A complete guide to the ruins of Jerash, Jordan
Jerash is known as the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy.
Located just an hour from Amman, the ruins of Jerash come in right after Petra as the second most popular site in Jordan, making it a perfect day trip from Amman.
When you pay a visit to Jerash you won’t get disappointed, many people think it is as impressive as the Roman ruins in Athens or Rome.
If you are interested in a different cultural side of Jordan, make sure you pay a visit to one of Jordan’s hidden gems.
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE RUINS OF JERASH, JORDAN
ONE OF THE HIDDEN GEMS IN JORDAN
Jerash is the second most visited place in Jordan, after Petra. As one of the best Roman ruins, you will experience a totally different side of Jordan. Although it is one of the hidden gems in Jordan, it also is one of the largest and best-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world. Jerash will be a perfect addition to any kind of road trip through Jordan.
HOW TO GET TO JERASH, JORDAN
CAR | The journey from Amman to Jerash takes just under an hour if you travel by car. During this short drive, you will see how the beautiful vast landscape of Jordan presents itself.
BUS | You can also take the bus from the North Terminal Bus Station in Amman. Bus rides in Jordan are really affordable, a one way trip from Amman to Jerash will cost you around one dinar.
JERASH ENTRANCE FEE
When it comes to entering the Jerash Roman ruins you will have to pay an entrance fee of 12 dinar. This includes your entrance to the archaeological museum. The site opens at 7:30 and closes at 7:00 pm.
While entering the site you pass through a small souq where you have the opportunity to buy food, drinks and make use of the free restrooms.
If you purchased a Jordan pass online, the entrance to Jerash will be free.
THE ROMAN RUINS OF JERASH
With an amazing blend of Greco-Roman and Oriental influences, the ruins are really worth the visit. Explore buildings like the Hadrian’s Gate, the Hippodrome or places like the Zeus temple or temple of Artemis. When walking around the site you will also find a really good preserved theatre. As one of the hidden gems, Jerash was one of our highlights while discovering Jordan.
SAFETY IN JORDAN | TRAVEL INSURANCE
When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though I felt completely safe in Jordan, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.
Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that it might happen, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.
To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.
PLAN YOUR JORDAN ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
Nothing found.
An in-depth guide to the stunning Sahara desert in Morocco
Wandering through the endless dunes of the Sahara desert in Morocco will mesmerize even the most adventurous of spirits.
A place full of mystery, beauty and unbroken silence that stretches over 11 countries. For many travellers who plan to visit Morocco, the Sahara desert is on top of their bucket list.
In this guide, you can read the ins and outs of planning a trip to the Sahara Desert.
If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and my ability to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here.
A guide to the Sahara desert in Morocco
What Sahara Desert tour should you choose?
When you search the internet you will find out that there are many companies organizing desert tours. To make sure it fits in your travel itinerary we would recommend you to book your tour a few weeks in advance. Most tour companies start in Fez or Marrakech.
We planned our desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with GetYourGuide and the trip took us three days.
One of the reasons why we would recommend planning your tour in advance is because a tour to the desert will take you three days of your itinerary. Keep in mind that there will be a lot of driving involved, but the amazing sceneries and dynamic landscapes will make it worth it.
What to pack for the Sahara Desert in Morocco
The circumstances in the Sahara can vary a lot. The best way to prepare yourself for a trip to the dunes of Erg Chebbi is to wear layers. Choose comfortable clothes with loose-fit and don’t forget to bring a scarf and a hat.
Tip | Don’t mind taking an extra sweater or jacket, when the sun sets the temperature drops rapidly. That extra piece of clothing could be just what you needed for the night.
Take sunglasses to protect your eyes from potential sand stirring up from a breeze.
The road to the Sahara Desert in Morocco | Marrakech to Merzouga
As mentioned above most tours will take around three days of travelling. Gladly the road to the dunes of Erg Chebbi will bring you along with many fascinating sceneries. See our route for the places where we stopped.
The sceneries
Marrakech | Atlas Mountains | Ait Ben Haddou | Ouarzazate | Tinghir Oase | Dades Valley | Todra Gorge | Erg Chebbi | Sahara desert
Once you see the road signs change to a camel instead of a car, you know it is almost time to start your desert adventure.
Why should you visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco
The Calmness of the desert
We live in a world where we get distracted almost all of the time. A trip to the Sahara can be a little getaway escape and gives you the opportunity to experience calmness you never did before. With a surface of 9.4 million square kilometres and a sea of sand surrounding you, you will feel peace and experience complete silence.
A Social Media detox
While experiencing this beautiful landscape you will have a strong connection with nature. Leave your phone in the bedouin camp and spend time with the people around you. It can feel so good walking the dunes while having no sense of time.
TIP | don’t go too far away from your camp.
Chasing the sunset
Once the sun is below the horizon, you will be treated with a broad palette of colours. With the light changing, look for a dune and let the beauty soak in. The scenery will charm you, even more, when the dunes turn warmer and warmer.
Sleep in a traditional Bedouin Camp in the Sahara desert
After a day of exploring the magical dunes of the Sahara, it is great to experience staying at a traditional Bedouin camp. Just like with the desert tours, there are endless possibilities. We preferred traditional over luxury to look and feel how the nomads live.
Once the sun went down we got treated to a tasteful tajine while enjoying the local Berber drums.
While the drums continued in the tent we walked barefoot among the desert dunes to find a spot to sit down. With sand covering our feet, insignificant in the universe, we were surrounded by the brightest sky we ever experienced. In almost complete silence we witnessed a sea of bright stars in the night sky.
An out-of-this-world experience.
BOOK | hotels in the Sahara
Sunrise in the desert dunes
Once you see the golden light reflect on the beautiful desert landscape you realize that waking up early isn’t that bad. Heading back to the civilized world by camel while enjoying your last glimpse of Sahara beauty is an experience worth waking up early for.
