Hi there, it’s been a minute. A year after moving to Thailand when I ironically have loads to write about, I’m finally actually doing that. And first up, Cambodia.
I’ve wanted to see Angkor for as long as I can remember- enthralled by the thought of vine covered ancient temples in the middle of the jungle. Fascinated by a place so ravaged by war but still so beautiful. And I wasn’t wrong, it really was all that, and more.
I flew to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor from Bangkok, a short one hour hop over rice paddies and remote villages. We landed on wet tarmac, after a heavy shower. Rainy season. Water buffalo grazed near the runway, and an open sided trickshaw took me to my hotel, Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel.
I fell in love with it instantly. A cute pool, friendly cats, a sweet dog, yoga classes on the rooftop… the perfect little place to crash after visiting the temples.
The temples themselves were only a short ride away, and my lovely guide who I wish I remember his name but I’ll always remember his smiling face and friendly nature, took me around all the big and less famous temples.
Angkor was epic, like I imagined, but there were so many others. Some hidden in the jungle, reclaimed almost by the vines and ferns. Others surrounded by lotus filled lakes, others that you had to climb way up to. It was an adventure, seeing them all, tiring in the sun and humidity, but totally worth it.
I’d love to go back one day. The people were some of the nicest I’ve ever met, despite their depressing history. And it is still unspoilt, maybe a cliche, but probably how Thailand was thirty years ago.
Practical stuff
Getting there – I flew from Bangkok to Siem Reap and regardless of where you’re coming from, you will probably have to do that because Siem Reap is tiny. I used Bangkok Airways and really liked their service.
Where to stay– The Baby Elephant was the perfect choice and I highly recommend it. Lovely staff, yoga, a cute pool, a little spa… perfect.
Getting around and what to do – Ask your hotel to organise trips to Angkor and the other temples. They’re not far from the city Center. You’ll need at least two days to get an idea of the main temples as well as some off beat ones. The chilling Killing fields are also in the area, a sobering reminder of this country’s dark past.
When to visit – I visited in September, peak rainy season, and we did have a lot of rain but only in the evenings and the day itself was fine to explore. I think the dry season will be a lot busier. Avoid the hottest time of year from March to April.
Thanks for coming back to this space, if you did. I’ll try and update it more regularly for now on, got loads of content from a year of travels around Asia. Much love xx
