Fabulous Cambodia!

We started our Cambodia trip by flying from Hanoi to Siem Reap. A great city in its own right, but also the base for exploring Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. We stayed at a wonderful hotel called The Avary and it really was well located and one of our favourite hotels on the trip: https://theaviaryhotel.com/ There was even a laundromat nearby and for £3 ish we did a whole load of washing - meaning less to do when back!

We had two day tours, the first day we visited Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple (known affectionately as Tomb Raider Temple, as it features in the film) and Bayon Temple. The second day we visited Banteay Srei and the nearby Cambodia Landmine Museum.

I had thought the kids may have been ‘templed out’ with so many temples, but each offered a unique insight into the Angkor empire and the rich history of the region, and our excellent guide Jackson, was so knowledgeable that everyone was enthralled and enjoyed everything. Thank you to Wide Eyed Tours & Travel for suggesting the best guide!

The oldest temple we saw dated back to 10th century and the handiwork and magnificence of each one is something everyone should see. We also visited the Cambodia Landmine Museum, which is a sombre place highlighting the sad, and pretty recent atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. The mines were planted by the regime and others and there are still lots remaining buried in Cambodia. The museum was opened by Aki Ra, an ex child solider who has dedicated his life to helping find the mines, and those who have been hurt and orphaned due to the mines. An amazing man who’s won peace prizes for his work.

After Sem Reap, we were transferred to Phnom Penh, for sadly the last stop on our adventure! On the way, we stopped at the insect market to see a local Cambodian delicacy, Tarantulas! I declined to taste this apparently delicious snack, but our guide showed us how tasty they are by eating one. Not for me, but I can appreciate how crunchy they look! The market also sold many types of fried insects. Again I declined!

Phnom Penh surprised me, as it’s far more beautiful than I expected and a lovely mix of old and new. Walking around the tree lined boulevards, you can stumble upon an ancient Khmer temple one moment, and a modern office block the next, a perfect combo of traditional and modern day.

We stayed at a gorgeous hotel called Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh, which is very centrally located and also a lovely oasis, with two big pools and huge rooms: https://www.baitonghotel.asia/

We really only had one full day so explored by foot, and at night had dinner and a couple of cocktails at a great little collection of restaurants and bars around Bassac Street.

I wish we had a bit longer to explore more of Cambodia, but it just means I need to return!