After experiencing the magical Sahara, you are ready to find out the rest of the beauty Morocco has to offer. And don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments.
Safety in Morocco | Travel insurance
When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though I felt safe in Morocco, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.
Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that something will happen, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.
To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
Cheers!
I’ve been on this travel blogging journey since 2019.
If you appreciate what I do here, these are some ways you can support me.
A travellers guide to Wadi Rum, Jordan’s otherworldly desert
Wadi Rum is an iconic desert area and UNESCO World Heritage site in Jordan. Many travellers come here for a jeep trip, camel ride and to spend a night in one of the traditional Bedouin camps. With 720 square kilometers, the Wadi Rum is a protected area and is considered as one of the driest and largest deserts in the world. Wadi Rum literally means the ‘Valley of Sand’ or the ‘Roman Valley’ and is also called ‘Valley of the Moon’.
Keep reading this guide as we will tell you more about the majestic Wadi Rum desert, which will help you create your own itinerary.
A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO THE WADI RUM DESERT, JORDAN
DISCOVER MARS ON EARTH
Once you visit this iconic dessert, you’ll understand why the Wadi Rum is also known as Mars on Earth. Our visit to the Sahara desert in Morocco was already breathtaking, but our visit to Wadi Rum was next level because it has one of the best cosmic views on Earth! Picture this: in addition to red coloured sand, you’ll find white sand and every colour in between. You’ll experience unbroken silence on sand dunes while walking among the red sandstone canyons.
Fact | Wadi Rum is featured in a lot of movies that kicked off tourism. The area is used for the first time in 1962 for the movie Lawrence of Arabia, after that, it is also used for films as Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Prometheus (2012), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and not to be missed: The Martian (2015) starring Matt Damon.
EXPLORING THE ICONIC WADI RUM DESERT
We chose to arrive early in the morning at our desert camp and we immediately felt welcomed in this beautiful and quiet scenery. The desert camp where we stayed organized several kinds of tours. We did a 4-hour tour with a 4×4 Toyota jeep and started at the place where The Martian was filmed. From this vantage point, the Wadi Rum opens up before you. Along the way we stopped at many places and we only had to knock on the ceiling of the jeep if we wanted to stop somewhere.
We recommend you to not share a jeep. This gives you the freedom to stop at places off the beaten track and time to wander around the valleys. While exploring the area we realized that these valleys have been formed over thousands of years to become the unique, magical landscape that it is now.
Tip | Layer up! At the end of the day it can be chilly, so don’t forget to bring a jacket and a scarf. Make sure you will pack enough water, food, sunscreen and something to cover your head and eyes during the day.
WANDERING AROUND WADI RUM
During our jeep tour, we saw the massive development of desert camps since this conflict-free Middle East country is getting more popular every day. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your space suit and discover this magical place like you are an astronaut at Mars on Earth.
At the end of our jeep tour, we wandered around our camp and found a good spot to watch sunset. Make sure you will stand on a mountain with your face to the west for the best twilight experience. When the soft glowing light from the sky is below the horizon, the rock formations turn into fire and the sand is changing into the moon landscape.
STARGAZING AT WADI RUM
After dinner, the people at the camp played some traditional music on their instruments, but we chose to enjoy the sky full of bright stars. What an indescribably beautiful experience! We liked the peaceful atmosphere and saw the stars without using a stargazer. This is possible because there is no light pollution from the cities. Spending the night in Wadi Rum will give you that unique Bedouin experience.
Tip | If you want to spend the night under the stars in the Wadi Rum, we recommend booking at least three months in advance. Due to the popularity, dates are often sold out quickly. Look on Booking.com to check the availability and find places with various rates.
WHERE TO STAY IN WADI RUM
There are many desert camps to spend the night in Wadi Rum: from normal tents to luxurious bubble tents, from Bedouin homestays to camps. You can even sleep under the stars in a cave. We chose to stay at the Hasan Zawaideh Camp to have the ultimate Martian experience and booked a bubble tent, better known as a “Martian Dome”. You probably have seen the bubble tents in travel magazines or on social media.
The Martian Dome at this camp is one of the most unique places to spend the night in Wadi Rum. Each dome is air-conditioned and has a heater for colder nights. When booking a dome, you also have your own bathroom with a shower and a toilet. From inside the dome, you will have a panoramic view of the beautiful desert.
Tip | If you sleep in a Bedouin tent, take precautions by bringing warm clothes for the night.
HOW TO GET TO WADI RUM, JORDAN
When we drove from Aqaba to Wadi Rum with our rental car, the landscape turned into rock formations, red desert dunes and soft orange sand on the road. Amazing how quickly the landscape changed in to another world.
It only takes one hour to travel from Aqaba to Wadi Rum and there are many ways to reach the desert. From Amman, it will take around 3,5 hours and from Petra, it will be 1,5 hours. A convenient way is to arrange a bus tour, get a taxi or hire a car.
Unfortunately, public transport is very limited and you are tied to fixed times to get back and forth.
HOW TO GET AROUND WADI RUM
You can discover Wadi Rum by yourself, but we recommend you to take a (local) guide to get the most out of your trip. A guide can show you the hotspots and will tell you more about this amazing, historical landscape. Especially when you only spend one or two days, we think you will see as much as possible when travelling by jeep. It’s also possible to discover the desert by camel or horse.
You can book different kind of tours at the Wadi Rum visitors centre, desert camps or home stays. To save money while having the ultimate Wadi Rum experience, you can do a hike by yourself. Pin your hotspots with the application Maps.me which also helps you not getting lost. From the Wadi Rum visitors centre, you can follow many hiking trials.
Tip | If you have a Jordan Pass, you don’t have to pay the entrance fee of 5 JOD and children under 12 years are free of charge. The Jordan Pass will give you a lot of benefits during your stay in Jordan.
