwise so different.
I tell you the FACTS. The whole land of Cambodia today.. It had been under Siamese power for almost 500 years. Seip Rep..its old name was Siep ( Siamese) Raj ( a city of Siamese). 2. Fact no2. Cambidian never and ever won Siamese in wars. 3. The king who built Angkot Wat ( Wat is Siamese ( Thai) word) has his ancestors fron Siam ( Thailand) - ( Pi Mai City). 4. Siamese / Thai people today were / are Mixed Blood race. No one is pure Tai/Thai. This land ( Thailand) has been a melting pot of different races since 4-5000 years ago. Khmer Blood who lived in Thailand 1000-5000 years had been mixed with Tai , Chinese , indians , middle east and Europeans. I am Thai who have all those DNA ( in one body)
@ I found that the trick of living in Phnom Penh was to live in an area where you didn't have to be in the traffic. I lived just down the street from the Royal Palace and next to Wat Sarawan. From there, there were dozens of cafes and markets that I could easily walk to. I took a tuk tuk maybe once a month. Other than that, I walked or rode my bicycle. The good thing about the traffic was that, while it was crazy, for most part, no one did over 15 mph. The motos were mostly 125 cc and those in cars were afraid of getting their cars scratched.
My wife and I were also in Siem Reap at the exact same time as you. Great time to be there and we loved it. I couldn’t get over how great the food and lodging prices were. I was so excited I found $1.00 smoothies near our hotel. They were huge, delicious and only a buck! I’m still telling my friends about that more than the temples which were also cool to see.
We went in 2006. My memory is getting fuzzy, but I recall less neon in the town area. It all seemed sleepier. Our driver took us to a shopping mall, and no one else was there. When we walked in, they turned the lights on, and employees came out from under counters and stood up ready to show us stuff. LOL. I guess they were hanging out, chatting, napping under the counters? We had a wonderful lunch on a terrace of the Foreign Correspondents Club.
Angkor Wat was just amazing! Like you said, pictures and videos don't do it justice. Mr. T sounds like a fantastic guide. He took some great photos of you two. My sister and I went to see the sunrise which was amazing. Man, there were a lot of tourists there for that. I think they offered hot air ballon rides over Angkor Wat as well. Wish we would have done that. We stayed at a hotel called Baby Elephant. It was owned by a mother and daughter from Australia. The food there was so good that we stopped eating out and would go back to the hotel for the food. They have a nice pool as well. The Cambodian staff were so sweet and loved to practice English with us. It felt hotter than Bangkok (in January) but I think Bangkok has some breezes throughout the day. It is a nice little city, and it is cheaper than Thailand. I liked it a lot.
Going to SE Asia this coming Oct/Nov/Dec (2025). Cambodia was already on my list, but Siem Reap just earned a few more days on the itinerary. Great video as always!
I am glad you guys enjoyed your stay in Siem Reap. I liked Cambodia a lot and also enjoyed the cities of Phnom Pehn, Sihanoukville, Kampot and the island of Koh Rong!
Agreed, have lived in all ot these cities. Phnom Penh has an energy of peasefulness and itegrity. No body had ever tried to cheat me me in the 11 years I haved in Cambodia. Thailand is the exac oppoct for me. Many scam artis. I know, it took me 7 years to renovate a home in the central district. Scam artist, after scam artist trying to take my money wiout haveing the siklls to do the jog. That never hahppen in Cambodia.
We went during the unfortunate April time frame. Angkor Wat and the adjacent temples were magnificent. The heat and humidity were brutal. We arranged for the taxi driver we took from the airport to our hotel to serve as our guide the next two days. He was great and kept the AC going so when we finished touring a temple, we could flee to the comfort of his cab for some relief before repeating the process at the next destination. I absolutely want to return during Dec/Jan. Thanks doing the destination justice.
November and December are the best months. January is the start of burn season and you may not be able to breathe. It was so bad the first week of January in Phnom Penh that we barely left our condo.
@paul - I went in May and it was very hot & humid as well. I too want to return & visit there in Dec/ Jan. I'll get the 3-day ticket next time. I got the 1-day ticket last time and it was exhausting to see 7 temples in 1 day (felt rushed too). I recommend going to the Kulen temple & waterfalls (can swim) if one has time. It's ~1 hr drive away (by car).
Paul, very clever about the AC taxi, and hire as guide. For a few more $ (guaranteed not very much), Dear foreign Friends, you get the best seat and the best relaxing time. Please don't rush if you want to discover Angkor Wat, it's just too much to see. We all love to see YOU around. Thank you.
