Day in the life
This is a slightly different kind of article: a day in my life, and a little glimpse of how I spend my days in Siem Reap. I know travel writing can sometimes sound like it’s prescribing one right way to see a place. That’s not what I want. If you’re coming to Cambodia, take what you like from these stories and make your own itinerary. This is just one version of a day in this rock-and-roll country.
I love staying at Templation. I’m never quite sure how to describe the architecture, eco-brutalist, maybe? with its stacked-stone forms and touches that remind me of Khmer modern architecture. I start with a nice breakfast by the pool, then head out to the temples, usually around 4 or 5 a.m., depending on the sunrise.
Duck breast salad for breakfast, yes khmer people eat savory for brekkie!
My private villa at Templation, big temptation haha
Sometimes I choose Phnom Bakheng; sometimes Angkor Wat. This time, the sky over Angkor was exquisite: one of those rare pink-and-purple scenes you hope will stay with you. The nice thing about Siem Reap is that the temples are only a short ride away, so I suggest you don’t rush. Go when you feel like it, especially when it’s not too hot. Knowing how accessible they are completely changes the way you experience them: they don’t have to be just a box to tick. Of course, it depends on your ticket plan and tour-guide budget, haha.
Best num banh chok ever
I spend the rest of the cool morning, before the heat arrives around 10 a.m., riding my scooter around the temples. I usually head north to Angkor Thom and wrap up my circuit around Neak Pean or Ta Prohm. Somewhere along the way, I’ll stop for a bowl of freshly made num banh chok near the Elephant Terrace, I can only pin it on maps but you’ll see a handpainted banner with នំបញ្ចុក on it [Location]. The family who makes it cooks the broth fresh every morning. It’s too good to miss, especially with a fresh coconut. It’s such a good way to recharge before heading back into town.
My Vimean Sokha Moto, golden girl
Preah Khan baray with Neak Poan Temple in the middle
For lunch, I’ll go to Prohok Restaurant or Morodok, or, if I’m feeling a bit stingy, head to the Old Market. My favorite is prahok ktis: a cooked dip made with fermented fish and served with fresh vegetables. I know that for many visitors, whether you’re from Rwanda, Italy, Bolivia, or anywhere else, your first impression of prahok might not be love at first bite. But with a certified Strolling Cambodia guarantee, I think you’ll enjoy this version. The flavors are cooked and mellowed, and you scoop it up with crunchy raw vegetables. Give it a chance!
After lunch, I head to one of my favorite massage spots, Secret Eden Garden Spa and Massage. [Location]. It’s about $7.50 for an hour, and it’s amazing, also a certified Strolling Cambodia friends’ guarantee.
In the evening, I might catch a drag show at Barcode or find a low-key bar serving sraa thnam, a fermented fruit wine. Just be careful: it’s stronger than it tastes! And then there’s one little discovery I made by accident while wandering the streets: tuk-tuk karaoke, let me drop Mr. Try’s whatsapp number: +85592271759. I’d never tried it before, but now it feels like a perfect way to end the night before heading to the club.
For me, it’s about living with the city and feeling like I have a routine. Once that routine settles in, you start to meet people make new friends and learn by living!
Best way to finish the night!
