Arrival in Siem Reap
Our arrival into Siem Reap was surprisingly easy.
The airport felt organized right away, with clearly marked lines and a process that moved smoothly from start to finish. After some of our more chaotic travel days, it was a welcome change.
We were a bit surprised when we were asked to pay the visa fee in USD. We had some on hand, so it wasn’t an issue, but we did notice at least one other traveler caught off guard by it.
Immigration was quick, our bags arrived without any issues, and before long we were heading outside to meet our driver.
He was already there waiting for us, which always feels like a small relief after a travel day.
On the drive into Siem Reap, he pointed out different things along the way and shared bits of information about the area. The airport itself is new, and he told us it had been recently built, along with the toll road leading into the city.
At one point, he pointed out a tall structure designed to attract birds for harvesting nests used in dishes like bird’s nest soup. We had never seen anything like it before, and it was one of those small, unexpected details that stuck with us.
Before taking us to our hotel, he stopped at a local spot for dinner that ended up being really good—exactly what we needed after a long travel day.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Side Walk Hotel, where we had two rooms close to each other, which gave us plenty of space as a family.
Not having a kitchen took a little adjustment, but we settled into it quickly.
The hotel is run by a very kind family. Breakfast was simple—bread, eggs, tea, or fruit and instant coffee—but it was consistent and comforting.
The pool was a highlight, especially in the heat of the afternoons.
Like most travel days, it was a mix of smooth moments and quiet exhaustion.
We always seem to pack a little more than we need, and after a couple of months on the road, we somehow end up with even more. By the time you’ve moved bags, navigated airports, and gotten everyone where they need to be, you feel it.
So by the time we arrived, we were ready for exactly what we found—a soft place to land.
Settling In & Finding Our Rhythm
After a long travel day, we kept things simple.
We spent the first day or two settling in, walking around the area near our hotel and getting a feel for Siem Reap at a slower pace.
The location ended up being a great fit for us. It felt central, with easy access to restaurants and within walking distance of the market area and Pub Street. We were close enough to walk over and explore, but far enough away that it stayed quiet at night.
At first, we mostly walked or used Grab to get around. It was easy, familiar, and gave us a chance to slowly figure things out.
But like a lot of our travel experiences, things shifted once we met the right person.
Not long after arriving, we met Mr. Sokhom.
He told us that his teaching job was on break for Khmer New Year, so he was driving his remorque full time for a while.
We started using him for rides here and there, and something about the interaction just felt easy.
From that point on, he became our go-to.
Having someone consistent made a big difference. It took away the small daily decisions—how to get somewhere, who to call—and made everything feel a little easier.
Over the days that followed, we fell into a natural rhythm, and what started as simple rides around town gradually became a familiar part of our time there.
We didn’t know it yet, but that connection would end up shaping some of our favorite moments later on.
First Impressions (So Far)
Travel days are rarely perfect.
But sometimes arriving somewhere and finding a place to land—somewhere that feels easy, even briefly—is enough to start.
Siem Reap, for us, began that way.
Before You Go
If you’re planning your trip through Southeast Asia, you might also find these helpful:
The Curious Compass Co.™ 