Enough of the negative, let's get back to all the positive things about Cambodia, which really looks to a wonderful future, and is putting its horrible past behind it.
We left Phnom Penh on Bangkok Airways, a great little airline which saved us hours on the road by flying us to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is basically here to serve as the gateway to the Angkor Complex, including that most famous of temples, Angkor Wat. just to clarify, most people who have not been here refer to Angkor Wat, but it is much more than that. It is an entire city ruins spread over a massive area, parts of which are still being dug up and discovered.
This area went from basically no visitors 10 years ago, to 2 million annually last year, so it is quite new and growing fast. There is still a nice little historical area in the old area of town, and it is chock a block full of wonderful little bars and restaurants, and yes, there is even a very stylish little gay one.
Pub street, in the town centre, is where it all happens at night. Lots of places having happy hour - cold draft beer for only 50 cents a mug. You may even want to stroll down to the Red Piano, a favourite haunt of Angelina Jolie when she was here. They even have a drink named for her there.
Between our hotel and Pub Street, there is another branch of Phnom Penh's FCC, the Foreign Correspondent's Club. Our tour leader, Erin, just loved to hang out there at Happy Hour, and that is where I said goodbye to our group on the last night (more about that soon).
If you are coming to Angkor, Siem Reap is also sure to charm you.
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