We defeated Thailand. Eventually.

The name 'Siem Reap' actually means 'Defeat of Thailand'. While this tells you something about the base city for the amazing Angkor Wat and Thom temple complexes, the fact it has a street called 'Pub Street' identified by a giant neon sign that says 'Pub Street' says more. If you think tourism has yet to touch Cambodia - go to Siem Reap and find out that you're very very wrong.

Photo: Pub Street at night

I had been looking forward to Siem Reap for a variety of reasons. Temples, of course. First and foremost.

Although our tour was ending, it was ending in a four star hotel in which I'd booked in for an extra night. On the surface, Casa Angkor is quite nice. But, not only did they put me in a twin room, it was dank, dark and filled with mosquitos. The air conditioner doesn't work properly, it's extremely hot and of course I can't open the window because of the aforementioned mosquitos. As it is, I had to put on a DEET-based insect repellent before going to bed. The buffet breakfast was cold and there was no wifi in the rooms. Four nights here won't be the fun relaxing end to the tour I was hoping for.

Now that I've got my whinging out of the way... next post we're off to Angkor Wat!