Cambodia is one of those countries that captured my heart the moment we arrived. Despite a culture with a tragic past, the people were delightful, warm, and welcoming. We spent a total of 10 days in Cambodia as a multi-generational trip with our parents and daughter. I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity and beauty of each area. This comprehensive itinerary will allow you to see quite a bit of the country. We do tend to pack it all in, so if this isn’t your style feel free to customize to your liking. We’ve included some helpful suggestions along the way.

10 Days in Cambodia with Kids

This itinerary begins with the perfect introduction to Cambodia in Siem Reap. Explore and learn about the Angkor temples, discover life on the Tonle Sap at a floating village, and have a great night out along Pub Street. After Siem Reap you’ll continue on to more of the country venturing to far away places like Mondulkiri, Kampot and Koh Rong Sanloem. Come along on this journey with us and be inspired as you plan your trip here!

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

In This Article
Traveling with Kids in Cambodia
Best Time to Go
Packing List for Cambodia
Angkor National Museum, Pub Street, Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour
Angkor Wat Sunrise, Small Circuit Temple Tour, Pre Rup, Pub Street
Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Phnom Bakheng Sunset
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
Elephant Sanctuary and Nature Lodge in Mondulkiri
Kampot
Koh Rong Sanloem

Taking in all of the exciting and new surroundings in Siem Reap

Traveling with Kids in Cambodia

If you’re a family reading this and on the fence about bringing your kids, I will say don’t hesitate. We found it to be quite a kid-friendly place despite the long and hot hours exploring the temples. It could get difficult without family around to help, but with some schedule adjustments you can definitely make it work. It also depends on your kids and what they can handle. With our daughter being quite the easy traveler, we can usually get more out of our day.

Helpful Tips

Overall, we recommend taking some time to visit the temples early in the morning, as it gets very hot and humid as the day goes by. Try to take a break in the afternoon to relax at your hotel and eat, then go back out to explore. We had limited time here, so there were some days we had to just keep moving onto the next site. This meant we moved a lot more slowly and took more breaks, but ultimately we still saw a lot of temples. Be willing to sacrifice any original plans with kids, you may not be able to fit as much as you had planned to!

Make sure to carry a lot of cold water and snacks. Our tuk tuk driver provided it after returning from the temples, but it’s also important to keep with you too. If you’re moving on to various parts of the country, there will be some long drives on the buses. Try booking seats towards the front, as they are cooler and more comfortable.

Sunset from our jungle nature lodge in Mondulkiri

Best Time to Go to Cambodia

Cambodia has only two seasons divided into wet and dry. The wet season is typically from May to October and brings continual rain making travel more difficult to various areas. But it also has a lot less tourists with lower prices. If you’re planning to see a floating village on the Tonle Sap, this would be the time the homes would be truly submerged. However travel to Mondulkiri to visit an elephant sanctuary will be much more difficult, as road travel is not as safe. There are also more mosquitos during this time which increases risk for illness.

The dry season is usually from November through April. While we visited in February, we experienced very little rain. In Mondulkiri there was no rain at all, and barely any mosquitos in sight. Because the weather was more dry, overall it looked a lot less green. It was also high season for tourists, meaning costs were a lot higher. In the end it all depends on your preference, budget and itinerary.

Packing List for Cambodia

In an effort to be prepared for mosquitos and tropical humid weather, we did some research on what to pack. We felt most comfortable in loose-fitting and breathable clothes. For myself I wore a lot of maxi skirts, and harem pants. Our daughter wore a lot of sundresses and capri leggings. For men, just a t-shirt and shorts will do.

Because mosquitos are attracted to darker colors and floral patterns, I tried to wear lighter colored whites and neutrals, and stayed away from colorful prints and blacks. If you really want to be hardcore you can always wear a bug jacket.

Mosquito Repellent

I did a lot of research prior to the trip on best repellents to use on both adults and our daughter. Now after experiencing these products during the trip, we definitely vouch these Sawyer products. They were extremely effective at keeping away the mosquitos. Generally I’m pretty adamant about not using anything with chemicals, but made an exception to avoid any possible illness. We mostly used products with Picaridin, as they were safer to use on everyone. For our daughter we also used really convenient wipes which made it easier to apply.

Comfortable shoes were also important as we did a lot of walking and exploring. I always swear by my Tevas and also my Supergas. Both are always much more comfortable for many hours of walking.

Other Important Items

Aside from these specific items for Cambodia, we also made sure to pack a full health kit for any ailment, charcoal pills to battle any sickness, and backup antibiotics in case of extreme illness. Of course don’t forget sunscreen to protect from the sun. We keep all our cash and valuables in a neck wallet, especially in bigger cities where snatching is more common. We also use an Osprey backpack that fits everything we need and allows us to carry-on only.

See more: How to Prep for Your Cambodia Trip

Pub street life during the day

10 Days in Cambodia Itinerary: Days 1-4 in Siem Reap

The beginning of your 10 day journey in Cambodia starts in the ancient city of Siem Reap. Millions of tourists flock here every year to visit the Angkor temples. In this itinerary, you will see many main spots, as well as some off the beaten path temples. You can customize as you wish based on your travel style, but we typically pack more in.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Depending on when your flight arrives will determine what you do will do on your first day. Because our flight arrived later at night, we basically got to the hotel and relaxed, preparing ourselves for an early start the next day.

Mane Village Suites

There are so many great options for various budgets in Siem Reap. We ended up staying at Mane Village Suites, a mid-range option that was still a wonderful and comfortable stay. It had a great location, a nicely-sized suite which fit all five of us with so much room to spare. They had delicious Khmer cuisine with a nice outside bar near the pool. Included was free tuk tuk service to Pub street, just a quick 5 minute trip away. It was within walking distance from some great food options, and also not too far from the Angkor temples.

The gorgeous bar and restaurant area at Mane Village Suites

Other Hotel Options in Siem Reap

Golden Temple Residence: A beautiful boutique style hotel in a convenient location. Gets great reviews and perfect for families! Breakfast is included.

The Night Hotel: A great value within walking distance of several sites within the city. Breakfast is included.

Looking for more options? See more.

The entrance to Angkor National Museum

Day 1: Angkor National Museum, Pub Street, Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour

The best way to start off in Siem Reap is to first visit the Angkor National Museum. It will give you valuable insight and good foundation before touring the temples. We were able to understand more behind the history and have more context as we explored. However if you’re already well versed on the history then you can skip it. It’s easy to get here by tuk tuk and plan for a few hours here. You can purchase an audio tour for an additional cost which adds on to the time, but gives a more thorough experience. There’s also a cafe inside for snacks and drinks. The entrance fee was $12 for adults. Note: A lot of the exhibits didn’t allow photos

Lunch

After the museum tour it’ll be lunch time. Our tuk tuk driver brought us to Pub Street which has several options. He made some recommendations and we decided upon Amok Restaurant, located right in the heart of it. The food was a bit pricey for Siem Reap, but overall very delicious. The seating outside is so nice and there are a lot of shops nearby to check out while waiting for your food.

A view of some of the houses along the Tonle Sap

Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour

After lunch you’ll head back to your hotel to relax a bit. Around 2pm, our guide for the floating village tour picked us up. We booked the tour through Community First, a lovely organization that is ethical and sustainable. You’ll be in a comfortable minivan with a group of around 8 people total. It was such a wonderful experience and one of the highlights to our time in Siem Reap.

Sticky Rice, Cambodian Bakery

During the tour you’ll stop by a roadside vendor to try some sticky rice. Next up you’ll visit traditional Cambodian bakery where you’ll see how some of the desserts are made and take a brief tour. You’ll also get to snack on some of the sweets.

Bridge of Life School, Tonle Sap Boat Cruise

Then you’ll arrive in Kompong Khleang and drive into the village. First up is a tour of the Bridge of Life School, which helps local children get a good educational foundation. This will allow you to see how the tour cost is utilized to help the community. Finally the tour will end with a sunset boat cruise along the Tonle Sap, and a visit to a Vietnamese floating village. The group tour is a total of 5-6 hours and costs $35 for adults, and $25 for children under 12. You can book private tours as well for a higher cost.

See more details here: Tonle Sap Floating Village Tour

Dinner

We arrived back from the tour around 7pm, just in time for dinner. Since we were quite exhausted from the day we decided to eat at the hotel. However if you’re feeling up to it you can head to Pub Street. With a full day of temples the next day it was best to head to bed early.

Alternative Option
If you’re not interested in seeing a floating village you could do a cooking class like this one. In this 3 hour tour you’ll visit with a local family within a village and learn how to make a traditional meal. It’s another great family activity and way to have an authentic experience.

Exploring one of the wings of Angkor Wat

Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise, Small Circuit Temple Tour, Pre Rup, Pub Street

Angkor Wat Temple and Sunrise

The next day starts extremely early with the sunrise at Angkor Wat. You’ll be picked up at your hotel around 4:30am and either head straight for the gate, or to get the tickets. The temple opens promptly at 5am and the earlier you get there, the better chance you have at getting a spot in front. Our tuk tuk driver picked us up at 4:20am since we still had to get tickets. We arrived to Angkor Wat around 4:45am and although we didn’t get to be in front, we still got a decent spot. Read more on how to capture sunrise at Angkor Wat.

After the sunrise you’ll have some time to explore Angkor Wat. We had some quiet time inside the temple before the real crowds began to arrive. There were some parts where nobody was around. Seeing the bas reliefs that we learned about at the museum was so unreal to see in person. It really is a spectacular place to see and it’s no wonder that millions of tourists come here every year.

Breakfast

When you finish taking your tour of Angkor Wat it’ll be time for breakfast. Our hotel packed some breakfast boxes so we went to one of the restaurants nearby and ordered some drinks to sit and eat. It saved a lot of time having our food already so we could move onto the next temple.

Optional Temple Tour
For those who like to have everything planned out, this 2 day temple tour including Angkor Wat Sunrise is a great option. You’ll get to see a lot of the temples we are covering in this itinerary with a guide and vehicle transport at an amazing value!

South Gate of Angkor Thom

Next up starts the Small Circuit temple tour. The South Gate of Angkor Thom is a beautiful entrance to the complex. Along the right and left side you’ll see the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) which you’ll learn about during your museum tour. Although it wasn’t even 10am, this area was already quite busy. Our tuk tuk driver dropped us off near the entrance so that we could walk through, then drove us to our next stop. It’s a lovely place for photos with the bridge, and the entrance itself is so detailed.

A glimpse of one of the many faces of Bayon

Bayon Temple

One of the most popular temples in Siem Reap is definitely Bayon, the temple with over 200 faces. We ended up spontaneously booking a tour guide here who gave us a wonderful photo tour and some history. It was one of our favorite temples in this complex and pretty amazing to walk through. It does get quite crowded unless you go early in the morning. We spent around 2 hours here which was perfect, but you can adjust as you wish.

Baphuon, The Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King, Phimeanakas in Royal Palace

There are many temples close to Bayon which makes it easy to see more. Baphuon is a 3-level temple built for the god Shiva. It looks a bit like a pyramid and you can climb to the top. We briefly walked to the entrance, but due to lack of time we chose not to climb. Right in front of the temple are the Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King. These can be seen in a short amount of time. Next to it is Phimeanakas in Royal Palace and we did all 3 in less than an hour. The beauty is you can customize this tour as you wish, this is merely just a guide and overview of what we saw.

Ta Keo and Pre Rup

On the way to Ta Phrom we stopped at Ta Keo and Pre Rup. Ta Keo is a really tall temple and the climb up is quite scary. The stairs are still rustic and not very wide, so you almost have to climb up while holding onto the side. It’s not very kid-friendly so our daughter did not go up with us. Once at the top though it truly does have some wonderful views!

After Ta Keo we briefly stopped at Pre Rup. This is a great one to see during sunset, since it has a reddish color from the brick. We did not get to spend as much as we’d like to here, an hour would have been perfect.

Inside a more quiet part of Ta Prohm temple

Ta Prohm

The last temple of the day is Ta Prohm aka the Tomb Raider temple. We made a brief stop for lunch at one of the restaurants nearby, then started our tour. We spent around 2-3 hours here which was sufficient and didn’t feel rushed. The tree interweaving throughout the temple structure was so interesting to see. All of the famous photo spots get overwhelmingly crowded, so we recommend actually walking around and discovering some off the beaten path areas. They are just as intriguing to see and without all the tourists waiting to take the perfect shot.

Pub Street

We wrapped up our full day temple tour around 5pm. You could head somewhere to watch the sunset, Sra Srang and Pre Rup are a few options. Or you could head to Pub Street to eat and shop the night markets. Since we were pretty templed out for the day, we decided to check out one of the night markets within Siem Reap. We also grabbed some pizza at Flying Zebra Pizza, a perfect casual place for families. Walking the street is an experience in itself, with the markets, fish massage places, vendors selling street food like bugs, and an overload of neon decor. You must stop here at least once during your time here!

The beautiful pink sandstone and details of Banteay Srei

Day 3: Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Phnom Bakheng Sunset

After a few days in Siem Reap, you’ll be ready for the temples further away. With these ones you’ll need a car since they are outside the city. Our tuk tuk driver included the transportation in our 3 day package after customizing what we wanted to see, but you could also book a separate tour just for this day.

Banteay Srei

The day starts around 8am where you’ll head to Banteay Srei, one of my favorite temples out of all that we’ve seen. Nicknamed the “Citadel of Woman,” it’s made out of pink sandstone with intricate Khmer artisan details all throughout. It takes about 30 minutes to get here by car and is a lot less crowded than the temples within the main Angkor park. We spent about 1.5 hours here which was the right amount of time.

Koh Ker

The next temple stop of the day is Koh Ker, located within a remote jungle in Preah Vihear. The drive there is another 1.5 hours, but it’s definitely worth the trip. There is still a lot undiscovered in this temple complex due to landmines still prevalent around some parts. It’s a bit of a walk through ruins in order to reach the 7-tiered main pyramid structure, and a steep walk up several flights of stairs to the top. Along the way you’ll hear nothing but the sounds of the jungle all around, so it feels like quite an adventure. Luckily since we had family with us, our daughter stayed behind to rest. We spent a little over an hour here and felt it was sufficient, although it’s always nice to have more time!

