Exploring Cambodia - Siem Reap to Battambang Bus Adventure

Are you up for a scenic trip through the heartland of Cambodia? Join us on an exciting bus journey from Siem Reap to Battambang in Cambodia to discover the captivating culture and picturesque landscapes.

A Tranquil Trip: The bus travels from Siem Reap through Battambang and passengers enjoy panoramic views of Cambodia’s lush landscape. Enjoy the tranquil canals, lush rice fields and charming villages that are scattered throughout the countryside. This journey lasts approximately 3-4 hours and is a comfortable , affordable , and convenient mode of transportation for all travellers.

Convenient Online Booking: Travelers can book siem reap to battambang bus tickets online to ensure a smooth journey. Secure your seat with just a few clicks and begin an unforgettable journey through the Cambodian countryside.



Exploring Battambang: Upon arrival in Battambang, travelers will be greeted with a city rich in culture, history and charm. Immerse yourself in vibrant culture as you stroll through quaint streets decorated with elegant buildings. Battambang has something to offer everyone, from traditional Khmer dances, bustling markets to cosy cafes.

Best time to visit: The dry period, between November and April, is the best time to explore Battambang. This season offers moderate temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities like cycling, sightseeing and boat trips on the Sangker River.

Prices and Booking: The bus fares between Siem Reap and Battambang vary from $10 to $12, depending on factors like seat availability and the bus operator. RedBus offers affordable tickets for your Cambodian adventure.

Must Do Activities in Battambang

1) Bamboo Train: Take a scenic ride on the Bamboo Train.

2) Phare Ponleu Selpak: Enjoy a performance by Phare Ponleu Selpak. This organization is dedicated to the promotion of Khmer performing arts.

3) Phnom Sampeau: Explore the caves and shrines of spiritual and archaeological importance on Phnom Sampeau Hill , as well as witnessing a stunning sunset.

4) Wat Banan: Discover the ancient temple complex at Wat Banan. It is perched on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the landscape.



5) Boat Trip: Take a relaxing boat ride along the Sangker River. You will pass through rice fields, pools filled with lotus, and ancient stilted villages.

Travel Tips

1) Keep your passport accessible and safe.

2) For humid and dry weather, pack lightweight and breathable clothing.

3) Learn the basic Khmer phrases.

4) Check the baggage policy before you travel to avoid additional fees.



Summary: Take a trip through Cambodia from the vibrant streets in Siem Reap, to the peaceful beauty of Battambang. Get your bus tickets now and experience the magic first hand. Cambodia offers something for everyone, whether you are a culture explorer, a nature lover, or if you enjoy history. Pack your bags, get on the plane, and start the adventure!

Note: Some of the pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.

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Best Kayaking Destinations in Asia

Even if you choose to kayak through a portion of the river near your home that you have traveled through on regular ferries multiple times, it will feel like a whole new experience altogether. Unbelievable as it may seem to those who do not have much experience with kayaking, that’s exactly how it feels.

The difference between kayaking and being on a regular motorized boat or ferry is the distance between you and the water. To be so low and close to the water in a manual boat presents kayakers with a thrilling perspective that’s unique only to kayaking. If you truly want to enjoy that surreal perspective from the most adventurous and beautiful lakes or rivers across Asia, here’s the list you need to follow.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia



Raja Ampat is a conservation area for marine life and it’s a gorgeous one at that. Each time you visit Raja Ampat and decide to go on a kayaking tour with the local guides, you are helping the local population and the conservation efforts simultaneously, in addition to enjoying a grand kayaking experience.

The trips themselves can last for days, taking you through some amazing sceneries and backdrops which are hard to describe but are meant to be seen first hand. There’s the blue sky up above and blue-green water below, which is almost astonishingly clear. As you kayak along those clear waters on a bright day, you can see the marine wildlife clearly, swimming below and close to your kayak!

Inle Lake in Myanmar



If fishing is on your mind, then the Inle Lake in Myanmar should be at the top of your kayaking list. Those that do not know about the fishing or how beautiful the place looks, will skip a visit to Inle and head straight over to Bagan, but they have no idea how gorgeous and untouched the lake feels on a kayak.

