A guide to Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco's fascinating Game of Thrones location - Updated 2024
Located along the Ouarzazate River in the area between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou is a fascinating ancient city.
This UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco is very popular among travellers. Mainly because it is one of the filming locations of HBO’s blockbuster series: Game of Thrones.
The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou in North Africa is over 1000 years old but still just as relevant and a must-visit for anyone travelling to Morocco.
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 is Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in the South of Morocco, about 3.5 hours drive away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
The fortified village itself is perched along the lush banks of the Ounila River in the charming province of Ouarzazate.
The time-worn Ksar lies on the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara desert, and has become tremendously popular of late thanks to HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones.
Where to stay in Ait Ben Haddou
In the sleepy town that surrounds the old Kasbah, you will find a good selection of hotels where you can stay. Have a look at booking.com to see the current rates for hotels in Ait Ben Haddou.
I’ve listed some of my favourites down below:
Auberge Ksar Ait Ben Haddou | This hotel is within walking distance and has a great view over the Kasbah. For a decent price and facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurant and free wifi this is one of the best picks. – Booking.com | Hotels.com
+ Riad Tamdakhte | When you’re in Morocco it is always nice to stay in a riad. The design of this riad is in traditional Moroccan style and from the terrace, you will have a fantastic view. All rooms have air-conditioned and are located within 4.4km of the ksar, which makes it a quiet place to hang out. – Booking.com | Hotels.com
Kasbah Tebi | If you are looking for the full Ait Ben Haddou experience don’t look any further. This hotel is located inside the Ksar and looks absolutely stunning. Everything inside the room is traditionally decorated and all rooms have a private bathroom. You can relax on the terrace while you enjoy the surrounding valley. – Booking.com | Hotels.com
Game of Thrones filming location
Ait Ben Haddou was used as a filming location for Yunkai during season 3 of Game of Thrones. The city of Yunkai is a slave-trading city that was freed from their slave merchants by Daenerys Targaryen. Since Ait Ben Haddou has been a part of Game of Thrones it became even more popular.
This place is not only known for HBO’s blockbuster series: Game of Thrones as it is also used for the following movies: The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
Best time to visit Ait Ben Haddou | The weather at Ait Ben Haddou
Low season
November to February | In the winter you won’t see many other people at Ait Ben Haddou, which is perfect if you want to have the place all for yourself. Don’t forget to bring layers as it can be surprisingly cold, especially in the evening.
Shoulder season
March to April and September to October | The temperature is best if you visit during spring and this is also when the country looks best. The landscape is in full bloom and is turning green as the temperature rises. During autumn you can expect the same weather.
High season
June to August | During summer the heat can be quite fierce and the days are long and sunny. Cover up in loose clothes to avoid sunburn and don’t forget to hydrate.
Best time of day to visit Ait Ben Haddou
Like always the best time to visit a UNESCO World Heritage is as early as possible or later in the afternoon. With Ait Ben Haddou it is the same situation as it is very popular among travellers in Morocco.
We always try to travel to a destination during shoulder season and so far we have experienced a lot of benefits for doing that.
How long to stay at Ait Ben Haddou
If you’re planning to visit Ait BenHaddou as part of a trip to the Sahara you will only have 3 hours to explore the area. Even though there is not much to do you can still easily enjoy yourself for a whole day and it is actually quite a good spot to watch the sunset.
How to get to Ait Ben Haddou
To reach Ait Benhaddou from Marrakech you have to pass the Atlas Mountains. This 4-hour drive will take you along Tizi n’ Tichka, and provide you with some of the most amazing views. The easiest way to visit Ait Ben Haddou is by booking a tour, but there are more options.
BY CAR | Renting a car and driving yourself is an excellent option but keep in mind that driving in Morocco is quite the adventure itself. The roads can lead to difficult situations and you have to be comfortable enough to conquer them. Most car rental companies in Morocco ask you to pay a security deposit of somewhere between €800 and €1200.
