Life after 40 in SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA : Is it BETTER than the UK?

[@SteveMack101]

My friend I’m from Canada. I’m 64. Just arrived in Phnom Penh five weeks ago. 28 years in Ireland 30 years in Canada Five years in the South Pacific Never been as happy in my life I’m so in love with this place and the people are amazing

[@mattmck360]

Happy for you. Congrats on the move.

[@sos2946]

Enjoy your life 🎉😊

[@milan79tomic66]

How did you like life in the South Pacific?

[@petersomers7846]

Whats the fishing like in the Mekong.kiwi pete cheers lm keen to move there but got to keep of the piss for some of the time. Love your vid,s😊😊

[@petersomers7846]

Here in ozy 1 beer 9$ plus if have more than 2beers DUI lose of license etc hope to buy u a few one day cheers kiwi pete😊😊😊

[@williamtell5555]

40yo here, digital domad, been living 5 years in Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai), 5 years in Vietnam (Saigon and Da Nang). So far my favorite city for living was Chiang Mai. Siem Reap is like a more touristic version of Chiang Mai but less pollution and the tourists here are people coming for visiting Angkor Wat so the majority are good people. I spent 1 year now in Cambodia and I really feel like home here in Siem Reap. I just signed a 1 year lease contract for an apartment here with my girlfriend. Siem Reap is the best, man

[@mattmck360]

Yeah I agree.

[@michaelgreen5515]

Good to hear from someone who has visited these locations all as at least you can compare.

[@Gedstravels]

I just spent 4 days in Chiang Mai , couldn’t imagine a more touristic place, even more than Pai and that’s saying something. Absolutely packed with tourists everywhere, couldn’t wait to leave.

[@lepent163]

How much for rent? USD

[@AlotofStuffChannel]

@@lepent163very cheap from $150+ for decent 1br

[@Mr.DamianM]

The folks over at Neak Tep hospital solved my stomach problems in about an hour, an issue that had gone unsolved in Virginia for 3 months. I was given 5 meds (anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, probiotic, antibiotic, and one other) for 5 days. Bloating and pain gone in 3 days. Total bill for consultation, examination, sonogram and meds, 53 American dollars.

[@mattmck360]

Good to know. Should be like that everywhere.

[@margolyn8291]

❤❤❤😮

[@resetrequest]

Good candid content. Keep up the great videos. I see nothing but good things for this channel. And thanks.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks alot.

[@SeosamhMacUaid]

You look great for 40 mate. Best of luck to ya in Cambodia. We are leaving the uk in 2026.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks, good luck with the move.

[@redflamemarketinguk]

Where are you heading?

[@AndrewPawley11]

Everywhere is better than the UK. Now in my 31st year as a British ex-pat, living in my seventh foreign country I know that getting out of that dump is the best thing I ever did.

[@timmyhiggins5220]

I'm irish and did 2 years in England. It isn't a place for a rational single man.

[@david-reason]

Hi Matt, liked your views in this video. I arrived in Kazakhstan then China in my mid 40's and my world was changed forever! I also watch "Nan with a backpack" from Siem Reap too. Best wishes from Bangkok.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@MK-rk6dq]

Nice bro, thanks so much for your video and your favourite destination, Siem Reap Cambodia 🇰🇭, I myself is Khmer but I am Australian citizen for over 30 yrs in Australia but I always travel to Cambodia 🇰🇭 every year, I love and appreciate all foreigners that like our motherland, thanks 🙏🏼

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching !!!!

[@seanghaysuy7976]

Welcome to Cambodia mr. matt! hope you enjoy ur stay. and very informative video!!!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@markhoffman1310]

I'm 41 one myself. thanks for making content for us newly middle aged gentleman. Most content is geared towards younger digital nomads or older retirees.

[@mattmck360]

Yeah that's one of the reasons I started this channel.

