A complete guide to Bokor National Park, Cambodia's astonishing mountain paradise
If you’re looking for an adventurous day trip not so far from Kampot the Bokor National Park should be your number one pick. The top of Bokor mountain reaches a height of 1048 metre above sea level and that is where you can find historical sites as Le Bokor Palace, Bokor church and Damnak Sla Khmao.
Beside Bokor Hill Station, the park is home to the Popokovil Waterfall and provides great panoramic views over both the Gulf of Thailand and the entire Kampot Province.
For those who want to add Bokor to their list of things to do in Kampot don’t look any further. This guide contains everything you need to know about visiting Bokor mountain in Cambodia.
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.
Where is Bokor National Park
Where to stay in Kampot
With the Bokor National Park located in the Kampot province, Kampot is the best place to settle yourself for a few days.
Kampot is a lively city where life feels slow, making it one of my absolute favourite places in Cambodia.
Chances are that you stay a little longer than originally planned. Below you can find some of my favourite hotels in Kampot.
Rikitikitavi | Hotel Old Cinema | Montagne Residence | Kampot RiverInn Boutique Hotel
Join a Bokor National Park tour
In the city centre of Kampot, you can find a few tourist offices that offer tours of the main attractions in Kampot. One of them is a tour of the Preah Monivong National Park. Most of these tours bring you along Bokor Hill Station, Wat Sampov Pram and the Lok Yeay Mao Monument. A trip from Kampot to Bokor Hill is usually combined with a sunset cruise on the Kampot river. Visiting the national park takes around 5-6 hours and costs $8 per person and you get transported by a minivan.
Things to see and do in Bokor National Park
The Preah Monivong National Park in Kampot, Cambodia is rich in history and is one of the things you have to experience while visiting Kampot. This guide provides all the information you need when it comes to visiting the Bokor National Park.
1. Damnak Sla Khmao
The Black Palace is located at the beginning of the Preah Monivong National Park. Damnak Sla Khmao (which is the original name) was built as a summer residence for King Sihanouk and was used between the 50s and 60s. Nowadays the palace is abandoned and the ruins are taken over by nature. The structure has fallen into decay and is covered with beautiful pieces of graffiti. The Palace itself is a perfect viewpoint to see the surrounding Bokor Hill and is home to hundreds of butterflies. When exploring the ruins keep an eye open for the surrounding jungle, you never know what kind of animal or insect might cross your path.
2. Lok Yeay Mao Monument
On the other side of the road at Bokor Mountain, you see an enormous monument. The 29-meter-high Lok Yeay Mao Monument is known as a goddess in Buddhist culture and locals still come here to pray. Legend says that Lok Yeay Mao was the protector of the mountains and coastal area of Cambodia.
3. Wat Sampov Pram
The top of Bokor Hill Station reaches a height of 1048 metres above sea level and that is where you find Wat Sampov Pram. The Pagoda that was built by King Monivong is the highest Pagoda in Cambodia. On a clear day, you get rewarded with stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand and the Preah Monivong National Park. What’s even more spectacular is when the clouds touch the edge of Bokor mountain. These circumstances provide stunning scenes and you literally find yourself above the clouds.
4. Bokor Hill Station
In 1921 the French Colonial rule built a village on top of Bokor Mountain to use as a summer getaway. With Bokor Mountain reaching a height of 1048 metres it was the perfect place to avoid the crowd and heat. Nowadays the Sokimex Investment Group owns the rights of the Cambodian government to rebuild Bokor Hill Station. But it won’t stop with rebuilding the place, the plan is to build hotels, golf clubs and restaurants. It’s a shame that this authentic place is being transformed into a place for luxury and leisure. Don’t hesitate to visit while it is still authentic.
5. Le Bokor Palace
The well-known Le Bokor Palace Hotel was first opened in 1925 by the French. The hotel that is positioned between the clouds of Bokor Hill in Cambodia was abandoned in 1946 during the Indochina War. After reopening it in 1962 it took only 10 years till it got abandoned again. This time Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge forces took over the area and used it as a stronghold. The Khmer Rouge managed to hold the stronghold until the early 90s.