A fishing kayak would be ideal for the trip since it will let you take advantage of the local fishing opportunities, which are among the best in Myanmar. Entire villages depend on fishing for their livelihoods near Lake Inle, so, if fishing while kayaking seems like an awesome idea to you, bring your own fishing kayak to the Inle Lake and you will have a blast.

Phang Nga Bay in Thailand



Right in between Phuket Island and the Southern Thai mainland lies the stunning Phang Nga Bay. Kayaking feels quite different from what you might be acquainted with while visiting any of the many lakes in Southeast Asia, simply because it’s not a lake, but an actual part of the bay, nestled in natural cliffs of limestone. As one carefully paddles past the karst structures jutting out of the waters, they will inevitably come across the mighty karst and limestone island of Ko Khao Phing Kan, aka, the James Bond Island.

A major thrill and adventure await those that venture through the hongs, which are collapsed caves that allow entry inside the islands on the bay via cave openings which are still accessible to kayaks. It’s an indescribable experience to paddle through limestone caves that do not have a roof anymore, but the walls still stand. The kind of plants and small animals you will be seeing here are only seen in these hongs only, so respect their privacy and move on as silently as possible.

Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia



The Tonle Sap Lake is another place where bringing a fishing kayak would be ideal for fishing enthusiasts. Not only is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia a beautiful spot to row low and near the water’s surface, but the calm lake is also teeming with fish. The water isn’t clear here, but the reflections shimmer on the water with amazing perfection. The reflections of a starlit sky on a calm, full-moon night almost feel magical while paddling on the Tonle Sap Lake.

It’s important to note that although the lake is good for beginners due to the reliable calmness it is famous for, the mangrove forests and the sheer size of the freshwater lake can get you lost if you are not careful or don’t have a guide with you, especially during the night. Practice caution while kayaking in any place around the world, and don’t go out unguided into the night if you are a beginner.

There are plenty of other destinations in Asia of course, but this is a well-curated list that won’t let you down. Kayaking is also considered an extreme sport if you take on the rougher rivers and seas which are also present in Asia, but as long as you are just blissfully kayaking and doing a bit of fishing, each of the places mentioned here has a unique flavor to them for exactly that, making them stand out from each other in beautiful, calm contrast.

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Travel Talk: Most Inspiring Destinations

Inspiration is a relative thing. For some people it’s music, for others it’s a wide stunning landscape. It also depends on what we need in a particular moment in our lives – at one moment a bit of architecture can unleash our own personal sense of invention, at others the play of wild animals can help us feel connected with the planet when we were feeling a spate of loneliness.

The world is full of places, people, animals, and vistas that can lift us up. We’ve put together a list of seven trips you can take around the world that just might help give you a much-needed boost when you’re feeling a little run down.

Miami, USA

Miami isn’t just for retirees anymore. The city has become synonymous with the word “culture”. Teeming with galleries, performing art troupes, music production from multiple genres, and conventions that celebrate everything from body-painting to ethnic-based film festivals, Miami seems to have something big going on three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

Petra, Jordan



There are of course historical sites a-plenty in the world, but there’s something especially inspiring about the way Petra merges into the rock walls of Jordan. It’s a beautiful meshing of uplifting architecture meeting the natural beauty of the surrounding red rock landscape.

The Continental Divide

Sometimes you just have an overwhelming desire to get up and go. For some people, that means going wherever their feet (and their visas) take them. However for those that would like something a little more goal-oriented, there is the Continental Divide Trail.

The CDT is a hike-able trail stretching from Canada to Mexico. Unlike other long-stretching trails, the CDT is still a bit of an adventure in that it is not always 100% defined. That means that sometimes the CDT is more of a vague guide rather than an actual well-trodden trail.

