Siem Reap to Phnom Penh — We Went Together

Siem Reap · 17 June

Siem Reap

We reached Siem Reap in the morning, leaving enough time for the children to find the pool. Later, we crossed the city by tuk-tuk and watched an Apsara dance over dinner.

Vanessa and Sophie riding through Siem Reap by tuk-tuk

Sophie smiling in front of the Apsara dancers during dinner in Siem Reap

Outside Siem Reap · 18 June

Village Visit

The next day took us beyond the city to a village community. We walked through a produce market and spent time with local families, giving the children a closer look at everyday life beyond the temples.

The family walking through a local produce market outside Siem Reap

Philip, Sophie and George meeting local children during the village visit

Angkor · 19 June

Angkor at Dawn

We arrived at Angkor Wat before sunrise, skipping breakfast. As the light came up, we spent the morning exploring the temples.

Sophie and George walking towards Angkor Wat before sunrise — 5:24am

Sophie and George together with the family’s guide among the Angkor temples — Sophie and George with our friendly guide.

Sophie standing in a temple doorway framed by large tree roots at Angkor

Siem Reap · 19 June

Back at the Hotel

The early start and temple heat were followed by an afternoon at the hotel. Wherever we go in the world, pool time is always a hit. It still surprises us how long the children will happily stay in the water.

Sophie and George laughing together in the hotel pool

George sitting on a rope swing in the hotel garden

Siem Reap → Phnom Penh · 20 June

Bus to Phnom Penh

The intercity bus south took most of the day. Beyond the windows, Siem Reap gave way to the open road, then the traffic and denser streets of Phnom Penh.

Vanessa and George standing at the door of the bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Koh Dach · 21 June

Koh Dach

We took a tuk-tuk to the ferry for Koh Dach. The ride was hot and smelly in the traffic, but the children always insisted on a tuk-tuk when they could because they found it so much fun. A local ferry then carried us across the Mekong to the island, where they watched weaving at close range.

Philip, Sophie and George boarding the local vehicle ferry across the Mekong to Koh Dach

The children watching a weaver working at a loom on Koh Dach

Phnom Penh · 22 June

Royal Palace

Before the evening flight, we spent our final hours in central Phnom Penh and the Royal Palace grounds, walking among the gilded roofs and formal courtyards before leaving for the airport.

The children leaning over stepping stones to watch koi in the hotel courtyard

Singapore · 22 June

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6 days · 5 nights · Siem Reap, Angkor and Phnom Penh