Uñt’ayata: 21.07.2023
After a long journey, we arrived in Kamdoscha yesterday. The entry was uncomplicated, as we were able to fill out the visa application forms on the plane. At the airport, we were already expected by the hotel's 'pick-up service'. Nick, our tuk-tuk driver, greeted us very friendly. Tuk-tuks are the standard means of transportation, taxis are hardly available. The ride to the hotel took just under 25 minutes.
Most tourists travel to Cambodia primarily to visit Angkor - like us. The sunrise over the most famous temple (Angkor Wat) is an absolute highlight. For this reason, we decided yesterday on the way to the hotel to experience this highlight.
The alarm clock rang at 4 o'clock today. The night was short because last night we had some phone calls with our loved ones. In addition, Madlin was very homesick and didn't feel well (for more reality). Since the Angkor site is a total of 200 km², it is customary to 'hire' a tuk-tuk driver who takes you from temple to temple.
We arrived in Angkor shortly after 5 o'clock. Due to the weather, we unfortunately could not see the sunrise over the temple - it was cloudy and raining. As it got brighter and brighter, we could still see the silhouette of the temple. We were also able to see the famous reflection in the temple pond after the crowd in front of it had dispersed. Afterwards, we visited the temple.
After the visit, we had breakfast in the tuk-tuk (the hotel packed our breakfast for us). Afterwards, Nick took us to the next temple. In total, we visited six temple complexes today. All temple complexes have their own flair and we can't say exactly which one is the most beautiful for us. Ta Prohm, the temple complex where the movie 'Tomb Raider' was filmed, was definitely very impressive. Here, the jungle has already 'reclaimed' parts of the complex and the trees are partially intertwined with the temple. This natural spectacle is very special for us.
The early wake-up was absolutely worth it! We were able to visit the temple complexes in the morning. The advantage of this was that the tourist rush was not too big and it was not too humid. We were back at the hotel around 1 pm. After a nap, we planned our onward journey and enjoyed the pool.
The temple complexes of Angkor are incredibly diverse, exciting, and definitely worth a visit!