I like many long-term expats in Singapore needed to get away after 2 years. With CNY looming, and the loosening of the VTL return requirements, I started to research what short haul destination can I escape to without Quarantine on either side?
Well Cambodia ticked all the boxes. Singapore Airlines recently reopened Siem Reap as a daily route (4 days of VTL). Not only that, ART in the arrival halls and free to roam did it.
So on Wednesday 2nd Feb I boarded SQ164 to Siem Reap. 72hrs earlier went for my pre departure PCR, then turn up for the first time in 2yrs and 4days at Changi.
Was very impressed at SQs move to low plastic dining on board with card cups, food boxes and wooden cutlery. A positive move. Well done.
Currently this flight is the ONLY international flight into Siem Reap, so its empty and welcoming. Passport was simple as long as you had colour printouts of your notarised vaccination cert, visa and PCR test. They didn't ask for anything else. Pick up your bag, the ART station was simple though a little too exploratory, wait 5 mins for the results, easy. Landing to in country took me only 20 mins. Almost like the old days pre covid.
I'm staying at Jaya House River Park Hotel in Siem Reap as its stayed open throughout. Amazing service and attention to detail. 5 star service maintained during C19. Was shear courage by Christian de Boer to keep his staff on when most hotels fired their staff due to no tourists for 20 months. I suspect now this puts Jaya House in a unique position on maintaining and excelling on service levels that no other hotel here can meet.
All the other hotels will need to train and restaff again, repaint. A word of caution, only trust reviews on trip advisor from Dec 2021 onwards, a lots changed and you need to decide on realtime information.
Another thing that amazes me about Jaya House is they're leading the pack in sustainability. An almost totally plastic free hotel. They've planted over 2000 trees by the river without putting a card on your bed saying "they could".
Ankhor Wat is nearby and empty as the only tourists are locals and the ones flying in on the one SQ flight, you'll be fighting the 100 or so tourist visiting the temples for that tourist free shot! Doubt that opportunity will last long before the hoards come back in droves.
On top of that Cambodia is mask optional, but social distancing is adhered to without the need for "social distancing ambassadors".
Cambodia is probably ahead of Singapore in terms of vaccination and booster role out. They are strict on sanitising your hands into every building. There is no stupid curfew, bars can play music, live bands allowed, until late.
So if you like me are (were) pining for a short hall getaway in ASEAN, Cambodia is a great option now, before the masses come back. Now is the time.
