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 Exploring Siem Reap and angkor wat I am sure the growth of tourism and the ensuing collision of cultures in Laos & Cambodia is straining some communities, but the negative affects are not easily seen in Luang Prabang and Siem Reap. People from every continent descend on these spiritual places, each speaking English with a different accent, and expecting the locals to understand them. The demands of the tourists are met with warm hospitality and well-concealed confusion. Our impatient, rushed manner must be perplexing to people that have no concept of “type A personalities”, yet they graciously nod and smile , even when they have no idea what you said, and if you are to gain anything from your experience here, you learn to smile, say “kob chai” (thank you in Laotian) even when you are served the opposite of what you thought you asked for. 
The "slow boats" that ply the Mekong along the shore in Luang Prabang (as opposed to the "fast boats" that scream down the river with helmet clad people in a hurry - both locals and tourists.)
I am glad more people are discovering So East Asia, but unfortunately, due to the new direct flights into places like Siem Reap and Luang Prabang, tourists can now fly in, stay in a large chain hotel, ‘blow outta there’ in two days, and check it off their list. To me, this is very sad.
We spent 5 days in Siem Reap cruising on rented, one-speed bicycles with baskets - it is the best way to travel! It was little tough to find a bike big enough for my 6' 2" husband David - on most his knees were in his chest, but after much searching, we did find one that would do. We rode 10-20 km a day, through the massive area of the Angkor Wat temple complex, discovering dirt paths that lead to outlying temples where there were no other tourists. We also took a day off from temples and cruised down dirt roads, through villages, enjoying the scenery and goofing off with the kids. We left wishing we had scheduled a few weeks to see more of Cambodia.
 The problem with this rushed style of “adventure” travel is that it often leaves the majority of the money we spend in the hands of large hotel chains, government airlines and tour operators back home. The local population does not enjoy their fair share of the economic benefits of sharing their villages and scared places with us. Secondly, there is so much more to experience in these magical places, it’s a shame to turn the visit into a hasty sightseeing expedition. To really appreciate Laos, or Cambodia, you could easily spend 3 weeks in each country, or better yet 3 months!
Laotian tortillas drying in the sun, made from Cassava.
I know, you are saying, “but I don’t have enough vacation time!” All I am suggesting is, that instead of trying to cover several countries in So East Asia in one trip, allow a whole 2 or 3 weeks to fully experience just ONE! You will save lots of money and hassels, by not having to buy expensive domestic flights, and pay for visas and exit fees in numerous countries, AND, you will have a much more memorable, fulfilling experience.
As Helen Keller said, life is either a daring adventure, or nothing!
Related stories and destinations: Mekong River Cruise - Luang Say |
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