After several years of renovation, the Bokor Palace reopened its doors in 2018 to function as a 6-star hotel and casino.
6. The Bokor Church
The old abandoned church at Bokor Hill Station is still in its original state as the French built it back in the day. The contrast of the with orange moss-covered church at the edge of Bokor Mountain with fog gives a stunning scenery. When you walk your way left of the church you’ll reach a viewpoint and those views will not disappoint. Walking among the church is one of the highlights at Bokor Hill Station.
#7 Admire the Popokovil Waterfall
The Popokvil waterfall is the only waterfall in the Kampot province and is located not too far from the Bokor Hill Station. Although you see great pictures of this small waterfall on the internet, don’t aim too high with your expectations. During the dry season, there isn’t that much to see and the best time to visit the Popokvil waterfall is during monsoons.
Near the waterfall, you can find a small restaurant that sells local food and drinks.
#8 Overlook the scenic Gulf of Thailand
At 1048 metres above sea level you have a great panoramic view over the Gulf of Thailand when the sky is clear. From all of the attractions in Preah Monivong National Park, you have a great overview but we prefer the viewpoint at the Bokor Church or the one on the right side at Wat Sampov Pram.
Bokor National Park | The essentials
The weather | The best time to visit Bokor National Park
Because of the height that Bokor mountain reaches the temperature is lower than around the coast in Kampot. The mountain is also well known for being cloudy and when clouds pass by the temperature most likely drops. The year-round average temperature is around 25 degrees.
Monsoon
Cambodia has a tropical climate and the result of that is the monsoon that runs from June to October. You can still visit Cambodia during the monsoon as it only rains for around 2 hours a day. With the high chance of rain, it is wise to bring a rain jacket and some warm clothes.
How long should I stay in Bokor National Park?
The highlights of the Bokor National Park can all be seen in half a day but to truly appreciate each of them I recommend visiting the park a full day. If you’re thinking about hiking in Bokor Mountain it is wise to plan a few days. The easiest and most efficient way to explore the park is with a motorbike. It’s easy to park your motorbike once you reach one of the attractions and explore the area on foot.
Eventually, I did it in half a day with a guided tour, but if I could do it again, I would rent a motorbike instead and take some more time to experience the park.
How to get to Bokor National Park
If planning a trip to Bokor National Park came to mind, you’re probably thinking of staying in Kampot. Kampot is the best starting point when it comes to visiting Bokor Hill in Cambodia. Located only 35km from the city centre of Kampot it takes around 1 hour to reach Bokor Hill Station and this can be done in several ways.
How to get around Bokor National Park
By motorbike | The best way to explore the park is by renting a motorbike in Kampot. The roads from Kampot to Bokor Hill station are in good condition and you will come along some of the most spectacular viewpoints. If you enter the Bokor National Park by motorbike you have to pay an entrance fee of $0,50 at the bottom of the hill. We prefer this option as it gives you the most freedom while exploring one of the highlights in the Kampot province.
Stay safe in Cambodia | 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.
For travel insurance, I use Heymondo, as they offer full COVID-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy too.
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 Unique things to do in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Thinking about a citytrip in The Netherlands? Don’t mind to visit Rotterdam. After the bombings of 1940 Rotterdam was rebuilt into a modern city that stands out in modern architecture. The lively city is a perfect weekend trip and has a lot of variation to offer. Walk along the Erasmusbrug, photograph the Kubuswoningen or relax at the Witte de Withstraat.
Keep reading this guide as we will tell you more about the things to do in Rotterdam.
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.
Where is Rotterdam
Where to stay in Rotterdam
Ani & Haakien | Located close to the central station this hostel makes you feel at home while in Rotterdam. A modern-looking, clean and cosy place with a lovely backpacker vibe. The price is good and the Wifi even better.
CityHub Rotterdam | A high-tech private sleeping cabin that can be controlled by an app on your phone. All cabins have a king-size double bed and the shared bathroom has a rain shower and free toiletries. Perfectly located on the Witte de Withstraat close to the main tourist attractions of Rotterdam.