Really loved this one. I didn't think about the Tomb Raider movie, but rather one of my favorites: In the Mood for Love. Chow Mo-wan (the male protagonist) travels to Cambodia and visits Angkor Wat where he whispers a secret into a hollow in the wall and seals it with mud. This scene symbolizes the sealing of his unspoken love and as the impermanence of moments and the fleeting nature of love. I was recently in Thailand and it was just too much to jump over to Cambodia, but for my next visit I'm going to make it all happen. Especially drawn after you guys showed us the great time to be had at the city there. Looks like it's good for kids. Thank you so much!
Funny thing is I'm a night owl here in Florida. By my calculations if I moved to Cambodia or maybe the Philippines I'd actually sleep during their night time. Been looking at Siem Reap for awhile. Having low costs and a huge selection of restaurants serving many cuisines is really tempting. Have seen nice apartments for less than $300 there. And Cambodia makes it extremely easy to just show up and stay. Was just checking and there are $50 direct flights from Kuala Lumpur which would make it easy to access better healthcare. Didn't check Bangkok but I've read Thailand has fantastic healthcare. And the Internet being good makes it extremely attractive. Not a fan of heat but I grew up in Florida and have lived on the Texas border and in the Mojave Valley of Arizona. So not a deal breaker considering everything else. Thanks for this video!
Was only on the ground there for 2 days back in 2018 but really enjoyed it. Pleasantly surprised to find a French coffee/pastry shop next door to my tiny hotel. Guessing a carry over from the colonial days. Went to the museum (360 degree painting was a standout), caught a cultural play about Ancient Angkor, and did some shopping at that huge night market. Ended buying a couple of amazing painting on canvas so rolled them up. Paid a tuk tuk driver to take me around all day for $30 to the temples.
@AmeliaAndJP It really was and at the top of my list for many years. Hoping to retire in SEA so I can hop around leisurely/affordably seeing that part of the world as I did while working in Germany for several years.
I found the temples OK (ruins of the past don't do much for me), but was blown over by the floating villages (find how people live more interesting). Surprised that you did not mention them. Good to see how Siem Reap has become so much cleaner and cosmopolitan. Can't wait to go back.
My favorite temple is stunning-- Banteay Srei or The Womens Temple-- it's so freaking beautiful. Early morning boat ride on Tonlé Sap Lake is also a must.
We have a mind meld going. I'm in Siem Reap right now and headed to Phnom Penh soon. I have been right behind you since Albania. Promise I am not stalking you.
Your timing is brilliant! I’m retiring in 2 months and Angkor Wat is my top destination for slow travel. Booking my airline tickets for January 2026 now. I hope to see you in person sometime, and thanks for the content! Safe travels
I have been twice to Siem Riep and enjoy the city very much. Areas of French architecture are lovely. And the asian food with French influence..ooh la la!!! Oh no, now the secret is out!
I have been to Siem Reap. Cambodia is one of my favorite countries, out of all of the countries I have visited. I felt the same way about the people. Their entire religion is based upon the Buddhist belief of what you put into the universe comes back to you three-fold.
Great video as always guys! Siem Reap is high on my list of places for escape from America. The burning season, though, could be a potential showstopper for full time living. AQI is ~185 today. I guess you guys were there before this year's smoke began?
An AQI of 175 is actually a pretty good number in SE Asia 😢. Here in chiang mai.. 500 is when it gets really bad. Ten years ago the AQI was in the seven hundreds. It's gloomy and claustrophobic in smokey season
It looks beautiful there and the bats were amazing looking! The carvings look wonderful, the sunset was stunning, and the temple grounds looked so much larger than I would have expected!
That s my first video in your channel. You re super. I want to go in cambodgia because of you and i hope when I ll be older I ll looks like you. Thank you very much for all the good vibes you re giving.
Haven't lived there but visited twice. I remember seeing pictures when I was young and always wanted to go but no travel was allowed. We went as soon as it opened in the 1990s. Your video of the town is fascinating. None of that was there when we went. The temples look the same, thankfully. Blew my mind too. You could spend more than 3 days there next time and there are temples not far away that are interesting too. Love your channel.
Definitely one of the second tier of cities on my list to visit with the thought of retiring there. But...That heat and humidity! If I really want that, I could move to a 50-100K pop town in SE Texas or Louisiana or Mississippi, etc. That's the main reason it's Tier2 for me.
