Siem Reap - The ancient Angkor Empire

As requested, we embarked on a small scenic tour of Cambodia with the Birthday Express. We traveled in a modern bus equipped with air conditioning, snacks, refreshment towels, drinks, and plenty of rest stops. Just as it should be when Mommy turns a tender 25 years old. And this bus actually arrived in Siem Reap ahead of schedule. After our arrival at our "Villa," my husband disappeared into the city for a moment and I was banished to the balcony upon his return. And then: Surprise!!!!

I was treated to a very, very nice and relaxed birthday afternoon and evening by my husband.

The next day, we headed to "Angkor Wat." But how? Tuk-tuk, scooter, or bicycle? The tuk-tuk was somehow too annoying, although comfortable. Mommy was a bit scared of the traffic on a scooter, and my husband didn't have an international driver's license (usually not necessary for the rental, but for a police check). So, we hopped on our bikes.

In Cambodian traffic, full attention is definitely required. It's best to ride like everyone else. That is, blend in with the chaotic traffic that looks confusing to European eyes. And voila, with your bike, you can even overtake a car or two. Because one thing the Khmer people definitely can't do is drive a car. It's painful just to watch. I'm just saying: "Pug-speed!"

Back to the bike. We rented two mountain bikes with wide tires. It was definitely the right decision for the first day. In total, we covered 30 kilometers and visited six temples. Angkor Wat is only one, but the most famous temple complex of the ancient Angkor Empire. We were also able to make good progress on the partly sandy paths with our bikes. Above all, we were independent and could choose routes that were not accessible by tuk-tuk or scooter. The only downside was the saddle. Our butts hurt so much in the evenings.

But back to the temples, Day 1:

Before visiting each temple, you have to get the ticket at the newly built Angkor Wat Ticket Center. We chose the three-day ticket. Price: 62 USD per person and a friendly smile. Tickets are only available there. There is no ticket sale at the two main entrances anymore! In addition, the personalized ticket must be shown at the main entrance and at each temple entrance. If you lose it within the complex, it will be very expensive!

Prasat Kravan

Srah Srang - the royal bathing pond

Banteay Kdei

By the way, we met the first vendor here who would have cheated herself out of a good deal if we had been interested.

"Look Sir, beautiful trouser, only three dollars!" We declined and walked away. "Okay, better offer for you Sir. Two trousers for two dollars." No thank you! "Sir, make special price for you. Three trousers for one dollar!"

Ta Prohm

Ta Keo

Preah Khan

After this day trip, we fell into bed exhausted.

The next day, due to our sore bottoms, we quickly discarded the idea of taking a tuk-tuk and stumbled upon a bike rental with Dutch bikes and comfortable saddles. With these bikes, we were slower and rattlier, but this time, we only covered about 15 kilometers on paved roads, and the saddle was a real treat.

Temples, Day 2:

Angkor Wat

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom - Bayon

Angkor Thom - Terrace of the Elephants

Definitely two days are enough for visiting the temples in this order.

We spent the third day relaxing, having a leisurely lunch and coffee, and taking a little shopping spree at the Old Central Market. In the evening, we had a delicious dinner at a purely vegetarian restaurant in Alley W. On the way back, my husband and I were once again bombarded with various offers: "Maaaaasaaaageee", "Massage Bum-Bum", "Lady Bum-Bum", "Ping Pong Show?" Well, what doesn't the prostitution-offering Khmer girls understand about two guys holding hands? *Mommy's thoughts: "Soooorrrry, we can do our own maaaaasaaaageeee, and maybeeee later our own bum-bum! No support needed!" Eye-roll to the back of the head* Well, the girls in Hamburg's red-light district don't really get it either. Unfortunately, I haven't found a t-shirt yet that says "No Ficki-Ficki" on it.

On Saturday afternoon, it was already time for our return flight to Bangkok.

In this sense: We can already hear the Christ Child ringing its bells.

Have Fun and Be Proud!

Your Jan/Mommy