Cambodia Travel Story: A Journey of Perspective and Discovery

Cambodia was a journey that stayed with me long after we left — not just for what we saw, but for what we felt and slowly came to understand.

Breaking Up the Journey: Hong Kong Stopover

I travelled there with my sister, breaking up the long journey with a few nights in Hong Kong. It was the perfect pause: a chance to experience another culture, reset, and ease ourselves into Southeast Asia before continuing on. Looking back, it’s something I’d always recommend — long-haul travel feels far more enjoyable when you allow space for discovery along the way.

First Impressions of Cambodia: Markets, People and Reality

Arriving in Cambodia was striking from the very beginning. The markets were alive with colour, movement and sound, and the people were warm, curious and welcoming. Yet it didn’t take long to notice something quietly unsettling — where were the older people? Gradually, the reality became clear. The brutality of the Pol Pot regime had left a deep and visible scar on the population, one that still shapes the country today. Cambodia felt young, resilient, and heartbreakingly aware of its past.

Overland to Siem Reap: Life Along the Way

We travelled overland towards Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complex. The journey itself was long but endlessly fascinating. Watching daily life unfold through the window — people working, travelling, resting, selling, living — gave us an understanding of the country that no guidebook ever could. These in-between moments are often the ones I value most.

Siem Reap vs Phnom Penh: Two Very Different Experiences

Siem Reap felt very different to Phnom Penh. It’s undeniably more geared towards tourism, and you notice it in the attention you receive from locals — never uncomfortable, just more present. It’s a lively, enjoyable town with excellent restaurants, relaxed bars, and an easy atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to stay.

Visiting Angkor Wat: Why a Guide Is Essential

Hiring a guide to visit the temples is, in my view, essential. Without that context, the stones are impressive but silent. With a guide, the stories come alive — history, symbolism, belief systems, and the sheer scale of what was achieved centuries ago. The heat was intense, so we were careful not to overdo it, focusing on the key temples and pacing ourselves. Lunch with our guide became one of those unexpectedly memorable moments, sharing stories and learning about modern Cambodian life alongside ancient history.

Angkor Wat Sunrise: A Timeless Experience

Angkor Wat itself is famous for its sunrise, so we were up early to experience it — and it fully lived up to its reputation. Watching the light slowly reveal the temple, surrounded by quiet anticipation, felt almost timeless.

Angkor Wat Sunrise

Staying in Phnom Penh: Seeing Daily Life Up Close

Back in Phnom Penh, we stayed with our cousin and his family. He and his wife were living and working there at the time, and seeing Cambodia through the lens of everyday family life gave us yet another layer of understanding. It’s a city I’d love to return to — there was so much more we could have explored.

Cambodia With Children: Is It Family Friendly?

Now, as a parent, I see Cambodia through a different lens. I’d love to go back as a family. There is so much there that works beautifully for children when paced correctly: gentle cyclo rides through quieter streets, cooking classes adapted for families, visits to floating villages, boat trips along the Mekong, silk farms, local craft workshops, and even time simply wandering markets with curious young eyes. The temples can be intense, so I’d always recommend a guide who understands how to limit time on site, avoid the worst heat, and keep it engaging rather than overwhelming.

Combining Cambodia With Vietnam or Thailand

Cambodia also fits naturally into a wider Southeast Asian adventure. It combines seamlessly with Vietnam, or balances perfectly with some relaxed beach time on a Thai island — culture, history and rest all in one trip.

Planning a Cambodia Trip: Let’s Talk

If Cambodia is calling to you, whether as a standalone journey or part of a longer family adventure, I’d love to help you explore the options. With the right planning, it can be eye-opening, meaningful, and unforgettable — for adults and children alike.

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