BY BUS | In Morocco, you have two major bus companies named: Supratours and CTM. From Marrakech, you can take the bus to Ouarzazate which is the city close to the kasbah. The bus ride will take about 4,5 hours and costs 95 dirhams. One thing that is really important is asking the bus driver to drop you at the intersection road that leads to Ait Ben Haddou. This is about 20km before reaching Ouarzazate.
From this point, it is 8km to Ait Ben Haddou and it cost you 15 dirhams to take a grand taxi. Many locals will offer you a ride if you pay them some money.
This is the most difficult option but the cheapest for travellers on a budget.
One downside about travelling by bus is that you don’t stop in both the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’ Tichka pass. These sceneries are some of the highlights of Morocco and a delight for every travel photographer.
Join a guided tour
The easiest way is by going with a tour operator. Our visit was part of a tour we had with GetYourGuide. A nice thing about going on a tour is that you don’t have to worry about planning at all. We even stopped a few times to take some pictures in the Atlas Mountains.
The only downside about going with a tour is that you have to stick to a schedule and in this case that resulted in only 3 hours at Ait Ben Haddou.
My favourite tours of Ait Ben Haddou
If you’re keen to join an organized tour to discover Ait Ben Haddou, here are some of my absolute favourites.
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.
A guide to Rotterdam, Holland's incredibly picturesque city
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.
A GUIDE TO ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
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 the Willemsbrug and have a look in the neighbourhood Kop van Zuid and walk back along the Erasmusbrug.
Or have a look at Post office POST Rotterdam that 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 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 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.
Try to plan your visit early in the morning, it is one of the most popular spots in Rotterdam.
6 | EAT YOUR HEART OUT AT MARKTHAL
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 on 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.
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 backpackers 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.
HOW TO GET AROUND ROTTERDAM
WALKING | 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 start 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.
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.
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 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.
USE THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES OF THE NETHERLANDS
6 Awesome things to do on Koh Rong, Cambodia’s island paradise
6 Awesome things to do on 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 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and support 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 me a virtual coffee here.
A short guide to Koh Rong, Cambodia | The absolute best things to see and do
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.
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
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.
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!
6 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.
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.
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.
9 Wonderful reasons why Morocco should be your next travel destination
When thinking about travelling in North Africa, Morocco is the most popular destination. And if you have any interest in other cultures, Morocco is the way to go. With a good balance between dynamic landscapes, colourful architecture and vibrant cities Morocco has much to offer. From walking through crowded medina’s, staying in a Riad to sleeping in the Sahara desert. Some people choose to only visit Morocco to stay in Marrakech, but believe us, there is so much more to explore.
If you are still in doubt, here are some reasons that hopefully make you wanna jump on that plane!
9 REASONS WHY MOROCCO SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION
FIRST OF ALL
Most people around us told us only about the negative aspects of visiting Morocco. But that only made us curious to go and explore for ourselves. When we visit a new country we always choose to keep our judgement at the customs. That gives us the opportunity to blend in with the local people, and in Morocco, that is an experience you don’t wanna miss. Some advice, when you are thinking about a visit to Morocco: don’t let somebody else their judgement affect your travel plans.
1 | GET LOST WHILE STROLLING THROUGH THE MEDINA
Are you one of those people that love to get lost wandering unknown places? A Medina can be a maze and will definitely confuse you where to go. 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.
2 | UNWIND IN A TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN RIAD
Ever wanted to stay in a riad? This is your chance. In the heart of the Medina of Marrakech, you will find a lot of them. Once you are inside a riad al the chaos of the Medina is gone and your time to relax starts. You can find good affordable Riads on booking.com. We really enjoyed our stay at the Riad Baba Ali.
3 | MOROCCO’S ARCHITECTURE IS ON POINT
With architectural highlights in the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Marrakech will really satisfy your architectural needs. While walking through the medina you will see traditional Moorish architecture at almost every corner. It is just one of those things that remind you of your visit to Morocco.