[@mantarayal]

Great, thoughtful, and realistic content here Matt. Really enjoying your channel.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@milan79tomic66]

Not a long video but absolutely brilliant and straight to the point. I have seen many videos about Cambodia because I am planning to soon move there but this is the absolutely the best video I have ever seen so far

[@mattmck360]

Thanks alot.

[@milan79tomic66]

@@mattmck360 you are welcome

[@chrishughes887]

Yeah sad disorder is affecting most British and they don't know it. I left Liverpool for Philippines cebu 18 months ago best thing I ever did

[@rosst3277]

A great balanced video Matt, thanks. I'm a similar age to you and currently living in Samui, but feel ready for something different. This video was food for thought!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@GyrotexGaming]

Great video mate, new subscriber here. My wife and I are in Australia and started researching early retirement options, with Cambodia suddenly being added to the list. Videos like yours are very helpful!

[@Rugpul]

Aussie here to,it's out of control here now,I do fifo,rent my house out,but don't want to grind myself into the ground the next 20 years

[@hamcheeselettucemayosandwich]

The only parallel between Cambodia and the UK is that both consume oxygen. As a western tourist though, Cambodia beats the UK ten fold.

[@EvanChorm-le6tn]

Actually, the similarity between UK and Cambodia is that they are both kingdoms and have religions that are born from and are pro-monarchical kingdom, which is Christianity and Buddhism that is like Ancient Pharaonic Egypt where they see one unique-born goody two shoe human is God, King, and Judge (all Trinity 3-in-1 in One). Oh and they both are simple foods but seen as bland in neighboring countries. Simplicity is best. I would know. I’m a fraternal twin Coming-Bodhi with family from Peter Pan but raised in New York since infancy like legal alien baby Superman.

[@EvanChorm-le6tn]

Whoops typo. I mean I’m a fraternal twin Cambodian with family from Phnom Pen (The Full Mountain) to represent a fully erected as God-King in the middle of attention boy (Peter Pan). The second star (twin star ⭐️ ) on the right (Oriental/East) and straight on till morning (🌞 👦🏻 Sun Boy)

[@davidholgate123]

It's a pointless comparison... Most of it's subjective or dependent on circumstances... For example, if you've failed in the UK and prices mean a lot to you, then somewhere like Cambodia is probably better suited to you, where you'll enjoy more freedom because your money goes further and you'll get a bias from that... If you've done well in the UK and you have a decent disposable income, then in my opinion, there's nowhere better than the UK... Where I live in the UK, local towns and villages take massive pride in their surroundings like no other place on earth I've visited... Most of this work is done by none paid volunteers too... I feel incredibly safe where I am in the UK, the parks and community spaces are amazing... I have freedom to roam over farmers fields and pathways through the countryside legally unlike many other countries... We're far more dog friendly than most nations too!... If you have kids, there's also no other country that has as many free or paid activities both indoor or outdoors than the UK to keep your children occupied, with the amount of park facilities, ball parks, play areas etc... I have a fantastic life in the UK... The Yorkshire Dale's, where I go to often is my favourite place on earth and Devon, Cornwall, North Wales and many others in the UK come a close second... You just can't beat sitting by an English river in a peaceful village after eating at a local cafe or pub... The standard of food at these places is staggering now too and much better value than countries like the US... I go abroad about 10 times a year, mainly to get some sun in the winter but apart from the weather, I still feel most at home in the UK... Most of the people moaning about the UK have failed here and live in inner-city areas and never explore the UK... Me and my wife visit many towns and villages each weekend in the UK and I can tell you that many are thriving and absolutely stunning... I absolutely love my life in the UK.

[@Sabadiver]

​@@davidholgate123 thank you don't see too many of these comments, a different perspective!

[@Sabadiver]

​@@davidholgate123obviously also depends on other factors as well. I can understand why some want to leave

[@Lachelip]

Alot of place is better than UK. It is a rough place now. It is sad. Alot of people are moving.

[@camionvert]

You dont like multiculturalism?

