I finally made it back after more than 2.5 years to visit my Princess.

Still no direct flights from Hanoi, so I had to fly via HCMC. Both airports were not as busy as I thought they would be (holiday season in Vietnam).

The last leg was supposed to be on an ATR but we ended up on a big plane which I estimated to be about 80% full. I had applied for an E-visa and Vietnam Airlines handed out immigration, arrival, and health forms on the plane. Most people seemed to get their visa on arrival so I was first in line at immigration. The official was friendly and even said hello, a first for me. Ours was the only flight and I was in front of the airport, cold Angkor in hand, 15 minutes after touchdown.

I was busy catching up with the family during the drive and did not pay much attention. What was noticeable were all the closed hotels, including my old hotel, and the massive roads everywhere. Even what used to be minor roads are now at least 2 lanes.

I had dinner at Maybe Later Mexican restaurant. It was decent but not cheap. I did actually want to go to Crocodile Bistro but could not find the new location.

I will head to town now and see what is open, what is new, what has disappeared permanently.

Wild is still open.

Welcome back!

I first came to Siem Reap in 2014 on business, when I was working in Vietnam. It was crowded with tourists and backpackers but everything was open, vibrant and bustling, all the markets, the night market, even Hard Rock Cafe where I had a couple of meals. I remember the great Filipino band upstairs on the corner of Pub Street, I think it was the Temple.
I came back to retire in 2019 and it was just starting to decline, and within 6 months it was a ghost town. Later in 2020 the nightmare of the 38 Road Improvement started; impassable roads, mud and debris everywhere, the whole city was a disaster zone right up until earlier this year. Now its back to being a tidy little town, easy to get around, friendly and colourful. Not too many tourists which is a blessing unless you are a hotel owner. Every expat I know loves it here not just for the huge variety of cheap bars and restaurants, but the pretty river walks, the lack of traffic problems, and the entertainment which is reawakening. Those who ride bikes can take weekend runs up to Banteay Sreay or Phnom Krom on near-empty roads, or further for the more adventurous, and a ride around West Baray is always a good day out, with a hidden ruined temple on the way. If anyone lives in Cambodia but have always stayed in Phnom Penh, you are missing out on the country's jewel.

So do you think the road improvements have actually improved the little town centre of siem reap or what?

Can you upload a video of pub Street and all these like central area for us to see please

snookieboi wrote: ↑Sun Jul 17, 2022 4:15 pm So do you think the road improvements have actually improved the little town centre of siem reap or what?

Can you upload a video of pub Street and all these like central area for us to see please

youtube? There are loads of them

snookieboi wrote: ↑Sun Jul 17, 2022 4:15 pm So do you think the road improvements have actually improved the little town centre of siem reap or what?

Can you upload a video of pub Street and all these like central area for us to see please

I'm not hdgh29 but definitely yes, the road improvements have made a big impact. It looks much more organised and nicer now. Lot of videos on Youtube. Here's couple

Thanks

I saw already the last video.

Pub Street looks quite normal

Cheers

snookieboi wrote: ↑Mon Jul 18, 2022 2:59 am Thanks

I saw already the last video.

Pub Street looks quite normal

Cheers

Never cared much for Pub Street and I like it even less now that most of it is owned by Temple group.

I think the roads and parking spaces are a huge improvement and wished Vietnam could pull off the same.