4 | MOROCCAN FOOD IS RICH IN SPICES AND HERBS
When in Morocco you should and will probably eat a lot of tagine and couscous. Tagine is 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.
Another dish they serve is Harira, a Moroccan lentil soup which is most famous as the meal they eat when breaking the fast during Ramadan.
5 | MOROCCO’S CULTURE IS RICH AND CAPTIVATING
This is one of the things that can work for you, or against you. But when you are interested in other cultures and just let the country guide you, this can be such a great experience. With lovely medinas and souqs it feels like you are in a whole different world, and that is the thing we like the most. It’s such a different vibe than many of us experience on a daily basis. If you are curious and open to blend in you will have a really great time.
6 | MOROCCO IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS DYNAMIC LANDSCAPES
If you like breathtaking landscapes Morocco is the way to go. They have mountains like the High Atlas mountains, unbroken silence in the Sahara desert and a serene and calm oasis in Tinghir. Morocco has a lot of diversity in its vast natural environment. Beside those lovely sceneries, Morocco will certainly surprise you with even more natural beauty.
7 | MOROCCO MAKES A PERFECT ROAD TRIP DESTINATION
When we booked our tickets to Morocco we had no other choice then hitting the road. And that is one of the reason why we had such an amazing time. Interested in which destinations crossed our Moroccan road trip? One of them was really, uhm sandy.
8 | SLEEP IN THE MAGICAL SAHARA DESERT
Guess what, this is the place we just mentioned. When you make your itinerary for Morocco don’t miss the opportunity to sleep in the Sahara desert. If you want to know more about our experiences in the Sahara you should check out our Sahara desert Guide. Keep in mind that a trip from Marrakech to the Sahara will cost you about three days of your travel time.
9 | VISIT AIT BEN HADDOU, A GAME OF THRONES FILMING LOCATION
If you watched Game of Thrones you will probably recognize this scenery. This old Kasbah is built up against the hill and is one of the best looking sceneries you will find in Morocco. When you walk your way up through the narrow streets it really feels like you are part of a movie.
Some movies that are filmed here are: The Mummy, Gladiator and Prince of Persia: The sands of time.
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.
PLAN YOUR MOROCCO ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
6 Things to do in Battambang, Cambodia's underrated gem
Battambang, a city full of artistic people and a calm atmosphere. Although it is the second city of Cambodia, a lot of people forget to put this city in their Cambodia itinerary. We almost thought of skipping it as well, but we are glad we didn’t. With a lot of artistic bars, vibrant cultural sights and humble local people it was one of our favourite places we visited during our 3 weeks in Cambodia. Take a ride on the traditional bamboo train and watch thousands of bats leave their cave at Phnom Sampeau.
In this guide, you will read about the six things that you should definitely do when visiting Battambang.
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 support 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 me a virtual coffee here.
6 Incredible things to do in Battambang, Cambodia
#1 Take a ride with Cambodia’s iconic Bamboo Train
When in the Battambang province you can have a ride on a classic norry what you may also know as the bamboo train. It’s an improvised rail vehicle made of bamboo that can reach a speed of 50 km/h. When the train brings you from A to B, you will have a nice impression of the countryside. With lovely views of vast rice fields and local people working in the fields. The experience is really worth it and will cost you only $5,- for a return ticket.
#2 Visit the Killing Cave
This tragic site is known as one of the places where Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge soldiers killed thousands of innocent Cambodian people. Normally we don’t like to visit that kind of tourist site. But we learned more about the tragic history of Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge and are now making people we know aware of what happened. So this will hopefully never happen again. On the other side of Phnomh Sampou you can find something that is more calm and has a serene vibe.
