This Place Really BLEW OUR MINDS! (and why we can't WAIT to go BACK!)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

DO what WE do. Get 50% off the Move Abroad EXPRESS eCourse and fast track your exodus: ameliaandjp.com/mae

[@travellinman382]

Ankgor Wat was on my bucket list for over 40 years. March 24’ I was fortunate enough to visit with my wife, and it did not fail to amaze us. If you find a nice, quiet place to clear your mind, you can feel the energy vibrating through you.

[@Roguesta54]

I lived in Cambodia for nine years. My daughter was born there. I prefer Phnom Penh over Siem Reap because Siem Reap was so much more touristy being much smaller and next to Angkor Wat. There's a good chance I will move back to Cambodia in about two years after my daughter finishes high school. Siem Reap, btw, means Siam (Thailand) defeated. Great video!

[@michaelhall2709]

Fascinating to know, thanks. “Wat,” of course, means “temple” in Thai as well. I’d be curious as to why the languages share that word, since they’re otherwise so different.

[@ForRiel]

We live in Siem Reap and love it. 🎉

[@r.u.faux_real1446]

R U.....ForRiel? 😊

[@georgedickens261]

Glad you finally made it to Cambodia, imo the best Country in SE Asia!

[@b.douglas2753]

So cool. I love bats. Their little faces are so cute.

[@paulkeffer7580]

We went during the unfortunate April time frame. Angkor Wat and the adjacent temples were magnificent. The heat and humidity were brutal. We arranged for the taxi driver we took from the airport to our hotel to serve as our guide the next two days. He was great and kept the AC going so when we finished touring a temple, we could flee to the comfort of his cab for some relief before repeating the process at the next destination. I absolutely want to return during Dec/Jan. Thanks doing the destination justice.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

November and December are the best months. January is the start of burn season and you may not be able to breathe. It was so bad the first week of January in Phnom Penh that we barely left our condo.

[@kitty_s23456]

@paul - I went in May and it was very hot & humid as well. I too want to return & visit there in Dec/ Jan. I'll get the 3-day ticket next time. I got the 1-day ticket last time and it was exhausting to see 7 temples in 1 day (felt rushed too). I recommend going to the Kulen temple & waterfalls (can swim) if one has time. It's ~1 hr drive away (by car).

[@kitty_s23456]

For those going to Siem Reap, I recommend going to nearby Kulen waterfalls if you have the time. It's ~1 hour drive away. There's a big waterfalls (can swim) & lingas on the river. There's also a temple, so dress appropriately. If one has time, get the 3-day Angkor Wat ticket (there's a 1-day ticket too). Siem Reap is a great place. Tourist town, lots of tourists & expats. I liked it more than Phnom Penh & felt safer too (but tastes vary, so try both). From SR, there's a night bus to Kampot if one wants the beach. Phnom Penh is 2-3 hrs away from Kampot.

[@eelfood]

WOW!!! Definitely adding to the list.

[@dalejirschele1299]

So much culture, such a sad recent history. It's nice to see that the people there are doing better, the Temples would be the go to for sure.

[@clutchputt4640]

Your timing is brilliant! I’m retiring in 2 months and Angkor Wat is my top destination for slow travel. Booking my airline tickets for January 2026 now. I hope to see you in person sometime, and thanks for the content! Safe travels

[@lucchese20]

Wow…visited Siem Reap and Cambodia about 15-20 years ago with our kids. At the time we thought that trip was really exotic. “In our days” Siem Reap was a very small town with a lot of construction going on, a few new hotels, not much to do, and really a dust bowl (while that never bothered us as the crown jewel was Angkor Wat). The malls, sidewalks, and “Pub Street” (to my recollection) didn’t exist. Angkor Wat looks a little more cleaned up from what I recall. We flew into the ‘old’ airport from KL and trip into town was very short. We did visit the school in Siem Reap where Pol Pot and his troops did their atrocities-so, yes, quite a different experience. Nonetheless looks a return trip is warranted! Looking forward to your video on Phnom Penh. Cheers. 👋🏻

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It really has changed a lot!

[@warrenwilliams7456]

I just got into Siem Reap yesterday and today I'm apartment hunting. I love Cambodia!