I have lived in thailand for 7 years and Cambodia for 11 year. I dont even sweat because of the heat, and I mt. bike regularly. I have never considered Cambodia humid country. For me the weather is just perfect. I would bet the minute you land you turn on you acc ing spend hundereds of dollars on electricity. You foreigners come from cold countries. What do you think wold happen. Do you just want to turn on AC and magic climate adaptationn happens?
carvings are amazing! It’s refreshing to see everyone smiling, driving well, going to the places that aren’t on the tour path. Time travel & there is newer evidence that the dinosaurs etc., were here much longer, came before what the older texts say. The monkeys are like our cats. Have fun guys.
I want to go to Cambodia but my Thai wife has no desire to go. I understand that Thailand & Cambodia do have history that wasn't always neighbourly but she is adamant about NOT going. Thanks for a tour I'll never see in person.
@@truckn Thai only their own version of the history. When they are study at the university level, that’s when they realised their version of history is different from the rest of the world. In other words, Thai only exists as a nation around 1500’s. Before that This or Siam was just a small tribe that migrated to SE Asia during the Mongol raid.
Thais from Yunnan, China, migrated to the Khmer Empire, assimilated into Cambodian culture, infused with Cambodians, and lived among Cambodians for centuries/ In essence, they were Cambodian (citizenship-wise), speaking and writing Khmer. When the empire weakened, they broke away, forming Thailand in 1432. Thus, Thai culture closely mirrors Cambodian culture. If they aren't Cambodian, their ancestors were. If it weren't for Cambodia, there would never, ever be Thailand.
@erbxvdfb "In the first seven months of 2024, Thailand contributed 1,147,534 visitors to Cambodia, making Thailand the top source of international visitors for that period." Grok 2
The one thing that surpasses the beauty of Angkor Watt are the people of Cambodia. Cambodia and Viet Nam are my two favorite places in SE Asia. Next stop for you two are the islands right off the coast of Cambodia. The smaller the better.
I lived in Siem Reap for quite a few months recently. I, too, find it a fascinating place and attractive in many ways, not the least of which is the charming character of the people. However, in the interest of full disclosure for those considering a visit: Firstly, it is the custom to play out all ceremonies (funerals, marriages, graduations, etc.) publicly and loudly. That means loudspeakers lasting/blasting for days. It is not rare at all for the chanting accompanying a funeral, for example, to last for days and to be easily heard for blocks and blocks away. At all hours. The concept of private and public space is different. Secondly, like most developing SE Asian countries, the air quality can be terrible. Some days better than others, but demonstrably poor. Be ready.
Compared to Latin America, it seemed quite to us 😂 However, the air quality is bad in SE Asia. Burn season started the week after we left Siem Reap and the air is almost not breathable some days. We just stay inside, but we can still smell it.
JP, i know exactly the issue you are referring to, for it was my introduction to Angkor Wat as well, and it stuck with me. Envious. Did you happen to see the longest single root system in the world? Thanks for the vid - always puts a smile on my face and makes my day better. You two are awesome!
I was there in November, temples were fabulous and more temples outside of Angkor Wat… Very hot and humid, I prefer Phenom Phen if I were to live in Cambodia…I was drinking beer for 55 cents…will go back to visit other areas of Cambodia
I went there back in 2007. It wasn't nearly as developed as it looks now... I remember it being very dusty, chaotic traffic, some pretty extreme poverty and children used for aggressive begging. It was a big culture shock. But I would love to go back and see how it has changed, and revisit the temples.
Siem Reap is actually the 3rd largest city in Cambodia. 2nd is Battambang, a lovely town SW of Siem Reap. It’s far less touristy & the cost of living is even lower. It’s also in the center of Cambodia’s durian growing region, for those afflicted with that addiction (like yours truly).
I spent 9 months in Cambodia with my now fiance. I found your videos because we were going to move to Ecuador. Every since you got to SEA i have been excited about you getting there. Im not a fan of Phnom Penh as much (unless you love right where the tourist go. Outside of that....not a fan, and i lived with my fiance as a local) One thing. Khmer is pronounced Kuh-Mi. Keep it up. Live you guys!
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I’m Canadian living here 13 years and ❤it 🇨🇦🇰🇭🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I really appreciate how Amelia's expressions show empathy for others anytime the genocide is mentioned. Her facial expressions, tone, and the seriousness of the situation are all reflected in her demeanor. It reveals that she has empathy for others and sincere respect for the seriousness of the topic, and the gravity of the horrors the Cambodian people experienced under that monster who had them in his grip.