King Kong Hostel | The most popular hostel in Rotterdam and the vibes are just amazing. The combination of the trendy and artistic interior makes this hostel a unique place to stay. The lively vibe that attracts you to the Witte de Withstraat translates itself perfectly into the King Kong Hostel.
StayOkay Rotterdam | If you are curious to experience how it feels to stay in a Cube House then this is your chance. The room is quite basic but the experience itself is just fun and exciting.
6 Unique things to do in Rotterdam
1. Arrive at Rotterdam Central Station
When you arrive at Rotterdam Central Station you immediately get a glimpse of the architecture Rotterdam has to offer. In 2014 the station had to go through a redesign because the old station didn’t have the capability to receive the average of 110.000 passengers it has daily.
The unique design makes it an interesting piece of architecture to visit. The combination of sharp edges and innovative materials combined with old elements make it a great asset for Rotterdam City. Photograph the shape in contrast with the sky and this building could make a stunning frame.
2 | WALK ALONG THE LUCHTSINGEL, YELLOW BRIDGE
Back in the days het Hofplein was the heart of Rotterdam, a few years ago nothing was left of that. So the city of Rotterdam raised money with crowdfunding to connect the city with a unique project called The Luchtsingel. With over 8.000 people that supported the initiative the 390 metre long yellow pedestrian bridge became a reality.
The bridge now functions to connect the central rail station with the forgotten parts of the city Rotterdam North and the Binnenrotte. In 2013 Luchtsingel won the Urban Intervention Award Berlin as an appreciation for this beautiful project that reconnects the city. If you walk along the bridge you will reach Luchtpark hofbogen where you can sit down and take a break.
3. Admire Rotterdam’s incredible bridges and architecture
After the bombings of 1940, Rotterdam was rebuilt into a modern city that stands out in modern architecture. The city centre is compact so you get along excellent on foot.
Walk over to the Willemsbrug and have a look at the neighbourhood Kop van Zuid and walk back along the Erasmusbrug.
Or have a look at Post Office POST Rotterdam which was built between 1915 and 1923. It is currently going through renovations as it will soon be functioning as apartments to match modern-day Rotterdam.
4. Have lunch at the Witte de Withstraat
With all kinds of trendy cafés, restaurants and bars this truly is the place to be in Rotterdam. Witte de With is, without doubt, the place to simply relax while soaking up the atmosphere.
If you like Mexican cuisine you should have a taste at Supermercado, a cocktail bar-restaurant with a Latin American kitchen that creates a street food vibe. Top it off with delicious ice cream at De IJssalon on the other side of the trendy street. They serve sorbets and dairy ice cream that will attack your taste buds.
Another place you might like is Nieuw Rotterdams Café which goes by the name NRC. This Metropole Café is one of the hotspots and transforms itself from café restaurant to bar every weekend. Enjoy funky, soul and r&b beats while drinking a cocktail.
Besides the booming restaurant scene, Witte is popular for her street art. As one of the places with the most graffiti in Rotterdam don’t mind wandering off to the side streets of Witte de Withstraat.
5. Admire the iconic Cube Houses
The Kubuswoningen is a series of innovative Cube Houses designed by architect Piet Blom.
Located between de Markthal and de Blaak you will find this piece of unique modern architecture.
If you look at it from the outside you will question yourself if it is possible to live in one. If you want to have an impression of how the inside looks, visit the museum named ‘kijk-kubus’.
The show cube is open every day from 11 am to 5 pm for an entrance fee of €3,-. Or book your stay here, to spend the night in one of the cubes and get the ultimate experience.
As one of the best things to do in Rotterdam, it is best to plan your visit for the early morning, so it’s not yet overrun by hordes of other tourists.
6. Sample all the food at Markthal Rotterdam
The Markthal in Rotterdam is the biggest one in the Netherlands. With more than a hundred food stalls and a building that is just as spectacular, The Markthal is a must-visit in Rotterdam. Try local cuisines such as poffertjes, cheese and herring or have a go at famous national dishes.
Besides the fact that the Markthal is a foodie Walhalla, it’s also a gigantic piece of art. The inner walls are covered with 4.000 tiles decorated with colourful artwork named Horn of Plenty by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskamp. An interesting thing about the Markthal is that it also functions as apartments, 228 to be exact.