Santorini, Greece

If you’re looking for something with a Mediterranean flavour give Santorini a thought. First, it’s in an active volcano area – you’re likely to tackle life with a little more vigour when you’ve got a volcano to keep you motivated. Second, the art and architecture is a blend of western European and eastern Turkish flavours. Third, Jacques Cousteau loved it (he even hunted for Atlantis in the area). If Jacques Cousteau loved it (and that guy had been everywhere) then you know that it’s worth trying out. 

teamLab’s Japanese Art

If you’re looking for a new paradigm try out teamLab. teamLab is a group of Japanese artists who collaborate to blend new technologies with traditional Japanese art to explore different approaches for human behaviour in the information age. If that sounds like a mouthful, just know that they create some truly stunning displays that you can move through and explore. Their art has both a travelling show and installations in galleries and museums around the world.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia



Like Petra mentioned above, Angkor Wat is an amazing blend of nature and human architecture. Temples, statues, and other forms of architecture move through the Cambodian jungle in an almost liquid dance.

Penguin Colonies of Antarctica



There’s something immensely moving about visiting the hundreds of thousands of penguins that mate on the shores of the Antarctic (and the nearby islands), reached by an Antarctic cruise. In the face of so many of these dapper tuxedoed birds you get a really strong feeling about how alive the world is.
That feeling is often multiplied in an exponential fashion when the penguins, completely unafraid of human visitors, waddle over to investigate you just as much as you are investigating them.

Photo Courtesy: The Antarctica pictures are copyright of Oceanwide Expeditions.

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10 Amazing Things to Experience in Cambodia on your next holiday

The Kingdom of Cambodia is one of the hottest destinations in South East Asia and is one country that offers a lot of diversity for the traveler to appreciate and indulge in. From the iconic Angkor Wat to South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake in Tonle Sap, from the bitter past of Khmer Rouge to the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh, from the pristine islands of Koh Rong and Koh Kong to the mountain forests of Ratnakiri and from the laidback riverside village of Kampot to the war caves of Battambang, this country has so much to offer.

If you are planning your next holiday to this kingdom, you might be interested in these 10 amazing things that one can experience here. These are based on my personal backpacking experiences through this glorious kingdom.

1) Watch Banteay Srei temple glow with the first rays of the morning sun at Siem Reap



This is not one of the temples on the main Angkor trail, but definitely the prettiest. Tucked some 35 kms away from Siem Reap, the 10th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Banteay Srei’s intricate carvings is worth a good long visit. Like the famous Angkor Wat sunrise, the best time to visit this temple is also around sunrise and this is when all the carvings of this temple that is carved out of red sandstone glow in the orange rays of the early morning sun. As a lover of Hinduism, you will find a lot of rare carvings here.

2) Relax on the white sandy beaches of Koh Rong Island
      


Popular beach destinations of South East Asia are in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. But, no one thinks about Cambodia as a possible pristine beach holiday destination. Which is why, it earns the off-beat beach holiday destination tag. The southern reaches of Cambodia are blessed with steamy dense tropical forests and pristine white sandy beaches. And a little further to its south are an amazing group of islands called Koh Rong and Koh Kong that offer a seriously solid beach holiday experience. I absolutely love Koh Rong, its beautiful forests, mangroves, long and deserted white sandy beaches and the warm waters of its gentle lapping waves. This is also the place that is known for phosphorescent plankton that glows in the night during certain times of the year and one that offers a very special swimming experience.

3) Catch the Famous Sunrise Shot at Angkor Wat



I don’t think I need to say much about this iconic activity. Almost all websites covering Cambodia, Cambodia guide books, magazines, travel books and more talk about this famous sunrise. In spite of all the hype, the sunrise is actually worth it. But, do wake up early and make sure you find yourself a good spot to park your backside and your camera gear or else be prepared to jostle amongst thousands of visitors who arrive every morning with their heavy camera artillery. And before you sleep that previous night, do pray that it rains heavily that night. As usually after heavy overnight rains, the air is clearer and the sunrise is vibrant. If you are not lucky to catch that perfect sunrise on your first visit, do not sulk. Rather, spend your time doing other things in Siem Reap and hope you get lucky with your next Angkor Wat sunrise. 

4) Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Sihanoukville



At about a 6 hour drive from the capital of Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville is your beautiful, yet busy coastal town with plenty of gorgeous beaches. The beaches here are good, but not special, but the locals sure do rave about the quality of seafood here, especially if you love squids, prawns and lobsters. Apparently, the coast of Sihanoukville is one of those few places in the world where squids breed and the baby squids here are quite the rage. In addition to the fresh seafood, this is also the place where you can get a taste of some of the best in Cambodian cuisine. If you do not have the time to explore the offshore islands, this is your ideal bet for a good beach holiday in Cambodia not too far away from the mainstream cities, thus giving it easy access.

5) Become one with the 216 amazing faces of Bayon Temple



Angkor wat is famous for sure, but the temple that I absolutely love has to be the Bayon temple. I have visited this temple like 5 times and every single time, my eyes light up and my mind goes into a frenzy as I lose myself in the maze of these 216 faces (56 towers with 4 faces each). I feel like each face tells a story to you. Words don’t do justice to this temple. One has to see it for real to understand the true awesomeness.

6) Float in the floating village of Chong Khneas



Floating churches, floating schools, floating houses, floating restaurants, floating gas stations, floating grocery stores…well, the whole world floats in the village of Chong Khneas. Located on the Tonle Sap lake, this floating village lives completely on the produce of the lake, which is rich in fish and shrimps. You have to experience this floating world for at least one night to truly understand the local way of living. There is nothing here in terms of natural beauty as there is water everywhere, but it is this ancient floating culture that is special. Just experiencing it gave me a high.

7) Indulge is some tubing at the laidback riverside town of Kampot



If there is one place where all you want to do is go out on those lazy swims, eat late and long brunches, read many books, practice your notes on your guitar or just do what gives you happiness, it has to be Kampot. This village situated by the Praek Tuek Chhu river offers those delightfully quite riverside accommodation where you can just put your feet up and do as you please. And when you get bored and need some adventure outlet, you can either hit the river or cycle up to the mountain nearby for some adrenaline rush.

8) Explore the Flooded Forests of Kompong Phluk



Located deep in the Tonle Sap are the flooded forests of Kompong Phluk. There are motorbikes, cars or buses here. Boats are the private and public transport here. The whole village floats and keeps moving in search for better fish. Whether it is the place of worship, schools, homes or shops, everything moves with the village. As a visitor, you have to take a canoe to navigate these shallow and densely forested waters. If you stay here longer, you can learn all about their special shrimp farming technique and be mesmerized by their floating culture that is far away by the civilized world.

9) Bite into some exotic insects at Phnom Penh



The Khmer Rouge terrorized the people of Cambodia to survive in the wild and which is why I think the people took a liking to insects and reptiles. The Khmer Rouge is long gone, but this fascination for insects still remains. If you are brave enough to dig into those crunchy tarantulas or roaches or bite into those maggots or dare to get a taste of a scorpion or a baby snake, there is no better place to experience this than the streets of Phnom Penh. From crickets to grasshoppers, from scorpions to tarantulas and from maggots to snakes, there are a lot of exotic creatures on the menu here.

10) Understand the trail of terror laid out during the Khmer Rouge



What the Nazi regime did to Europe, the Khmer Rouge did to Cambodia. There were concentration camps in Europe. There are killing fields in Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge absolutely terrorized the people of this country. Multiple genocide at different parts of the country was the norm. Both men and women were slaughtered. These cruel people did not even spare the babies. Locals still manage to locate skulls and bones from these killing fields after a spell of heavy rains. I don’t mean to scare you, but if you visit the killing fields of Choeung Ek (just outside of the capital of Phnom Penh) and listen to the tales of terror through the audio guide, you cannot help the tears from flowing down. These killing fields offer a very humbling experience and a good insight into the bitter past of Cambodia.

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Travel Photo of the Day: Bayon Temple, Cambodia

One of the most astonishing works of art in the world, the Bayon temple located in the Angkor temple complex of Siem Reap, Cambodia is an absolute stunner. It’s massive scale, its 56 faces and its amazingly planned architecture have kept me scratching my head the 3 times that I have visited this temple. My favorite is the smiles on these faces. There is something about them that I can’t seem to place. I mean it is just a mystery, those faces. May be, you will relate with what I am saying when you stand in front of these faces.

