Why Siem Reap Deserves a Second Visit

(Taken at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. June 2017)

In 2015, I had a trip to Cambodia with my family for my sister's birthday. During the time, I wasn't as pumped up as other people were in seeing this site. I mean, apart from it being a Unesco Heritage Site, what else is there to it? But this majestic beauty was ready to prove me wrong.

We left the hotel at 4 in the morning and took a 20-minute tuktuk ride to the site. It was still dark, but the people were already swarming at the entrance. Finally, the sun decided to rise, and as soon as I saw that first streak of golden light peeping from behind one of the temple's towers, I knew to myself that it wasn't going to be the last time I'll be there.

Flash forward to 2 years later, I found myself standing in front of its perfection once again as its rich culture and history rained on me.

(A portal into a reflection of Khmer Culture, the Gates of Angkor Thom serve as the meeting point of the 12km wall surrounding the area.)

People kept asking me, "Haven't you been there already?" Yes, this is my second time, but you know what, I am a big fan of indulging myself in these kinds of cultural experiences, and if it meant going to the same place twice, I'd gladly do it.

Apparently, there's this thinking that whenever you travel, it's better if you pick destinations that you haven't been to yet. And I totally get the point. It's always a good feeling seeing and experiencing something new. But there's also such a thing called falling in love with a place. And if it's love at first sight, you sure would wanna have a second look.

So I decided to pack my bags and head to Cambodia one more time. And here are some of the reasons that convinced me to do so, which I hope would do the same to you.

1. Unique Food Choices

(Khmer Spring Rolls. One of the dishes that is close to home as it resembles the Philippines' Lumpiang Sariwa.)

Khmer people are big on greens. Almost every restaurant we've been to serve dishes with overflowing vegetables. And while I am not big on vegies, their dishes are definitely worth a try because you can taste its freshness right there inside your mouth. Every bite is an explosion of a peculiar taste that seems to be cleansing all of your insides.

(Beef Lok Lak. One of the dishes common among all restaurants we've been to. Also the safest to try if you're not a risk taker with food.)

They also have a variety of food that don't cost you much. If you're a gastronomical adventurer, Siem Reap is definitely one of the places to visit as you can have more than 2 dishes for as low as P200. Lastly, all coffee lovers should try their Iced Khmer Coffee which is best tried with milk, in my opinion. It pretty much comes at par with our very own Batangas Kapeng Barako, but it has its own kick--almost tasting like there's liquor in it.

2. Affordable Night Market

(Popular tourist destination for souvenir shopping where haggling is much encouraged and prices are definitely affordable.)

Speaking of affordability, their Night Market is probably one of the best among other Asian countries that I've been to. As compared to Thailand or Vietnam, vendors in Siem Reap are much nicer and they actually do not raise a tone at you if you don't buy. In here, all you have to worry about is the strong test of persistence where you and the vendor battle it out on how much you're paying for an item. A friend of mine was originally offered $75 (yes, they sell stuff in USD) for a really nice painting, but being the great haggler that she is, she got it for $15.

(Carla, Joe, and Eljay with our favorite "Night Market sisters" who went all out in assisting us in exchange of good deals.)

Other than paintings of their historical ruins, the night market also offers a variety of stuff, the most commonly sold being scarves and shirts. And I have to say, the fabric they use for these clothes are pretty good. They explode in color and are definitely super comfortable to wear. The only down side, though, is that you have to be very careful in washing them as they tend to fade and stain other clothes if not washed with care.

3. Buzzing Night Life

(Always bustling with tourists, Siem Reap's Pub Street is your go to place if you want to have a good time on a tight budget.)

While you're at it, you also might want to explore the famous Pub Street where all hipsters seem to be flocking. But, hipster or not, this is always the place to chill at, especially if you love ice cold beer priced for as low as $1. You can also try out exotic Khmer food here or even have a taste of their happy pizza (it seems to be legal in this area) since it's in almost all establishments in this street.

4. Culture and History

But above these common things which, admittedly you can find in other destinations, Siem Reap's charm is actually in its history and culture.

(Breathe in culture and tradition. Eljay trying to listen to the ancient whispers of the Bayon temple.)

The moment I stepped in the premises of Angkor Wat, I was embraced by the rich ancient history that this place emanated. Immediatey, it made me rethink my life--the privileges I have, and how I would be had it been a different generation I was born into, more so if I was born in a different place.

I looked around me and I was astounded by how carefully each and every stone block was crafted, how each element was sculpted and pieced together to constitute 9 km-squared worth of historical treasure. I was told by Soum Reaksmey. our tuktuk driver, that these blocks were imported from different parts of Asia, most of which coming from Vietnam and Thailand, transported by land using elephants (poor creatures).

The details carved on each of these blocks can't go unnoticed as well, as they look very uniform. Intricately designed and carefully placed one beside the other depicting all sorts of activities that their ancient people used to engage in. I was surrounded by history--legit ancient history which helped build in defining what Asia is. Without the modern tools that we have now, they were able to build different temples serving different purposes all with their bare hands. Just imagine how much time, effort, and attention is required to achieve that.

(Taken at the lobby of Garden Village Guest House where we stayed for 4 days during my second visit..)

You see, during the first visit I had, I was there to roam around, take photos and try things that aren't commonly found in the Philippines. In short, I was there to be a tourist. And this is what we all normally are during our first time in a different place. We want to rush through things and experience everything with the little time permitted by our filed Vacation leaves, making us forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments.

There's a unique sense of tranquility brought by the ambiance in Siem Reap. I don't know if it's the sunsets or just the remnants of the old culture that puts your soul at peace. It's like there's this contagious relaxed pace of living that makes you want to pause and re-imagine your life. It makes you want to stop, look around, observe and picture out yourself as one of the locals. It gives you a wider perspective of things.

(One of the performers in the Apsara Dance Show at Khoulen Restaurant.)

And this is why I think it's necessary to visit Siem Reap twice, or even any destinations you've been to. Because no two visits are the same. You first come with little to no idea of the world, seeing it through the eyes of a tourist, then you come back as a different person, with different experiences in the days, months, and years passed, and for sure, the place will speak to you on a different level.

Like revisiting your favorite film or book, revisiting a destination gives you a different discovery each time, depending on where you are in life, what you're going through, and what you have become as a person. So which among your previous destinations would you like to revisit? If you were to ask me, I wouldn't even bat an eyelash and say CAMBODIA.

Check out the Gallery for more photos or watch the video here.