[@malecus7664]

Was only on the ground there for 2 days back in 2018 but really enjoyed it. Pleasantly surprised to find a French coffee/pastry shop next door to my tiny hotel. Guessing a carry over from the colonial days. Went to the museum (360 degree painting was a standout), caught a cultural play about Ancient Angkor, and did some shopping at that huge night market. Ended buying a couple of amazing painting on canvas so rolled them up. Paid a tuk tuk driver to take me around all day for $30 to the temples.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That's amazing! Sounds like you had a great time.

[@malecus7664]

@AmeliaAndJP It really was and at the top of my list for many years. Hoping to retire in SEA so I can hop around leisurely/affordably seeing that part of the world as I did while working in Germany for several years.

[@travelaroundlife]

Cambodia is magical. Thanks

[@victoriaashleyxo]

I’m so excited to visit in a few months. Looking forward to seeing temples, dancing, and learning more history. Such a beautiful country.

[@BrydiHeebner]

Glad you had fun! Interesting! I like how you always share you comparison to Ecuador and other countries

[@williamm1258]

We have a mind meld going. I'm in Siem Reap right now and headed to Phnom Penh soon. I have been right behind you since Albania. Promise I am not stalking you.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

😁

[@michaelr6269]

My wife and I with a group friends went 3 years ago. So fascinating and so much to do. Great food and entertainment. We went in Febuary.

[@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x]

Really loved this one. I didn't think about the Tomb Raider movie, but rather one of my favorites: In the Mood for Love. Chow Mo-wan (the male protagonist) travels to Cambodia and visits Angkor Wat where he whispers a secret into a hollow in the wall and seals it with mud. This scene symbolizes the sealing of his unspoken love and as the impermanence of moments and the fleeting nature of love. I was recently in Thailand and it was just too much to jump over to Cambodia, but for my next visit I'm going to make it all happen. Especially drawn after you guys showed us the great time to be had at the city there. Looks like it's good for kids. Thank you so much!

[@danielj3010]

Love Angkor Wat!!

[@Chanthou-zz9jp]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@StaceyPetersdbspouse]

My favorite temple is stunning-- Banteay Srei or The Womens Temple-- it's so freaking beautiful. Early morning boat ride on Tonlé Sap Lake is also a must.

[@tessjones5987]

This was a truly great video. You guys are just smiling ear to ear thru out the presentation.

[@dttttt]

We went in 2006. My memory is getting fuzzy, but I recall less neon in the town area. It all seemed sleepier. Our driver took us to a shopping mall, and no one else was there. When we walked in, they turned the lights on, and employees came out from under counters and stood up ready to show us stuff. LOL. I guess they were hanging out, chatting, napping under the counters? We had a wonderful lunch on a terrace of the Foreign Correspondents Club.

[@frankyoung3626]

We were in Angkor Wat in Feb of ‘20, right before Covid and it was also a low tourist time. The entire trip-Vietnam & Cambodia was amazing! While sad, I think it’s important that tourists visit places like the Pol Pot Museum, Auschwitz, or the Civil Rights Museum. Remembering those that suffered and honoring their memories is an important step to insure those histories aren’t repeated. Thanks as always for your video-beautiful!

[@pataxa4209]

My wife and I were also in Siem Reap at the exact same time as you. Great time to be there and we loved it. I couldn’t get over how great the food and lodging prices were. I was so excited I found $1.00 smoothies near our hotel. They were huge, delicious and only a buck! I’m still telling my friends about that more than the temples which were also cool to see.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

Funny thing is I'm a night owl here in Florida. By my calculations if I moved to Cambodia or maybe the Philippines I'd actually sleep during their night time. Been looking at Siem Reap for awhile. Having low costs and a huge selection of restaurants serving many cuisines is really tempting. Have seen nice apartments for less than $300 there. And Cambodia makes it extremely easy to just show up and stay. Was just checking and there are $50 direct flights from Kuala Lumpur which would make it easy to access better healthcare. Didn't check Bangkok but I've read Thailand has fantastic healthcare. And the Internet being good makes it extremely attractive. Not a fan of heat but I grew up in Florida and have lived on the Texas border and in the Mojave Valley of Arizona. So not a deal breaker considering everything else. Thanks for this video!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Siem Reap is a great spot!