Overview of the ruins of Beng Mealea temple

Beng Mealea

After our time at Koh Ker we had lunch nearby the next spot. Another temple that feels straight out of a movie is Beng Mealea. It feels very similar to Ta Prohm, with overgrown tree roots vines overtaking the temple ruins. There has not been much renovated here except a walkway to guide you through this mysterious maze. Inside the temple it’s very green with a lot of moss and trees growing within. It’s a spectacular sight to see and one you don’t want to miss here. We truly enjoyed these further temples even more so than the usual ones, especially with less people.

Phnom Bakheng Sunset

To finish off a busy day exploring the temples you’ll watch the sunset at Phnom Bakheng temple. Because we had to drive from Beng Mealea temple, which takes about 1.5 hours, we could not get here too early. It’s recommended to start lining up on the mountain at 4:30pm in order to be in the group of 300 people that can go up at a time. We got here around 5pm and just made it in time to watch the last bit of the sunset. Although this is quite touristy, it was definitely one of those things you’ll want to do here. Some great alternate sunset spots are Sra Srang, Pre Rup, and even Angkor Wat.

Explore more: A Guide on Siem Reap Temples

The energy of Pub street at night

Last Night in Siem Reap

The full day of temples had us pretty exhausted, but we wanted to make the most of our last night in Siem Reap. So we headed out to Pub Street again for food and check out more of the nightlife. If you’re feeling up to it you could do a street food tour like this one. In the tour you’ll get to sample authentic snacks (including bugs!), desserts, and Khmer cuisine.

Looking for more ideas on what to do in Siem Reap? Here are a few options!
• Phnom Kulen Waterfall Day Tour: A 6 hour tour to the “Holy Mountain” of Phnom Kulen National Park where you’ll see the River of a Thousand Lingas and the statue of the Grand Reclining Buddha. You’ll also get to relax in the pools by Phnom Kulen Waterfall. A relaxing escape from the city!
• Phare Circus Show: This came highly recommended and we are sad to have missed it. It’s a performance of modern theater and traditional Cambodian performing art, and proceeds help to support local artists. A great family activity for the evening!

Day 4: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

The morning of Day 4 wraps up our time in Siem Reap. We had a bit of time in the morning, so we decided to head back to Angkor Wat to explore some of the parts we missed. You could do whatever you’d like with this time, even explore another temple you haven’t seen! During our second visit we were lucky to be able to be blessed by a monk. It happened to be a Buddhist holiday, so there were a few monks within the temple giving blessings. It was a nice surprise and unique experience to have.

Terra enjoying the corridors of Angkor Wat

The back area of Angkor Wat

Afterwards we said our goodbyes to Roben, our amazing tuk tuk driver who took care of us all three days. The rest of the day was basically travel to Phnom Penh by bus. If you’d like to save some time you can fly, but we decided to take the bus for the experience and to see a bit more of the country. We booked a Cambodia Post VIP minivan which went pretty smoothly without issues. Booking transport in Cambodia is a bit of a hit or miss, but we only had good experiences with this company. You can book online through BookMeBus.

See more on our adventure here: 3 Days in Siem Reap

Farm to Table restaurant interior

Arrival in Phnom Penh

Since we arrived in Phnom Penh around 6pm, we really didn’t get to see much. If you want to adjust this itinerary you could add an extra night here. For us it was merely a stopping point to get to the next location. The Killing Fields and S21 Prison are two important parts of Cambodian history. Although we really wanted to visit, since we had our daughter with us we did not feel it was appropriate to take her at such a young age. Therefore we have saved more of Phnom Penh for a return trip.

Where to Eat in Phnom Penh

We did have a lovely dinner while here. A local had recommended Farm to Table, a rather eclectic spot with locally sourced food that was healthy and fresh. It was a nice change from all the usual cuisine we had on the trip so far. Around the restaurants were chickens freely roaming about, which made for an interesting meal. The seating was super comfortable since we chose a set of couches around a table. It almost felt like dining in someone’s charming backyard. Definitely recommend for something that isn’t traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

There are so many options for hotels in Phnom Penh that it can be a bit overwhelming to choose just one. But after many hours of digging around reviews, I ended up choosing TeaHouse Asian Urban Hotel for it’s location and value. Since we had a 7am bus trip the next morning we wanted to be close enough for a smoother morning. The hotel itself wasn’t luxury by any means, but definitely a solid choice for those who are looking for a budget option. They even packed our breakfast super early so we could eat during the ride.

Staying in Phnom Penh longer? Here are a few options for what to see!
• Phnom Penh Half Day Tour: A 4 hour tour of the Royal Palace, National Musuem and Wat Phnom including an English speaking guide.
• Mekong Islands Bike Tour: 4.5 hour half day tour exploring rural communities by bike gaining insight into the lives of locals. Includes transportation, bottled water and lunch.

The Mondulkiri Project main building and protected forest

Days 5-7: Elephant Sanctuary and Nature Lodge in Mondulkiri

The next morning begins the long 6 hour journey to Mondulkiri Province, all the way on the eastern part of the country bordering Vietnam. Although it’s out of the way, it was definitely one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve had.

How to Get to Sen Monorom

From Phnom Penh

I booked the first TCT Mondulkiri Express bus from Phnom Penh through BookMeBus so we would arrive in Sen Monorom around 1pm. The cost was around $10 USD per person for a one-way ticket. The trip takes between 5-6 hours and is rather bumpy. In Cambodia you’ll notice there are a lot of accidents along the way, we witnessed a few just in this trip! I read many bad reviews from bus companies here, but TCT got the best reviews overall.

From Siem Reap

You can also go straight to Mondulkiri from Siem Reap. The trip is between 8-9 hours and costs around $20 USD per person. We highly recommend not booking an overnight bus as it’s not the safest with road conditions. Try to book an early time so you can get there by afternoon.

Getting to Your Hotel

Once you arrive in Sen Monorom, you can take a tuk tuk to the eco lodge. Just let them know the name of the place or show the address and they should know it.

Bungalow at the Tree Lodge

View of the bungalows from the main terrace

Walking the lodge path during sunset

Where to Stay in Sen Monorom

Lodging is pretty slim in Sen Monorom, but definitely a unique experience. We booked with Tree Lodge Cambodia, a totally awesome eco nature lodge within the jungle. Since the owner of this also manages the elephant sanctuary, it was very convenient, especially with kids! We got a bit of extra sleep and enjoyed breakfast before they drove us straight to the sanctuary.

Our bungalow wasn’t fancy by any means, but the perfect relaxing experience with sounds of wildlife all around. The sunsets here were glorious, and we loved spending our evenings watching it from the main terrace. We had geckos join us for dinner, avocado and banana trees right outside our place, and breathed in the freshest forest air. This will definitely be a highlight of your trip and one you’ll never forget.

Looking for additional options? See more.

Terra and dad feeding the elephant

Up close and personal with one of the elephants

Giving one of the elephants a bath, she loved it!

Mondulkiri Project

The main reason we came all the way to Sen Monorom was to see an elephant sanctuary. But I wanted to make sure it was an ethical one, so after some research I came across the Mondulkiri Project. They have five elephants that roam a protected forest area. They also employ locals and help the community rather than cause harm. The owner, Mr. Tree, is very passionate about conservation and taking care of wildlife. You will learn more about this organization and the local Bunong tribe at the beginning of the tour.

The Elephant Sanctuary

They also offer 1-2 day elephant sanctuary packages. One option is just spending the day with elephants. You’ll first be introduced to all of them and hear a little about their personalities. Then you’ll be able to feed and interact with them a bit in their natural surroundings. After this will be a brief lunch break of Khmer cuisine. Then you’ll get an hour to rest in the hammocks with beautiful views of the jungle. The day ends with bathing the elephants and taking a final walk through the forest.

This was an unforgettable experience and learning experience for us. It was refreshing to see the passion involved with caring for the elephants and forest. Read more about our experience at this ethical elephant sanctuary in Cambodia.

Tree Lodge Cambodia

After spending a long and incredible day at the elephant sanctuary, we headed back to the lodge for another night. Because there was a restaurant right there we were able to eat and enjoy the sunset over the terrace. They had a combo of both Khmer and Western cuisine which was a nice variety. Also available were fresh fruit shakes and other drinks at such a great price! We loved our lazy nights here hanging in the jungle with nature.

Beautiful sunrise at Fish Island Bungalows

Days 7-8: Kampot

The next morning we left around 7am on a bus back to Phnom Penh. We had planned to transfer to another bus there to head to Kampot, all the way on the opposite side of the country. However the bus was cancelled. Thankfully I had some backup options and contacted the same taxi driver who would be driving us to Sihanoukville the following day. Fortunately he came to the rescue and we made it there! Kampot was another stopping point on the way to Koh Rong Sanloem, and we wished it was more than that. In a mere 24 hours here we saw a lot and instantly fell in love.

Where to Stay in Kampot, Cambodia

There are a lot of great options of places to stay in Kampot. I had a hard time choosing, but ended up booking Fish Island Bungalows. It’s a family-owned place with exceptional service. They also made the best home-cooked food with a delicious breakfast included. If you love charming places with an authentic flavor, then you’ll definitely enjoy your stay here. You’ll be well taken care of by Mr. Leng and his family. He even brought us into town and helped us buy some pepper at a local market, and also to see the salt fields.

How to Get to Kampot

The easiest way to get to Kampot is by bus from Phnom Penh. You can also take a private taxi, which is what we ended up doing. Since buses are not fully reliable, we recommend going by private car. It’ll be most comfortable too. There’s also a train that goes from Phnom Penh, but it takes much longer and is on a restricted schedule. It does offer some nice views of the countryside though along the journey.

Entrance to Wat Traeuy Kaoh on Fish Island, Cambodia

What to Do in Kampot

Kampot is a rather sleepy town, but still has a lot to see and do. There is a lot of French colonial influence in the architecture here. You can see a lot of it while visiting the old market. Since this region is known for their pepper, visiting a pepper plantation is a must if you’re here for longer than a day. You can also go on a sunset and firefly cruise along the river, and rent a motorobike to visit Kep.

There are salt fields here as well and catching a glimpse before they harvest during sunrise or sunset is the best way to see them. Bokor National Park is just a short trip away with beautiful forests, Buddhist wats, and stunning views from Bokor Mountain. Along the river is lively with street food, shops and floating restaurants. These are just a few ideas of what to do while here. See how we spent less than 24 hours in Kampot.

Blue boat along the beach in Cambodia

Days 8-10: Koh Rong Sanloem

After spending the night in the relaxing Fish Island area of Kampot, we departed for our final destination. Ending this super packed 10 days in Cambodia with some beach time is the perfect way to wind down. Luckily the trip from Kampot only takes less than 2 hours, and in no time you’ll set foot in paradise.

How to Get to Koh Rong Sanloem

It’s fairly easy to get to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. There are ferries that depart from the pier in Sihanoukville quite frequently. Depending on where you are staying will determine which ferry to take. Most dropoff in Saracen Bay, the most busy and easily accessible part of the island. We recommend staying here if you have kids for the ease and convenience.

We ended up taking Speed Ferry Cambodia which dropped us off at Paradise Pier, a few minute walk from our resort. Some other ferries to take are Island Speed Ferry, GTVC Speedboat, and Buva Sea. You can also take the slow boat, although this takes much longer and we do not recommend.

Where to Stay in Koh Rong Sanloem

Koh Rong Sanloem has several areas to stay with different vibes. The most popular area is Saracen Bay, which is the easiest to get to. There is also Lazy Beach on the other side of the island which requires an additional boat service, or a walk through the jungle to get to. Sunset Beach is another area with more secluded Robinson Crusoe type feel. M’Pai Bay is another area popular with budget travelers and backpackers. It’s a great choice for those looking for more of a party scene.

We stayed at Sky Beach Resort, a fairly new place with only five bungalows. They arrange a variety of tours for snorkeling and glowing plankton and had free stand-up paddle boards to use. They had basic lounge chairs on the beach, but would have been nice if they had hammocks as well. There’s a restaurant and small mini-mart here which was very convenient. Overall we loved our stay and it was very easy to get to from the pier.

What to Do in Koh Rong Sanloem

Other than relaxing on the beach, there’s a lot to do on the island. You could do many water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or snorkeling. There are several hikes to do around the island and to other parts. Certain resorts have seafood BBQ dinners which is fun and delicious. You can also go on a glowing plankton tour at night after dinner. We did a day long boat tour to M’Pai Bay Village and spent time there watching the sunset. Either way you’ll have an amazing time on this remote paradise! See more details in our guide to Koh Rong Sanloem island.

Terra jumping for joy on the beautiful beach of Koh Rong Sanloem

The Best 10 Days in Cambodia

Cambodia is a wonderful country with a lot of beauty to discover. This 10 day itinerary covers a lot of different areas, but there is still so much more to see. Next time we would love to explore Battambang, Phnom Penh, Kratie and the northern parts near Thailand. It’s such a kid-friendly place and your kids will enjoy the mix of everything. The warmth and kindness of the people shines through and will forever change you. There are many reasons to go to Cambodia, and we hope this guide helps to inspire your next trip!

Have you been to Cambodia? If so, we’d love to hear more about your trip!

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post 10 Days in Cambodia with Kids: The Perfect Itinerary appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Tucked away within the Japanese Alps is Shirakawago, a picturesque village that will bring you back in time. There are many wonderful places to see in Japan, but this Shirakawago winter experience will make you feel like you’re in a real-life snow globe. The triangular gassho-zukuri style farmhouses sitting against the dramatic mountainous backdrop will capture your heart the moment you arrive.

Ogimachi village, the largest one in Shirakawago, is located within the Gifu prefecture in central Japan. In 1995, it was classified as an Unesco World Heritage site along with it’s less touristy sister Gokayama. It’s been around since the 11th century, and its rich history and culture have been well preserved. The homes were constructed with high roofs to hold strong against heavy snow.

We spent our time here as part of a 3 day weekend trip from Tokyo, which included Takayama. In this post I’ll share more about how to get here, where to stay, and what to do. Although this focuses more on the winter season, it’s wonderful to visit any time of the year. Each season brings something unique to your time here.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

Unique Japan Destinations: Shirakawago Winter Guide

In This Article
How to Get to Shirakawago
Where to Stay in Shirakawago
Shirakawago Winter Experience

A snowy welcome to Shirakawago

How to Get to Shirakawago

Getting to the village of Shirakawago can seem daunting at first, but I hope this post will help you with your journey. There are a few different options depending on your itinerary, which I’ve outlined below. The total travel time from Tokyo is between 4-5 hours. It’s best to visit for a weekend or 3 day trip, and combine with areas around.

