From Sihanoukville to Angkor Wat

As mentioned in the last blog, we spent 4 days in and around Sihanoukville (especially on the beautiful island 'Koh Rong Samloem') to recover from the hardships of traveling and gather strength for the temples of Angkor Wat.

The days flew by, even though we didn't do much besides snorkeling, swimming, and lazing around. :-) Of course, sports activities were not to be missed, so we walked to Lazy Beach on the island in just under 30 minutes, where we enjoyed the sunset and the fine 'cuisine' (especially the Cuba Libre is highly recommended).

And then another definite highlight of our trip was on the agenda: Siem Reap and the many, many temples... first and foremost Angkor Wat! We decided to use all possible means of transportation during the 3 days we had for exploration, so one day by car, one day by bicycle, and the last day by tuk-tuk.

On the first day, we explored the more remote temples (including Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea) and had the chance to encounter Chinese tourist groups (Banteay Srei... school trips in Switzerland are harmless in comparison) and the Indiana Jones feeling (Beng Mealea).

For the next day, we rented clapper bicycles from the hotel and started at 04:30 to watch the sunrise at a less crowded place. Although we were almost alone, the sun was hiding behind clouds. :-( However, we had Ta Prohm, the 'Tomb Raider Temple', all to ourselves, which was very impressive. After a good 40 km and many more highlights (including our first glimpse of Angkor Wat), we were glad to return our bicycles.

Day 3 started again at 05:00, but this time with the tuk-tuk and the 'classic' tourist program with sunrise at Angkor Wat with some other people (see photos)! And we continued with temple after temple until we couldn't go any further... truly amazing... you really have to see it once!!! Of course, in these 3 days, we haven't seen everything and we want to see everything else a second or third time, so we will definitely return sooner or later.

As a change from the many temples, we also visited a 'Landmine Museum', which vividly describes the problem of the many unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War (as in Laos) and the antipersonnel mines from the time of the Khmer Rouge. Unfortunately, this issue is still relevant today because far from all mines have been neutralized. For example, in the area of Beng Mealea (see above), over 800 unexploded bombs and 400 antipersonnel mines were neutralized on an area of ​​1000 by 1000 meters!

Unfortunately, our time in Cambodia ends tomorrow and we will take the bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok, where we will end our journey before returning to cold Switzerland much too soon.