SAFETY IN JORDAN | TRAVEL INSURANCE
When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though I felt completely safe in Jordan, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.
Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that it might happen, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.
To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.
PLAN YOUR JORDAN ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
Nothing found.
A guide to the Dead Sea, Jordan's unique natural phenomena
Floating in the Dead Sea is an experience you can’t miss when travelling through Jordan. With almost 10 times more salt than in the ocean it is impossible not to float. Even though it is called the Dead Sea it is actually a salt lake located in between Jordan and Israel. the Dead Sea is known as the lowest point on earth at around 400m below sea level. Besides floating in the sea, you would also like to chase some of the best salt formations of the area.
Take a look at this guide and find everything you need to know about visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan.
AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE DEAD SEA IN JORDAN
FLOATING IN THE DEAD SEA
With a water density that is way higher than every ocean on earth, it is impossible not to float. With a salinity of 342g/kg, it is one of the world’s saltiest lakes. Floating in the sea is really a strange but fun experience if you keep the following things in mind;
Don’t splash the water or get it in your eyes
Wear something on your feet
Don’t shave a few days before getting in the water
Get out of the water after 15 minutes
Wash of the salty water afterwards
Bring a bottle of water
FACTS ABOUT THE DEAD SEA
The Dead Sea is called ‘dead’ because the circumstances make it impossible for fish and plants to live in it. At around 400m below sea level it is the lowest point on earth and exploring along the road causes your ears to pop a couple of times. Legend has it that the Dead Sea is shrinking around 1 meter a year caused by various reasons. So take your chance to experience the magic of this natural healing environment before it is too late.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE DEAD SEA, JORDAN
The Dead Sea is one of the earth’s best places for natural healing. It is famous for having various health benefits. The water is rich in minerals and that is good for your skin. The salt and minerals from the sea can treat hives, cellulite, acne and psoriasis. The water also helps people with joint problems and rheumatoid arthritis.
As the lowest point on earth, the UV radiation is also lower, which makes this place even better for natural healing.
HOTELS AT THE DEAD SEA AREA IN JORDAN
Staying in the Dead Sea area will cost you a lot more money than in other parts of Jordan. You can find a lot of high-end luxury hotels on the shore of the Dead Sea. Most of them have a private beach where you can cover your body in mud and have a swim in the sea. During our stay at the Dead Sea we chose to stay at The Ramada Resort by Wyndham. It usually has a good rate even though it is a luxury hotel. To find the best spots to make pictures we recommend you to explore the cliffs along the road instead of visiting the private beaches.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SALT FORMATIONS AT THE DEAD SEA IN JORDAN
When driving the Jordan Valley Highway you will find several cliffs where you can find mesmerizing salt formations. You can recognize them by the teal coloured water surrounding the edges. To get to the salt formations you have to do some effort. It is often hiking and climbing along the cliffs but once you reach the formations you will be really satisfied. Some of the best formations are found left of the Wadi Mujib Adventure Center.
SAFETY IN JORDAN | TRAVEL INSURANCE
When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though I felt completely safe in Jordan, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.
Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that it might happen, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.
To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.
PLAN YOUR JORDAN ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
Nothing found.
A travellers guide to Angkor Wat, Cambodia's majestic ancient kingdom - Updated 2024
When you start planning your trip through Cambodia, you’ll probably be hyped to see the world famous Angkor Wat temple in person, and that’s for an excellent reason.
With over a thousand temples dotted throughout the complex, Angkor is considered the most important archaeological site in the whole of South-East Asia.
At the Angkor temple complex, located just outside Siem Reap, you will discover the beauty in temples like Bayon, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and of course Angkor Wat.
This guide provides everything you need to know about visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and my ability to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here.
The New Where the Souls Wander Print Store
After putting out my first-ever print collection in 2022, I decided it was finally time to re-open my print store, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Whether you’re looking to grab a unique piece for your own wall, gift one to a loved one to remind them of a memorable trip together, or simply get your hands on a piece because it provokes a specific memory or feeling, I’d be honoured and grateful if you decide to collect or gift one of my prints.
To celebrate the launch, I’m offering a 20% discount until the 24th of December.
A travellers guide to Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Where is Angkor Wat
A brief history of Angkor Wat
Angkor is the world’s largest religious monument with over a thousand temples. Most travellers call the whole complex Angkor Wat, but that is not entirely correct.
In fact, only the most famous temple of the complex is named Angkor Wat. The temple was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu during the Khmer Empire. At the end of the 12th century and was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple.
With over 2.5 million visitors yearly the temples of Angkor are the main reason for people to travel to Cambodia. With so many travellers it is wise to strategically plan your trip to the temples of Angkor.
Angkor Wat entrance fee as of 2024
The entrance fee depends on the number of days exploring Angkor and which temples you are willing to visit.
The Angkor Wat entrance fee comes in three options and has to be purchased in person at the official ticket office.
The ticket office opens at 5 am, so arrive a bit earlier or buy your tickets a day in advance.
To my surprise, and contrary to other monumental complexes around the world, the entrance fee to Angkor Wat is still exactly the same as during my visit here in 2018.
Angkor Wat ticket options
Three-day ticket
$62
Seven-day ticket
$72
To speed up the process, I’d recommend bringing a recent passport photo, as it is a requirement for anyone obtaining an entrance ticket to Angkor Wat.
If you didn’t bring one, don’t worry, they also offer the option to take a mugshot at the ticket desk.
If you are planning to follow this guide a one-day ticket is enough to see the highlights of Angkor. But with so many impressive temples it can be quite a good idea to spend three or seven days at the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Things to see and do in Angkor Wat
With so many temples spread over an area of 400 square meters, it is good to know which ones are worth visiting. Below you can read about the temples we liked the most. All the temples below can be visited in a day if you make a custom route with your tuk-tuk driver.
