Cambodia

July 23 to August 6, 2018

Angkor

Cambodia has gained worldwide acclaim for the mesmerizing Angkor temples, and their fame is well-deserved. This ancient metropolis thrived during the period from the 9th to the 15th century and has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Here are some of the must-see temples:

Angkor Wat

the best preserved temple in Angkor and one of the largest religious monuments in the world, making it a symbol of Cambodia

Ta Prohm

a temple intertwined with the jungle

Bayam

known for its 200 large smiling faces carved into the stone walls

East Barray

the only temple which allows visitors to watch the sunset from ontop of the monument

Banteay Kdei

the "Citadel of Chambers"

Kampot

Kampot lies peacefully by the riverside, offering a variety of cute cafés, rustic hostels, and floating bars. During my stay, I rented a scooter and embarked on a day trip up Bokar Mountain. At the mountaintop, I discovered the long-forgotten residence of a former king, now adorned with graffiti. Not far from this cement relic lay an eerie abandoned church shrouded in mist. I ventured down a footpath that led me behind the abandoned church, unveiling a precipice that overlooked a lush jungle below. As I sat on the edge of the cliff, a curtain of fog slowly advanced towards me, and just moments before the impending downpour, I found myself engulfed by the embrace of clouds and the howls of monkeys emerging from the void below.