Note: Click on the photo to share it or to download a higher resolution as your desktop wallpaper.

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Temple-Hopping in Southeast Asia

The wealth of beautiful sights and fascinating histories supplied by the temples of Southeast Asia will be enough to dazzle even the most seasoned traveler. No expense or time was spared in creating these monuments to spiritual belief, and their tremendous variety means there’s always something new to discover. 

Traveling in Southeast Asia
     

Most Southeast Asian countries are very welcoming to Western visitors and, because prices are low, they are a popular choice with backpackers. Many people choose to start in Pattaya, Thailand, where there are plenty of low-cost places to stay, and where the friendly locals guarantee a warm welcome. Once the journey starts in earnest, long-distance buses make it easy to travel between tourist sights, though some people prefer to hitch and get to know the locals, while others opt to cycle or ride motor scooters. While this article looks at some of the most spectacular places to visit, there are many smaller ones, including local village shrines dating back millennia.

When visiting temples, it’s important to note that many remain active places of worship, of deep importance to local people. One should normally remove one’s shoes before entering and make sure upper arms are covered, and women should be careful not to make physical contact with monks, even brushing past them, as this can be seen to compromise the monks’ religious purity.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
     
 

Probably the most famous temple complex in the region, Angkor Wat is built on ruins thought by some to be as much as 13,000 years old, one of the oldest manmade structures in the world. It was significantly extended in the 12^th century on the orders of King Suryavarman II and is the largest religious monument anywhere in the world, so it can take days to explore it all. Although it may not feature the gold or bright colors of other temples in the region, its distinctive Khmer architecture has majesty of its own, looking particularly impressive at dawn and dusk.

Batu Caves, Malaysia
Hewn out of a limestone hill just north of Kuala Lumpur, these remarkable cave temples are really something different. They’re presided over by a towering golden statue of the war god Murugan (an avatar of Kartikeya) and entered via an equally towering set of steps. Inside, the immense caverns house a temple devoted to the monkey god Hanuman, and the Ramayana Cave has murals depicting the story of Rama. The best time to visit is during the festival of Thaipusam in late January or early February (heralded by the full moon), when local Tamils celebrate Murugan’s vanquishing of the demon Soorapadman.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali


Perched on a precipice above the breaking surf, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is visible for miles around. It was built in the 11^th century, along with eight other temples, to protect Bali from evil spirits. The coral walls of its interior are covered in animal carvings (with both real and mythical beasts), and the Hindu people who worship there show respect for the local wild animals by bringing them food. Visitors are often invited to feed the monkeys. At sunset, people gather to watch the traditional Kecak dance in the temple grounds.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
     
 

Dominating Yangon, the golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, set atop Singuttara Hill, is an awesome sight and is surrounded by porticos of gold and white, each with its own elegant spire. It incorporates 90 tons of gold in all, plus a spectacular diamond. Inside, it’s just as magnificent, with many small but elaborate shrines and smiling Buddha statues, and it houses sacred relics of the Buddhas. At 2,600 years old, it is thought to be the oldest surviving pagoda in the world.

Wat Arun, Thailand


The magnificent stepped pyramid of Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of Dawn) is covered in intricate carvings and surrounded by several galleries from which one can look down to the Chao Phraya river below. Brightly-colored porcelain tiles line its many roofs and prang (spires) and look dazzling in the sunlight. Its central Buddha, in the ordination hall, was created by King Rama II and guards his ashes. Below, six Chinese-style green granite pavilions welcome visitors who have crossed the water while, above, the seven-pronged Trident of Shiva pierces the sky.