Excellent content. Safe travels!
As a Cambodian, watching your video makes me so proud. I believed our people welcomed you very well, but anyway, welcome to Cambodia once again.
Thank you so much! We loved the people!
I first went to Cambodia in 1999… I fell in love with the Khmer people. Angkor Wat is incredible. I have been back 35 times since then and now we build fresh water wells for the villagers in the countryside. It’s a magical place truly is “The Kingdom of Wonder”
It definitely gets into your soul… makes you want to come back again and again. So glad you guys loved it like I do!
It sounds like you've experienced the magic! We can’t believe how much we liked Cambodia. Did not see that coming. Although we were in Phnom Penh for the start of burn season and it was brutal. We do not want to be anywhere in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam between January and April going forward.
We live in Siem Reap and love it. 🎉
R U.....ForRiel? 😊
Love your channel!
ForRiel is the Siem Reap Manager
One of my favorite channels responding to a video from another one of my favorite channels! ❤️
😘
I was in Siem Reap over Christmas too, and it completely stole my heart. Like you, I didn’t expect to fall in love with Siem Reap as much as I did, but the amazing people, the stunning scenery, and the unbeatable prices were just incredible. Now I’m also so curious to explore more of the country-there’s just something so special about Cambodia that makes me want to go back and see even more.
It really is a special place!
I lived near a Cambodian-owned frozen yogurt shop back in the 90’s and the whole family were so friendly and always smiling and interested in our family news. I learned it was from their culture. I’ll never forget them.
That’s so sweet! Cambodians are so friendly!
I just got into Siem Reap yesterday and today I'm apartment hunting. I love Cambodia!
I lived in Siem Reap from November 2019 till March 2020. It was a nice change from Thailand and offered a lot if you're ok with less amenities than Thailand. I really liked the little cafes that were abundant, as well as some very nice restaurants. I joined a gym which allowed me to stay in shape, and rode my bicycle everywhere. Very affordable, and a very simple existence which I really liked. It can get quite hot though, and the dust at the ground level can be nasty.
One of my favorite places in the world. Cambodians are such wonderful kind people.
Cycling the temples independently is one of my favourite adventures to relax and escape. Hire a bicycle in town. Happy days 😃🇬🇧
Visiting Angkor Wat a few years ago was one of the highlights of my travels. Not just the main temples, but if you drive around (or are driven) the vastness of the structures built all around the area is awe inspiring.
I didn't especially like Pub Street which had a bunch of wide open front bars and restaurants who had their sound systems cranked to the maximum in the who can play the loudest music competition.
One of the more interesting things I saw on the streets was people riding these low powered motor scooters, with 3 or 4 kids hanging on wherever they could, and also carrying large loads of various supplies and products. There were many more scooters than cars. I also took a boat ride to a floating marketplace.
Ankgor Wat was on my bucket list for over 40 years. March 24’ I was fortunate enough to visit with my wife, and it did not fail to amaze us. If you find a nice, quiet place to clear your mind, you can feel the energy vibrating through you.
Just got here today! Too tired to explore tonight but i can't wait to get out and see what there is to see bright and early in the morning! Up first - flying foxes!!! Great video!
We were in Angkor Wat in Feb of ‘20, right before Covid and it was also a low tourist time. The entire trip-Vietnam & Cambodia was amazing! While sad, I think it’s important that tourists visit places like the Pol Pot Museum, Auschwitz, or the Civil Rights Museum. Remembering those that suffered and honoring their memories is an important step to insure those histories aren’t repeated. Thanks as always for your video-beautiful!
For those going to Siem Reap, I recommend going to nearby Kulen waterfalls if you have the time. It's ~1 hour drive away. There's a big waterfalls (can swim) & lingas on the river. There's also a temple, so dress appropriately. If one has time, get the 3-day Angkor Wat ticket (there's a 1-day ticket too).
Siem Reap is a great place. Tourist town, lots of tourists & expats. I liked it more than Phnom Penh & felt safer too (but tastes vary, so try both). From SR, there's a night bus to Kampot if one wants the beach. Phnom Penh is 2-3 hrs away from Kampot.
Moved here a few months ago after living in Thailand for 2 years.
Glad you finally made it to Cambodia, imo the best Country in SE Asia!