Train from Tokyo via Nagoya

For our trip, we decided to travel via Nagoya. The Nozomi express train from Tokyo only takes about 1.5 hours total. Once you arrive in Nagoya you will have to switch to a different train. You can choose to spend some time here, or continue on. If you’re hungry, we highly recommend you to try some miso-nikomi udon in the station, a Nagoya specialty.

Nagoya to Takayama

From Nagoya you have to take the Limited Express Hida to Takayama, which takes about 2.5 hours. The views from the train are just spectacular, as you venture into the mountainous regions of Gifu and the scenery is worth it alone for this trip. The seating is very comfortable and there is a food cart that makes rounds if needed. Along the way, you’ll pass through Gero Onsen, an optional add-on if you have more days to spend in this area.

Optional Tour
If you’re coming from Nagoya, this day trip to Takayama and Shirakawago includes transportation and a guide. A great option if you are a first timer, or have difficulty navigating a new place.

Takayama to Shirakawago

From Takayama you take the Nohi bus from the Takayama Bus Terminal. The driving time takes about 45-50 minutes with stunning views as you drive through the mountains. You’ll be dropped off directly inside the village.

Train from Tokyo via Toyama or Kanazawa

Some other options are to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki) to Toyama or Kanazawa station, a 2 hour trip. Then from the station you take the Nohi bus which takes another 1-2 hours to reach Shirakawago.

Standing outside of Magoemon

Where to Stay in Shirakawago

Staying overnight in one of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses is the best way to experience your time here. The house itself will provide an authentic stay, but you can also spend some time exploring once the tourist crowds leave. There are several farmhouses to choose from, but we ultimately decided upon Magoemon due to availability.

The entire stay really felt cozy and comfortable. The rooms have a space heater to stay warm, and the meals are served in a common room with all of the guests. The bathrooms are shared and there’s also a private hot bath to use. They provided boots, which came in handy in the heavy snow. It’s a very humble stay, so don’t expect luxury. But you can expect a soulful taste of Japan here.

Honzen-ryōri Japanese meal served at Magoemon

Honzen-Ryori Dinner

One thing that stood out during our stay was the meals being served communal style around an irori (sunken fireplace.) A traditional Honzen-ryōri Japanese meal was served sourcing from local ingredients. Some dishes included grilled ayu fish, eggplant, tofu dengaku and much more deliciousness. Afterwards you can sit by the fire and relax a bit, before heading off into the hot bath to warm up before sleep.

Here are some other lodging options in the area that got great reviews:

Shirakawago Terrace: A Japanese wooden house hostel located about a 10 minute walk from Shirakawago village. All rooms are tatami style with futon beds. It has a shared kitchen for guest use, as well as free breakfast included.

Shirakawago Guest House Kei: Has various room options to choose from and very budget friendly. Walk to Shirakawago village in about 20 minutes.

See more places to stay near Shirakawago.

A lone house at the base of the observation deck overlooking the village

Shirakawago Winter Experience

Although the village is quite small, there is plenty to keep you busy. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Eat and Enjoy

Each region in Japan has its own special cuisine. I just love sampling the food in a new place. As you walk through the village you may come across some street foods which are always great to try. We had some beef buns and croquettes close to the main central area. Ochiudo is a delicious comfort food cafe that is one of the best in the area and well worth the wait. Although we never made it here due to limited timing, there’s a soba restaurant in the area. Coffee Hina is a cute little cafe that serves delicious coffee, sweets and light cuisine.

Exploring around the village during nightfall means having it all to yourself!

Walk Around, Explore and Capture It

Being in a gorgeous village with a blanket of snow means you must walk around and admire it. There are some amazing photo opportunities here and incredible beauty all around. The earthy tones of the homes against the pure white snow is such a nice contrast. Icicles dangle from the roofs and the scenic Shogawa river runs along the village. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight and pretend like it’s a snow day. It truly felt like being in a winter wonderland.

Go Shopping

Scattered around the village are some small shops. You can buy some local sweets and snacks, as well as souvenirs to take back as a memory. Since we collect magnets we decided to grab some, as well as some adorable sweets covered with gassho farmhouses. There are also unique handicrafts, sake, homemade miso, dried noodles, and teas that are great to buy here as well.

Take a Tour of the House Museums

Another thing to see are the farmhouses that have become museums. At Wada House you can gain more insight into what life used to be like in the village. There are artifacts on display, and more info about the Wada family history. Silk was also produced locally here, and you can see silkworms in action at Tooyama House.

The gorgeous views from the observation deck

Head to the Observation Deck for the Views

If you want to see an overall view of the entire village, there’s an observation deck located nearby. In order to get there you have to take the shuttle bus, which leaves from the central area of the village, near the bus station. The cost is 200 yen and the trip is about 5-10 minutes. You can also walk up, but it takes much longer. You’ll be amazed by the views here, which includes the beautiful snow-covered mountains. Near the observation deck is a souvenir shop which also has snacks and hot drinks.

Shirakawago Winter Light Up Event

Every year in the winter after the New Year, there’s a light up event in Shirakawago. This is a special and magical time where the houses are all lit up, and adds even more charm to the village. It’s a very popular event, so be aware there will be a lot of tourists. Unfortunately we were here too early for it, but hope to make it someday! It seems for 2019 they are doing a lottery system since it’s become too popular to accommodate the crowds.

Take a Day Trip to Gokayama

Also within the area are the villages of Gokayama. These ones are more remote and less popular, giving an truly local experience. Ainokura is the larger village here and very remote. You can really get a sample of the traditional culture here, and also see how washi paper is made. Suganama is the other village in Gokayama and has a few museums, and well preserved farmhouses. These feel and look very similar to Shirakawago, but a lot less touristy.

We hope this post inspired you to plan your own Shirakawago winter adventure. It’s truly like taking a step into the past, and allows a glimpse into the history and culture of this area. Japan is a country with such a diversity of beauty, and this is a must see, whether you’re an avid traveler here, or even if it’s your first time. And winter is a magical time to be here!

Looking for another Tokyo day trip idea? Check out our guide to Izu Peninsula and Kamakura.

Have you been to Shirakawago? If so we’d love to hear what you think!

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post Shirakawago Winter Guide: A Dreamy Japan Experience appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Pure bliss. This is how it felt as we arrived on Koh Rong Sanloem, the most gorgeous beach in Cambodia. We made the journey here from Sihanoukville to end our ten day Cambodia vacation. It was the perfect finale to a rather busy trip. If you’re planning to go to Southeast Asia, you must squeeze in at least a few days on this island paradise. From dreamy turquoise water, to white sandy beaches, it’s the epitome of relaxation.

After a rough speed boat ride from the mainland, we were transformed to a remote disconnection from reality. Unlike it’s touristy neighbor Koh Rong, this island still feels rather untouched. Although we only spent a few days here, there was so much to see and do. Explore this guide to the most beautiful beach in Cambodia and let it inspire your next getaway!

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

A Guide to the Best Beach in Cambodia

In This Article
Best Time to Go
How to Get To Koh Rong Sanloem
Where to Stay on Koh Rong Sanloem
Things to Do on Koh Rong Sanloem

Terra enjoying time in the water during sunset

Best Time to Go to Koh Rong Sanloem

Usually the best time to visit Cambodia overall is during the dry season, which is from November through May. If you’re looking to experience sunny skies with practically no rain, this is your best bet. However this also means there will be more tourists. So in the end it’s all about what your preferences are.

During the wet season, which runs from May to November it will be more rainy. It might offer a different experience here on the island, and definitely more secluded. But you might not have those bright sunny beach shots. The great thing is there will be less tourists and overall cheaper prices.

Speed Ferry Cambodia boat in Sihanoukville

How to Get to Koh Rong Sanloem

Before heading to Koh Rong Sanloem, we spent one day in Kampot. After reading some not so great things about Sihanoukville, we decided to stay overnight here instead. It was such a beautifully relaxing place to stay and also put us much closer to our journey to the island. It’s just a few hour drive from Sihanoukville, and also a place worth seeing.

From Sihanoukville there are several options to bring you to the two islands, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. We recommend asking your resort or bungalow which ferry is the best to take, as it depends on which pier you need to go to. Our resort was on Saracen Bay, and we chose Speed Ferry Cambodia, which dropped us off just a few minute walk from there.

Some other options are Island Speed Boat Cambodia, Buva Sea, and GTVC Speedboat. These are the most popular ones and get you there between 45 minutes to 1 hour (if all goes well.) You can book these on BookMeBus, the most useful source for booking any transportation in Cambodia. The boats all leave from Serendipity Pier in Sihanoukville.

There are also slow boat options, but these are not recommended. If you’re staying on Saracen Bay, then it’ll be an easy trip. However if you’re staying on Lazy Beach, then you will either have to arrange for a private boat service, or take one of the speed boats to Saracen Bay and walk 30-40 minutes through the jungle to the other side.

Tips: The boat ride can get a big rough, so if you tend to get sea sick keep this in mind. The timing might also not work out perfectly, our boat was late and it also had issues on the way. Always plan ahead for these little travel hiccups.

Where to Stay on Koh Rong Sanloem

There are plenty of resorts and small bungalows to choose from on the island. Most of these are located in Saracen Bay. These all range in price from what type of experience you want to have. Of course the more rustic will be the cheapest.

Sky Beach Resort

After reading many reviews on various resorts, I decided to go with Sky Beach Resort. It was actually fairly new, opening about 6 months prior to when we arrived. All the reviews were quite positive and it had a lot of things we were looking for.

Bungalows at Sky Beach Resort

It happens to be located on one of the most beautiful and quiet parts of Saracen Bay. It’s very easy to get to, with a few minute walk from Paradise Pier. There are just five bungalows right on the beach, with steps from the water. Since we were traveling with family, we chose not to go the rustic route and this one was perfect. There was reliable wifi if needed, hot showers, and also a mini store and restaurant here. Our bungalow also had air conditioning and fit 4 adults and one child pretty comfortably. We loved waking up and having the convenience of breakfast right on the premises. They also kindly brought food right to our bungalow to enjoy if requested. Everything was cooked fresh and had a very homemade feel to it. The fruit shakes were just beyond delicious!

Another thing we loved was the boat tours they organized. You can do a glowing plankton tour at night, and also snorkeling and a tour to M’Pai Bay Village, on the other end of the island. They offer many options to choose from. They also have stand-up paddle boards for you to use free of charge. The only thing it was missing were some hammocks to relax in.

Sunset view over bungalows in Saracen Bay

Other Options in Saracen Bay

In addition to Sky Beach Resort, there are so many to choose from depending on availability. We recommend to book in advance as much as possible in order to have a better pick. Some of the more popular ones sell out fast!

Sol Beach Resort: A beautiful resort with all the amenities you would need. Wifi, hot showers, private transfers, and an open air restaurant. The bungalows are nicely equipped with a bath and hot showers. Hammocks and beach chairs for relaxation. Located on a gorgeous part of the bay with plenty of activities to choose from.

Moonlight Resort: This one is a great choice for those who are looking for a more unique accommodation. It’s an eco resort with dome shaped bungalows that appear to be made of moon rock. They have a restaurant, pool and hot tubs, and plenty of beach lounging options. Some bungalows come with nice open air bathrooms, and all of them have hot showers and free wifi. Definitely a beautiful and photo-worthy place.

Bamboo Jam: A bit more rustic than the others, Bamboo Jam is a great value option. All the bungalows have a sea view, but no A/C. There are hammocks and beach swings to enjoy, as well as stunning views.

We did not make it to Sunset Beach during our stay, but here’s a gorgeous sunset from the island

Sunset Beach

For a more secluded experience you can stay on Sunset Beach. One of the best options here is Robinson Bungalows, a quite rustic choice but does have it’s own restaurant and bar. The bungalows have a straw thatched roof with mosquito nets. Amenities are quite basic, but it’s definitely more about the experience here. It’s also not as convenient to get to, you’ll have to walk here through the jungle from Saracen Bay. They do however offer slow boat service in the morning to Sihanoukville if needed. Overall it’s a great eco-friendly choice, with the bungalows being made from all local materials.

Lazy Beach

Lazy Beach is the most secluded part of the island to stay. They offer a private boat trip to the resort. You can also take one of the speed boats and walk through the jungle to get here. Lazy Beach Resort is one of the first resorts in this area of the island. The beach is much more calm and the sunsets are supposed to be beautiful here. The bungalows are very rustic with basic amenities. They also have a high-rated restaurant with front row views of the beach and sea. Definitely a very relaxed and unplugged experience!

Signage as you enter M'Pai Bay Village

View of M'Pai Bay Village from the pier

M’Pai Bay Village

Located on the northern part of the island, M’Pai Bay Village is perfect for solo or couple travelers. It definitely attracts more backpackers and budget travelers rather than families or those going for a more lux experience. It’s quite a quirky place with plenty of bars, places to eat, and activities. Keep in mind that most accommodations here are very basic, with unreliable wifi and electricity. There are mostly hostels and guesthouses with shared rooms and bathrooms, versus more private luxury. A lot of them lack air conditioning as well, so be prepped for mosquitos!

The Wildflower: A great budget option, with a mixed dormitory style, or a double room. The bathrooms are shared and all rooms come with mosquito nets. They also have a cafe and bar, and guests say the location is great.

The Sleeping Buffalo: Another budget option with a great value. They offer private rooms with a private bathroom and at a cheap price! Guests say the views are gorgeous, and love the bar here. Like many of the guesthouses here, they also have options for water activities for an additional cost. If you’ve got your furry friend traveling with you, they also accept pets here!

Beach House Cambodia: Another popular option with a variety of room options. You can either do a shared or private bathroom. They also have rooms with hot showers and air conditioning. They have plenty of water activities, lounging and a bar here. Definitely a great option with better reviews than most in this area.

Looking for more options? See more hotels in Koh Rong Sanloem.

Drone shot of boats by a pier

Things to Do on Koh Rong Sanloem

Although it’s quite a remote island, there is still plenty to do. Simply unwind and enjoy the stunning views, go on an adventure by foot, or head out into the water. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you.

Hammocks on the beach…pure relaxation!

Hammocking

Hammocks are everywhere around Southeast Asia, and there’s definitely no shortage on the beaches in Cambodia. Most of the resorts and bungalows have them, but if not there are plenty right out in the water. Meditate, relax, or simply take a nap. How often do you get to be on a remote island? Take advantage of these moments.

