Cambodia: Siem Reap & Phnom Penh

After a few fun filled days in Singapore I joined my neighbor Adventurously Yours for one unforgettable week in Cambodia. During this incredible journey, I immersed myself in the mesmerizing sights of ancient temples, including the majestic Angkor Wat, while also exploring night markets filled with unique crafts and trying delicious street food. Alongside 15 fun and adventurous ladies, I had the chance to dive deep into the culture and customs of the Cambodian people. Each day was a new adventure, filled with laughter, exploration, and a genuine connection to a culture that is both welcoming and rich in tradition.

Here are a few highlights before heading over to my full recap of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

We experienced sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. The silhouette of the ancient temple against the vibrant colors of the sky creates a serene and magical atmosphere. As the sun rises, hues of orange, purple, and gold paint the horizon, illuminating the intricate carvings and towering spires of the temple. In contrast, during sunset, the fading light casts a warm glow over the ruins. I highly recommend taking advantage of your temple pass to visit Angkor Wat more than once.

Tuk tuks are motorized open-air taxis that provide a unique and exhilarating way to explore the streets of Siem Reap. An unexpected highlight during one of our adventures was coming across a karaoke tuk tuk, which turned out to be a fun surprise. There is truly nothing like belting out “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” while we zipped through Pub Street in Siem Reap with a cold $1 Cambodian beer in one hand and a microphone in the other.

Angkor Wat is the most popular temple, but be sure to check out other temples in the area too!

The food tour in Phnom Penh exceeded my expectations as a vegetarian, offering satisfying dishes like noodles, fish curry, and coconut flour pancakes, paired with cold Cambodian beer.

In Phnom Penh, we explored several temples located outside of the city center, each with its own unique stories and architectural styles that reflected centuries of history. Additionally, we found ourselves staying near the Royal Palace grounds and a prominent Buddhist University.

This is just a glimpse of my week in Cambodia with Adventurously Yours and 15 other travelers. Head on over to my Siem Reap and Phnom Penh pages to see the full itinerary.

Question: When do you seek a group trip vs. plan it yourself?