Boy what an improvement. I was there in May 1994. Only way to get there back then was by riverboat. My travel buddy and I were the only two people at Anchor Watt. We could have rented King Sihanouk's vacation villa for $10USD but it was too musty and no place nearby to eat. Instead we stayed at a hotel that had a restaurant. They only had one choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The outside wall was covered with bullet holes from a recent firefight with the Khmer Rouge. UNTEC soldiers were patrolling the streets.
I lived in Cambodia for nine years. My daughter was born there. I prefer Phnom Penh over Siem Reap because Siem Reap was so much more touristy being much smaller and next to Angkor Wat. There's a good chance I will move back to Cambodia in about two years after my daughter finishes high school. Siem Reap, btw, means Siam (Thailand) defeated. Great video!
Fascinating to know, thanks. “Wat,” of course, means “temple” in Thai as well. I’d be curious as to why the languages share that word, since they’re otherwise so different.
I like PP also, but typically don't like traveling around the town cause the traffic can get nasty.
I tell you the FACTS.
The whole land of Cambodia today.. It had been under Siamese power for almost 500 years.
Seip Rep..its old name was Siep ( Siamese) Raj ( a city of Siamese).
2. Fact no2. Cambidian never and ever won Siamese in wars.
3. The king who built Angkot Wat ( Wat is Siamese ( Thai) word)
has his ancestors fron Siam ( Thailand) - ( Pi Mai City).
4. Siamese / Thai people today were / are Mixed Blood race.
No one is pure Tai/Thai.
This land ( Thailand) has been a melting pot of different races since 4-5000 years ago.
Khmer Blood who lived in Thailand 1000-5000 years had been mixed with Tai , Chinese , indians , middle east and Europeans.
I am Thai who have all those DNA ( in one body)
@@User5467h-4etic I just stated that the translation of Siem Reap from Khmer to English is 'defeat of Siam'. You can look it up.
@ I found that the trick of living in Phnom Penh was to live in an area where you didn't have to be in the traffic. I lived just down the street from the Royal Palace and next to Wat Sarawan. From there, there were dozens of cafes and markets that I could easily walk to. I took a tuk tuk maybe once a month. Other than that, I walked or rode my bicycle. The good thing about the traffic was that, while it was crazy, for most part, no one did over 15 mph. The motos were mostly 125 cc and those in cars were afraid of getting their cars scratched.
So much culture, such a sad recent history. It's nice to see that the people there are doing better, the Temples would be the go to for sure.
My wife and I were also in Siem Reap at the exact same time as you. Great time to be there and we loved it. I couldn’t get over how great the food and lodging prices were. I was so excited I found $1.00 smoothies near our hotel. They were huge, delicious and only a buck! I’m still telling my friends about that more than the temples which were also cool to see.
That is awesome!
We went in 2006. My memory is getting fuzzy, but I recall less neon in the town area. It all seemed sleepier. Our driver took us to a shopping mall, and no one else was there. When we walked in, they turned the lights on, and employees came out from under counters and stood up ready to show us stuff. LOL. I guess they were hanging out, chatting, napping under the counters? We had a wonderful lunch on a terrace of the Foreign Correspondents Club.
Angkor Wat was just amazing! Like you said, pictures and videos don't do it justice. Mr. T sounds like a fantastic guide. He took some great photos of you two. My sister and I went to see the sunrise which was amazing. Man, there were a lot of tourists there for that. I think they offered hot air ballon rides over Angkor Wat as well. Wish we would have done that. We stayed at a hotel called Baby Elephant. It was owned by a mother and daughter from Australia. The food there was so good that we stopped eating out and would go back to the hotel for the food. They have a nice pool as well. The Cambodian staff were so sweet and loved to practice English with us. It felt hotter than Bangkok (in January) but I think Bangkok has some breezes throughout the day. It is a nice little city, and it is cheaper than Thailand. I liked it a lot.
Going to SE Asia this coming Oct/Nov/Dec (2025). Cambodia was already on my list, but Siem Reap just earned a few more days on the itinerary. Great video as always!
It is overwhelming a lot to see went there for 4 days and visited the town about a week haven't been to Siem Reap in 20 years want to go back again.
I am glad you guys enjoyed your stay in Siem Reap. I liked Cambodia a lot and also enjoyed the cities of Phnom Pehn, Sihanoukville, Kampot and the island of Koh Rong!
Agreed, have lived in all ot these cities. Phnom Penh has an energy of peasefulness and itegrity. No body had ever tried to cheat me me in the 11 years I haved in Cambodia. Thailand is the exac oppoct for me. Many scam artis. I know, it took me 7 years to renovate a home in the central district. Scam artist, after scam artist trying to take my money wiout haveing the siklls to do the jog. That never hahppen in Cambodia.