Terra enjoying her coconut and living the island life

We witnessed a gorgeous sunset on our first day

Drink from a Coconut

No visit to an island is complete without drinking fresh from a coconut. There are vendors selling them in various spots along the beach. It’s healthy, refreshing and delicious! And for the budget travelers, easier on the wallet.

Stand-up paddleboards free to use at our resort

Water Activities

One of my favorite parts about going to the beach are the fun water activities. Since our resort had free stand-up paddleboards to use, we couldn’t resist. Although I’m no expert at it, we still enjoyed getting out onto the water. Some resorts also have kayaks to use as well. It’s also a great way to get a nice workout in while traveling.

Snorkeling

A lot of the resorts offer snorkeling at an additional cost. We decided to go on a boat trip, which also included some snorkeling time. With the water being so clear, it’s perfect for admiring underwater life. But definitely be careful in the water, we noticed a lot of black sea urchins around. You can also book a snorkeling tour here ahead of time.

Swim with the Glowing Plankton

Seeing glowing plankton was one of my bucket list dreams. So I was quite excited when I found out you can see some around Koh Rong Sanloem island. Conveniently our resort offered tours, so we booked it for the first night. The boat will drive out to a dark spot, and provide you with snorkels if needed. To see the plankton you have to swim and move your hands around quickly, the movement activates the glow. Occasionally as the boat moved you can see the slight sparkle on the water. It was beautiful! Unfortunately it’s difficult to capture with a camera, so don’t have high hopes for a perfect photo.

Beautiful view from the island right before sunset

Walking along the stretch of beach in M'Pai Bay

Visit M’Pai Village

If you’re staying on Saracen Bay or Lazy Beach then you must check out M’Pai Village. Our boat tour included a brief stop here for a few hours for sunset. It has such a different feel from other parts and is a backpacker’s haven. There are several bars and restaurants along the water to hang out. The vibes here were very chill, and definitely felt younger overall. We loved spending some time walking around seeing a new part of the island.

Hike Around the Island

The island is still relatively untouched and there’s plenty of jungle to explore. There are various hikes you can take, either to Sunset Beach, or Lazy Beach, or somewhere more off the beaten path. Be aware of wild animals here, and only do it during the day. Our resort warned us of venomous snakes out in the jungle, and with minimal light it may be hard to see them. Apparently Lazy Beach has some stunning sunsets, although we never made the trek there this trip.

A wonderful travel moment and beautiful sunset to end our day

The gorgeous sunrise right outside our bungalow every morning

Watch the Sunrise and Sunset

It’s a no brainer to watch the sunrise and sunset while spending time in paradise. They are simply unreal here, and with the beautiful blue water, it makes it even more dreamy. We are usually not early risers, but loved waking up early to see the colors of sunrise over the beach. It sure is amazing to see nature’s beauty at work!

Beach swings are always a good idea!

Enjoy the Beach Swings

Swinging takes on another level when it’s on a beach. Saracen Bay is filled with plenty to use. There are some in front of the resort bungalows, and also some directly out in the water. They make great photo opportunities, and also a chance to feel like a kid again. Being on a swing always makes me feel young and carefree.

Magical sunset during our first night on the island

Must See Beach in Cambodia

These are just a few ideas on what to do and where to stay on Koh Rong Sanloem island. It’s the most beautiful beach in Cambodia and you won’t regret making the trip here. You’ll feel refreshed and slightly out of reality during your time here. For a moment I imagined not leaving here. It’ll leave you with a feeling of wanting to return again and again.

Have you been to Koh Rong Sanloem? If so, we’d love to hear more!

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post This Beach in Cambodia Will Leave You In A Dream appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

I was in awe. The moment we got off the plane in Cambodia, I instantly fell in love. If you’re planning to travel to Cambodia, you’re in for quite a ride. It’s filled with so much beauty and history beyond the Angkor temples. The people show such strength and kindness. We truly got a taste of the entire country. Our 10 day itinerary took us from the ancient wonders of Siem Reap, to the jungle of Mondulkiri, and ended with relaxation in Kampot and Koh Rong Sanloem. There are many reasons to fall in love with this country, but here are some reasons why we did.

Travel to Cambodia: Here’s Why You Should Go

Are you deciding whether to go to Cambodia? We’ve put together a list of reasons to visit there, and why we’d love to go back. We even brought our 3 year old daughter with us, and she loved it! It’s a one-of-a-kind special place and once you go, you’ll know why.

Closeup details of Banteay Srei temple

The Wonder of the Siem Reap Temples

The first and obvious reason why you should travel to Cambodia are the Angkor temples. You truly can’t visit here without seeing them. We spent 3 days exploring a variety of them, and each one is unique. It’s incredible to see these ancient structures up close and personal. The detail and love is clearly shown in the carvings and bas reliefs. It’s no surprise why these are UNESCO World Heritage sites. You’ll have an unforgettable experience discovering each one, regardless of the crowds. If it’s not already on your bucket list, this post will help with that!

Wondering which ones to see? 13 Siem Reap Temples Worth Visiting

The gorgeous sunrise at Angkor Wat, so worth it!

Angkor Wat Sunrise

One of my main goals for traveling to Cambodia was to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Yes you have to get up at 4am in order to get a good spot, but trust me it’s so worth it! Seeing Angkor Wat is already amazing enough. But watching the beautiful warm rays of the sun slowly rising from behind is mindblowing. And what’s even better? You get to explore the temple during the most magical time. The early morning sun makes for some beautiful lighting. And droolworthy shots. It doesn’t get any better than that!

See more: How to Capture the Angkor Wat Sunrise

A friendly street food vendor outside Angkor Wat

The Warmth of the Locals

I have heard great things about the people of Cambodia. But I didn’t expect to come across such an incredible welcome. Historically, the culture has been through so much tragedy. But the inner strength and bravery shines through. Every local we came across was very kind and welcoming to us. They were so great with our daughter and we were well taken care of. You will truly enjoy the culture here, and the people make it even more memorable. Take time to get to know some of the locals, they have quite the stories to tell.

Roben, our tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap

The Tuk Tuks

I absolutely loved going on the tuk tuks in Cambodia. There’s nothing like feeling that refreshing breeze after spending time in the heat. It was also so cool watching the life go by as you sit back and relax. I’ll forever remember all the outside smells while riding along. For the temples, we booked our tuk tuk driver in advance at a set price, which made it much easier while we were there. But there is definitely no shortage of them around the cities!

Some street food vendors along Pub Street

The Night Markets

Like most Asian countries, night markets are everywhere. Siem Reap is full of several of them to explore. Pub Street is one of the most popular spots to hang, and really comes alive at night. There are unique foods to try (like bugs!) and plenty to see. Get your feet massaged by fish, or shop for some souvenirs. It’s always a cool experience, and Southeast Asia is known for them.

A sampling of curries and amok in Siem Reap

The Exotic Food

Khmer cuisine has such wonderful flavor. The famous fish amok was full of interesting aromas and also so comforting. The curries were very mild and sweet, not spicy like those of Thailand. Dishes were typically served with a side of rice. One snack you must try is sticky rice. It’s typically sold along the streets in Siem Reap, and it’s just the perfect blend of flavors. Everything we had tasted extremely fresh, flavorful, and healthy. Also, the fruit is just incredible, some of the best I’ve had. And make sure to try a fruit shake! I must have had one every day. You really can’t go wrong with any of the food in Cambodia.

Overall view over Kompong Khleang floating village

The Floating Villages

There is more to do in Siem Reap beyond the temples. Along the Tonle Sap are several floating village communities. During dry season the water level is low, so many of the homes aren’t as submerged. Some of these villages are tourist traps though. But we did some research and found the perfect responsible choice in Kompong Khleang. It’s truly fascinating to get a glimpse into the way of life here. You’ll have an eye opening experience, and witness a gorgeous sunset on the Tonle Sap.

Learn more: Kompong Khleang Floating Village

One of the elephants roaming free at the Mondulkiri Project

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Deep into the eastern side of the country is the Mondulkiri Province. You can take a bus here from Phnom Penh and it’s a 6 hour journey. The area is beautiful and filled with dense jungle, home to indigenous Bunong tribes. There are also several elephant sanctuaries here to visit. We spent the day at the Mondulkiri Project to visit one. It’s a wonderful initiative to help preserve the forest in Sen Monorom and provide a protected home for the animals. You’ll spend the day in the jungle feeding, and bathing the elephants as they roam freely. And feel good about such a great cause too. How’s that for a bucket list idea?

Discover more about the project: Best Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia

The view of the eco lodge in Sen Monorom, Cambodia

Jungle Eco Lodge

While you’re visiting the elephant sanctuary, take some time to unplug in nature. During our time in Sen Monorom, we stayed at a nature lodge surrounded by the beautiful jungle. It was quite remote, and we had the unique opportunity of falling asleep to wildlife sounds. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy itinerary at the temples in Siem Reap. We booked Tree Lodge Cambodia, which is owned by the same family who started the Mondulkiri Project. They have a restaurant and terrace with stunning views, and wifi for those who need it. At just $15 per night, how can you go wrong?

View of the empty salt fields in Kampot

Salt Fields in Kampot

Did you know there are salt fields in Kampot? Apparently sea salt production is pretty big here. Located within a rural area along dusty dirt roads are these magnificent salt fields. It’s a beautiful sight to see during sunrise or sunset. Kampot is such a serene and chill town, there’s so much more to explore. Definitely don’t leave here without trying some Kampot pepper, or even visit a pepper plantation. It’s the best pepper we’ve had! It was so wonderful here and we hope to return back someday.

See more: One Day in Kampot, Cambodia

A hammock at our jungle lodge in Mondulkiri

The Hammocks

Hammocks are a way of life in Cambodia. You can find them everywhere. We saw them hung beneath homes, within tuk tuks, and designated resting stations. It’s a daily routine here to take naps after lunch. I never truly appreciated just how comfortable they are until coming here. I can definitely get used to spending some time in one everyday. Can you imagine taking a break from work just to relax in a hammock? It’s a genius concept!

The beautiful Saracen Bay in Koh Rong Sanloem

Remote Islands of Paradise

The coastal town of Sihanoukville gives access to two remote islands. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are about an hour ferry ride from the pier. While Koh Rong is more of a party island, Koh Rong Sanloem is a much more remote and quiet escape. We stayed on Saracen Bay for a few days to end our long trip. The island is so beautiful and still has an untouched feel. You can snorkel, sunbathe, and swim with glowing plankton at night. M’Pai Bay Village was such a funky and artsy village in a more isolated part of the island. It’s just pure bliss staying here, you will not want to leave!

Visit Cambodia for an Unforgettable Experience

We hope this list helped you decide on travel to Cambodia. If it’s not already on your bucket list, I’m sure it is now! It’s truly just a beautiful country with so much variety. There is still even more to see beyond this list, so book a trip now and discover for yourself. You won’t regret it!

Start planning your trip with our Complete 10 Day Guide to Cambodia.

Have you been to Cambodia? Did you fall in love with it too? We’d love to hear more in the comments!

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post 12 Amazing Reasons to Travel to Cambodia appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Every year millions of tourists flock to Cambodia to see the Siem Reap temples. The Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the largest religious sites in the world, with ongoing restoration. Exploring these ancient structures is truly an amazing experience, regardless of the crowds. Between the magnificence of Angkor Wat, to the mystery of Ta Prohm, each temple is unique and worth exploring. But for a first timer here, you may be wondering, which ones should I see? So we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. We were able to see these in just 3 short days during our family trip to Cambodia. But if you have more time, they will definitely be a great starting point.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

13 Siem Reap Temples Worth Visiting

In This Article
Angkor Wat Temple Passes
Tips On Visiting the Temples
Siem Reap Temples: 3 Day Guide

Angkor Wat Temple Passes

Before entering the Angkor Wat temple complex, you must buy a pass. There are 1 day ($37), 3 day ($62) and 7 day ($72) pass options to choose from. If you plan to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, we recommend buying the day before. This is so you’ll have the passes ready and go straight to the temple gate. Here’s more info on the passes.

Carvings at Angkor Wat temple

Tips Before Visiting the Temples

There are a few things to keep in mind while visiting the temples.

1. Dress conservatively: The temples are religious sites and you want to be respectful. Have your legs or shoulders covered, for women maxi skirts or harem pants work great.

2. Go early: Although you may not be a morning person, the early bird gets the worm in this case. Going early helps you beat the crowds and get nicer shots. It also gets very hot later in the day. So you definitely don’t want to be out exploring in the heat.

3. Take time to explore: Let’s be honest, the Angkor temples do attract quite the crowds. But there are always more quiet parts with practically nobody around. You just have to look for them. Take some time to walk around and go off the beaten path. I got so many great shots by doing this.

4. Don’t try to rush it: Spend more quality time at each temple, even if you see less of them. There’s so much detail to see, especially at the larger ones.

5. Customize your tour: The small and grand circuit tours are quite common. Consider doing the reverse route in order to avoid crowds. Ask your guide or tuk tuk driver for recommendations.

Siem Reap Temples: A 3 Day Guide

There are so many Siem Reap temples to explore within the Angkor complex. It can be overwhelming trying to decide what to see in the time you have. Here we’ve rounded up our favorites from our trip.

See more: How to Spend 3 Days in Siem Reap

Walking towards Angkor Wat from the front gate

Beautiful corridor of Angkor Wat

Looking up towards the mighty towers of Angkor Wat

Admire the magnificence of Angkor Wat

Visiting Angkor Wat is a must while in Siem Reap. Built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is one of the largest and now considered a Unesco World Heritage site. Like many of the others there are beautiful bas reliefs and details to admire here. The Khmer architecture is quite stunning, and not to be missed.

We entered here from both the back and the front. You need at least 2-3 hours to fully take in everything. You can also climb to the central towers for stunning views from above. The best part is discovering those empty and quiet hallways and nooks throughout. The lighting in the morning was so magical. You can book a tuk tuk or tour in advance along with a guide, which comes in handy as you explore the temple complex.

Tip: The towers are closed on Buddhist holidays, so plan ahead for that. You may get lucky and be able to be blessed by a monk on these special days as well.

Explore more: How to Capture Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Entering the South Gate of Angkor Thom

Walk through the South Gate at Angkor Thom

Entering the South Gate at Angkor Thom is such a cool experience. There are all kinds of transportation entering at once. It was pretty crowded by the time we got there, so early morning is best to get a quiet view. Angkor Thom was built by King Jayavarman VII around the 12th century.