Start with sunrise at Angkor Wat
Start your visit with sunrise at Angkor Wat and let your tuk-tuk driver pick you up at your hotel around 4 AM. The feeling of hitting the road when it’s still dark and knowing what is to come is a great part of the experience and we would definitely recommend it.
Where | Angkor Wat
Explore Ta Prohm – Cambodia’s famous Tomb Raider temple
At Ta Prohm, it is nice to see how nature took over the temples.
Try to plan this temple directly after your sunrise mission at Angkor Wat. Ask your tuk-tuk driver to take you there so you will arrive before it is officially opened.
This temple was used as a filming location for the movie Tomb Raider and is one of the most authentic-looking temples you will come along when exploring Angkor.
Where | Ta Prohm
Built | 1186 CE under the rule of King Jayavarman VII
Wander around the enchanting Bayon Temple
The Bayon temple is most famous for having 54 towers with each four faces of Brahma on it. With a total of 216 faces, it isn’t strange that Bayon is also called the ‘Face Temple’. Plan your trip to the Bayon Temple around lunchtime as it will be less crowded. This allows you to have a lot of photography freedom.
Where | The Bayon Temple
Built | 1181 CE under the rule of King Jayavarman VII
Preah Khan
One of the biggest Cambodian temples is Preah Khan. It is the largest flat temple in Angkor meaning that all the parts of the temple are at ground level. Just like Ta Prohm, this temple is a good example of nature meets the temple. The decorated sandstone temple walls make a good contrast with the large tree trunks.
Where | Preah Khan
Date | 1191 CE
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the main temple of Angkor and that makes it the number one reason for people to travel to Cambodia. Angkor Wat, meaning ‘City Temple’ is the heart and soul of Cambodia and is most mesmerizing when visiting at sunrise.
The reflection on the water, when the sun rises above the temple, is such a great thing to witness if you forget about the other thousand people beside you. Although it is the largest temple at Angkor it isn’t the most spectacular if you ask me.
Where | Angkor Wat
Date | 1150 CE
Ta Keo
Ta Keo is a pyramidal structured temple and is 21 meters high. Climbing to the top of this temple can be really hard as the stairs are really steep. With almost no decoration this temple stands out to the other temples with its simplicity. It is also the first temple in Khmer history that is built entirely out of sandstone.
Thommanon
Thommanon is located just outside Angkor Thom and is a single-towered temple. The carvings of this temple are really well preserved and the aged temple walls make a nice contrast with the surrounding jungle.
The Victory Gate
One of the two entrances of the eastern wall of Angkor Thom is named The Victory Gate. This gate was used to welcome soldiers that returned from battle when they entered the Khmer Capital.
Other interesting Temples at Angkor
Some other temples where we heard a lot of good stories about are Ta Sohm and Banteay Srei. Don’t mind putting these two in your itinerary for Angkor.
Angkor Wat | The travel essentials
Getting yourself an Angkor Wat guide
To get the most out of your time in Angkor it is wise to get yourself a guide. When you reach out to a tuk-tuk driver, you will almost instantly receive advice and a route depending on the number of days you are willing to explore the park.
We really had a fun time with our driver named Johnny Chantha, a friendly guy that speaks English very well. We personally liked the fact that we could tell our preferences and it was easy to talk about alternative routes. Combining his advice with our plan gave us a lot of photography freedom which you would like to have as well I guess?
The cost for an 8-hour guide is $12 and visiting Angkor Wat at sunrise costs $5.
Our custom tour + sunrise at Angkor Wat cost us $20 for a full day of exploring. If you get yourself a tuk-tuk, try to aim for a price between $12 and $20.
Things to know before visiting Angkor Wat
Using a drone in Angkor Wat | At the Angkor temple complex, it is not allowed to fly a drone without a permit. Getting a permit to fly at Angkor seems to be a difficult task. On this website, you can find more information about obtaining a drone permit.
Respect the temples | When you visit the temples try to be quiet and avoid talking out loud. Touching the temples and their carvings is considered disrespectful and so is smoking.
What to wear in Angkor Wat | Although the weather in Siem Reap can be quite hot, wearing clothes like a tank top, a short or a skirt above the knees is considered very disrespectful in Buddhist culture. Women should cover their shoulders and to avoid any problems men should do this as well. Always try to bring a scarf when you are about to visit temples while on the road.
Another recommendation is to wear comfortable shoes, some stairs are steep and hard to climb. And in some cases, the temple floor can be really rugged.
It’s also good to take a hat with you, most temples are in the open sun and it can get really hot during the day. Don’t forget to use sunscreen with SPF, wear sunglasses and drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Where to stay in Siem Reap, your base to Angkor Wat
Given Siem Reap is developed in such a manner, it has become the perfect gateway from which to explore the Angkor Wat complex, which means that heaps of brilliant accommodation options can be found here.
Yet, with Angkor attracting hurdles of tourists, it’s smart to book your accommodation in Siem Reap ahead, especially if you plan on visiting during the peak months of November to March.
Some of my favourite picks out of the bunch include:
Bang for your buck | Monthara Angkor Residence, The Urban, and HARI Residence & Spa
Luxury | Angkor Village Hotel, Shintana Saya Residence and Pavillon d’Orient Boutique Hotel
Stay safe in Cambodia | Travel insurance
Though Cambodia is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
Cheers!
I’ve been on this travel blogging journey since 2019.
If you appreciate what I do here, these are some ways you can support me.
My 3-week Cambodia itinerary | Uncover the absolute best of Cambodia
When people talk about Cambodia they probably instantly name up Angkor Wat. All tough visiting the temples of Angkor should be on the top of your list when travelling to Cambodia, there is so much more to explore in this authentic country.
We loved the diversity that it brings, name it and Cambodia will deliver. Jungle, beaches, culture, temples, islands to relax or party and lovely countryside. In 18 days we managed to enjoy all those lovely things.
