LAND OF THE KHMER

I start my trip in the capital city Phnom Penh. The streets are so busy with lots of motorcycles, tuk-tuks honking and vendors selling delicious food everywhere. That was the vibrant energy through every corner of the city that I was looking for.

Yet, amidst the chaos, I found serenity on the famous Mekong River, where I embarked on a sunset cruise, the city looks different from the river with a beautiful panoramic view, all the fishing boats and people living and working on the edge of the river, and the quietness gives you an other perspective of the capital.

The next day, I learn about the very sad history of the Khmer Rouge, a brutal regime that devastated the nation from 1975 to 1979 under the leadership of dictator Pol Pot, this regime led to the deaths of more than 2 million people in Southeast Asian country. Those killed were either executed as enemies of the regime, or died from starvation, disease or overwork. This period is known as the Cambodian genocide.
It is heartbreaking to see the museums and memorials, but important to understand what happened.

After the sadness of the museums, I went for a day trip to Chey Odam to see the ancient temple ruins overtaken by the jungle. Away from the busy streets of Phnom Penh, you will find yourself wandering in quietness, it is peaceful and mystical to explore the crumbling stone structures covered in carvings and surrounded by nature.

After a night spent in a bus, followed by 3hour of scooter through winding roads, farms, and villages, I finally arrived at my most anticipated destination – Virachey National Park in the remote northeastern jungle . For five days, I immersed myself in the wilderness, hiking through the dense jungle, fishing in crystal clear streams, and learning the ways of my two local guides. It was a transformative experience, away of modern life as I foraged for fruits and mushrooms, chopped wood and bamboo, cooked over open fires and setting up camp on a daily base.

On the last day we built a bamboo raft, it took us around 2h chopping the old bamboo in the jungle and carrying it all the way to the stream, after 4hour going down this beautiful stream we ended up at one of my guide’s village. I finished this amazing adventure at his place, eating and drinking with all his family and half of the village. It is basic living but so freeing to escape modern life. A true wilderness experience!

Emerging from the wilderness, I found myself in the city of Siem Reap, to admire the eighth wonder of the world – Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is an enormous Buddhist temple complexe. Its name, which translates to “temple city” in the Khmer language of the region was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century, around the year 1110-1150. It was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.

For three days, I explored this archaeological wonder, travel across its corridors and admire the beauty of all those carvings that adorned its walls. Whether by tuk-tuk, scooter, or on foot, each temple revealed new secrets, you will spend hours just wandering around, each corner offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Cambodia.

As my Cambodian odyssey came to an end, I found myself discovering a whole new world of culture, history, nature and adventure. From the pulsating streets of Phnom Penh to the timeless wonders of Angkor Wat, I will not forget this amazing trip. Au Kun!