It’s a large complex surrounded by walls and a moat with bridges that lead you inside each gate. Along each side of the entrance to the South Gate are devas (gods) and asuras (demons). They represent the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk”, an ancient Hindu story about immortality. There are faces and mythical creatures on the entry tower, also repeated throughout the temples.

Entering Bayon temple

View of one of the towers

More faces!

Check out the faces of Bayon

One of the first temples you’ll come across through the gate is Bayon. This was one of our favorite temples. It’s located in the exact center of the capital to represent the core of the universe. It evolved into a Hindu temple after the death of King Jayavarman VII.

The most recognizable part are the 200 or so faces carved into the stone towers. They seem to be looking at you from every angle as you explore, as if you’re being watched. They all had a peaceful smile, possibly symbolizing a state of nirvana.

The temple consists of three levels with bas reliefs on the outer and inner galleries. These scenes depict war, daily life, and other ancient stories. It’s not difficult to find quiet areas of the temple despite the crowds. Like most places, it’s always best to come in early morning to avoid the peak amount of tourists.

Private Transport
Cambodia can get extremely hot and humid, even early in the day. This tour by car provides transportation in a van with A/C for a full day of temples, as well as your own guide. It’s the most comfortable way to temple hop, and perfect for families!

Looking towards Baphoun Temple

Explore the beauty of Baphuon

Built in the 11th century, Baphuon is a three-tiered temple built for the Hindu god Shiva. You can climb to the top, however due to lack of time and the heat, we decided to just briefly walk by. It looked so grand we wish we could have seen more of it. You will need at least an hour here to fully explore.

Closeup details of the elephant sculptures at Terrace of the Elephants temple

The Terrace of the Leper King as we briefly walked by

Pass by the Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King

The Royal Terraces are located right near Baphuon and consist of the Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King. These are likely where public events and parades were held. There are carvings of elephant heads along the walls, and a statue of a “Leper King” on the terrace. Along the walls are carvings and reliefs of animals, warriors, apsaras and horses. They are quite small and can easily be explored in less than an hour.

The tall stairs up Ta Keo Temple

View from the top of Ta Keo temple

Climb the stairs of Ta Keo

Ta Keo is one of the tallest in the complex. It has a rather unfinished feel to it and isn’t a common one to see. It’s definitely worth a look, and make sure to climb the stairs to the top. From way up there you’ll be rewarded with some amazing views. We noticed this one was less crowded than some of the others, so it’s a nice escape. The top is extremely hot, so bring plenty of cold water!

Tip: Use caution when climbing. The stairs are rather rustic and very short, so be careful.

The beautiful temple of Pre Rup

Check out the reddish tones of Pre Rup

Since it’s constructed out of brick and laterite, Pre Rup has a gorgeous reddish tone color. It was built by King Rajendravarman and dates all the way back to 961! The name means “turning the body” and this temple might have been used for cremation purposes. There are five towers here, with a stairway leading atop a pyramid structure. The views here are spectacular during sunset, but it’s a popular spot to be.

Exploring the ruins of Ta Prohm

Root overtaking part of the temple

Quiet and uncrowded relief in Ta Prohm temple

Witness the power of nature at Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm, also known as the “Tomb Raider” temple is quite a glorious one to see. You should allow at least a few hours here to see most of it. It’s quite amazing to see all of the tree roots overtaking the temple ruins. It does get quite crowded, so there will be some queues for those famous shots.

As we explored deeper we found some parts with nobody around. It truly felt like being in a movie for a moment. The moss and greenery from the trees combined with the earthy stone was just beautiful. Not to mention all the delightful carvings and details. It’s totally understandable why so many people go here. Nature is just incredible isn’t it?

If you’re an adventure lover, you should totally check out this jeep tour of the temples. It’s the perfect way to get around, and allows you to have fresh air and convenience. Definitely booking this when we go back!

Closeup detail of the carvings at Banteay Srei

Overall view of the beautiful pink sandstone temple

Take in the ornate beauty of Banteay Srei

Next up is Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple also called the “Citadel of Women.” It’s about a 30 minute drive by car from Siem Reap and well worth the trip. Since it’s made out of pink sandstone, the colors here are so unique. It’s not too large, but the details are so intricate that you can easily spend hours here. We noticed several lintels, with mystical creatures guarding the towers.

To explore, you pretty much walk around a rectangular area, with the towers within the center. It’s one of the most detailed temples we have seen, and the Khmer craftwork truly shines here. The whole site felt very enchanting as the forest surrounds it.

Tip: Take a brief break to check out the band playing behind the temple. They are land mine victims trying to earn money to support their families.

Closeup detail of Beng Mealea temple

View of Beng Mealea temple from higher up

The mystical stone ruins of Beng Mealea

Uncover the jungle temple of Beng Mealea

Entering Beng Mealea temple will make you feel like you’re discovering it for the first time. It’s fully immersed within the jungle, and is a wonder to see. It’s one of the few that still remains relatively untouched. You can get a glimpse at how it might have been years ago. Similar to Ta Prohm, there are roots, vines and trees all interweaving throughout. Absolutely loved the vibes here, and you will too.

The 1.5 hour drive here was totally worth it. Combined with Koh Ker, it makes for an awesome day trip. Because it’s further away, this temple tends to be less crowded. There’s a walkway along the inside and outside which makes most of it pretty accessible now. You will notice a lot of greenery, moss and crumbling stone as you walk through. We spent a few hours exploring, which felt perfect. Not to mention, we did have to race back to make it in time for our sunset plans!

Note: You must buy a separate pass for this temple. The cost is $5.

Explore off the beaten path
There are some amazing temples to see that are off the beaten path. You’ll love exploring in this tour which brings you to Koh Ker, Preah Vihear, Prasat Balang 2 and more. It also includes transportation and a guide. Perfect for photographers like myself.

The massive pyramid of Koh Ker

Ascend the tall pyramid of Koh Ker

Another off the beaten path temple to see is Koh Ker. It’s very remote, located within the jungle of Preah Vihear about 2.5 hours away from Siem Reap. You will hear sounds of the forest here as you reach the massive structure of Koh Ker. During wet season, it’s quite a beauty seeing the greenery covering the temple. You will walk through some other crumbling ruins of the temple before reaching the pyramid. It’s so amazing seeing it suddenly appear before you.

Six tiring flights of stairs will take you to the top. Once there you’ll be able to admire the forest all around. In the distance we saw some rural homes and glimpses of some of the other temples in the complex. Not all of them are accessible, since the area around still may contain land mines. Like Beng Mealea, we truly enjoyed the untouched feel of this place.

Note: You must buy a separate pass for this temple. The cost is $10.

Detail of some of the towers of Phnom Bakheng

Sunset over the landscape from Phnom Bakheng

Watch the sunset over Phnom Bakheng

Lastly is the beautiful Phnom Bakheng atop Bakheng Mountain. It’s quite the treasure and a stunning sight at sunset. You must hike about 20 minutes up the mountain to reach it. The temple itself consists of 7 levels with several towers that have collapsed.

Once you reach the top the views are just amazing. You can see Angkor Wat from afar, and also the hot air balloon. The sun setting across the land is a sight not to miss. It’s definitely one of those touristy things that is worth the effort.

Tip: Only 300 people are allowed up at a time here for sunset. So we recommend to get here by 4pm in order to be guaranteed a prime viewing spot. Because we arrived around 5pm, we got here just in time as the sun went down.

Siem Reap temples will leave you in awe

There is so much rich history to admire in the Angkor temples. It’s definitely a dream exploring these ancient wonders. We merely scratched the surface of the temple complex. There is still so much to explore here, and yet to be discovered. You will be forever changed when you experience the spirit of the Khmer culture. If it’s not on your bucket list, I’m sure it is now!

Discover more: Reasons to Travel to Cambodia

So which out of the temples was your favorite? We’d love to hear!

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post 13 Siem Reap Temples That Will Make Your Jaw Drop appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Kampot, Cambodia is a serene riverside town in the southern part of the country. We enjoyed a brief, but incredible 24 hours here. As soon as we arrived we were hooked. I added it to our itinerary to make travel to Koh Rong Sanloem the next day much easier. It was also an added bonus to see another part of the country. Now that we’ve visited, we are so glad we chose to stay here. It was a beautiful and relaxing time away from the bustle of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Find out why we instantly fell in love with this town, and be inspired with ideas on what to do here.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Kampot, Cambodia

In This Article
How to Get to Kampot
Where to Stay in Kampot
Things to Do in Kampot
Where to Eat in Kampot
Why We Loved Kampot Cambodia

Stunning views of the Elephant Mountains all around Kampot

How to Get to Kampot

By Bus: You can take several buses from other major cities to Kampot. We booked via BookMeBus on the Kampot Express from Phnom Penh. The trip takes about 3 hours from Phnom Penh, and 12 hours from Siem Reap. From Sihanoukville it’s only two hours. Definitely make sure to read reviews before booking, some buses are not the best.

By Taxi: Another option is to take a private taxi there. We booked through Mr. Dara who actually came to the rescue and made sure we got to Kampot after our bus was delayed to a much later time. His email is darac2678@gmail.com. There are also several other private taxis around Phnom Penh, or you can always book ahead of time on BookMeBus.

By Train: There is a train that runs from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville to Kampot. It typically only runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so make sure to check the schedule. It doesn’t take much longer by train, and it’s much more safe. There are always wonderful views from the window as well.

View from our room at Fish Island Bungalows

Where to Stay in Kampot

While there are several great and affordable options to stay in Kampot, we ended up booking Fish Island Bungalows. They are owned and managed by Mr. Leng and his family who went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. He gave tips on what to see, brought us to the market to buy the best authentic pepper, and took us on an excursion to the salt fields, at no extra charge. They provide free breakfast with your stay which included fresh eggs, fresh fruit, toast, and homemade passion fruit jam. We also grabbed a light dinner here which tasted amazing.

Mr. Leng, the kind and welcoming owner of Fish Island Bungalows

The bungalow surroundings were beautiful and charming. It’s located on Fish Island, a short trip from the main center of Kampot. Next door was a fishing village and we loved seeing what daily local life was like. You can also see gorgeous views of the river from the rooftop area, as well as our bungalow. The grounds were covered with a wonderful array of plants and flowers and it felt so cozy. Our stay was so incredible, we only wish we had booked a longer time here.

Other Options to Stay

If there’s no availability at Fish Island Bungalows, or if you want something different here’s some other lodging options to consider in Kampot.

Eden Eco Village: An eco resort with bungalows overlooking a garden or the river. Between $20-$30 per night.

Gecko Village: A remote resort with a pool and beautiful views of the river and mountains. All rooms have a balcony and breakfast is included. Between $20-$50 per night.

Retro Kampot Guesthouse: Beautiful bungalows located next to a mangrove with an onsite bar and restaurant. $15-20 per night.

Samon Village: Very rustic treehouse style bungalows located right on the river. Comes with private or shared bathrooms, however not all rooms have a hot shower. $25-$80 per night.

Mea Culpa Kampot: More modern rooms with a beautiful garden and terrace for guest use. Has on-site restaurant with local cuisine. $25-$35 per night.

Le Bokor Palace: The most modern option in the area in a beautiful palace on top of a mountain. Has stunning views and some rooms even have a view of the sea. There are free bikes to use and buffet breakfast is included.

Looking for additional options? See more.

Things to Do in Kampot

There is plenty to see and do in Kampot. Although we were only here for about a day, we made the most of it. In addition, we will also share some other options of things to do that we didn’t have time for, but were recommended by locals.

Walking down one of the streets in the center of Kampot

Walk Around the Old Market

Because Kampot used to be under French rule, there’s a lot of beautiful French colonial architecture in the region. You will see a lot of this while walking around the old market part of the town. Although the buildings are weathered and run down, it still has a nice charm to it. The texture gives a lot of character and great photography opportunities. There’s also some beautiful pastel colors on some of them, which looks lovely at sunset.

Beautiful views along the river, perfect to relax!

Watch the Sunset Along the River

Another thing to do is to walk along the river, relax and watch the sunset. There are several boats here that offer sunset tours. The views are just amazing and you can see the Elephant Mountains in the distance. It’s also fun to watch the boats go by and admire the changing colors as the sun goes down.

Delicious pepper ice cream cone

Try Some Pepper Ice Cream

This next one is all about pepper. Kampot is known for it, and there are plenty of pepper plantations in the area. If you have a longer stay here you should definitely take a tour at one of them. However if your stay is short like ours, you could try some pepper ice cream and buy some souvenirs to bring home. Tip: Not all of the pepper being sold around the markets is actually from Kampot, ask a local or your guesthouse for recommendations.

Inside the Phsar Leur Market in downtown Kampot

Phsar Leur Market

Phsar Leur Market is Kampot’s central market located downtown. It’s filled with so much to see, and eat. There were a lot of food options once inside that looked like very authentic cuisine. We saw a lot of clothing, jewelry, household items, and market foods to buy here. Mr. Leng brought us to buy some authentic pepper as well. Deep inside the market were fermented shrimp and seafood which made for a very pungent smell, so be prepared.

View from the road on Fish Island

Rent a Motorbike and Go for a Ride

There’s plenty to see outside of Kampot, so rent a motorbike and explore. You’ll come across some amazing scenery and cute villages. It will also allow you to see what true local life is like here. You may find yourself to be the only ones on the road for some stretches. And the breeze from the wind will feel refreshing.

The Sunflower boat restaurant along the river

Eat and Hang at a Boat Restaurant

Next up is another thing to do along the river. You will notice many floating boat restaurants and bars as you walk and explore by the water. Some of these are boat tours, but others stay docked. We walked by The Sunflower and it looked intriguing, however since we already ate we didn’t go. It seemed like a fun and quirky spot with lovely greenery around. These are some great places to sit and have a drink while enjoying the nighttime water views.

The stunning views of the Kampot salt fields

Visit the Salt Fields

We never knew that salt fields even existed in Kampot until Mr. Leng told us about them. They were conveniently located about a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from our bungalow, so he took us on a trip there in the early morning. Unfortunately they had already collected the salt the day before, so we only got views of the empty fields. But the reflections were so beautiful and we loved learning more about how the salt is made. The best time for photos is of course sunrise or sunset.

