Cambodia: A Tale of Two Worlds

Cambodia was a wonderful surprise and we were thankful to add it to our itinerary. With little time to prepare our trip we weren’t entirely sure of what to expect, but were really intrigued with the culture, the community, and the massive temples that fill the area.

We flew in to the town of Siem Reap and were welcomed by the most beautiful airport we had ever seen. Every single tourist felt the same way. As soon as we exited the plane…we pulled out our cameras and started taking pictures. It was so funny, it was like none of us had seen an airport before, but truly this one is beautiful!

Siem Reap Airport

Siem Reap is like a little ball of perfection and the city exceeded all our expectations. The roads are clean, the gardens are neatly manicured, the hotels are grand, and the people SO friendly. We felt as if we were in Disneyland, not in Cambodia. Something just wasn’t connecting, but we were enjoying our time all the same. We toured the city by tuk tuk (open aired cart pulled by a motorbike) and were greeted by the locals with waves and blown kisses. We enjoyed 50-cent beers, delicious $5 meals, and the markets that filled the streets.

The view from our tuk tuk

The best local hang out for cheap beer and great food

So pleased with my $2.50 pitcher

ALL DAY HH

Locals chatting at the beautiful park located in the center of town.

Park continued....the trees are home to many bats. 

Of course, I got crapped on by a bat! Our driver said it meant good luck:) 

Local hang out on the outside of town

Our wonderful driver Vanny and the tuk tuk that took us everytwhere.

The temples were another favorite of ours.  The most popular and well-known temple, Angkor Wat, is truly breathtaking. We watched the sunrise with 200 other “photographers” scattered across the temple grounds. Countless tripods lined the lake facing the temple. But when the bright orange sun rose, it was like we were the only two there. We forgot about the hundreds around us and just appreciated the moment. It was an unforgettable sunrise and a highlight of the trip.

Angkor Wat

The entrance leading up to the Angkor Wat temple

Sunrise

Typical boats used to take tourists up and down the river

Another ornate entrance which lead to multiple temples inside

Monks praying....they even invited Miguel to join them

These ornate walls stretch the length of the temple 

Ta Prohm Temple, made famous by the hollywood film Tomb Raider

The majority of Ta Prohm temple is overwhelmed by trees

On our last day we decided to head to the floating city which is found one hour outside of Siem Reap. We traveled again by tuk tuk and began to see the Cambodia we had always heard about. Communities are intermingled with large homes next door to thatched roofed huts. The stench is hard to handle and the site of extreme poverty is even harder to see.

Local homes built on stilts because the water levels change so frequently

Incredibly, there is an oasis that exists in the middle of all of this. The most gorgeous lotus fields fill the countryside. Lotus flowers can be seen as far as the eye can see. The seeds of the lotus are harvested and eaten by the locals. It’s a flavorful and desired treat.

Lotus feild

Man picking the stems to sell

Wifey, this one is for you!

Look at the size

The seeds of the lotus are picked out (from the center of the green core) and eaten. 

We arrive at the river that leads to the floating city and were taken by boat to the village. Miguel and I chocked at the $20 per person fee and were shocked to find that up 1000 visitors pass through the river a day visiting the village. So much money and yet the area is consumed by poverty and corruption…our first thought…where is this money going?

Our trip down river took an hour and our guide told us stories of the 6000 people that inhabit the city. The “homes” (small wooden boats with roofs) are mobile and move with the changing water levels. The city is fully operating and has 4 gas stations, a few schools, and 2 karaoke bars. Our guide spent the majority of his time telling us about the many orphans that live in the city. His claim was that their parents died by land mines or fishing accidents and that many of the orphans had little to no food and no means to go to school.  Miguel, being the experienced traveler, was cautious of these stories and my bleeding heart was on the floor. Soon we would find out why we were fed these stories.

Young man fishing with just a net

Typical home found in the floating village

Pythons are prevalent in the area. The children are taught to "play" with them in hopes that tourists will take pictures  for money. 

Notice the plant box. Many grow their own vegetables and herbs.

Our first stop took us to a floating hut in the middle of the city and we exited (our boat) with little excitement. Inside was filled with school supplies, bottles of water, rice, and toys for purchase.  Our guide immediately asked, “What are you going to buy for the children?” I was taken back. “What?!?!” I thought. Number one: how did these perfectly packaged goods get here? Number two: Why am I expected to by them? And number three: Who owns these goods and why aren’t they available to the children? On second thought were the stories we were told even true? Where is the proof? What is really going on here?

The store full of supplies, food, and toys. 

Cambodian flag

The situation was very uncomfortable. We just couldn’t partake in such a backwards operation. We declined to purchase anything and our guide angrily said, “You aren’t going to help the children?” We left in frustration. Why are tourists expected and pushed to purchase these goods? This experience began to raise so many questions.  The orphans soon became the tourist attraction and not the city. Again, something just wasn’t connecting.

We continued our tour and our guide said little. Soon we headed back down river and silence filled the boat. I just wanted answers and to understand what the hell was going on. Then Miguel reminded me that corruption can run rampant in these countries and that the control of the government can leave people powerless.

Local family from the floating village searching for plastic bags and bottles to trade for money

Our trip to Cambodia was wonderful and I would recommend visiting to anyone. We experienced many highs and just a few lows. The people are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the many sites are all worth seeing. We learned a lot in Cambodia. It can be hard to come to third world countries and see the separation of wealth and the extremes that people live in. But with that said, Cambodia has so much to offer and we will be back someday!

My favorite photo!

Thank you Cambodia!