My wife and I with a group friends went 3 years ago. So fascinating and so much to do. Great food and entertainment. We went in Febuary.
So cool. I love bats. Their little faces are so cute.
We went during the unfortunate April time frame. Angkor Wat and the adjacent temples were magnificent. The heat and humidity were brutal. We arranged for the taxi driver we took from the airport to our hotel to serve as our guide the next two days. He was great and kept the AC going so when we finished touring a temple, we could flee to the comfort of his cab for some relief before repeating the process at the next destination. I absolutely want to return during Dec/Jan. Thanks doing the destination justice.
November and December are the best months. January is the start of burn season and you may not be able to breathe. It was so bad the first week of January in Phnom Penh that we barely left our condo.
@paul - I went in May and it was very hot & humid as well. I too want to return & visit there in Dec/ Jan. I'll get the 3-day ticket next time. I got the 1-day ticket last time and it was exhausting to see 7 temples in 1 day (felt rushed too). I recommend going to the Kulen temple & waterfalls (can swim) if one has time. It's ~1 hr drive away (by car).
Paul, very clever about the AC taxi, and hire as guide. For a few more $ (guaranteed not very much), Dear foreign Friends, you get the best seat and the best relaxing time. Please don't rush if you want to discover Angkor Wat, it's just too much to see.
We all love to see YOU around. Thank you.
Glad you had fun! Interesting! I like how you always share you comparison to Ecuador and other countries
Love Angkor Wat!!
Really loved this one. I didn't think about the Tomb Raider movie, but rather one of my favorites: In the Mood for Love. Chow Mo-wan (the male protagonist) travels to Cambodia and visits Angkor Wat where he whispers a secret into a hollow in the wall and seals it with mud. This scene symbolizes the sealing of his unspoken love and as the impermanence of moments and the fleeting nature of love.
I was recently in Thailand and it was just too much to jump over to Cambodia, but for my next visit I'm going to make it all happen. Especially drawn after you guys showed us the great time to be had at the city there. Looks like it's good for kids. Thank you so much!
Angkor Wat coupled with In the Mood for Love film are indelible memories indeed.
I’m so excited to visit in a few months. Looking forward to seeing temples, dancing, and learning more history. Such a beautiful country.
Cambodia has "Resting Smile Face." 🥰
Love SR… accommodations, amazing food, historical activities, great infrastructure and many more…
Funny thing is I'm a night owl here in Florida. By my calculations if I moved to Cambodia or maybe the Philippines I'd actually sleep during their night time. Been looking at Siem Reap for awhile. Having low costs and a huge selection of restaurants serving many cuisines is really tempting. Have seen nice apartments for less than $300 there. And Cambodia makes it extremely easy to just show up and stay. Was just checking and there are $50 direct flights from Kuala Lumpur which would make it easy to access better healthcare. Didn't check Bangkok but I've read Thailand has fantastic healthcare. And the Internet being good makes it extremely attractive. Not a fan of heat but I grew up in Florida and have lived on the Texas border and in the Mojave Valley of Arizona. So not a deal breaker considering everything else. Thanks for this video!
Siem Reap is a great spot!
Was only on the ground there for 2 days back in 2018 but really enjoyed it. Pleasantly surprised to find a French coffee/pastry shop next door to my tiny hotel. Guessing a carry over from the colonial days. Went to the museum (360 degree painting was a standout), caught a cultural play about Ancient Angkor, and did some shopping at that huge night market. Ended buying a couple of amazing painting on canvas so rolled them up. Paid a tuk tuk driver to take me around all day for $30 to the temples.
That's amazing! Sounds like you had a great time.
@AmeliaAndJP It really was and at the top of my list for many years. Hoping to retire in SEA so I can hop around leisurely/affordably seeing that part of the world as I did while working in Germany for several years.
Loved the tour at the Wat
I found the temples OK (ruins of the past don't do much for me), but was blown over by the floating villages (find how people live more interesting). Surprised that you did not mention them. Good to see how Siem Reap has become so much cleaner and cosmopolitan. Can't wait to go back.
My favorite temple is stunning-- Banteay Srei or The Womens Temple-- it's so freaking beautiful. Early morning boat ride on Tonlé Sap Lake is also a must.
I ended up loving Siem Reap as well while visiting Angkor Wat.
Thank you for sharing 🙏
We have a mind meld going. I'm in Siem Reap right now and headed to Phnom Penh soon. I have been right behind you since Albania. Promise I am not stalking you.