Things to do in Rotterdam | The essentials
How to get around Rotterdam
On foot | Although the city centre of Rotterdam is really compact, it can be a little confusing finding your way. If you keep the Erasmusbrug as a starting point it will be easier to navigate around the town. The best way to explore Rotterdam is by foot. All attractions in Rotterdam are within walking distance of each other.
By bike | Another way to get along in Rotterdam is by bike. Donkey Republic is an easy service when it comes to renting a bike. But be careful, the traffic can be a bit chaotic in the Netherlands.
By public transport | The easiest way to get around is with public transportation. The Rotterdam Welcome Card is a travel card that also provides a discount on a lot of tourist attractions in Rotterdam.
There are three options to choose from all of them coming with a city map and information about the discounts.
1 Day card | €12,50 per person
2 Day card | €18,50 per person
3 Day card | €23,50 per person
Stay safe in the Netherlands | Travel Insurance
When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though the Netherlands is safe, 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.
8 Wonderful things to do in Kampot, Cambodia's laidback riverside town
Kampot, an atmospheric city in South East Cambodia. For people that admire slow travel, this is one of the best places to visit in Cambodia.
Kampot city is easy to explore on foot and the surrounding attractions can be reached by motorbike or tuk-tuk. The laidback vibe in Kampot is one of the things that make you stay a little longer than planned. Combine this charming city with a day trip to Bokor National Park or a local pepper plantation and you are certain of a great time.
Continue reading to find out and explore all the tourist attractions Kampot has to offer.
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.
Where to stay in Kampot
If you want to stay near the city centre, Guest House Blue Buddha Hotel is a great pick. If you want to experience life a little bit slow down, Eden Eco Village is perfect for relaxing and is located on the riverside.
The price you pay to spend a night in Kampot is really low, it varies from $6 to $25 for one night and the options are endless.
Rikitikitavi | Hotel Old Cinema | Montagne Residence | Kampot RiverInn Boutique Hotel
8 Wonderful things to do in Kampot, Cambodia
1. Roam around Kampot City
Kampot is a small but charming city where you will find a lot of French colonial buildings being converted into guesthouses, bars or restaurants. Walking along the Kampot River and exploring the city centre gives you a good impression of authentic Cambodia. Another good option to explore Kampot is by bike. Because of the short distances, it is easy and fun to ride around town with a bike.
One thing we also noticed is the number of statues in the city and in particular the durian statue that has its own roundabout. Durian fruit is really popular in Kampot, so they honoured it with a statue.
2. Explore the Bokor National Park
Bokor National Park is a famous park in Cambodia. The main attraction in Bokor National Park is the old French hill station at 1,080m above sea level. A visit to the park can be done easily as a day trip. You can book a day trip at one of the tourist offices or explore the 140.000 hectares by motorbike. With the roads being in good condition it makes it easy to drive by yourself. The entrance fee for the Bokor National Park is $0,50 and can be paid at the bottom of the hill.
Some of the highlights of the park in random order: The Ruins of The Black Palace, The Old Catholic church, Le Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, Wat Sampov Pram, The Lok Yeay Mao Monument and the chance to spot wild tigers and elephants.
Where | Bokor National Park
Tour | This Bokor Mountain tour by an experienced guide is a great option.
Read more | My complete guide to Bokor National park
3. Take a river cruise along the Teuk Chhou River
A city divided by a river always charms us. In that case, a river cruise couldn’t be missed.
When you do the Bokor Hill trip, a sunset river cruise + drink is included. But it is also possible to only do a river cruise if you inform the tourist offices.
Some offices call it the Firefly cruise, but do you want our honest opinion? It’s a joke, there were literally no flies at all. Nevertheless, the cruise was quite relaxed and amusing.
4. Go on a day trip to Kep
Nearby Kampot you will find a lazy coastal city named Kep. The city is famous for its seafood and in particular for its crab. Besides the beach, this city has no big attractions. Kep can be a great day trip but also if you want to relax for a few days while enjoying the Cambodian food. For us, it is slow travel at its finest!