#3 Admire thousands of bats leaving their cave
As we mentioned, this is the cave with the serene vibes. Besides the tragic Killing Caves, you also have the Bat Cave at Phnom Sampou. You can have a look on the side of the road or go to the edge of the cave with your local guide. There are so many bats leaving the cave that this scene lasts about 20 minutes. Such an amazing vibe and show by mother nature. We went up and that was a really nice experience. One thing, head down the hill before it’s dark. It can be a dangerous climb down if you don’t see anything.
#4 Sample delicious tapas at Lonely Tree Cafe
The Lonely Tree Cafe is an organization that supports humanitarian activities across multiple lines of action in North-West Cambodia. With the goals of formation, empowerment, employment and obtaining profits to help finance the activities. On the ground level, you can buy all kinds of traditional handcrafted items crafted by the victims of landmine accidents. On the top floor, you can eat delicious tapas or Spanish, Mediterranean, Western and Khmer dishes.
Please bring me some more of that Creamy Pumpkin Soup, NOW.
#5 Walk around and abandoned train station
At many places in Cambodia, you will find abandoned train stations and that’s also the case in Battambang. At the train station in Battambang, all of the buildings are abandoned and some of them contain graffiti traces.
A funny thing about this station is that the clock always says it’s two minutes past eight. It’s worth having a look and after all, the time isn’t ticking.
#6 Climb your way to Wat Banan
Wat Banan is one of the best-preserved temples of Battambang and is on top of a hill. You can reach the temple by climbing 358 steps, but when you reach the top you have a great panoramic view. The temple is located about 22 km outside Battambang but easily to combine with a visit to the bamboo train and Phnom Sampou.
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.
8 Incredible things to do in Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital city
Bangkok is often called the backpackers capital of South East Asia, and beside the chaos that Bangkok brings it also has a lot of exciting things to see and do. Take a look at the Grand Palace, eat traditional Thai street food or take a ride in a tuk tuk on your way to amazing temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
With so much different things to do in Bangkok, it can be a really tough time to plan your stay. In this guide you can read how to get the best out of 48 hours in Bangkok.
8 THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK, THAILAND'S BUSTLING CAPITAL CITY
1 | CHILL AT A HOTEL WITH A ROOFTOP POOL IN BANGKOK
You can find lots of hotels with a rooftop pool in Bangkok. After a long flight, it’s lovely to have some time at the pool. When you are charged up after some time relaxing you are ready to explore the city. During our visit to Bangkok, we stayed in Casa Nithra, they offer good quality for a decent price.
2 | TAKE A STROLL ON KHAO SAN ROAD
Khao San Road is probably the most famous street in Asia, and that is mostly for its party scene and that is visible since everything is arranged to satisfy backpackers coming from all over the world. Khao San Road is also the place where you can get all kinds of street food. We prefer the last one over the party scene or tend to take it a bit more easier on Soi Rambuttri.
3 | WANDER AROUND SOI RAMBUTTRI
Nearby Khao San Road you can find a smaller alley named Soi Rambuttri. We prefer this small street over Khao San Road everyday. The vibe at Soi Rambuttri is way more authentic and you will find less tourists. For a calm walk past street food stalls and small shops, this is where you should be. In the evening you can find lots of nice restaurants and outdoor bars.
4 | SAMPLE THAI STREET FOOD
Bangkok has street food like no other. If you like to live on the edge and love to try new things, you are in the right place. Dare yourself to eat fried rats, spiders or even scorpions. Eating Thai street food is all part of the ultimate Bangkok experience and Thai Cuisine is favourite for many people. We prefer to try signature dishes like Pad Thai or Khao Pad over fried spiders and we loved that you can have really tasteful meals for almost nothing.
5 | TAKE A BOAT TRIP ON THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
The Chao Phraya River is also known as ‘‘The River of Kings’’ and is the lifeblood of Bangkok. A boat trip will take you along a number of attractions such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho, The Grand Palace and the Flower Market. You can book your tickets at the Chaoprahya Tourist Boat, they offer 3 kinds of passes: 1-day river pas for 200 Baht, 1-night river pas for 200 Baht and all-day all-night pass for 300 Baht. If you don’t have a lot of time in Bangkok, this boat trip can ensure you see some of the highlights.