Văn Miếu, Vietnam
     
 

Also known as the Temple of Literature, this Confucian shrine remains an island of peace in modern Hanoi, its five courtyards are the perfect place to rest or simply to gaze in wonder. Less elaborate than the other temples listed here, it is no less impressive thanks to its elegant design, with red brick roofs curving like wings and long, low walls perfectly complemented by the surrounding foliage. It was built in 1070 to replicate the birthplace of Confucius, the Qufu temple in Shandong, China, and over the centuries it has served as a university for the religious and social elite. The best time to visit is at Tết, Vietnamese New Year (in late January or early February), when it fills up with calligraphers writing wishes as beautiful works of art.

Miagao Church, Philippines



This elaborate Baroque church, now listed as a World Heritage Site, represents the collision of Christian architecture in one of its most dramatic forms with the very different but equally magnificent traditions of Filipino art. Also known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church and as the Fortress Church (since it was used to defend the town against Muslim raids), it was built in 1787 and has since survived full scale war, earthquakes and a massive fire. Inside is a gold-plated sanctuary that recalls the Buddhist and Hindu temples of the region.

Wat Rong Khun, Thailand


Looking like an elaborate snowflake, Wat Rong Khun is a modern structure very much in keeping with the spectacular tradition of temples in the region. It is almost entirely built of mirror glass and it sparkles a dazzling white, topped with intricate structures that give it an ethereal quality. It is entered via a bridge over a gleaming lake. Designed by the esteemed painter Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997, it is dedicated to the Buddha but draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, with interior murals depicting Batman, Superman and scenes from the Predator movies.

Wherever you choose to go, there is no shortage of beautiful temples to discover in Southeast Asia, and visiting them will give you fresh insight into the dynasties and empires that have shaped this remarkable part of the world.

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Travel Photo: Banteay Srei Temple, Cambodia

It is Angkor Wat and Prasat Bayon that capture the imagination of most of the tourists who visit the Angkor heritage site in Siem Reap, Cambodia. But, if you want to see a richly carved temple, then head to Banteay Srei, the citadel of the woman, located at about 35 kms from Siem Reap. This temple is part of the Angkor temple complex and hence can be visited with the same Angkor wat ticket.


The best time to visit this temple is right after sunrise when the golden rays of the sun fall on the beautiful carvings of this Hindu temple and one can also see the reflections of the temple in the temple pond. This also allows you to enjoy the sunrise at Angkor wat before making your way here.

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How To Eat Amazing Food While Watching a Sunset Instead of Working at a Desk

Are you trudging through your workday right now? How does it feel to be sitting at a desk in a windowless office? You may be dreaming of a thrilling adventure overseas, but you're sure that your budget would never allow for an off-the-beaten-path trek through exotic destinations. The amazing truth is that anyone can afford a one-of-a-kind holiday with the South East Asia Geckos Adventures sale with 15 percent off a range of trips.

The Greatest Land You've Never Heard Of
Have you ever been on a wildlife cruise? Do you even know what a wildlife cruise is? You're going to find out when you visit Kota Kinabalu. The Malaysian capital is the perfect place to forget about your worries by throwing caution to the wind during an exciting exploration of the wilderness.

The first adventure you get to try during your visit to Malaysia is sampling some stingray. You get the chance to check out some museums to soak in a little culture before the real fun starts. Orangutans await you in Sepilok, and you could even see one of these amazing apes in the wild when you explore the Kinabatangan River. 


This tour of Malaysia is not for the faint of heart. You're going to end up hiking up a steep mountain over a stretch of two days, but the view from the top is worth the climb. How many people in your office can say that they got to the highest peak in Southeast Asia? Check out all the details here: The Greatest land You’ve Never Heard Of

Sun, Sand & Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is a delicious staple that practically flows like water in Thailand. Get rid of your self-conscious self while you wade your way through delicious Thai cuisine. No one is going to notice you struggle with those chopsticks in the middle of the bustle that is Bangkok.

Rice isn't all that Thailand has to offer. You're going to get to see those beautiful, dangerous barracudas up close if you opt to scuba dive. Snorkeling is optional for those travelers who aren't quite ready to come face-to-face with a ferocious fish. If you want some awesome travel stories, have a look at the Sun, Sand & Sticky Rice tour.