😁
Good video. I love Siem Reap. So much to do and see there.
Your timing is brilliant! I’m retiring in 2 months and Angkor Wat is my top destination for slow travel. Booking my airline tickets for January 2026 now. I hope to see you in person sometime, and thanks for the content! Safe travels
I have been twice to Siem Riep and enjoy the city very much. Areas of French architecture are lovely. And the asian food with French influence..ooh la la!!! Oh no, now the secret is out!
I have been to Siem Reap. Cambodia is one of my favorite countries, out of all of the countries I have visited. I felt the same way about the people. Their entire religion is based upon the Buddhist belief of what you put into the universe comes back to you three-fold.
The food in Cambodia was very good everywhere in Siem Reap. I thought it was better than Thai food - and I love Thai food! ❤
Yeah, we loved the food there too!
Great video as always guys! Siem Reap is high on my list of places for escape from America. The burning season, though, could be a potential showstopper for full time living. AQI is ~185 today. I guess you guys were there before this year's smoke began?
An AQI of 175 is actually a pretty good number in SE Asia 😢. Here in chiang mai.. 500 is when it gets really bad. Ten years ago the AQI was in the seven hundreds.
It's gloomy and claustrophobic in smokey season
This was a truly great video. You guys are just smiling ear to ear thru out the presentation.
Thank you for this video. We visited 15 years ago and so much has changed… in a good way. We loved it then and we need to go back!
Loved the people there so much! And the food!
It looks beautiful there and the bats were amazing looking! The carvings look wonderful, the sunset was stunning, and the temple grounds looked so much larger than I would have expected!
You are both great! This was a fun video..
WOW!!! Definitely adding to the list.
Angkor Wat is amazing. I recommend having a private tour guide and driver. It's very inexpensive. Siem Reap is cool but very touristy.
Me too! Went last year and LOVED it!
welcome to our country. sending love 💙
Love Siem Reap too...cheap and cheerful...
I have been watching youy guys through your whole trips. I was in Siem Reep in 1989. Boy has it changed. Love to go back again.
Thanks for the Xmas heads up. Have the place to yourself during the festive season.
Thank you literally promoting Cambodia hot hub city and great tourist attractions,thanks once again and welcome to Cambodia
You are so welcome! We loved Siem Reap and will be back soon!
Was there in 2005, it looks to has really improved.
Cambodia is awesome😊
So entertaining, I’ll watch it again!
That s my first video in your channel. You re super. I want to go in cambodgia because of you and i hope when I ll be older I ll looks like you. Thank you very much for all the good vibes you re giving.
Welcome! 😊
Haven't lived there but visited twice. I remember seeing pictures when I was young and always wanted to go but no travel was allowed. We went as soon as it opened in the 1990s. Your video of the town is fascinating. None of that was there when we went. The temples look the same, thankfully. Blew my mind too. You could spend more than 3 days there next time and there are temples not far away that are interesting too. Love your channel.
Thanks! There’s so much to see there, we’re going back again soon.
In addition to the ancient city of Angkor, Siem Reap is a destination of its own.
Good video. How do you like Da Nang? I passed you two on the boardwalk Tuesday.
Thank for visiting Cambodia 😍
😊
I love this so much. THANK YOU
I am going there soon
Cambodia is magical. Thanks
WOW! I'm really amazed at Cambodia. So cool.
Definitely one of the second tier of cities on my list to visit with the thought of retiring there.
But...That heat and humidity! If I really want that, I could move to a 50-100K pop town in SE Texas or Louisiana or Mississippi, etc.
That's the main reason it's Tier2 for me.
I have lived in thailand for 7 years and Cambodia for 11 year. I dont even sweat because of the heat, and I mt. bike regularly. I have never considered Cambodia humid country. For me the weather is just perfect. I would bet the minute you land you turn on you acc ing spend hundereds of dollars on electricity. You foreigners come from cold countries. What do you think wold happen. Do you just want to turn on AC and magic climate adaptationn happens?
carvings are amazing! It’s refreshing to see everyone smiling, driving well, going to the places that aren’t on the tour path. Time travel & there is newer evidence that the dinosaurs etc., were here much longer, came before what the older texts say. The monkeys are like our cats. Have fun guys.