[@JohannaVanWinkle]

Angkor Wat was just amazing! Like you said, pictures and videos don't do it justice. Mr. T sounds like a fantastic guide. He took some great photos of you two. My sister and I went to see the sunrise which was amazing. Man, there were a lot of tourists there for that. I think they offered hot air ballon rides over Angkor Wat as well. Wish we would have done that. We stayed at a hotel called Baby Elephant. It was owned by a mother and daughter from Australia. The food there was so good that we stopped eating out and would go back to the hotel for the food. They have a nice pool as well. The Cambodian staff were so sweet and loved to practice English with us. It felt hotter than Bangkok (in January) but I think Bangkok has some breezes throughout the day. It is a nice little city, and it is cheaper than Thailand. I liked it a lot.

[@francoiswilliams]

Love Siem Reap too...cheap and cheerful...

[@trinitariobtraveling8113]

Cambodia is awesome😊

[@gaylebalcon5151]

I have been watching youy guys through your whole trips. I was in Siem Reep in 1989. Boy has it changed. Love to go back again.

[@friscoeddie3223]

The one thing that surpasses the beauty of Angkor Watt are the people of Cambodia. Cambodia and Viet Nam are my two favorite places in SE Asia. Next stop for you two are the islands right off the coast of Cambodia. The smaller the better.

[@Danielroams]

Angkor Wat is amazing. I recommend having a private tour guide and driver. It's very inexpensive. Siem Reap is cool but very touristy.

[@deebee2603]

Cambodia has "Resting Smile Face." 🥰

[@marjoriehall9984]

WOW! I'm really amazed at Cambodia. So cool.

[@Leonardo-cq4zd]

Great video as always guys! Siem Reap is high on my list of places for escape from America. The burning season, though, could be a potential showstopper for full time living. AQI is ~185 today. I guess you guys were there before this year's smoke began?

[@Globetrotter5198]

Incredible content❤

[@JohannaVanWinkle]

I ended up loving Siem Reap as well while visiting Angkor Wat.

[@darladeibler8413]

I have been to Siem Reap. Cambodia is one of my favorite countries, out of all of the countries I have visited. I felt the same way about the people. Their entire religion is based upon the Buddhist belief of what you put into the universe comes back to you three-fold.

[@TheBuddyShowWorldwide]

Moved here a few months ago after living in Thailand for 2 years.

[@hump1953]

I was there in November, temples were fabulous and more temples outside of Angkor Wat… Very hot and humid, I prefer Phenom Phen if I were to live in Cambodia…I was drinking beer for 55 cents…will go back to visit other areas of Cambodia

[@jboosey2431]

JP, i know exactly the issue you are referring to, for it was my introduction to Angkor Wat as well, and it stuck with me. Envious. Did you happen to see the longest single root system in the world? Thanks for the vid - always puts a smile on my face and makes my day better. You two are awesome!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Very cool! It’s such a vivid memory for me!

[@hikingviking859]

So, if you two were going to move somewhere in Asia to teach English, where would you choose?

[@HobbiesHobo]

I agree with Amelia! Those Flying Foxes would be so cool to see! Lots of other interesting wildlife there as well I bet.

[@tomdee6819]

It is overwhelming a lot to see went there for 4 days and visited the town about a week haven't been to Siem Reap in 20 years want to go back again.

[@Suegirdler55]

Great video. Thank you.

[@Andrew-cg2zl]

i love this video!!! thank you for uploading videos and photos from your trip.... this was a perfect video blog. it answered everything i wanted.- Drew from Charlotte, NC USA

[@deebee2603]

The food in Cambodia was very good everywhere in Siem Reap. I thought it was better than Thai food - and I love Thai food! ❤

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yeah, we loved the food there too!

[@porridge57]

Going to SE Asia this coming Oct/Nov/Dec (2025). Cambodia was already on my list, but Siem Reap just earned a few more days on the itinerary. Great video as always!

[@jennyhammond9261]

Oh, the bats are neat!

[@MichaelCompton-y3x]

I spent 9 months in Cambodia with my now fiance. I found your videos because we were going to move to Ecuador. Every since you got to SEA i have been excited about you getting there. Im not a fan of Phnom Penh as much (unless you love right where the tourist go. Outside of that....not a fan, and i lived with my fiance as a local) One thing. Khmer is pronounced Kuh-Mi. Keep it up. Live you guys!

[@missmomus]

I went there back in 2007. It wasn't nearly as developed as it looks now... I remember it being very dusty, chaotic traffic, some pretty extreme poverty and children used for aggressive begging. It was a big culture shock. But I would love to go back and see how it has changed, and revisit the temples.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Children begging is still happening, but we’ve seen that throughout SE Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America so we’re used to it.

