From the moment I arrived in Cambodia, I felt an immediate and profound connection.
Despite its recent and heart breaking history, the warmth and kindness of the Cambodian people shines through – always welcoming, always smiling.
The sorrow of the past remains a part of the national story, yet it has been embraced and respectfully woven into the country’s tourism.
Visiting places like the Killing Fields and the S21 Prison is a sobering experience, but it also highlights the incredible resilience and pride of the Cambodian people.
Their strength, spirit and unwavering hospitality are truly inspiring.
As we settled into Phnom Penh for a few days, we immersed ourselves in its vibrant food culture with a walking food tour. We savoured rich broths, crispy duck and even sampled some adventurous local delicacies – yes, including tarantulas!
A visit to the famous Russian Market was a sensory overload in the best way possible.
The air was filled with spicy aromas and the sounds of sizzling food stalls, while vibrant fabrics and bustling vendors created a lively, authentic shopping experience that truly captured the spirit of the city.
Our next stop was Battambang, home of the incredible bamboo train – and what an unforgettable experience it was to ride it!
While there, we visited talented local artisans crafting beautiful clay pots by hand, gaining insight into their traditional techniques.
One of the highlights was sharing a home-cooked dinner with a local family – an authentic and heartwarming experience that offered a true taste of Cambodian hospitality.
Our final stop, and perhaps my favourite, was Siem Reap. Witnessing Angkor Wat at sunrise was truly a bucket-list moment. Standing in the soft morning light during the solstice, surrounded by monks in peaceful reflection, was an unforgettable and spiritual experience.
We explored the awe-inspiring Bayon Temple and the atmospheric Ta Prohm, made famous by the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movies. Each site held its own unique magic and history.
Siem Reap has so much to offer beyond the temples. One of our highlights was exploring the countryside by quad bike, waving to smiling village children who ran out to greet us and watching locals fish in the rice paddies – a beautiful glimpse into everyday life.
In the evenings, we wandered through the night markets, picking up handmade souvenirs and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
And of course, no visit is complete without experiencing Pub Street, where you can enjoy a delicious meal, dance the night away, or simply people-watch and enjoy the vibrant energy.
Overall, I absolutely loved Cambodia. Getting around by tuk tuk was not only easy but so much fun – it added to the charm of everyday adventures. The food was incredible – flavourful, vibrant and full of aromatic spices.
But what truly stood out were the people, some of the friendliest and warmest I’ve ever met. Their kindness and smiles made every moment feel welcoming and genuine.
I can’t wait to return and explore even more of Cambodia’s rich culture. Wide Eyed Tours made the experience even more special, with their thoughtful approach to immersive travel that genuinely supports and involves local communities.
It’s travel done right.
https://www.wideeyedtours.com/
