Myanmar & Cambodia
Contributed by Jens Hoffmann
We flew in from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. I am happy, it is always great to land in Phomh Penh, a bit different than 10 years before but still lovely.
Natural life, joy, Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices.
Here in Phnom Penh in the capital of Cambodia it is different. Located on the banks of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since French colonization.
Once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville significant global and domestic tourist destinations, there are a number of surviving French colonial buildings scattered along the grand boulevards.
Our mission was Siam Reap. Angkor Wat!. It was on my travel list since years.
Sunset ciders and flooded forests, there are a couple of must do’s in Cambodia. A escape to Cambodia is not complete without at least one of these activities and a check-in at the Raffles in Phnom Penh.
The center of everything, politics, art, cultural heritage, diplomacy and the Grand Hotel D’Angkor which offers personalized pampering at the award-winning Raffles Spa, as well as an array of fine dining choices, from exotic Khmer cuisine at the resto “Le Grand”, to the Elephant Bar where fine wine, champagne and cocktails is served.
Truly one of the things you should do before you die, we catched a tuk-tuk before dawn and creep through the jungle surrounds by torchlight. Better to avoid the hordes of tourists, they usually arrive after 10am. It is amazing to see he sun’s first rays hitting the majestic Angkor Wat. B
Beautifully landscaped French gardens, old-world Cambodian grandeur infused with the best of modern comforts. An elegant cage elevator, the township’s very first, adorns the lobby and continues to gracefully ferry guests as it did since the hotel was first established. Beautiful.
I love the destination.
The Ankor Wat and Cambodia is one of the world’s best places to enjoy spectacular sunsets over Tonle Sap Lake and experience the rustic charm of its floating village.
I enjoyed the serenity and beauty of Royal Crusade for Independence Gardens, and explore Angkor Thom and other major Angkor citadels.
My tip you should go to the vibrant traditional market of Psaar Chaa, all this awaits you when you choose the Raffles experience to enhance the magic of their Angkor adventure. Angkor Wat with its colonial and Chinese-style architecture belongs on every bucket list.
Sure it is a bit crowdy and a mainstream tourist destination owed to its location near to Angkor temples and the most popular attraction in Cambodia.
Anyway, wake up early. The trip was to short, back to Bangkok.
Place to stay in Cambodia:
