EXPERIENCING THE WARMTH OF THE LOCALS
Looking back on my trip, what has stuck with me was the warmth of the local people. As a city that is highly dependent on tourism, Siem Reap has suffered through the pandemic, and now, its people are excited to welcome travellers back. It’s something I noticed on a visit to the local market, where shop owners were chatty, all smiles and ready to assist, without being pushy.
It also stood out during my interactions with Chay. As a tour guide, he had been greatly affected by the pandemic. Nonetheless, he is optimistic that tourist crowds will return to Siem Reap. “Don’t lose hope,” he had said to me.
Indeed, several weeks after my trip, Amansara’s Rutherford shared by phone that he has seen a greater number of bookings at the resort, driven by private jet travellers from the US and South America. He expects a full travel recovery for Siem Reap by Q4 2022.
Still, for those who do make the trip now, they’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As Rutherford surmised: “You’ll never be able to go to Angkor Wat again and say that you were the only person there for a few hours.”
“There’s such a positive spirit about the people here,” Rutherford added. “There’s a sense of enthusiasm and warmth, and that’s going to put Siem Reap in good stead.”
CNA Luxury was in Siem Reap, Cambodia, at the invitation of Amansara.
Author: cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com
published 2022-05-21 22:30:00
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