The ornate and beautiful Wat Traeuy Kaoh on Fish Island

Wat Traeuy Kaoh

Lastly is a hidden gem called Wat Traeuy Kaoh about a 5 minute walk from Fish Island Bungalows. In the distance you can see the beautiful roof standing out from amongst the island. We spent a brief time here exploring a bit before leaving Kampot. The ornate details and color were just incredible. It was fairly quiet when we arrived, so we had it mostly to ourselves. Nearby is a school where you can get a glimpse of local life. You may even get lucky and spot a monk here too. Around the temple are beautiful views of the mountains with a sitting area by the water. It’s definitely worth a quick stop while visiting the island.

Other Things to Do

Although we didn’t have enough time, there is still so much more to do here. You can take a day trip to Kep and visit the crab market or Rabbit Island. There’s also a lot of beauty to see on Bokor Mountain and in Bokor National Park with several historic monuments and temples to see. Kampot also has a lot of outdoor water activities to do on the river. After a day exploring, you can check out the night markets within the main part of town. Visiting a pepper plantation such as La Plantation is another must-see while here.

View of the outside of Simple Things restaurant

Where to Eat in Kampot

Because we were only here for 24 hours, we didn’t have much chance to sample a lot of food. But we did check out Simple Things, a healthy vegetarian restaurant that also serves as a yoga studio. One of the rules here was to leave your shoes at the door. Inside it felt very calm and we noticed a lot of expats hanging out here. The restaurant itself is owned by expats from Russia, and the food here is so fresh. We tried several small dishes and all tasted very clean and healthy. We also loved the smoothies here too! It reminded us of the ones we make back at home.

Some other high rated restaurants in the area are Khmer Roots Cafe with local vegetarian and vegan cuisine, GreenHouse Restaurant with French/Asian fusion and beautiful riverside views. Also worth checking out are Ecran Noodle and Dumplings with Chinese and Asian cuisine, and finally Rikitikitavi, with a combo of various cuisines. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can sample food from some of the markets.

The gorgeous sunset from our room at Fish Island Bungalows

Why We Loved Kampot, Cambodia

Kampot, Cambodia is an amazing and peaceful place to visit. We loved the charm, the cozy atmosphere, and the laid-back vibes. It’s a place we’d absolutely love to come back to for a longer stay. This city left us feeling revived after spending so much time traveling around the country. It’s not overly touristy yet and that’s also what makes it so great. We really enjoyed the views, and the authentic feel of local life. One of my favorite memories was waking up at sunrise and watching the local village nearby starting their day. The smells of the food in the air mixed with the river water was distinct and wonderful. Definitely consider adding this to your Cambodia itinerary.

Have you ever been to Kampot? If so, we’d love to hear more!

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post One Day in Kampot Cambodia Will Amaze You appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Visiting an elephant sanctuary was one of our bucket list dreams. There are plenty of sanctuaries around Southeast Asia, but not all of them are beneficial to the elephants. I wanted to make sure to visit one that didn’t allow elephant riding, and was also helpful to the surrounding community. So I began my search for an ethical elephant sanctuary in Cambodia. This led me to the Mondulkiri Project, a place that went beyond my expectations. Not only do they help to preserve elephants, but they also contribute to forest conservation. Our one day here was an incredible experience not to be missed.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

Mondulkiri Project: An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia

In This Article
What is the Mondulkiri Project?
When to go to Mondulkiri
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Sen Monorom
Where to Stay
The Elephant Sanctuary
One Day Elephant Tour
Lunch and Hammock Time
Giving the Elephants a Bath
Head Home

The forest protected by the Mondulkiri Project

What is the Mondulkiri Project?

The Mondulkiri Project is a a registered Cambodian NGO managed by the Cambodia Elephant Rescue Organization. Mr. Tree founded the project and has a deep passion for protecting the forests in Sen Monorom. He’s also trying to preserve the dwindling Asian elephant population. Sadly there are less than 300 Asian elephants left in the wild. The local indigenous communities need an income and resort to logging to support themselves. But in 2013 this project has made an agreement with Bunong elders to stop logging, which in turn will protect this forest for the next 30 years.

The central idea of this project is to help the local Bunong people by providing them an income in return. They are able to create jobs for them by employing them as staff. The forest also provides earnings through forest herbs, wild honey and resin. Proceeds from the elephant tours and jungle treks are also given back to the local villages. At the same time, wildlife is preserved and protected. It’s such an incredibly sustainable organization that we feel lucky to have been a part of.

A typical style home in Sen Monorom

When to Go to Mondulkiri

The Mondulkiri Province is on the eastern side of the country bordering Vietnam. It has dense tropical jungles, gorgeous waterfalls, and local indigenous tribes. It’s best for you to visit this area during dry season, which typically goes from November through April. The area is almost inaccessible during wet season, with travel being difficult and flooded roads. There’s also more risk of mosquito-borne illness during wet season. The rain brings a lot more mosquitos in this area. Our trip here was in February, and we found it to be perfect. We barely saw a mosquito in sight, and the weather was gorgeous.

Things to Know Before You Go

There are a few things that are helpful to know before visiting here. The first one is the weather. It’s actually much cooler here than other parts of the country. At night it got slightly chilly. We recommend having a light jacket or cardigan. The other thing to be mindful of is the presence of malaria. Malaria pills is definitely a personal choice. We didn’t want to risk it so we ended up taking them. It’s also important to use good bug repellant at all times. Sawyer makes some great Picaridin products which worked great for our trip. If you’re really hardcore you can also cover your skin with breathable clothing. There are also bug jackets and pants to keep mosquitos away. Most importantly, make sure to use those mosquito nets provided above your bed, they are essential while you sleep.

The minibus we took to Sen Monorom

How to Get to Sen Monorom

The trip to Sen Monorom is certainly not the easiest. It’s a 6 hour bus ride from Phnom Penh and more than 10 hours from Siem Reap. We decided to stay overnight in Phnom Penh and take the early 7:00am bus. We booked the TCT Mondulkiri Express via BookMeBus. Although the ride was a bit rough at times, the service was great. We were on time and everything went smoothly. Bus service in Cambodia can be hit or miss, so we can vouch for this company. Tickets were around $10 per person, and brought us to the center of town around 1:00pm. From there we took a $2 tuk tuk ride to the lodge.

View of the bungalows from the terrace

Aerial shot of the lodge

Where to Stay

Mr. Tree owns and maintains Tree Lodge, an eco lodge immersed within the jungle and mountains of Sen Monorom. It takes about 10 minutes to get here by tuk tuk from the main bus stops on town. The lodge has a restaurant with Khmer and Western cuisine. There’s also a terrace with gorgeous sunset views. We spent most of our evenings here relaxing, drinking fruit shakes and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Terra playing on the terrace area of the restaurant

The beautiful terrace views at sunset

A closer look at some of the smaller bungalows

We arrived at the lodge around 1pm and we spent the rest of our day lounging and relaxing. The property has several bungalows all lined up. There is a walkway that connects them all together. Each bungalow has a porch area to relax and hang out. We booked the family one which had 3 double beds, a hot shower, and hammock on the porch. Ours was surrounded by banana trees, avocados and beautiful greenery. Accommodations were very rustic and basic, but the experience was incredible.

Several geckos came out at night and made visits around our table at dinner. At night you can hear the sounds of the jungle come to life. It was just like a natural sound soother, and we slept so well!

The elephants live a free and happy life at the sanctuary

An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

The Mondulkiri Project owns and maintains an ethical elephant sanctuary within the protected forest area. They offer one and two day elephant tours along with jungle trekking. At the sanctuary are five elephants named Sophie, Happy, Lucky, Princess and Comvine. A few of the elephants are owned by the sanctuary while the rest are being rented to save them from tourist riding.

The elephants are well taken care of by the mahouts and staff here. The spend their time roaming the protected forest free from heavy work and tourist rides. Their habitat is also protected from being destroyed by logging, and they are safe from poachers. Elephants are often just rented for the day at other sanctuaries while still being used for riding. Here at Mondulkiri Project they will spend the rest of their lives living happily in the jungle.

One Day Elephant Tour at Mondulkiri Project

Although the two day jungle trek would have been cool to experience, we ended up booking the one day elephant tour. This was the perfect amount of time for us, and doable with our daughter. Staying at Tree Lodge was very convenient since they provide the ride to the sanctuary. This allowed us to relax more and enjoy our breakfast. We left the lodge around 8:30am with a 20 minute drive there.

The drive into the sanctuary was on a hilly dirt road with gorgeous views of the forest all around. The truck stopped at the top of the hill and we had to walk about ten minutes downhill to get there. Once we arrived Mr. Tree took us to an area overlooking the jungle where we sat and listened. First he explained more about the Mondulkiri Project and what their goals were. He told us more about the indigenous tribes in the area and the struggles they go through. We also learned about his life growing up, with insight into some of the forest medicine. Finally he concluded by explaining more about the elephants and their different personalities. Along with this we also learned some tips on interacting with them.

Meeting Sophie, the first elephant we encountered during our tour

Meeting the Elephants

After our chat with Mr. Tree, we were ready for our adventure into the jungle. The guide first provided us bananas to feed them, so we grabbed a bunch of them. We then started on our journey down the forest path. You’ll definitely want to wear some good walking shoes for this, since there are some downhill and uphill parts.

After hiking for about ten minutes, we finally stopped and waited for the first set of elephants. Soon after getting there, Sophie greeted us with a warm welcome. She’s the friendliest of the bunch and was great with Terra. We had an easy time approaching and feeding her, and she also let us come close to pet her. The next elephant we met was Happy. She was a lot more shy than Sophie, but she sure loved being fed bananas. When you got close or tried to pet her, she would usually back away. She’s the newest arrival to the sanctuary, and also the youngest.

Posing with Happy within the forest

Happy coming out to meet the group and ready to eat

Seikai and Terra meeting Happy, a shy but friendly elephant

Next, we hiked a bit further into the forest to meet the last set of elephants. We reached a clearing where we waited for them to arrive. They took awhile to come, but finally we met Princess and Comvine, who are best friends. Usually you see them together and they have grown quite attached to each other. Princess was definitely a diva expecting you to feed bananas directly into her mouth! The last elephant we met was Lucky. She came and left very briefly right after being fed one banana, which we had to throw onto the ground.

Elephants Roaming Free

It was so amazing meeting these animals as they roamed freely. We have only seen them in a zoo, so it was a much more heartwarming situation to see them not behind a fence. It was incredible to be able to interact with and feed them up close. You will be so humbled by this unique experience! It was definitely a highlight out of our 10 days in Cambodia!

The spread of Khmer cuisine we had for lunch

Terra loved resting in the hammocks!

Khmer Lunch and Hammock Time

Once we greeted and interacted with all the elephants it was time for lunch. The staff prepared a lovely spread of traditional Khmer cuisine, including fish curry, rice, and beans. For dessert we had fresh tropical fruit and coffee. It was a nice time eating together with the group and chatting with each other. It’s pretty cool meeting people who all came here from various parts of the world.

After lunch, it was time to nap in the hammocks. We had about an hour to rest and spend at our leisure. There were plenty of hammocks for everyone, and we took the time to partake in it. Sleeping in a hammock was actually quite comfortable. It was so nice to feel the fresh forest breeze on our faces while resting.

Giving the Elephants a Bath

Our final activity of the day was giving the elephants a bath in the river. We headed down the same path as before, but this time went further in. It wasn’t guaranteed that we’d be able to bathe them since it depended on their mood. But we lucked out and got the opportunity to help clean three of them, Princess, Comvine and Happy.

Still in disbelief that we were able to get so close to these elephants

Feeding the elephant bananas before giving her a bath

Meeting up with the elephants further down the river

We brought along some bananas again to feed them while in the water. There was a small waterfall where we waited for the first elephant to come. Inside the water was small fish that tickled and slightly nipped at your legs, but it wasn’t painful. Happy was the first elephant to come. While I stayed back and photographed the experience, the group had a blast feeding them in the river. After Happy came Princess, then Comvine. All of the elephants looked so happy splashing around in the water. Some of them even came to me in hopes to find a banana. Tip: Don’t run away or pull your bag away from them, they may get upset.

After they all had their bath, we walked further down the river to catch up with the elephants. We watched them walking within the water and said our goodbyes to them. It was truly one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve had.

The gorgeous sunset over the lodge on our last night

Head Back Home

Once our fun-filled day with the elephants was over, we were taken back to the lodge. We made it just in time for a stunning sunset over the surrounding forest, and relaxed the rest of the night. It felt so great to sit down after a long day trekking in the jungle. It was bittersweet that we were going to be leaving here, but there’s always another time to return again.

The Mondulkiri Project is an incredible experience that just went beyond anything we could have imagined. We were able to achieve a bucket list dream, while also helping out with a sustainable project. You will learn so much about the area in Sen Monorom and what is being done to preserve the wildlife here. It’s definitely an ethical elephant sanctuary that you’ll feel great about visiting. It was such a pleasure being a part of this beautiful initiative. We hope that more people will be aware of places like these and aim to travel responsibly.

Explore more: The Best 3 Days in Siem Reap Cambodia

Have you ever been to an elephant sanctuary? We’d love to hear more about it!

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post The Most Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Spending three days in Siem Reap, Cambodia merely scratched the surface of what there is to see there. We truly only got a taste of what this incredible city has to offer. But we experienced a variety of flavors. From deep exploration of a myriad of ancient temples, to the eye-opening communities on the Tonle Sap, we made the most of our three days here. I instantly fell in love with this mystical city, and I’m sure that it will capture your heart as well.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

3 Incredible Days in Siem Reap Cambodia

In This Article
When to Go to Cambodia
What to Wear in Cambodia
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Angkor National Museum, Pub Street, Floating Village Tour
Angkor Wat Sunrise and Small Circuit Temple Tour, Pub Street
Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Phnom Bakheng
Angkor Wat Temple and Head Home

A street vendor selling potatoes outside Angkor Wat

When to Go to Cambodia

There are basically two seasons in Cambodia, wet season and dry season. From May to October, the southwest monsoon causes heavy rain during the wet season. There are less crowds during this time and it’s a lot greener. But with the rain also comes more mosquitos and risk for illness. Dry season is typically from November through April, with the best months being December to March. The landscape is less green and lush, but there is minimal rain. The best part? Less mosquitos, which means lower risk for mosquito-borne illness.

We went during February and although crowded, there was barely any rain. We also didn’t see many mosquitos except within the cities. The weather was still hot and humid, but tolerable. If you want to visit an elephant sanctuary in Mondulkiri Province, we recommend to go during dry season. With risks of malaria, it’s definitely the safer bet.