[@MotorsportUK2009]

@@camionvert Multiculturalism is responsible for the miserable weather and awful food?

[@nico4069]

​@@camionvert relax bro he didnt say that he just said its pritty rougth there now..dont put things in peoples mouths bro...makibg shit up

[@DavidEHarding]

Thanks again, Matt, for another helpful video. I completely agree that Siem Reap is not a place for the young to do more than party on Pub Street -- and, from my perspective, that's a good thing. I've been here for two weeks now myself and have noticed there's a healthy number of retired expats roaming the streets. As a percentage of the total population, I'd guess SR is certainly one of the highest in Cambodia -- also a good thing. If you have time, I'd like buy you a beer or coffee and talk about your assimilation to this place. Again, thanks!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks sounds good see you around !!!

[@spirittravels.]

I'm almost 60, and spent much of my Youth backpacking around the World. On a more recent trip, after backpacking around Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, etc, I was there, and stayed for a few weeks, to relax. It didn't take long before I had seen everything to the point that there was nothing left to see or do. And this was weeks in Siem Reap after I had done pub street for 2 nights, which was enough. Siem reap is very small, not particularly interesting, and lacks character. I don't understand why people that are starting their travels in southeast Asia are talking about living there when they should be traveling around, and seeing the sights? Southeast Asia has a lot to offer. There is so much to see and do. who in their right mind would want to stay in a boring town like Siem Reap just because it's cheap, even in their 50s or 60s. This is so lame.

[@scham2309]

@@spirittravels. "Who in their right mind would want to stay in a boring town like Siem Reap?" Apparently, everyone else but you lol

[@spirittravels.]

@scham2309 Well I suppose you might if you're old. It's becoming a retirement home for old men from Canada and The States.

[@YenPairs]

I agree Matt. We loved SR when we visited. Safe, hospitable, and affordable. In our experience all of SE Asia is the same. The people are just fantastic. So is the food. Go well mate x

[@mattmck360]

Yeah the people are so friendly here.

[@niall4779]

You are a really good content provider 🤝

[@mattmck360]

Thanks alot !!!

[@mikestout9588]

Good video. Just figuring out how to finance it and I'm there. Been 17 years but I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@gtan431]

Really great content Matt and really well presented.....I love Cambodia 🇰🇭 and have always been interested in their history. Retired next door in Thailand, but would not hesitate if circumstances were different to move there. Look forward to your videos, keep up the gr8 work and photography. Best wishes Rob

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@michaelgreen5515]

Matt you look happy lad well done. Self discipline is key anywhere you go. 3/4 pints and the next two days I feel terrible so I am late 40's so stopping.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks. Good luck.

[@Freedom101]

I liked your content and that's why I subscribed to your channel. Short and useful to the direct point.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for the support !

[@joshlalley9864]

Sober fella here looking to eventually relocate to Cambodia. I think introducing 12 step communities would be a great way to help addicts and alcoholics. This is something I hope to do when I make the move. Thank you for the video and insights. Keep sharing :)

[@mattmck360]

I believe there are meetings here but I don't have the details.

[@Cryptonight3]

Great video love your style keep up the great work ..

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@firmaforex]

That was a nice and well done video. Most scenery looked nice on the video. Will look for more videos.

[@gordonadams6712]

Hey Matt, Very informative video.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@MrElliottjc]

Great video, covered all the bases. I lived in Cambodia back in the 90s and I'm now based in Thailand. For me, Thailand is more organised, better infrastructure, and a lot more going on as there is a far more diverse international population. The other way of looking at it is that Thailand's just easier, and when things go wrong they are less likely to go completely pear shaped. And lastly, another great benefit of Thailand is that Cambodia is just next door.

[@mattmck360]

Yeah I agree, you can actually notice the difference between the countries as soon as you cross the border, the disparity in wealth is obvious. But for me I like that Cambodia is a little further behind in it's development, gives it a certain charm.