A Land Before Time Travel

Have you ever wished that you could go back in time to explore ancient ruins before they got ruined? Angkor lets you get a glimpse of what life was like in ancient times. The Cambodian region is full of breathtaking temples that you can explore for hours. These amazing relics have been expertly preserved to show you how temples really looked before the ravages of time turned them to dust.

Optional guided tours let you make your Cambodian experience something that you can write home about. You can explore cities on your own if you're an independent adventurer, but there are plenty of optional tours available to guide you through hidden gems. Organize your tour with Geckos Adventures today.


Are you stuck in the monotony of office life? Are you tired of the same old spring break parties in bars, clubs and restaurants you've been to dozens of times before? The exclusive offer that makes all of these trips and more possible for you is only available for a limited time. Book now to enjoy traveling across Southeast Asia in March or April. Now nothing is stopping you from getting away from it all while seeing the real treasures hidden in the alleys and shops of Southeast Asia.

Note: All the images in this article belong to Geckos Adventures.

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5 Exotic Dishes to try in Cambodia

Cambodia is located in the southern part of the Indochina peninsula and similar to Thailand and Vietnam, it is a popular destination for Western travellers looking to explore a culture completely different to their own. One defining difference of many cultures is the food and diet of the local people and this offering often forms a major part of our decision to visit a country.

The staple Cambodian diet consists mainly of rice and freshwater fish from the Mekong River and Tonle Sap but there’s a lot more to Cambodian food than just those two ingredients. Often overshadowed by neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodian cuisine deserves more of a spotlight than it currently receives. Anyone who has experience with travelling to Cambodia will have a good idea about the exotic flavors contained in Cambodian food, especially traditional street food.


It’s hard to imagine a Cambodian dish prepared without the key ingredients lemon grass, kaffir lime, garlic, ginger, coconut milk or black pepper. Why not plan a trip to and try the following Cambodian foods for yourself?

1. Fish amok is often considered the national dish of Cambodia and uses freshwater fish, usually the snakehead fish or cat fish as its main ingredient. A similar dish is available in neighboring countries but fish amok in Cambodia is distinctive in taste. Firstly, thanks to the addition of a paste known as ‘Kroeung’ (made from lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, fermented fish paste and galangal) and secondly due to the addition of the local bitter herb slok ngor. Fish amok will often come beautifully presented wrapped in banana leaf. Other variations made with Tofu or Chicken can be found but these are more of a recent emergence and would not be considered a traditional dish.

2. Bai sach chrouk - Better known simply as pork and rice, Bai sach chrouk is in fact a breakfast dish which is said to sell out so fast so it’s unlikely you will find any left at lunchtime. This street food is simple to prepare but still packs a punch of flavors. The pork is usually sliced and grilled after being marinated in garlic, soy, green onion and coconut milk. There is no specific way to prepare and serve Bai sach chrouk meaning no two dishes are likely to be the same.

3. Khmer beef skewers – Using Kroeung at the heart of the marinade these beef skewers are a traditional street food. Unlike Bai sach chrouk preparation for this dish is not quick. Pickled vegetables need to be prepared a day ahead and the beef benefits from a day sat in the marinade too.

4. Khmer Noodles – Another traditional street food technically known as nom banh chok and so named after the fermented rice noodles that form the basis for the dish. Khmer Noodles include a serving of raw vegetables, banana leaf, lemongrass, fresh mint and basil. This gives the dish a light and fragrant finish, more like a salad than a noodle dish.

5. Cambodian Fruit – Cambodian food is not just about fish, noodles and spice. Well known tropical fruits such as mango, dragonfruit and papaya are available from many local markets, as are many lesser known fruits. These include the ‘soursop’, the lychee like ‘longan’, the cinnamon hinted ‘lemut’ and even single seeded ‘water apples’. A local delicacy, but one most Westerners may want to avoid is the ‘durian’ which has a terrible smell and an armored shell that’s difficult to get into.

Many westerners are put off Cambodia as a culinary destination due to myths and horror stories spread by travellers but these should be taken with a pinch of salt. Why not plan your own Cambodia tour and see if you can adopt a style that you can recreate back home and impress your friends with your newly found exotic culinary skills.