[@marjorielutzke6398]

Going in two months, can't wait ❤

[@2muchmedia]

Hard to believe how they built all those temples in the heat. Glad you had a wonderful time. I was treated like a King but with the added expense. 😂

[@brianevans3634]

I plan to move there for retirement

[@Hammocktraveller]

Hi. The one I prefered was Bayon with all the faces carved on the rocks.

[@BigBear59]

very interesting place …i’ve never been …so it’s on my bucket list……Thanks for the information and sharing …until soon …..Alex🇬🇷

[@Susan-z2b5g]

Haven't lived there but visited twice. I remember seeing pictures when I was young and always wanted to go but no travel was allowed. We went as soon as it opened in the 1990s. Your video of the town is fascinating. None of that was there when we went. The temples look the same, thankfully. Blew my mind too. You could spend more than 3 days there next time and there are temples not far away that are interesting too. Love your channel.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! There’s so much to see there, we’re going back again soon.

[@Elizabeth-dx5oz]

So very unique . Thank you 👍

[@MiaHessMusic]

Ankor Wat is on my bucket list

[@Mr.DamianM]

I wish I had known you guys were going to be here! You could have bought me lunch!😂

[@chipevans1939]

Thanks for taking us along. You can blame the Wizard of Oz for my extreme fear of monkeys. I’m sure they don’t bite, lol

[@yubunleng5927]

Did you visit Preah Dak Village ? If didn't when you come to Siem Reap again, I highly recommend going there.

[@c.leee.5613]

I lived in Siem Reap for quite a few months recently. I, too, find it a fascinating place and attractive in many ways, not the least of which is the charming character of the people. However, in the interest of full disclosure for those considering a visit: Firstly, it is the custom to play out all ceremonies (funerals, marriages, graduations, etc.) publicly and loudly. That means loudspeakers lasting/blasting for days. It is not rare at all for the chanting accompanying a funeral, for example, to last for days and to be easily heard for blocks and blocks away. At all hours. The concept of private and public space is different. Secondly, like most developing SE Asian countries, the air quality can be terrible. Some days better than others, but demonstrably poor. Be ready.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Compared to Latin America, it seemed quite to us 😂 However, the air quality is bad in SE Asia. Burn season started the week after we left Siem Reap and the air is almost not breathable some days. We just stay inside, but we can still smell it.

[@armyguynyc1]

Good video. How do you like Da Nang? I passed you two on the boardwalk Tuesday.

[@BrydiHeebner]

I am taking Spanish at a community college for 4 months, 2 days a week! So my first travel will be South America, then Albania part of the world, Then this area of Asia - by this summer will take your course and get help from Amelia if all goes well! Thank you! I did live in Cozumel Mexico for 3 months when I was young and feel living abroad is for me and my family- We are trying to save money in the Washington DC area and it is discouraging. But there is a way!

[@wsigona]

Have you been to Saipan?

[@dawninthemountains]

So enjoying your videos. Visit Georgia? The food is amazing, any kind of wine you could want, such friendly people, and it has a bit of grit just like Ecuador and Albania.

[@guylainenicol2089]

is it safe for solo traveler ?

[@ccrider8483]

@guylainenicol2089 I and others I know have traveled there alone, so I think it is safe. It seems many problems that some tourists have had are as a result of excess drug and alcohol consumption.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We saw a lot of solo travelers there. It felt very safe to us. Just watch for pickpockets in the crowded areas.

[@James-mt3gi]

👍

[@larryross2458]

I was more impressed with angkor wat than machu picchu.

[@Echoesofwhispers]

Did you have to get any vaccinations before going to SE Asia?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

No.

[@mitchellwong1247]

Will you two check out videos of China? I think it might be even cheaper and you're right next door

[@tammiepulley7167]

I’m loving your Asia videos. For your bug bites try a dab of Vaseline. It works wonders.

[@jbmjzz]

Thanks again for a wonderful video. I'm planning on going to SE Asia this summer, probably during the rainy season. Oh Well! Is it safe to drink the water out of the faucet in Cambodia, Thailand, or Viet Nam. Or, do you recommend drinking bottled water instead? Do you recommend U.S. tourist getting vaccine shots (malaria, yellow fever, etc.) before they go?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The tap water varies by location so check with your lodging host. You might need the yellow fever shot depending on where you’ve traveled. The other shots are a personal choice.