[@michaelc5769]

Well done and the sound is better as well. You make good points about choosing to be an expat. But in the end I think it's worth it. The upside of not needing a prescription for drugs is lower cost since the layers of bureaucracy are removed, but you do need to exercise self restraint.

[@mattmck360]

Good point. Pro's and Con's I guess.

[@mickclark4861]

Always great content Matt, I’m 60 this year and will retire in Siem Reap at 64. It’s perfect! Not as commercialised and hectic as Thailand but if a night out or weekend on a beach is needed your just a long bus ride away. Ticks all the boxes. Take care 🙏👍

[@mattmck360]

Thailand looks very busy these days, at least in the touristy areas.

[@infour44]

Really appreciated this snapshot insight. Having ‘boomeranged’ back to UK atm it’s sadly evident that it’s in a bit of a doom loop; particularly so if you can make a reasoned comparison. Siem Reap seems to have a lot going for it, particularly if you enjoy an outdoors lifestyle and thrive on being in a new cultural environment. 😊 Visa research imminent

[@danielh377]

Some of the best advice that I've come across for middle-age men considering moving to a cheaper country. I'm about to take the leap again. Can't wait to get out of San Francisco.

[@mattmck360]

Good luck !!!

[@MkIggy]

Brings back memories, I was there 20 years ago. Visited many times, loved it.

[@tripnotic100]

Quality video Matt. Fellow Scot here who grew up in Canada planning my exit to SEA.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks, good luck !!!

[@JohnWorsley-z2e]

Enjoyed this video, I'm 2 years away from making a move away from the uk.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@bobstar6837]

Great video, mate. It's nice to see somebody living their best life👍

[@mattmck360]

Thanks, I'm trying.

[@morton228]

Love the radio mic.

[@leewalsh877]

Thanks for the video was there 15 years ago found it very chilling place and ankor wat was amazing

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching!!!!

[@bijanbayne3259]

I live in Thailand and am on my 4th visit to Siem Reap since July

[@Gedstravels]

You figured it out. Got a real perspective on how it is. I’m touring SE Asia at the moment, currently in Thailand…I moved from the UK to the USA and now Colombia, took me forever to learn decent Spanish, I’m really struggling with the language barrier here, it makes a huge difference in being able to enjoy a country. I travel all over South America and speak Spanish fluently now, even if I fell in love with a country here I wouldn’t move because I’m not ready to start from scratch with a new language.

[@mattmck360]

I lived in mexico for almost a decade and my Spanish still isn't that great.

[@NY-Dani]

Everything you said is well-observed and true. I've been in Cambodia years. Left the UK over 15 years ago. When I go back, the decline of the country saddens me. The Asian countries feel so positive and on the up.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@MrStax40]

I worked in Cambodia on a one year contract 11 years ago, whilst Cambodia will always have a place in my heart the country drove me nuts. The infrastructure was shocking, nothing worked or ran on time, a 4 hour journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville would often be 7 hours, trash everywhere, the most deforested country in SEA and chronic corruption. Cambodia made Thailand look tame in comparison. I ate and lived well and at the end of my contract I earned a handsome purse. Maybe it's better now than it was then as the country did rather test my patience. As for the UK, anyway-where is better than that dump at the moment unless you're rich of course. I'm now in Kuala Lumper Malaysia where I'm very happy, I look forward to visiting Cambodia in the next few months and see how it is now.

[@mattmck360]

Roads are definitely better now, can't really speak to the corruption etc

[@paulfrancis8764]

Thanks Matt, I enjoyed this!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks!!!

[@ks2foto]

Refreshing content. 👍. Keep it up!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks

[@nicolacrickmar8829]

Well done vlog I must say, full of info about Cambodia so thanks for that. You gave many price ranges for most 'need to know' stuff if you're thinking of moving there. You showed typical Khmer healthy food, prices of food and drink, private hospitals are good and cheap....very affordable for foreigners.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@dieterschanzerbschonsmrics3528]

Very useful thanks mate

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@mehmetdundaralp]

Thanks for the informative video, Matt.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching !!!!