In this guide, we hope to help you enjoy authentic Cambodia just as we did.
If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and my ability to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here.
The New Where the Souls Wander Print Store
After putting out my first-ever print collection in 2022, I decided it was finally time to re-open my print store, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Whether you’re looking to grab a unique piece for your own wall, gift one to a loved one to remind them of a memorable trip together, or simply get your hands on a piece because it provokes a specific memory or feeling, I’d be honoured and grateful if you decide to collect or gift one of my prints.
To celebrate the launch, I’m offering a 20% discount until the 24th of December.
Where is Cambodia
Cambodia, also known as the Kingdom of Cambodia is situated in the heart of the Indochinese Peninsula and is bordered by Thailand Laos and Vietnam.
Its capital, Phnom Penh is located on the banks of the Mekong River and is known for its vibrant street life, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Though the country is relatively compact, covering just 181.040 square kilometres, Cambodia has a lot on offer; think paradisiac islands, enchanting temple complexes, a rich cultural heritage, and a compelling, laidback vibe, despite its tragic reminders of the past.
Where to stay in Cambodia
Cambodia is no stranger to tourism and has welcomed 1.5 million or more international arrivals annually since 2005, with nearly 7 million travellers visiting the country at its peak in 2019.
Accordingly, accommodation to suit any travel style and budget can be found here.
Whether you’re after a budget-friendly hostel, a boutique-style luxury hotel, or something in between, Cambodia has heaps of brilliant accommodation options for you to choose from.
Those travelling on a backpacker budget will find great options for as cheap as €15,- per night, while those keen to splurge have tons of options to choose from in the €50 – €200 range.
Hotels & Guesthouses | Find the best hotels and guesthouses in Cambodia on Booking.com
Hostels | Find your hostel in Cambodia here
Where to start?
When planning your Cambodia itinerary, it’s good to know where you wanna start.
Our adventures through Cambodia started off in Siem Reap. In our case, a ticket to Bangkok was way cheaper than a flight directly to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. So we choose to have a 2-day city trip in Bangkok before heading to Siem Reap with AirAsia. To see how we spent our 48 hours in Bangkok click here. In this Cambodia itinerary, we show you which places we visited and tell you all about our favourite sites.
BTW don’t forget to bring some dollars, when entering Cambodia you have to pay $20 for a 30-day visa. Also, keep in mind that you need some extra passport photographs for your visa and Angkor pass.
Travelling through Cambodia by public transport
Going from place to place in Cambodia is best done by bus. We used Camboticket to get our tickets for the bus, ferry or taxi. With the code CTAPP, you can get 10% off when booking tickets with their app. Another easy option is that you can get your tickets at almost any hotel or hostel. If that isn’t the case try visiting a Mekong Express office nearby or book online.
It can happen that they sell too many tickets and if that’s the case the bus can be really packed. Also, keep in mind that your bus driver usually tries to drop you off at the edge of the city centre, it looks like they are working together with the tuk-tuk drivers. They usually drop you at a place where you pay way too much for short-distance tuk-tuk rides. We used an app called Maps.me to pin a marker at the place where the bus driver should have dropped us. So when they were planning to drop us at the wrong place, we could show them the bus station. This app is a perfect offline alternative to Google Maps.
For short distances in the cities or just outside of them, a tuk-tuk is perfect. The price can vary between $1 to $3, never pay more. And don’t get fooled by the trick that the price is per person instead of per tuk-tuk. And always try to get a deal, it’s really common to do this in Cambodia.
My 3-week Cambodia itinerary | Day-to-day overview
Day 1 – 4 | Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat
When travellers talk about Siem Reap they see it as a starting point to visit the world’s largest religious monument named Angkor Wat. If you are thinking about visiting Angkor and we know you do! You can have a look at our Temple running guide below. Besides the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap is a place rich in culture and history. It’s easy to spend 3 to 4 days here, including your visit to the temples. Enjoy the many lovely restaurants, and the exciting nightlife and have a visit to the night market. If you take Siem Reap as a home base you can take a trip to, Phnom Kulen also known as the ‘‘Mountain of Lychees’’. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Cambodia and totally worth a visit.
Joining a day tour from Siem reap to Angkor is easy and includes a visit during sunrise. For prices and availability check here.
Day 5 – 6 | Battambang, Cambodia’s underrated gem
The city that’s most famous for its Bamboo train. Driving through the rice fields with a traditional train is a fun thing to do. You can combine it with a visit to the killing caves of Phnom Sampeau which was used as an execution site. During the Red Khmer regime, they used this cave to kill their victims and threw the bodies into the cave afterwards. On the other side of the tragic cave, you have the Bat Cave. Every day around sunset thousands of bats leave the cave, an amazing show by Mother Nature. In the city centre of Battambang, you can see the French colonial influences. You can say that Battambang has something special, although there isn’t much to do in the city, the cosy restaurants and laid-back cafes make it worth your stay. We really enjoyed eating tapas at The Lonely Tree Cafe or getting lunch at About The World.
Transit | Sihanoukville
Once a sleepy beach town but it’s rapidly transforming due to Chinese investments, Sihanoukville has now, sadly, become a gambler’s paradise, with casinos popping up on just about every corner.
Not our favourite town, but that was no problem for us. We went straight to the ferry that brought us to Koh Rong. Sihanoukville is the best-known harbour city and you have to go here when you are going to visit Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem.
Day 7 – 11 | Koh Rong, Cambodia’s island paradise
If you like to have some time off at the white beaches or take a relaxing swim in the clear blue sea. Koh Rong is your place to go. When on the island you can choose to stay on the busy side to visit the bars and go partying. Or just pick a quiet beach on the other side of the island. We really liked our stay on the island and planned it in the middle of our itinerary. We even stayed a few days longer than planned.