Family photo on the Tonle Sap boat tour

What to Wear in Cambodia

Let’s be honest, Cambodia can get very hot and humid. Like any other tropical climate, it’s best to wear loose fitting clothes. I practically lived in maxi skirts and t-shirts there. I also brought a lot of harem pants, and yoga pants which were so airy and comfortable in the heat. Loose boho style summer dresses are also great.

For our daughter we brought along a lot of summer dresses, loose tops, and capri leggings. We definitely made sure to bring a sunhat as well. For men it’s fairly simple, just t-shirts and shorts! There is also a lot of suitable clothing to buy in the markets, but make sure to check the quality of them as they can rip easily. We actually packed minimally and ended up buying some items while there.

More Tips: How to Prep for Travel to Cambodia.

The entrance to Mane Village Suites in Siem Reap

Where to Stay in Siem Reap Cambodia

Siem Reap is full of hotel options within a wide range of prices. For our trip, we decided to splurge a bit more here. I wanted to have comfortable haven to come back to after a long and tiring day out in the temples.

In the end I booked Mane Village Suites, a beautiful place located within a quiet street not far from Pub Street. Since there were five of us, we chose the family suite and it was so spacious with lots of room to enjoy. There’s a pool surrounded by gorgeous flowers and plants, and a relaxing outdoor dining area. They also have a restaurant with amazing food, both local and western cuisine. Free breakfast is also included with your stay.

The relaxing pool area surrounded by greenery

The lush and green restaurant with relaxing outdoor dining

We absolutely loved the service here. They always had cold bottled water ready upon our return, and we received complimentary foot massages during our stay. I also loved the daily afternoon tea served with sweets. It was such a great way to wind down after being out in the heat. At night when we went to Pub Street, they offered a free tuk tuk ride there. We highly recommend to stay here while you’re in Siem Reap!

Looking for more options? See more.

Day 1: Angkor National Museum, Pub Street, Floating Village Tour

Since we arrived in Siem Reap at night, we didn’t explore until the next day. But this meant getting up bright and early to make the most of our day!

Portrait of Roben, our tuk tuk driver

Tuk Tuk Driver

I wanted our trip to be as stress-free as possible, so I booked a tuk tuk driver in advance. I found Tuk Tuk Roben on the TripAdvisor forums and decided to book since he got raving reviews. He helped to work out a three day temple itinerary for us which really saved us the burden of planning. Although you can easily find tuk tuks everywhere there, it was so nice to have it all taken care of for you. Anything that makes life more convenient while traveling is a win in my book!

A view from the outside of the Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum

It was highly recommended that we visit the Angkor National Museum before we head off to the temples. I’m really glad we did because it really helped give context to everything we saw. We learned about Khmer history, Hinduism, Buddhism and how this all relates to the temples. In addition, we also learned a lot about the various kings, when and why they built the temples. The displays explained more about a lot of details repeated through the temples. For instance the animals, the carvings, and the ancient scenes. It was all very insightful and made more sense as we explored later.

Terra admiring the beauty inside of the museum

There are several rooms to explore, but our favorite was the 1000 Buddhas room. On display were the various Buddhas seen throughout the temples. It also depicted and explained several of the poses and what they mean. If you decide to purchase the audio guide definitely plan for it to take a bit longer. There are also several videos playing throughout the exhibits with deeper insight.

Tip: We weren’t allowed to take photos inside the exhibits, so plan to leave your camera at the hotel.

Views from our table at Amok Restaurant

Pub Street: Lunch

After the museum we headed to Pub street to stroll around and have lunch. There are plenty of options available, but we settled on Amok Restaurant. The ambiance was lovely from our table and we enjoyed views of the little alleyways in between. The food was on the pricey side, but quite delicious. It seemed very geared towards tourists, rather than a place locals would go, but it was still good. Once we finished lunch, we did a little shopping then headed back to our hotel to relax.

The Vietnamese floating village on the Tonle Sap

Floating Village Tour: Siem Reap Cambodia

Separately from the tuk tuk tour, I had booked a floating village tour on the Tonle Sap. After researching, we decided to book the Community First Kompong Khleang tour. If you’re into responsible tourism like us, then this will be the perfect choice for you.

The tour takes you on an adventure through Siem Reap Province. You’ll stop at local roadside vendors and snack on sticky rice, Cambodian donuts and other sweets. Once you reach Kompong Khleang you will get a glimpse of the Bridge of Life school, an educational opportunity for local children that is funded by tour proceeds. The tour ends with a beautiful boat ride to a Vietnamese floating village on the Tonle Sap where you’ll watch the stunning sunset. It was a highlight of our trip and a must see while here. If there is no availability on this tour, this one looks like another great option.

More details on our experience: Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour.

Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise and Small Circuit Temple Tour, Pub Street

Millions of tourists flock to Siem Reap, Cambodia every year to see the Angkor Wat temples. This was of course the main reason why we came here too. Seeing all the temples has been on my bucket list for quite some time, so it was surreal to finally see them.

Before the sun came up at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Sunrise

First up is the Angkor Wat sunrise. We recommend to save this for at least the second day of your trip. You may want to recover from travel on the first day, and it’s also easier to have your ticket already purchased. It is quite touristy, but it’s an incredible experience not to be missed. Keep in mind that you’ll have to leave your hotel around 4:30am in order to have the best viewing spot. If you’re not as serious about photography and being in front doesn’t matter as much, then you can afford to go a bit later.

Learn more: How to Capture the Sunrise at Angkor Wat.

A monkey sitting on top the roof of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat

After sunrise it’s a perfect time to explore inside Angkor Wat. Most people head straight for the tower queue, however we explored some of the inside. We spent about an hour walking around and admiring the beauty of such an ancient masterpiece. It’s huge, so it can easily take 2-3 hours to really cover it all. Despite the crowds, there were still some quiet areas with practically nobody around. Seeing all the carvings of the scenes we learned about at the museum was pretty amazing. Take the time to really absorb all the details here, it’s mind-blowing.

Unfortunately our time here was cut short since Terra was pretty hungry, so we decided to eat at one of the restaurants nearby. Because the hotel had packed us breakfast boxes, we only had to order drinks.

Approaching the South Gate of Angkor Thom, notice the demon statues along the right?

Siem Reap Cambodia: Small Circuit Temple Tour

The Angkor Wat temple complex generally consists of two tours, the Small Circuit and Grand Circuit. It’s usually recommended to start with the Small Circuit, then continue with the Grand Circuit the following day. You can also add or remove as you choose, combining temples from both if you have less time here.

The common temples included in this tour are Angkor Wat, South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, The Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King, Phimeanakas in Royal Palace, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei. Some optional stops are Prasat Kravan and Ta Keo. For our tour we decided to remove a few and added a few in. Read more about the various circuits, including detailed maps.

Explore more: 13 Siem Reap Temples You Must See

View from the top of the stairs of Ta Keo temple

The beautiful reddish tones of Pre Rup Temple

Our Customized Temple Tour

Our tour started with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, then moved on to Bayon. We spent a good 1-2 hours exploring Bayon, admiring the famous faces located on the several towers. It ended up being one of our favorites, and we highly recommend coming in early morning when it’s less crowded.

Next up are three temples all located close to one another, Baphuon and Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King. Due to lack of time, we didn’t spend too much time here. They are quite small and easy to explore in less than an hour if you’re rushed.

Along the way to Ta Prohm we decided to stop at Ta Keo and Pre Rup. These are both optional temples in this circuit, but we are glad we added them in. Pre Rup is actually made out of brick and is a beautiful reddish tone. Ta Keo was fascinating to climb, but you have to be pretty careful since the steps are very narrow and rustic. We spent around 30-45 minutes at each of these.

The fascinating roots overtaking Ta Prohm temple

A more quiet escape from the crowds

Before exploring our last spot of the day it was time for lunch. After eating we then headed to Ta Prohm aka the “Tomb Raider” temple. It’s famous for the overgrown trees interweaving throughout and practically taking over the structure. There are large roots in various spots which tend to be photography hotspots. You should take time exploring some of the more quiet parts too, you’ll be surprised to be the only one there. We spent a few hours here just marveling at the power of nature.

Off The Beaten Path Tour
Finding places without the crowds definitely feels refreshing! Heading to some of the more quiet temples in this photo tour is a nice balance from all the touristy spots. You’ll see Banteay Srei (one of the most gorgeous temples), Kbal Spean, and the Roluos group.

Pub Street comes alive at night

Pub Street

With a long day of temple tours behind us, it was a bit difficult to have motivation to go back out. However after some relaxing at the hotel, we felt recharged. Pub Street is a famous nightlife spot located in downtown Siem Reap. It’s filled with night markets, bars, clubs, and other interesting sights. There’s plenty of street food to try, fried rolled ice cream, and you can even get a foot massage from a tank of fish. It’s quite popular to try bugs here, and most people head to Bugs Cafe. Although we didn’t go there, we sampled some from the street. It really comes alive at night here and is a must-see at least once during your visit.

What to Eat

With there being plenty of food options here it can be pretty overwhelming. I usually search Yelp for tips and reviews, so I did a quick search for some pizza. We had been eating so much Cambodian food, that we wanted to try something different. So we checked out Flying Zebra Pizza. Coming from NYC, we tend to have high standards for pizza. But I must say, the place had really cool vibes inside and the pizza was actually decent. It was fresh, wood-fired, and they had some interesting topping options. For families it’s the perfect spot for a quick and cheap meal.

One thing we’d love to do next time is take a cooking class with a local family. This takes you to a rural village where you learn how to make a traditional meal, a wonderful experience and perfect activity with or without kids!

Made in Cambodia Night Market
There are several night markets in Siem Reap, but Made in Cambodia is one of the best. It’s filled with higher quality items, all handmade in Cambodia. If you’re looking for something more artisan made, this is the place to go.

The gorgeous pink sandstone and details of Banteay Srei

The band playing lovely music in the back of Banteay Srei

Day 3: Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Phnom Bakheng

Banteay Srei Temple

While most people continue with the Grand Circuit for the second day, we decided to explore some of the further temples. We started the day quite early, around 8am and first arrived at Banteay Srei. This temple is also called the “Citadel of Woman” and is made out of a gorgeous pink sandstone.

It’s another one of our favorites and worth the longer trip. The details on it are just stunning and it’s truly a wonder to explore. Afterwards you should make sure to check out the band playing right before the exit. They are land mind victims trying to earn money to support their families. It’s a great opportunity to take a short break and listen to some traditional music.

The epic entrance to Koh Ker temple

Koh Ker Temple

Our next stop was Koh Ker, the further temple of the three and located in Preah Vihear. It’s very remote and located within the northern Cambodian jungle. It’s part of a much larger complex, however we only explored the main area. Koh Ker is a seven-tiered structure made out of sandstone. You can climb all the way to the top and enjoy beautiful views of the jungle all around. It takes about 2.5 hours to get here from Siem Reap, and is much less crowded. You may be the only one here if you come in early morning.

Totally immersed within the jungle, Beng Mealea felt quite untouched

Beng Mealea Temple

After exploring Koh Ker, we headed straight to Beng Mealea. The vibes here were pretty similar to Ta Prohm, but more quiet and untouched. There hasn’t been much restoration here, so it’s fairly close to how it was left. There is a lot of crumbling stone, and vines tangled around. It’s immersed within trees with a lot of greenery and moss covering the structure. It’s beautifully mystical and feels like you’ve just discovered it for the first time. It worked out perfectly to combine all three of these temples in one day.

The gorgeous sunset view from Phnom Bakheng temple

Phnom Bakheng

There are several great places to watch the sunset in Siem Reap. One of the most touristy spots is Phnom Bakheng. Ideally you should start lining up for the queue to go to the top around 4pm. Unfortunately, we did not make it there until around 5pm. There was already a long line by the time we arrived, so the earlier you can get here the better. They only allow 300 people up at a time. I was hesitant to go at first due to how touristy it is, but in the end I’m so glad we went. The views are too incredible to miss! Don’t let the popularity of it keep you from going, it’s something you should see at least once.

View of Angkor Wat temple from the back side

Day 4: Angkor Wat and Head Back Home

Depending on how much time you have before heading back home, you may be able to fit one last thing in. We decided to head back to Angkor Wat to explore what we hadn’t seen yet, this time entering from the back gate. Be aware that if it’s a Buddhist holiday, the tower will not be open, so plan around those days. We were quite bummed since we were hoping to see the views. But instead we had a surprise opportunity to be blessed by a monk in the temple. It’s these random occurrences during travel that make it the best sometimes!

Optional Add-On
If you’ve got some extra time in Siem Reap, you could head into the countryside or do a day trip. Doing a motorbike tour of the rural areas outside of Siem Reap will allow you to see more of the authentic side. This tour takes you through villages, remote temples, and rice fields with gorgeous views of Kulen Mountain!

Siem Reap Will Steal Your Heart

We absolutely loved our time in Siem Reap as part of our 10 day Cambodia itinerary. There’s so much rich culture and history here, that it’s hard not to fall in love. Every temple is unique and there is still much more to see beyond just a few days here. We will always remember those hot and sweaty days exploring the temples, followed by the refreshing cool breeze in our tuk tuks during our nights out to Pub Street. The people are so kind, welcoming and exude strength from such a tragic past. We look forward to coming back here again!

Discover: Why You Should Travel to Cambodia

Have you ever been to Siem Reap, Cambodia? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience here!

Show us some love and save to read later!

The post Siem Reap Cambodia: The Best 3 Day Adventure appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Being mindful of sustainable travel while exploring the world is important. The Tonle Sap Lake is home to several floating villages that thrive on its ecosystem. Since we were planning a 10 day adventure in Cambodia, I knew I wanted to visit one of these communities. But I felt discouraged as I started researching tours. While browsing options, I kept seeing “tourist trap” or “scam” and wondered if we should skip it, however I did not give up searching. Finally, I came across the perfectly responsible choice. If you’re looking for a floating village tour in Cambodia, Community First Kompong Khleang is the one you must book.

Inside the village nearby the Bridge of Life School

Sustainable Travel: Community First Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour

So what makes this tour the best choice of them all? Most importantly, it doesn’t negatively affect the local communities on the Tonle Sap. All the employed staff is from the village in which you will visit, which means the money goes back into the community. They are also completely transparent about tour costs and expenses. And best of all, the tour proceeds go toward the Bridge of Life School and other projects like clean water.

Which Tours Should Be Avoided?

