A Journey of Adventure, Connection, and Giving Back!
Travel has always meant more to me than just checking places off a list. It’s about going deeper, staying longer, and letting the place change me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve always preferred experiences over luxury—cheap flights, street food, and modest stays. That’s where the magic usually happens. Cambodia was no different.
This little Southeast Asian country had been calling to me for years. Angkor Wat—grand, mysterious, and even linked to the Chola dynasty back home—was what first pulled me in. Getting to Siem Reap wasn’t simple: a string of budget flights and layovers across a few countries. But somehow, all those zigzags just built up the excitement.
Cambodia is full of contrast. It’s where centuries-old temples rise out of thick jungle, and raw, wild nature sits right beside ancient beauty. Landing in Siem Reap hit every sense at once—skewers of reptiles at food stalls, loud and lively markets, and tuk-tuks weaving through the streets. As a vegetarian, I couldn’t exactly stomach the idea of snake or frog on a stick, but it was all part of the experience.
And the people—so warm, so genuine. Their smiles stayed with me long after I left. And the fruit! Cambodia is bursting with it. I still remember holding this giant tender coconut—bigger than a basketball, easily holding two or three litres of sweet, cool water. It felt like the land itself was offering a drink.
But the moment that really stayed with me was sunrise at Angkor Wat. It’s the largest religious monument in the world, spread over 400 acres. Built in the 12th century, it started as a Hindu temple for Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist sanctuary. We left our hotel at 3 AM in a tuk-tuk, reaching the grounds just before 4. Hundreds of us stood there in the dark, waiting quietly. And when the sun finally began to rise behind the temple’s towers, lighting up the sky in gold—it was otherworldly. One of those rare moments that makes you feel completely still inside.
Just nearby, the Bayon Temple stood out with its maze-like structure and the serene, smiling stone faces—believed to represent Brahma—watching you from every direction. The entire Angkor region is dotted with incredible temples, each with its own charm, mystery, and story carved into stone. You could spend days temple-hopping and still feel like there’s more to see.
After Siem Reap, I headed south to Koh Rong, a wild island that felt untouched by time. Think thick rainforest, rough sea, no tourists—just raw, beautiful nature. We stayed in tree-top tents with nothing but canvas and rope between us and the stormy sky. Every night, the rain came down in sheets. Thunder cracked above, wind rocked the tent, and I could hear the ocean roar. It wasn’t fancy or even comfortable—but it was real. And I loved every bit of it.
When boats weren’t available, we ended up hiking across the island, wading through backwaters, and even swimming over to another nearby island. That’s the kind of travel that stays with you. On the other side, we reached the mainland beach, where local families were out enjoying the night—eating, playing music, kids running around. No frills, just joy. Pure and simple.
One of the most meaningful parts of this trip was discovering Friends of Cambodia—a community effort started by travellers who decided to stay and teach English to local kids. Many of these areas don’t have proper schools, and this initiative filled a real gap. As a teacher myself, I couldn’t walk away from that. I spent some time volunteering, and the connection I felt with those children—their eagerness, their laughter, their questions—it reminded me why I do what I do. It was grounding. Honest. Beautiful.
Cambodia gave me more than I expected. More than temples and sunsets. It gave me connection, perspective, and a kind of peace. From ancient stones and stormy nights to chalkboards and coconuts, this journey stitched together so many pieces of who I am!
If you’re someone who travels not just to see, but to really feel—to connect, to learn, to give something back—Cambodia is waiting for you. And if you go, don’t be surprised if you leave a little piece of your heart behind. I did!