Siem Reap is the best place to visit and discover the ancient world
very interesting place …i’ve never been …so it’s on my bucket list……Thanks for the information and sharing …until soon …..Alex🇬🇷
Incredible content❤
I want to go to Cambodia but my Thai wife has no desire to go. I understand that Thailand & Cambodia do have history that wasn't always neighbourly but she is adamant about NOT going. Thanks for a tour I'll never see in person.
@@truckn Thai only their own version of the history. When they are study at the university level, that’s when they realised their version of history is different from the rest of the world. In other words, Thai only exists as a nation around 1500’s. Before that This or Siam was just a small tribe that migrated to SE Asia during the Mongol raid.
@@rickyney6670 Thanks.
Thais from Yunnan, China, migrated to the Khmer Empire, assimilated into Cambodian culture, infused with Cambodians, and lived among Cambodians for centuries/ In essence, they were Cambodian (citizenship-wise), speaking and writing Khmer. When the empire weakened, they broke away, forming Thailand in 1432. Thus, Thai culture closely mirrors Cambodian culture. If they aren't Cambodian, their ancestors were. If it weren't for Cambodia, there would never, ever be Thailand.
@erbxvdfb "In the first seven months of 2024, Thailand contributed 1,147,534 visitors to Cambodia, making Thailand the top source of international visitors for that period." Grok 2
@sojeanify Thanks I wonder if my wife knows that, I certainly didn't.
The one thing that surpasses the beauty of Angkor Watt are the people of Cambodia. Cambodia and Viet Nam are my two favorite places in SE Asia. Next stop for you two are the islands right off the coast of Cambodia. The smaller the better.
I agree with Amelia! Those Flying Foxes would be so cool to see! Lots of other interesting wildlife there as well I bet.
Great video. Thank you.
Ankor Wat is on my bucket list
I lived in Siem Reap for quite a few months recently. I, too, find it a fascinating place and attractive in many ways, not the least of which is the charming character of the people. However, in the interest of full disclosure for those considering a visit: Firstly, it is the custom to play out all ceremonies (funerals, marriages, graduations, etc.) publicly and loudly. That means loudspeakers lasting/blasting for days. It is not rare at all for the chanting accompanying a funeral, for example, to last for days and to be easily heard for blocks and blocks away. At all hours. The concept of private and public space is different. Secondly, like most developing SE Asian countries, the air quality can be terrible. Some days better than others, but demonstrably poor. Be ready.
Compared to Latin America, it seemed quite to us 😂 However, the air quality is bad in SE Asia. Burn season started the week after we left Siem Reap and the air is almost not breathable some days. We just stay inside, but we can still smell it.
Going in two months, can't wait ❤
One of your best!
JP, i know exactly the issue you are referring to, for it was my introduction to Angkor Wat as well, and it stuck with me. Envious. Did you happen to see the longest single root system in the world? Thanks for the vid - always puts a smile on my face and makes my day better. You two are awesome!
Very cool! It’s such a vivid memory for me!
I was there in November, temples were fabulous and more temples outside of Angkor Wat… Very hot and humid, I prefer Phenom Phen if I were to live in Cambodia…I was drinking beer for 55 cents…will go back to visit other areas of Cambodia
You need to go to battombong and visit the bat cave it is amazing about 1 million bats come out just before dusk.
I went there back in 2007. It wasn't nearly as developed as it looks now... I remember it being very dusty, chaotic traffic, some pretty extreme poverty and children used for aggressive begging. It was a big culture shock. But I would love to go back and see how it has changed, and revisit the temples.
Children begging is still happening, but we’ve seen that throughout SE Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America so we’re used to it.
Where and when did you see children begging in Eastern Europe?
I plan to move there for retirement
So very unique . Thank you 👍
Siem Reap is actually the 3rd largest city in Cambodia. 2nd is Battambang, a lovely town SW of Siem Reap. It’s far less touristy & the cost of living is even lower. It’s also in the center of Cambodia’s durian growing region, for those afflicted with that addiction (like yours truly).
worldpopulationreview.com/cities/cambodia
I spent 9 months in Cambodia with my now fiance. I found your videos because we were going to move to Ecuador. Every since you got to SEA i have been excited about you getting there.
Im not a fan of Phnom Penh as much (unless you love right where the tourist go. Outside of that....not a fan, and i lived with my fiance as a local)
One thing. Khmer is pronounced Kuh-Mi.
Keep it up. Live you guys!
Hard to believe how they built all those temples in the heat. Glad you had a wonderful time. I was treated like a King but with the added expense. 😂
Thanks very much.
Great video, love your enthusiasm.
I wish I had known you guys were going to be here! You could have bought me lunch!😂