Although we don’t have firsthand experience with these, we did not read many good things about Chong Kneas. There was often money requested throughout the tour for various things, as stated in several reviews. Kompong Phluk was another one that got mixed reviews. Neither of these had any tours that benefited the local community. I’m sure these places are fascinating to see, but I did not want to see them at the expense of disturbing the culture and social ecosystem. If you cannot book a tour with Community First, they’ve also recommended alternatives on their blog.

Community First Tour Itinerary

Our tour began with Sreyneang greeting and picking us up from our hotel in the afternoon. She was our guide for the day, and used to be a student at the Bridge of Life School. It was awesome to be able to hear more insight about her life. During the drive, she educated us more on the floating village, the school, and what they are doing to help. We also introduced ourselves to the group. There were only 10 of us including our family of five, so it felt very intimate. The ride there was comfortable and safe, with plenty of bottled water.

Read more: 3 Day Guide to Siem Reap

A portrait of the sticky rice vendor, loved her smile!

Sticky Rice Vendor

Along the way, you’ll make a few stops to try some local snacks. The first one was a sticky rice vendor. Before this trip, I had never tried it, so I was quite excited. There was a section along the road with several vendors, so we made a stop at a stand with a woman by herself. She had such a heartwarming smile, and was so happy when we arrived.

Sreyneang showing us how to open the bamboo and eat the sticky rice inside

Sreyneang gave a brief explanation of how sticky rice is made. It’s essentially cooked in coconut milk with black eyed peas or beans that are stuffed inside bamboo. Next, they are roasted over the fire for about an hour. She then demonstrated how to peel open the bamboo and eat the sticky rice. It was more difficult than I thought! The delicious rewards inside were so worth the effort!

The front counter of the bakery

Cambodian Bakery

Our next stop on the tour was a Cambodian bakery, selling several dessert snacks. The highlight of this stop was sampling some Cambodian donuts, made with rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. They were not overly sweet and had a fragrant aftertaste. We also tried a few of the other dessert snacks including some healthy sweet potato chips, and ones that resembled mini ice cream cones.

Walking towards the kitchen where everything is made

A closer look at the kitchen area where the prep takes place

Coconut milk simmering over a fire

After having some samples, we went to the back to checkout where the sweets are made. There was a small half outdoor kitchen with some coconut milk cooking over a fire. It was interesting to be able to get a glimpse into a truly local way of baking. This would be an opportunity we would otherwise not have. On the way out, we also sampled some small clams that were sitting under the sun and covered with salt. At first, people were hesitant to try one. But after approval from the guide we all dug in and were glad we had a taste!

Inside the classroom at the Bridge of Life School

The Bridge of Life School

The total drive to the village takes 1.5 hours after both stops. As we got closer, the road became very rough and bumpy. We started to get a glimpse of some of the floating communities as we drove into Kompong Khleang. Many of the homes had no doors, and open windows. Some of them looked more fancy and put together than others. Many of the kids were running around barefoot, some without clothes. People were resting in hammocks on the porch, or underneath the stilts.

A view from inside the village during our walk to the school

After arriving to the village, our first stop was the Bridge of Life School. In addition to this village, they also have other locations in Cambodia. The school is located in one of the stilted homes, and we were given a brief tour of the inside. It was quite small, with just one main classroom for primary school, and another section for sewing classes. During wet season, many of the kids commute to school by boat, or swim if they are closeby.

A portrait of the sewing teacher busy at work

The primary school teaches reading, writing, math, and art to children ages 4-8. The seating is on a simple platform with just benches, no desks or chairs. This school gives an opportunity for younger kids to have access to an education and be better prepared for the government schools. Inside the school are also water filters to provide clean water to the surrounding village. After Sreyneang spoke about the school, we met the sewing teacher, who was busy creating while we enjoyed the view from the back.

Golden hour view of the main center of Kompong Khleang

Life on the Tonle Sap

The day ended with a boat tour of the villages along the Tonle Sap. We drove back to the main town center of Kompong Khleang, then walked over to the dock. During our stroll, we passed by a temple and some stunning sunset views. We also got a magnificent birds-eye view of the village life by the water.

Bird’s-eye view over the village by the water

Throughout the tour, we gained more insight into life on the Tonle Sap. The communities that live here thrive and depend on fishing in order to make a living and survive. They also adapt well to the changing water levels throughout the year. During wet season, the smaller, more mobile homes are able to escape the higher water. The homes on stilts however remain where they are, and some may be partially submerged. This particular village we visited is home to around 10,000 residents.

Unfortunately the Tonle Sap is endangered due to overfishing and pollution. This wreaks havoc on these communities that depend on the local ecosystem to survive. Since it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site, there have been improvements in recent years to help preserve it. Sustainable travel and tours like these can also help the communities that exist here.

View of some of the stilted homes from the boat

Sustainable Travel: The Floating Village Tour

We saw so many eye-opening scenes while on the boat. I almost felt like a voyeur, peeking into their daily life from the water. I noticed many small houseboats in front of the stilted homes. Some of them had makeshift roofs and used gas tanks for buoyancy. There were also several kids swimming and bathing in the water. A few kids were holding nets to catch fish. Some were also sitting inside large water jugs, and gradually floating by. Many locals sped by on boats, watching us with curiosity, as if they’ve never seen a foreigner before. I truly can’t believe how amazing it is that they are able to survive and adapt to the power of nature. It’s quite fascinating learning about a culture so different, and witnessing it firsthand.

Locals swimming in the water near their homes

Daily life along the waters edge

I took a lot of moments to really pause and take it all in. During the tour, you’ll notice pungent smells of fish and waste. They symbolized a community with a small footprint, mostly thriving off what’s around them. It was quite the contrast to the smells of pollution or smog in larger cities. Seeing how resourceful these people are was inspiring.

Making our way down the Tonle Sap as the sun set

Vietnamese Floating Village

The boat tour was perfectly timed for sunset. Our final stop was an ethnic Vietnamese Floating village. This particular village did not have stilted homes, instead they were all literally floating on the water. It was incredibly beautiful watching the sun slowly go down behind the silhouette of the village. It created a magical pinkish tone over the water blending with shades of blue. For a moment, I thought we were in a real-life painting.

A view of the Vietnamese floating village

More of the Vietnamese floating village

A closer look at some of the homes

A family shot on the boat

Our boat stopped for awhile to admire the stunning views. We were able to relax and just enjoy the moment there. I must say, the village has quite a beautiful end to each day. It goes to show that sometimes the simplicity in life is most important. We headed back before the sun completely set. The sights were quite different now, with smells of food cooking over fires. The homes were lit up casting beautiful reflections on the water.

Supporting Sustainable Travel

The entire tour was wonderfully organized. It gave us the perfect introduction to the village without being invasive. We learned so much about the community, the issues they face and how they are helping. It felt good to know our money spent was going to a great cause, and even better that we saw it firsthand. If you’re interested in seeing an authentic floating village in Cambodia, Community First is a wonderfully responsible organization.

Sreyneang and Terra, such a memorable day!

Have you ever seen a floating village? If so, share more in the comments.

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post Sustainable Travel in Cambodia: Kompong Khleang Floating Village appeared first on Our Travel Soup.

Ever since I was in college, I’ve dreamed of seeing the Angkor Wat sunrise. That dream finally became a reality recently during our 10 day Cambodia trip, but it definitely took some effort. This magnificent event draws thousands of people everyday. This means that it can be a rather daunting task taking the perfect shot. I’m here to give some tips and photography basics to help you capture a beautiful memory.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

Capturing the sun as it was coming up

Angkor Wat Sunrise: Is It Worth It?

“Was it worth the effort?” This was one of the most popular questions I got after seeing the sunrise at Angkor Wat. I think the answer can be very subjective, but my answer is yes. There will definitely be frustrations, and annoyances, from the massive crowds of tourists. It may seem like one of those overrated touristy bucket list items. But I must say that watching the sun rise from beneath such a beautifully ancient structure was incredible. It’ll be a moment you’ll never forget.

Best Time to Go

The most ideal time to go to Cambodia is during the dry season. This is usually from November through March. Overall, you want to make sure to go on a clear day. Keep an eye on the weather before you go, otherwise you may be disappointed with grey skies covering the beautiful colors of the sunrise.

What You Need to Know Beforehand

In order to watch the sunrise and secure a good photo spot, you’ll have to leave your hotel at 4:30am at the latest. We highly recommend having your ticket already. We made the mistake of buying them the day of, and although we still lucked out with a decent spot, you might not be as lucky. If we had the tickets already I imagine we would have gotten an even better one.

Make sure to have a flashlight handy. After entering the gate you’ll have to journey through the dark to find your spot. We actually didn’t scope out the temple the day before to find the ideal place, but did do some research ahead of time and already had an idea. So it would be best to do either of these, so you’re not stumbling around in pure darkness trying to decide.

Another helpful tip is to book your tuk tuk driver ahead of time. We had found Tuk Tuk Roben on the Tripadvisor forums, and booked a full 3 day temple tour with him. You can also book through your hotel or hostel as well.

You could also book a sunrise temple tour this one with transportation included. You’ll have a guide along with you, which could give more insight and tips for taking photos.

Lastly, wear good bug repellent. It’s a must while traveling in Cambodia in general and will protect against sickness that can make you ill for weeks. Better to be safe than sorry!

The Ideal Place for Photographs

While researching, the most common place I kept coming across was the left corner of the left reflecting pond, so we headed straight there. It definitely was the perfect place for those quintessential shots you typically see. Because we had to buy our ticket first, we ended up getting here too late to have first pick. I’d say we got pretty lucky to only end up being behind one person, who was kind enough to duck for a lot of our shots.

We also chatted with a local guide who claimed the most ideal spot depends on what time of year you go. During dry season, the left side is indeed the best. But during wet season, the right side is actually better. This is all due to the positioning of the sun and where it falls within the temple silhouette.

Beautiful rays of sun shining through

Photography Tips to Capture the Perfect Angkor Wat Sunrise

Use a DSLR Camera + Wide Angle Lens

While phones can take some pretty amazing shots these days, there’s still nothing like a good DSLR camera. It’s our trusty travel companion, and the shots always turn out much more epic than the phone. We use the Canon 5D Mark III, although any DSLR will do the trick.

The right lens can make a huge difference. Bringing a wider angle lens will allow you to get some nice shots within the tighter spaces within the temples. It also allows you to fit more within the frame, really highlighting just how grand these structures are. We always bring the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II lens, it’s perfectly versatile for travel purposes.

Bring a Tripod

Since there will be low light as the sun rises, a tripod will help to keep your photos crisp and in focus. It may be a pain to carry, but if you booked a tuk tuk or car for the day, they can hold onto it as you explore the other temples. Having a tripod means you’ll have to make sure to secure a spot in the front, so nobody can get in front of your shots. We use this MeFoto Travel Tripod, which is lightweight and perfectly compact for travel purposes.

Alternatively you can also choose to bring a monopod instead. You can easily carry it, and also not take up as much space with your whole setup. We don’t have one, but saw a few using them.

Use a Remote Shutter or Set a Delay

Another helpful item is a wireless remote shutter. It allowed us to enjoy the moment more and snap photos with a simple button click. Make sure that you buy one that is compatible with your camera model. It’s important to familiarize yourself with using one before the big day, so make sure to practice at home. Also, check that it’s sufficiently charged the night before, and test so that it’s working properly.

If you don’t have a remote shutter, you can achieve similar results through your camera settings. By setting a few second delay for each shot, it will eliminate any chance of blurry shots from the camera shake.

Setup Your Focus to Infinity

After your camera is all setup on the tripod, you’ll have to focus it. It can be tough to do this in pitch black, but try your best to find something with the most contrast. I focused to infinity on one of the spires, and all of my shots came out crisp. As the light increases it’ll become much easier to focus it.

Familiarize Yourself with Long Exposures

For low light photography, long exposures can give some stunning results. Do a bit of research on it before the actual day of sunrise and practice. Since I’m a more seasoned photographer I put my settings on Bulb, which meant I controlled the aperture and the shutter speed. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with Aperture mode, so the camera decides the ideal shutter for exposure.

Camera Settings

In order to have clear shots with no grain, I set the ISO to 100. Being able to do longer exposures will allow you to set a lower ISO. I kept my aperture from between f/8-f/16, and varied it between shots.

While it was still rather dark, I started the shutter speed with 45 seconds and altered based on the exposure. Then I gradually decreased to 30 seconds, then 15, then even less as the sun finally rose. With aperture mode, you will only have to worry about changing that between shots.

Crowds of people all trying to take the same shot

Keep an Eye on Rude Tourists

It’s inevitable that there will be a few rude tourists who will try to get in front of your shots. I definitely spoke up during their attempts. Afterall, I didn’t wake up at 4am to have someone getting in the way of my shots. Speak up and stand your ground, I’m sure you traveled far to get here.

Editing Your Sunrise Shots

I usually use Lightroom to edit my photos and it works great. For more detailed touchups I use Photoshop. Make sure to shoot in RAW format so that you can do more detailed edits with them after. For quick on the fly editing while traveling, I use the Lightroom app.

Stay Around for Awhile

After the sun rises, a lot of people will start heading to the temple or queuing for the tower. We actually stuck around for awhile and kept taking photos since the crowds dispersed. The lighting was quite magical over the temple complex and looked just as stunning. However, if you have limited time in Siem Reap, you may want to head to the tower right away instead. We ended up missing it this trip, so that gives us a good reason to return!

Alternative Sunrise Spots

If you’ve already seen the sunrise at Angkor Wat, you might want to watch it elsewhere. Some of the other great spots to watch are Bayon, Pre Rup and Sra Srang. You could also head up to Phnom Bakheng, we went here for sunset and it was glorious!

See more: 13 Siem Reap Temples Worth Exploring

Exploring the inside of Angkor Wat

Exploring Angkor Wat

Now that you’ve taken those prized photos, head to the temples to explore. It will be during the golden hour and the lighting will be perfect, so take advantage! We headed inside around 7:30am and it was still rather empty. We started noticing big crowds coming in around 8:30ish, so maximize your time right after the sun rises.

Angkor Wat sunrise is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that won’t be forgotten. What makes it even more memorable is the effort you took to get there. It’s like a rite of passage in a way, something that deserves a huge pat on the back for having achieved.

Have you seen the sunrise at Angkor Wat temple? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

Show us some love and pin for later!

The post Angkor Wat Sunrise: How to Capture the Best Photo appeared first on Our Travel Soup.