[@louissavoy4832]

I've yet to have the pleasure of visiting Cambodia but have visited Thailand often and was an expat for 14 years. There's a lot of magic to being an expat, and even relief to simply being outside of the West. It's a version of happiness you can only find as an expat.

[@mattmck360]

Yeah, you get used to it, hard to go back to regular life I imagine.

[@andrewhuhn6006]

Good Vlog. Honest and on point. Subscribed.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks!!!

[@davidludford2164]

Very nice video,so I went to Siem reap 30 years ago with my wife and kids,there was one foreigner bar with a few taxi girls,I went back back last year,not for me ,I live in Bangkok with my Thai wife of 38 years,I hope to visit Battambang shortly for the 1st time,good luck

[@mattmck360]

Definitely a few more bars now.

[@TrevorMelbourne-ef1in]

Lovely video. Thank you, young man

[@mattmck360]

Thanks, trying my best.

[@Getbetter-ne9bi]

Good info, well presented and honest, thank you

[@mattmck360]

Thanks, appreciate it.

[@tamykenian9361]

amazing narrative , stupendously informative

[@mattmck360]

Thanks alot !!!

[@nomad5375]

Dude that was a great video! Thank you!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks alot & thanks for watching.

[@Manutapu]

Hello Matt my name is Manu and I am from New Zealand I love your videos on KZbin. I never travel out of New Zealand because I'm busy with work and looking after my parent but I need a break from working hard.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching

[@ashleybarnett3390]

very informative video, thanks......im 61 now and this place looks pretty good to me)....you make some very good points..specially about the social side.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@RobHill1210]

Hi Matt, loving the content bud, keep it coming! My Wife and I are thinking of moving to Siem Reap from the UK. I just have a quick question regarding Visa's. What's the longest Visa you can get and do you have to do a boarder hop after a certain period to renew? Thanks Rob

[@mattmck360]

I actually made a video about this, it'll be released in a couple of days. Hopefully that video will answer your question.

[@RobHill1210]

@@mattmck360 Ledge, cheers Matt. I will watch out for it :-)

[@jeffkravitz9109]

Awesome vid.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !

[@sophiakeo9115]

Thanks 4 staying in cambodia, Goodluck bro.

[@LuvADuc]

Thank you for the content.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching !!!

[@squidandchips]

Really interesting vid! Thanks mate!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching !!!!

[@Andrew-h6j5h]

Have you been to Malaysia? Would you prefer there or Cambodia for a holiday? We’re planning a few nights in Tokyo then Vietnam and then either Malaysia or Cambodia before spending a week in Thailand.

[@mattmck360]

Yes I went to Kuala Lumpur recently, not really a holiday destination, also went to the Perhentian Islands, nice but if you want to go to an island Cambodia has Koh Rong and its easier to get to, hard to compare the two countries, depends what you're looking for.

[@gabriellarosa5015]

I miss Camboja, the people are so special!

[@affiliateclimbmax9287]

Trust a Scot to tell you like it is, this was motivational and truthfully.. thank you. Once the Mrs. gets home through the traffic she must watch this..

[@mattmck360]

Thanks alot !!!

[@samithchan-s5x]

Very Welcome brother 🥰🥰🥰

[@petersomers7846]

I like the way u talk about the gym, then straight on the beer prices man of my own heart.❤❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊 kiwi pete

[@mattmck360]

Haha thanks

[@LuxAeternaVita]

Fantastic job, truly impressive!

[@mattmck360]

Thanks alot.

[@TheLightFF906]

Thanks for your sharing

[@sokpisethlalalanno]

Cambodia isn't a place for "Prostitution or Tourism", It's home, and that's why you fall in love very quickly. Especially when it's come to the "food or people" and also the local community.

[@davidkemp5798]

I think you must be blind, you must have missed all the freelancers selling themselves and every Tuk Tuk driving offering girls and drugs. Cambodia is a cesspit in the tourist areas you think dont exist.