Day 12 – 14 | Kampot, Cambodia’s scenic riverside town
Kampot is a small city on the coast with a lovely relaxing vibe. One of the charms of Kampot is that life feels slow over here. We ended up staying there a bit longer because of the nice atmosphere and good restaurants. We had some awesome Khmer food at Rikitikitava and enjoyed some good burgers at Pepe and the Viking. A must-do when in Kampot is driving to the top of Bokor Hill, you can easily rent a motorbike and explore the mountain by yourself. On top of the 1,080 meters high mountain, you have a viewpoint that gives you the most amazing views of the region. Take a visit to the famous Catholic Church or just restored Bokor Hill Hotel, which is now a hotel. If you own a drone you should definitely take it with you to the top, the bird-eye view is just mesmerizing!
Day 15 – 16 | Kep, an authentic local town
If you love seafood make your way to Kep. This small coastal city is well known for its ‘’Crab Market’’. You can easily spend a day in Kep to rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding countryside. Take a look at La Plantation which is one of Cambodia’s famous pepper plantations. They provide you with a free guided tour and let you taste all different kinds of peppers. The dusty road brings you through local villages and lovely rice fields and you can even have a stop at Kampot’s “Secret Lake”.
Day 17 – 18 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s energetic capital
The capital of Cambodia is really overwhelming and definitely not our favourite place in Cambodia. But if you don’t know anything about what happened during the Khmer Rouge regime, then this is where you should go. Have a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and take a look at the tragic Killing Fields just outside of Phnom Penh. Keep in mind that visiting those places can be shocking and may need some time to settle. If you want to see some other cultural things in Phnom Penh pay a visit at What Preah Keo better known as The Silver Pagoda. Or maybe even try a traditional Khmer cooking lesson. At night you can have dinner or a drink at one of the many restaurants or rooftop bars.
Stay safe in Cambodia | Travel insurance
Though Cambodia is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
Cheers!
I’ve been on this travel blogging journey since 2019.
If you appreciate what I do here, these are some ways you can support me.
10 Incredible things to do in Marrakech, Morocco's energetic city
A visit to Morocco isn’t complete without staying in Marrakech for a few days. The medina of the red city charms almost every traveller with her beautiful chaos while staying in a riad eases their body and mind. The combination of those two aspects makes Marrakech a delight to visit and we haven’t even spoken about the stunning tourist attractions and restaurant scene.
I’d carefully selected some of the best things to do in Marrakech and crafted them into this handy guide.
If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and my ability to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here.
10 Incredible things to do in Marrakech, Morocco
1. Admire the Ben Youssef Madrassa
Once the largest Islamic College with around 900 students at its peak. When you walk your way from the crowded souks into the Madrasa you immediately feel a sense of calm. With mind-blowing Traditional Moroccan Architecture, this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Marrakech.
This one was really high on my bucket list, but when we arrived at the entrance we found out that they are currently closed because of renovation.
Where | Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech
Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 19:00
Cost | Entrance fee 70 MAD (€6,57) per person
2. Get lost in the twisting laneways of the Marrakech Medina
Are you one of those people that loves to get lost wandering unknown places? A Medina can be a maze and will definitely confuse you where to go, which makes it one of the most exciting things to do in Marrakech.
With thousands of narrow streets and handcrafted stalls that all look the same, you will have a big chance of getting lost. But to be honest, it’s really great to feel the vibe and see what’s going on in the medina of Marrakech. To be sure you will find your way back, download and have Maps.me prepared to save the day.
3. Roam around the Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in the city and is located on walking distance of the Djemaa El Fna town square. It is one of the things you can’t miss when walking around Marrakech. You can even use it as a recognition point while strolling through the souks of the medina. A thing that can come in handy is that you know it’s not accessible for non Muslims. But your walk along the gardens in front of the mosque will be quite satisfying instead.
4. Admire the ruins of El Badi Palace
On the edge of the southern part of the Marrakech Medina, you will find a palace that took 25 years to build. And if you walk amongst the ruins of the El Badi Palace you understand why. The size of the palace is unbelievable and it is hard to believe it can be found inside a city like Marrakech. There is always something satisfying about exploring ruins and walking between these huge walls confirms that once again.
Keep in mind that a visit to the El Badi Palace can quickly add up to a trip of two-three hours. But as one of Marrakech’s most famous tourist attractions this should fit in your itinerary just fine. The entrance fee to the El Badi Palace is 10 Dirham and the location makes it easy to combine with a visit to the Saadian Tombs.
Where | El Badi Palace, Marrakech
Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Cost | Entrance fee 10 MAD (€0,94) per person
5. Spent the night in an authentic riad
Ever since Marrakech first appeared on my radar, one question repeatedly came to mind; have you truly been to Marrakech if you haven’t spent at least one night in a traditional riad?
To me, it’s simple; there’s only one correct answer to the question and that’s no.
You see, these traditional Moroccan houses offer an authentic insight into traditional Moroccan culture, while also providing an oasis of calm amidst the hectic streets of the Marrakech Medina.
During my time exploring the beautiful city of Marrakech, I was lucky enough to spend 4 nights at the incredible Riad Kheirredine.
Nestled in the bustling streets of the medina, at around a 15-minute walk from Djemaa El Fna, Riad Kheirredine is an exceptional riad marked by several exquisite open-air courtyards, gorgeous traditional Moroccan tile-work & wood carvings, and the most friendly staff ever.
Add to that their mouth-watering cuisine, an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, and tailored-fit assistance throughout your entire stay, and Riad Kheirredine is up there with the absolute best riads in Marrakech!
Given staying in a riad is likely atop of most travellers’ list of ‘things to do in Marrakech’, and the fact that my stay at Riad Kheirredine was absolutely amazing, I’ve also written an in-depth article on my stay here – which you can read here.
Book | Riad Kheirredine
Cost | Luxurious doubles start at €255,- a night.
+ Continue reading | Looking to find out why Riad Kheirredine is among the best riads in Marrakech, read my in-depth review here.
