I was headed to Vietnam for work so I decided to make two stops before to Cambodia and Laos. This post is about my visit to Siem Reap.
These two stops were heavily influenced by my sister and brother-in-law who had just done a three-week South-East Asia trip about six months before my trip planning. Their first influence was on where I should stay in Seam Reap. The suggestion was for Jaya House River Park because it was one of their most favorite parts of their stay. I trust them so I was quick to say yes and then I saw the price. When I did my big three-week South-East Asia trip a few years earlier I spent the same amount on two nights as I did on all my hotel stays. But, I am older now and liking the finer things in life and decided this was going to be my treat yo self-moment. Let me tell you, there are no regrets. It was absolutely amazing! Staying at Jaya House is more than just staying at a hotel, it is the experience. It is the drink of your choice given to you during check-in, the cell phone they give you, the tuk tuk that is ready to take you wherever you want, how you are sprayed with bug spray every time you go to leave, or my personal favorite the amazing staff who are so personable and kind. Shall I go on?
The amenities are fabulous and during off season you get a free 60 min spa service per day! The pools are relaxingand the complimentary breakfast is spectacular…okay I’ve just convinced myself I have to go back. Also the price isn’t actually that expensive, just in comparison to back packer style it is a step up and well worth it.
Another reason why I decided to go for this all in hotel is because I was going alone. I actually have done a few trips alone at this point but simple destinations in Europe and just for one night. This was five days, three in Siem Reap, and I was intimidated. This hotel felt like I had a home base and friends who looked after me, and did I say relaxing?
I arrived after the long journey; DEN to LAX to Hong Kong (10 hour layover) to eat. I was pooped. The tuk tuk was outside ready to take me to the hotel. And all I mentioned before was given to me, my wine, cell phone, tour, booking my spa treatments etc. I went up to my room and plopped down in the bed knowing I only had two days and nights here so I needed to take advantage of my time so what did I do, showered and took a nap. I woke about an hour later and decided I wasn’t too ashamed of my decision because I had a 330 am wake up call for my temple visits in the morning. I instead got dressed and went to the roof for dinner.
My temple day was also a bit boogee, I hired a private guide and car. At first I thought it was excessive but halfway through the day when it looked like I had just showered but really was just covered in sweat, I really appreciated a car with AC and cold iced towels. I cannot begin to explain the heat in July in Asia. Oh My Gosh.
We started with the iconic Angkor Wat to watch sunrise. I was not lucky enough to get a cloudless morning so it was as breath taking but it still was spectacular. Just standing waiting and watching with strangers was pretty cool. My guide showed me the temple and guided me through the maze of the gigantic temple.
After this we decided we were hungry and stopped in a little neighboring village for pho like soup for breakfast. We walked through the market then ate boiling soup in boiling weather. It seems like a foreign concept but it is the norm for the locals. After hot soup we headed out on the long temple after temple journey. We went Ta Prohm next, Bayon, Thom East Gate “The Victory Gate”, the Baphuon, and a few more that I can’t remember the names of. At that point is was about 1 pm and I was like a salt block from how much sweat I had produced and then dried on me in my air conditioned car. My guide was even impressed by how much a sweated. It was time to be bougey, I needed my sauvignon blanc by the pool.
I spent the afternoon at the pool and then took a quick cat nap before heading out on the town with a local named Narla. My sister had met him when they booked their trip through his tour company. He showed me the night vendors and the infamous pub street. We ate at Pou Restaurant and Bar, which let me tell you was much better tasting than the name sounded. The food was all classic Cambodian dishes with a new flair like grilled khmer chicken or the chef’s grandma’s crab cooked in coconut and fermented fish broth. We are the same age and talked about life similarities and differences.
As we rode back in the tuk tuk chatting and laughing I remembered just how great it is to make friends all around the world.
