Into Another Dimension

Arriving in Siem Reap, Cambodia from Bangkok is a journey into another dimension. Rod Sterling aside, the differences between Metropolitan Bangkok and rural Siem Reap are immense, and that is despite the large tourist industry and luxury hotels in Siem Reap.

We landed at the airport in the late afternoon. Getting a visa was a bit of fun. An ATM machine was conveniently located right by the visa area, but to our surprise the machine spit out US dollars, not Cambodian riel. In fact, we never saw a single riel in our two days in Cambodia; Siem Reap is a U.S. dollar economy. The first visa official took our $20 visa application fee (and our passports), then told us to stand in a herd in front of a line of other officials. After a lot of stamping and moving of paper, our names were called and passports returned. Clearing passport control was a snap compared to that rigmarole!

Then out the door to the taxi stand, pre-paid a $5 fare, then into a taxi, which proceeded down the road at the breakneck speed of 10 mph. Out of the airport grounds and wow! We’re in old Asia now boss. Narrow two lane road with about 6 ‘lanes’ of traffic, and different speeds for bicycles, motorbikes, and cabs. Very primitive huts along the road with red dirt everywhere. Around a roundabout and headed towards town, then noticed policemen stationed every 200 feet on both sides of the road. What’s up with that? We later learned that the Cambodian Prime Minister was in town to dedicate a museum, and in fact was staying at our hotel.
Pulled into the Angkor Palace Resort & Spa, and met by bellmen in short white coats and knee socks. Very colonial feel. Into the lobby, which was large with very tall ceiling and large folding 15-foot high windows which they keep open most of the time. We started toward the reception, but were asked to sit down instead – our passports were taken to the front desk, and registration materials were brought to us while we sat. Very much a feeling of service!

We headed off to town in the evening for dinner. We just missed the hotel shuttle, so we took a tuk-tuk into town – more roadway pandemonium, only this time in the dusk (just for a bit more excitement). Dined at the Red Piano on Pub Street. Downtown Siem Reap isn’t very large, and Pub Street is tourist central. All in all a great start to our Cambodian adventure!