6. Hangout in one of Marrakech’s trendy restaurants
When it comes to food Marrakech will most definitely stimulate your senses. Traditional dishes and high-quality Fusion restaurants make Marrakech a unique travel destination for foodies.
One of those traditional dishes in Morocco is tagine, a dish that is slowly cooked in a clay cooking pot. This signature dish is prepared with veggies, beef, chicken or lamb depending on your preference. One thing is for sure, it is packed with lovely herbs and spices and you can order the dish at almost every corner.
NOMAD Marrakech | A place that you probably already know is NOMAD. A trendy restaurant with rooftop view in the heart of the medina that serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Because of the high interest, it is recommended to book a table in advance.
Le Jardin Marrakech | Le Jardin really set the tone for us. When arriving at the restaurant you escape the chaotic medina and enter a garden of calm. The cosy atmosphere and inspiring fusion dishes make this restaurant a trendy, hip and intimate hotspot.
The contrast between the lively city and trendy hotspots make Marrakech the perfect destination for foodies and like-minded travellers.
7. Visit the opulent Saadian Tombs
If you walk around the Saadian tombs you can see how much beauty and detail they put in every room.
The amount of money that went into this architectural piece must have been immense. When you walk in the garden of the tombs you get invited to calm down and be fully present in the moment.
But that is only when you visit the tombs early in the morning or late in the afternoon. To enter the tombs you must pay an entrance fee of 65 Dirham.
Where | Saadian’s Tombs, Marrakech
Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Cost | Entrance fee 65 MAD (€6,10) per person
8. Explore the Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. Bahia Palace meaning brilliance in Arabic is a must-see historical museum in the middle of the medina. With a surface of 8000 square meters and around 160 rooms, it was intended to be one of the most impressive palaces in Marrakech. It costs only 10 Dirhams to enter and have a look at this beautifully decorated piece of architecture.
Where | Bahia Palace Marrakech
Opening hours | Daily, 09.00 – 16.45
Cost | Entrance fee 70 MAD (€6,60) per person
9. Experience the famous Jemaa el Fna
Like always, I’d be completely frank with you; I have long been conflicted if I had to include the Jamaa El Fna square on my list of things to do in Marrakech.
You see, the famous Marrakech square is not a place that matches the picture-perfect aesthetics you see when researching Morocco’s beloved ‘Red City’ on Instagram.
No, sadly, Jemaa El Fna is everything but.
Instead, it’s a place where animal cruelty, misleading scams, and shady figures such as pickpockets, drug dealers and prostitutes, largely take the upper hand.
Here, you’ll stumble upon intrusive henna artists who uninvitedly attempt to decorate your arm, men with chained monkeys forced to perform tricks, as well as heaps of thieves and scammers, all with one clear motive; moving the hard-earned money of overwhelmed travellers straight into their own pockets.
While I clearly didn’t like Jemaa El Fnaa, I still choose to write about it here.
The reason for this is that, despite its shady nature, I still believe the square is of significant cultural and historical importance.
Luckily, a way better alternative exists to experience the oh-so-famous square, by grabbing yourself a seat on the terrace of Le Grand Balcon du Café Glace.
At the terrace, you can enjoy a fresh mint tea, while overlooking the hustle and bustle down below from a comfortable distance, which compared to visiting the square itself, is, actually quite special.
Keen to find out more ways to experience Jemaa el Fna, make sure you read this guide here.
Where | Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech
10. Immerse yourself in the gardens of Le Jardin Majorelle
Although the botanical gardens and resting place of Yves Saint Laurent contain plants from five continents, don’t expect an oasis of calm. Le Jardin Majorelle is one of the busiest tourist attractions of Marrakech, nevertheless, it is a lust for the eye. The iconic blue buildings in contrast to the garden make an attractive scene.
Try to plan your visit as soon as the doors open or you will have to find yourself a corner where you can enjoy the calm among thousands of other tourists. If you want to enter the garden it costs you 70 Dirhams and 30 extra if you want to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Where | Le Jardin Majorelle
Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Cost | Entrance fee 100 MAD (€9,40) per person
Things to do in Marrakech | The essentials
Safety in Morocco | Travel insurance
When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though I felt safe in Morocco, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.
Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that something happens, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.
To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.
Cheers!
I’ve been on this travel blogging journey since 2019.
If you appreciate what I do here, these are some ways you can support me.
6 Awesome things to do in Koh Rong, Cambodia’s island paradise
Cambodia tourism has grown a lot over the last five years and that is not only because of Angkor Wat. A big reason why Cambodia is getting more popular is its tropical island. Backpackers in Cambodia prefer to visit Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem to enjoy the island life. And wow, they do have some of the best beaches in Cambodia.
So if you’re in for a tropical getaway in Cambodia, you have come to the right place.
If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and support me to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here.
The New Where the Souls Wander Print Store
After putting out my first-ever print collection in 2022, I decided it was finally time to re-open my print store, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Whether you’re looking to grab a unique piece for your own wall, gift one to a loved one to remind them of a memorable trip together, or simply get your hands on a piece because it provokes a specific memory or feeling, I’d be honoured and grateful if you decide to collect or gift one of my prints.
To celebrate the launch, I’m offering a 20% discount until the 24th of December.
Where to stay on Koh Rong
The possibilities for accommodations on Koh Rong are quite good. With a rich variety of hotels, hostels and guesthouses, there is an option for every budget. Most accommodations on this tropical island are positioned on the pearl white beaches. Due to the popularity of Koh Rong island, it is best to book a few days in advance. Some of the best Koh Rong Hotels can be found on booking.com, best part they often come with free cancellation.
Find hotels on Koh Rong
6 Things to do in Koh Rong, Cambodia
Koh Touch
Backpackers in Cambodia prefer to stay at Koh Touch. This part of the island is packed with cheap hostels and guesthouses and is the main tourist area on Koh Rong. This beach is famous for Koh Rong nightlife and is full of great restaurants and bars.