[@plamenspasov4943]

It's amazing how empty the Streets are over there, compared to the Philippines.

[@homesteadireland7473]

Good video …we wish you well 👍

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@ELPaso1990TX]

I think regarding healthcare costs it’s the same everywhere around the world. I’ve considered retiring to Tunisia or Turkey and I can image healthcare costs are the same in those places too but a shorter flight back to UK. One thing is that anywhere is far cheaper for healthcare than the US. Cambodia is a very beautiful country with low cost of living. Enjoy.

[@mattmck360]

Yeah there are definite advantages to living closer to the UK, it would be a few flights for me to go home from here.

[@Suegirdler55]

Thank you.

[@Mrhonest168]

Living in a place that makes you happy 😊😊

[@magnapearl9506]

Nice place. Enjoy.

[@hengteng]

wonderful and thanks for sharing

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching !!!!

[@Saodavid-sdv1dd]

Welcome to Cambodia 🇰🇭😍🥰

[@TonyKeepingItClean]

Nice video. Cheers for sharing.

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for watching !!!!

[@LizafromWhere]

Lovely video. Cheers from Myanmar

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@kevinmcneill7056]

I am from Manchester, UK and absolutely love the place, lots of amazing people, culture like the art and music is just amazing. But the every day things like utility bills, transport, crime, homelessness, greed and expense make it so hard. I stay in the Philippines, during winter. Not a perfect country by any means, but so much better for me.

[@mattmck360]

Yeah I think you get a better quality of life abroad, but of course most people don't have the option to just leave, most people have to live where their job is.

[@emergent3744]

i like your style mate, very chilled

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@borisyurinov4822]

Agree with you. Weather makes a difference ❤

[@richardlongmore9301]

Angkor wat was amazing but I found Cambodia exhausted me after a month

[@Pououn6222]

7:26 it's tough but I'm sure you're gonna make it 😊

[@benclandestino498]

Thank you for the valuable insights! Is easy to buy kh'tum leaf bundles at locak bazaar?

[@mattmck360]

Not sure what that is, but if it's grown here it'll be sold at the market.

[@nelsonfarrell5307]

Excellent video

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !

[@kolapyellow7631]

I drive to work in the dark, too 😢😢😢😢😢. I'm not loving it. Hopefully, I will get to move to SR soon.

[@mattmck360]

A fellow vampire, I don't miss it.

[@travelwithsjohn]

Wow sounds great

[@JimiHendrix-z5g]

this video is very informative - a must see for every traveler! I´m currently in Vietnam and also post videos regularly on my channel. See you in Cambodia next year! 😊

[@mattmck360]

Thanks !!!

[@RidewithBigos]

What camera you using for your vlogs mate?

[@mattmck360]

Right now just my phone, its a Samsung Galaxy, I think it was new last year.

[@roelhoremans5887]

Angkor Fitness is an awesome gym. 💪🏻

[@kanatmukatov2730]

Thanks Matt! Good helpful info from this video. Are you going to live there forever, or just for a time?

[@mattmck360]

Who knows, forever is a long time.

[@kanatmukatov2730]

@@mattmck360 good said!

[@ThePrahok884]

❤❤❤

[@davidbee7394]

I turned 50 last year Living in Australia and now looking for places to move and retire to when I turn 55-57. Does anyone think Cambodia will be as good as now overall in 5-7 years?

[@Lillylim1]

Wow I wish I could move and live in Cambodia if I still had family living there.

[@Badger345]

Great video

[@mattmck360]

Thanks!!

[@silondon9010]

Great channel, just subscribed

[@mattmck360]

Thanks for the support.

[@mr_qu3stion477]

the most important question is what to live on? from savings that will run out someday or do you have some passive income?

[@mattmck360]

I have an import business.

[@ivegotaguitar]

Moved here about 6 months ago from the U.S. - I'm NEVER going back.