[@ccrider8483]

Speaking of Thailand, vaccinations are not necessary. Tap water is not safe to drink. Some say do not even brush your teeth with it, but I do and never had a problem. So, yes drink bottled water and it is readily available.

[@kitty_s23456]

@jb - in SE Asia (and South Asia), it's best to drink bottled water only. (always best to ask your host or hotel abt the water) As for brushing your teeth with tap water, for me it's OK, never had problems while for others, it's not - depends on person. When going around sightseeing, it's OK to have a man bag (or purse if you're a woman).

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

Do you have an opinion on Cambodia (Siem Reap) vs Phillipines (potentially Dumaguete or nearby Valencia)? I favor Phillipines for the English speaking of many locals & the beaches. I favor Siem Reap for the price of really nice apartments, food & walkability. I've never been to either country but am very interested due to the affordability in particular for a retired senior with a low income on Social Security. I would really appreciate opinions.

[@12rmoreau]

Siem Reap 245000 people

[@AmeliaAndJP]

worldpopulationreview.com/cities/cambodia

[@12rmoreau]

@AmeliaAndJP Wikipedia says 245000

[@KC-in9px]

There is over a million people in Siem Reap province. The city proper is a small section but the surrounding area (the suburbs) is contiguous, it keeps going seamlessly. It's a huge area if you venture out of the Pub Street/Night Market touristy section of town.

[@Magic4599]

You mean , no time travel

[@francesfarmer736]

Ok, sounds great, another place to put on my list……I subscribe to another YT channel “Megabattie” she rescues flying foxes in Sydney, Australia been following her channel since 2019-20……Very interesting! Thanks….Tobey 🌵🌞

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That’s cool!

[@PeterDMayr]

Not sure that they built angkor wat with just stones & simple tools. I think the base/structure was built by superhuman beings & the cataclysm of 12k years ago made it look like more confusing to date.

[@PaulRoeder-ki2mv]

I have been to Siem Reap 3 times and its my least favorite place in Cambodia. Actually I arrived in Cambodia for the first time into Seim Reap and almost left Cambodia because of my initial encounters there. Angkor Wat is definitely worth the visit though and I have been there twice. But for me, Seim Reap is something that must be endured to go there. For visiting there are MUCH better places and cities than Siem Reap. I have spent several months traveling around Cambodia and its one of my favorite places. Just not that horribly tourist city of Siem Reap. I hope you go see other places and just not follow some tourist barang trail. There is a lot to see and the people are incredible.

[@2muchmedia]

Some Americans who went to Siem Reap in the early 1990's said the place was amazing before all the tourism took over. Though I had an amazing time there, I can't help feel some sort of creepy negative energy about the place. Still I recommend a visit with the easy flights from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

[@mikeadams5111]

Would you mind sharing the "MUCH better places" as I'm planning a 4 month trip to SE Asia.

[@PaulRoeder-ki2mv]

@@2muchmedia Negative creepy enery is a great description of what was when I was there between 2015-2018. Angor Wat itself is amazing, I did the 3 day tour once and the 2 day tour with my wife a second time. My tuktuk drive for my first tour was great and I went to a house warming party for a Khmer family. Wonderfui memories, but Siem Reap is just shady and a bunch of people trying to seel you stuff.

[@PaulRoeder-ki2mv]

@ I really liked Kampot, the food is amazing there, its changed a bit from when I firt went. But have friends who still spend thier winters there and really enjoy it, I like Battambang when I visited and teh bat caves there are really cool. But this is very subjective. I ride scooters or motorcycles everywhere when I am in that part of teh world and it its a must see place it instantly becomes a must not see place for me. 10 years ago Sihanouk was a cool place but I would never go there now.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. To each their own. We really liked it and didn’t feel any creepy energy 🤷‍♂️

[@formica.]

Cambodia is great to visit, but not for everybody to live. Quite poor and undeveloped. The standard of living is like most parts of Philippines, which is a step below Viet Nam. Compare Thailand and Malaysia which are a step above Viet Nam, in infrastructure, availability of imported goods, transportation, sanitation, English speakers, public parks, etc.

[@billify23455]

Sorry, I just don't get it'

[@melissaweyrick5311]

I have a feeling they knew that type of free would grow the way it did. But I cannot explain the Dino. Maybe a bad artist and it was supposed to be a dog. 😅