Koh Touch Village is the main pier and that is why they organize a lot of activities over here. This village is also the only place where you can find small supermarkets and get cash on the island.
4K Beach
With over 4 kilometres of white-sanded beach, the most stunning turquoise water, and a relaxing atmosphere, 4K Beach is easily one of the most picturesque beaches on the whole of Koh Rong.
With that tropical vibe 4K beach is perfect to experience the island life in all its glory. On the beach, you will find a few places where it is really fun to hang out.
One of those places is Sandbank. Located between a snow-white sandbank and a turquoise sea you can enjoy a fresh smoothie or coconut while sitting down in a hammock. They also serve delicious tasting Thai food and you can play volleyball and board games.
Don’t forget to visit Nest Beach Club, a hostel, restaurant and bar with its own private beach. This beach club organizes the Nestival every Monday. A festival that starts at 12 am and ends after 12 pm including dj’s, a barbecue and a free volleyball tournament. The entrance is free but for $1 you will have VIP entrance which gives you happy hour all day and free shots.
Relax at Long Beach and Sok San Village
At Long Beach, you will find Sok San Beach Resort, a luxury but affordable resort. After traveling for a few days this place is perfect to ease your body and mind. With 7 kilometres of untouched beach, it feels like the perfect getaway. The thing we liked the most was the friendly staff that did everything to make our stay worry-free.
If you walk along Long Beach you will reach a small village named Sok San. In this village, you will have several bungalows and a few restaurants. One of them is The Moon, an atmospheric restaurant located on the beach that is perfect if you want something different instead of the resort restaurant.
6 Wonderful things to do in Koh Rong
The diversity on this tropical island is what makes it so much fun. If you are searching for relaxation, adventure or partying, you’re in the right place. Curious? Here is a list of the best things to do during your stay at Koh Rong Island.
1. Go on a boat trip with Adventure Adam
If you want to take an adventurous boat trip ask for Adventure Adam. This guy organizes full-day boat trips around the island of Koh Rong. Some activities including the trip are jungle trekking, exploring the beaches, snorkelling, watching the sunset and the highlight for most people: swimming with glowing Plankton.
2. Get adventurous in the High Point Adventure Park
Located left of the main pier at Koh Touch you will find High Point Adventure Park. A 400-meter circuit with 25 platforms and 3 zip lines. If you like some adventure while you are on Koh Rong this is your best option. The price to climb around is $30 for a whole day, this is including safety gear, a High Point t-shirt and water.
3. Rent a kayak
A fun way to explore the surroundings at Koh Rong is by renting a kayak or stand-up paddle. You can rent them at almost every restaurant at Koh Touch for a price of around $10 a day.
4. Get your Padi at the Koh Rong Diving Center
At the Koh Rong Dive Center, you can learn how to dive. It is up to you if you would like to follow PADI training courses or just do some fun diving. You can find the dive centre on the main pier at Koh Touch.
5. Relax and do nothing at all
One thing that you should certainly do is nothing. Just sit down, relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. Have fresh juice and let your body and mind come to ease. Besides chilling in a hammock, try to cool down a few times a day by swimming in the clear blue sea.
6. Join a Koh Rong plankton tour
Have you ever heard of bioluminescent plankton? This plankton reacts to movement and starts glowing if you swim through it. The best way to see the plankton is to swim on the beaches where light pollution is really low.
Things to do in Koh Rong | The essentials
How to get to Koh Rong
The only way to get to Koh Rong is by boat from the Serendipity Pier in Sihanoukville. The easiest way to get your ferry tickets is by ordering them in advance on the app Camboticket. A two-way ticket will cost you around $20. The boat trip will take 45 to 90 minutes depending on the sea conditions.
GTVC Speedboat | If you book your ticket with GTVC Speedboat a one-way ticket costs $12 and a return ticket comes at $22. This ferry service has good reviews and departs from the Serendipity pier in Sihanoukville.
Buva Sea Ferry | Buva Sea Ferry offers the same price as GTVC Speedboat and can drop you at alternative piers on the islands.
Timetable | Departure: 9:00 am, 11,30 am and 3:00 pm | Return: 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm
TIP | Make sure the ferry company drops you off at the right pier. Sometimes they are in a hurry and try to drop you at the first pier. This will cost you extra money because you need a taxi boat to the other side of the island.
Flying a drone on Koh Rong
A fun thing to do on the island is flying the drone. With bird eye view you will be even more amazed how beautiful this island is. With incoming plans of building an airport on Koh Rong flying the drone here could be over soon. So if you have a drone, don’t mind putting it in the air.
Plastic pollution on Koh Rong
After exploring the beautiful beaches of Koh Rong, I came to the conclusion that there was a lot of plastic pollution on the island. So if you take stuff to the beaches, don’t forget to bring it back. Because most of the trash is from the tourists let’s make each other aware of this fact.
Someone who is really making a difference on this matter is Jackson Groves. He started an organization named The Adventure Bag Crew which is focused on cleaning beaches while going on an adventure. Let’s get inspired by his initiative and do something about plastic pollution!
Extra things you need to know about Koh Rong
#1 | There are No ATM’s on the islands, but you can get cash in Koh Touch. Green Ocean Guesthouse and The White Rose have Eftpos terminals. Keep in mind that they ask for a 10% charge, so it’s better to bring extra cash.
#2 | The WIFI is horrible, but that’s okay. You came here for some time off so say yes to a social media detox.
#3 | If you think you got bitten by mosquitos, this could also be sandflies. We didn’t have too many problems with that but we heard some pretty frustrating stories.
Stay safe in Cambodia | Travel insurance
Though Cambodia is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.
Cheers!
I’ve been on this travel blogging journey since 2019.
If you appreciate what I do here, these are some ways you can support me.