Discover the Hidden Charms of Siem Reap: Cambodia's Coolest City

I loved Siem Reap back then – well, at least the first 4 months out of 8 – I then finally left due to a “slightly” volatile woman driving me into the ground emotionally, financially, and mentally.

That’s another story and, and not for here, my health and travel blog. I just wanted to explain why I left in the first place when I liked Siem Reap so much. Now you know.

Since I left in July 2023 I spent several months in both Kampot and Phnom Penh.

Kampot Life

I liked Kampot because there’s tons of nature surrounding it. You can find hundreds of kilometers of mountain ranges that stretch from Kep behind Kampot and back to the south in Sihanoukville.

There is an abundance of rivers, creeks, waterfalls, and hiking and trekking trails, plus the lush Kampot Riverside to walk along.

However, the problem is it’s too small. You see the same people daily. They are famous for gossiping, making you feel exposed, talked about, and lacking privacy.

Topping that off – it’s the drinking capital of Cambodia for the old expats, which is definitely NOT for me.

Phnom Penh Life

Phnom Penh is a vibrant and exciting city. That’s the first impression you get. Yet after spending several months, you soon get hit with a reality check and see how dangerous it is for petty crime. The Riverside area is notoriously dangerous these days, but so are many other quieter areas.

If you walk around with your phone in your hand, there’s a 50% chance you can say bye-bye to it. Yep.

Despite knowing this and being extra careful, I had 3 phones stolen in 18 months and an attempted break-in to my apartment. That was finally enough for me so I called it a day and returned to the quiet of Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Life

While Siem Reap also suffers from the “old expat” drinking problem – you can easily avoid these types. You can live in peace if you steer clear of one road called Sok San Road. Thankfully, they mostly hang out in the many bars on that street, which I avoid like the plague.

“Pup Street,” while super popular with locals and expats because of its insane party scene, is wildly busy and out of control, with music blasting from every bar, of which there are maybe 500.

…a nightmare for most sane people after 8 pm every single night of the week.

Logically, I avoid that area too. I stay away from nightlife altogether these days, as it’s too crazy and dangerous.

Instead, I focus on healthy and productive days in nature by walking, biking, swimming, and working on my projects, preferably by a pool.

Siem Reap has some fabulous restaurants and excellent street food. I don’t normally risk eating street food, but here, it’s pretty safe – so far.

I always go for the same things – grilled meats: chicken, pork, sausages, and beef. A sizable portion will only set you back by $3.

Siem Reap’s architecture is French Colonial style. It’s wonderfully restored, maintained, and a pleasure to see – just like the Riverside.

The town centre and Riverside areas are beautiful places – not too busy, fun, and refreshing to bike, walk, or just sit in the grass and stare at the trees to relax.

I’m happy I decided to come back to Siem Reap. I plan to spend the next few weeks or months here before embarking on an adventure to another country.

Please take a moment to view my YouTube video where I bike and walk around Siem Reap City:

I hope you enjoy my video. It’s a bit shaky at times. I didn’t have my Gimbal with me.

The thought popped into my head to make this video intuitively as I rode my bike through the city.

That’s what exercising in nature does to your mind – it stimulates the creative side of your brain.

In Conclusion

If you come to Cambodia, you should try to visit all the places I mentioned, including the Koh Rong islands and the Mondulkiri Mountains, where the best coffee in the world is grown.

If you want to retire or work here, Siem Reap is the best place to be for health, peace of mind, and safety.

Rob