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Travel Photo: Entrance to Angkor Thom, Cambodia

The Angkor Archaeological park is a sensational place with a lot of beautiful temples like Angkor Wat, Prasat Bayon, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Elephants and more, but sometimes you don’t have to visit these temples to gape in wonder at its beauty. Instead, their walls and gateways can induce the same effect.


You will feel such an emotion rush just before you enter the Angkor Thom complex as you will be facing the mighty south gate of Angkor Thom with its insanely beautiful gate entrance. This gate entrance has the same faces on its tower as the Bayon temple and has a whole lane of sculptures of guards in front of that gate. And to add more appeal is the moat surrounding Angkor Thom.


A truly special experience much before you set sights on the top attractions of a destination. Climb on top of this gate through the dirt trail to get an even better view.

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Ta Prohm: Siem Reap's Jungle Temple

This temple was immortalized by the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. It’s giant roots and jungle setting is what brings tourists to it in great numbers. Along with Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm makes for the 3 most important and most popular temples in the Angkor Archaeological park.


This temple, built in the 12th century is located one kilometre east of the Bayon temple is today in a state of ruins where there are more tree roots than the actual temple itself. But, that is the aura of this place. The Archaeological Survey of India is helping the local group in setting this temple right to its former glory.


Unlike other temples in the Angkor complex where the best times to visit is early morning or late evening, the best time to visit Ta Prohm is around noon time when the sun is straight overhead. This being a jungle temple, it is densely vegetated and very difficult for light to enter in at other times of the day.


But, this is also the time when the temple is the most crowded as everyone knows that this is the best time to visit the temple. If you looking to photograph the key sights and want the place to be clear of people, then you need to wait it out as tourists usually come in clusters. If you want an off-beat photography experience, check out this temple in the early morning hours when you will more or less have the entire temple to yourself.


This Mahayana Buddhist temple that was originally called Rajavihara is oriented to the east. Unlike other Angkor temples which has stunning bas reliefs, this temple has few few and is very popular only because of its jungle setting and ruins.


Go on and see this UNESCO World Heritage site temple and the fig, banyon and kapok trees that spread their gigantic roots over stones, walls and terraces. Its strange, haunted look will make you feel like you went through a time shift into the ancient world!!

I explored this temple as part of an invite from the tourism authority of Thailand and Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia.

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Prasat Bayon: My Favorite Temple of Cambodia

The temples of Siem Reap have to be one of the best temple clusters in the world. There is the world famous Angkor Wat, there is the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, there is the serene and beautifully carved Banteay Srei, there is the beautiful temples in the Angkor Thom complex. Amongst all of these, my personal favorite is Prasat Bayon or popularly known as Bayon Temple.


This Buddhist temple, built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII stands right in the middle of the Angkor Thom complex and is special because of its massive size and the 216 faces depicted on its 54 towers. It is believed that this temple was originally a temple mountain conforming to the symbolism of Mount Meru.


The best time to visit this temple is an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. That is when the light is good and you can climb and explore this mighty temple without breaking a sweat. This also allows you to couple a Bayon visit with a Angkor Wat visit as Angkor Wat is best seen during sunrise and sunset.


The majestic faces of the Bayon temple can make you go around in circles. Some faces have curving lips, some have a smile, some have serene expressions, etc. and this makes you imagine the true meaning of these faces.


It is believed that these faces are images of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and that they signify the omnipresence of the king. The characteristics of these faces – a broad forehead, downcast eyes, wild nostrils, thick lips that curl upwards slightly at the ends combine to reflect the famous ‘Smile of Angkor’.


There are different levels in the Bayon temple. The ground level is full of intricately carved bas reliefs that show fights with Cham warriors and other warriors. festivals with cocokfights, everyday market scenes and more. There are a total of more than 11,000 carved figures over 1.2 kilometres of temple wall. As you climb up to the 3rd level, you will see a lot of apsaras, more bas reliefs and finally the faces of the Avalokitesvara.




Go on and explore the Bayon temple, the most striking expression of the baroque style of Khmer architecture.

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