5. Take a stroll around the Kampot Markets
Similar to Battambang, there is a Night Market in Kampot. The market has been renovated and is open for business. With a lot of stalls that sell everything, it is nice wandering around. Find a souvenir, buy some clothes or enjoy the local food and drinks.
Besides the Kampot Night Market, you have the old market. It’s a traditional market that primarily provides the locals with the usual products. Have a look and wander around to see some local procedures but watch your head the ceilings are low.
6. Visit La Plantation | Taste Kampot Pepper
One of the best things to do when in Kampot, and easily one of my favourite activities here is visiting a pepper plantation to learn about Cambodia’s famous Kampot Pepper.
Located between amazing hills, yet close to the sea it is the perfect environment to grow these peppers.
The Kampot region is famous for its “Kampot Pepper”.
The pepper is the finest in the world and has been awarded the Protected Geographical Indication status.
Compare this with the fact that a wine can only be named champagne if it’s from Champagne (France).
Kampot pepper stands out with its unique flavour, high quality and strong taste. Walking through the vines and learning about the peppers is fun and you will also get to taste all the different types. After a visit, your love for this spice will grow. More information can be found at the La Plantation website or book your night here at this beautiful place.
7. Sample traditional Cambodian food
When in Kampot, you can’t go around the smell of Kampot’s famous pepper. In every restaurant, you can eat this pepper, but we highly recommend Rikitikitavi for its traditional Khmer food. The restaurant is located on the riverside and also offers rooms.
Another Guesthouse and restaurant we really enjoyed is Pepe & the Viking. It is basically on the same street and is a place where you will feel very welcome.
We also recommend the hostel and restaurant GreenHouse; it is located across the river and on the right side of the main part of town.
8. Visit the salt fields
Another fascinating thing to do in Kampot is visiting the salt fields.
On your way to Kep, you will find a number of rice paddies that are currently being used as salt fields.
The salt production is mostly done by hand and is from around the beginning of December to April, when it doesn’t rain too much.
Things to do in Kampot | The essentials
How to get to Kampot
Sihanoukville to Kampot | Transportation in Cambodia is done best by bus. But if you travel from Sihanoukville to Kampot you will find out there is no bus line between those two cities. This means you have to travel by minivan or a private taxi. A minivan will cost you $6 and a private taxi will be between $30 and $35. The ride will take around 2,5 and 3 hours depending on how good the roads are and the amount of traffic.
Phnom Penh to Kampot | Going from Phnom Penh to Kampot offers more options. You can travel by bus, taxi and even by train. The bus will cost you anywhere around $10 and takes around 4 to 5 hours. A taxi from Phnom Penh to Kampot is one of the fastest ways to travel. It cost you between $30 and $50 and takes approximately 3,5 hours.
A nice alternative is to travel by train, the journey takes almost 5 hours but costs you only $6. The fun part about travelling by train is that you get to see a lot of the beautiful countryside Cambodia has to offer. If you pick this option, book your tickets direct at the train station.
Essential tours of Cambodia
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.
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 dinars. 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 Hadrian’s Gate, the Hippodrome or places like the Zeus temple or the temple of Artemis. When walking around the site, you will also find a really well-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 would rather not 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; for 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.
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 kilometres, the Wadi Rum is a protected area and is considered 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 traveller's guide to Wadi Rum, Jordan
Discover Mars on Earth
Once you visit this iconic dessert, you’ll understand why 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 kick-started tourism. The area was used for the first time in 1962 for the movie Lawrence of Arabia. After that, it is also used for films such 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 organised 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 place,s and we only had to knock on the ceiling of the jeep if we wanted to stop somewhere.
We recommend that you 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 realised 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
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 into 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 taking 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 kinds of tours at the Wadi Rum visitors centre, desert camps or homestays. 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 get lost. From the Wadi Rum visitors centre, you can follow many hiking trails.
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 would rather not 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; for 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 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 that of 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 for a few days before getting in the water
- Get out of the water after 15 minutes
- Wash off 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 Death 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 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 take 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 would rather not 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; for 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 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.
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.