6 | WAT ARUN ‘THE TEMPLE OF DAWN’
Wat Arun also known as ‘‘The Temple of Dawn’’ is located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River. With a height reaching 82 metres you can’t miss it. It’s one of the nicest and cheapest temples in Bangkok and it’s fully decorated with broken porcelain from China.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, there is almost no shadow at the site and it can be really crowded at noon. You can use the ferry over the Chao Phraya River to get from Wat Arun to Wat Pho.
THE ESSENTIALS
Opening hours | Daily, 08.00 – 17.30
Cost | 50 Baht
Website | Wat Arun
7 | VISIT WAT PHO TO SEE THE RECLINING BUDDHA
Wat Pho is known as ‘‘The Temple of the Reclining Buddha’’. With a mesmerizing Reclining Buddha that has a length of 46 metres, this temple is really impressive.
The temple is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and is recognized by UNESCO. Visiting Wat Pho is easy to combine with a trip to Wat Arun.
THE ESSENTIALS
Opening hours | Daily, 08.00 – 18.30
Cost | 200 Baht
Website | Wat Pho
8 | THE GRAND PALACE
The Grand Palace is the biggest attraction in Bangkok, and a trip to the palace can take a whole day.
With beautiful architecture and high standing details, it shows the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Keep in mind that it is Thailand’s most sacred site and they use a strict dress code. So cover up your shoulders, wear something that covers up your knees and doesn’t show your bare feet.
THE ESSENTIALS
Opening hours | Daily, 08.00 – 15.30
Cost | 500 Baht
Website | Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok
A guide to the Pyramide van Austerlitz, Utrecht’s very own pyramid
A guide to the Pyramide van Austerlitz, Utrecht
Did you knew there is a pyramid in The Netherlands? It is in fact, the only pyramid in Europe.
Even though we are both born and raised in The Netherlands, we didn’t knew as well. When we heard of it we did some research. There is a small town in Utrecht called Austerlitz. In 1804 Napoleon’s soldiers built a 36-metre-high pyramid which is now one of the highest points of Utrecht.
Although the Egyptians never made it this far north, they definitely inspired the soldiers with their architectural masterpiece. What to do in Utrecht? Visiting this historical place, isn’t that nice?
Take a look at this guide to find out more about the Pyramide van Austerlitz.
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The Utrechtse Heuvelrug
When you have an interest in what to do in Utrecht, this is your read. When you plan to visit Utrecht it is really nice to have a walk through the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
It is also possible to rent a bike to explore the area. It’s an oasis of calm just outside of the Randstad. With a vast natural environment and lots of historical locations, it’s lovely to spend the day, or even two. But that’s up to you!
There is no way around the Utrechtse Heuvelrug if you want to visit the pyramid.
The Pyramide van Austerlitz
Start your trip at NS Station Driebergen-Zeist and walk your way to the small town of Austerlitz. To plan a trip with public transportation in The Netherlands it comes in handy to use OV9292 and the NS reisplanner. When you plan to walk to the pyramid keep in mind that it is a one and a half-hour walk. It eventually took us three hours of walking before we arrived. The reason it took us so long was that we just bought our drone and camera and in combination with the lovely vast natural environment it’s a guarantee for success. So if you have a drone, don’t mind taking it with you.
History of the Pyramide van Austerlitz
In 1804, the French General Auguste de Marmont established an army camp (le Camp d’Utrecht) in this central location in the Batavian Republic, the present Netherlands, where over a period of several months he forged together various battalions into a large, well-trained army, capable of beating the British enemy should there be any repetition of the invasion of 1799.
In the autumn of 1804, satisfied with the military power of the new army, and to occupy his bored soldiers, Marmont had his soldiers build an earth and turf monument inspired by the Great Pyramid of Giza, which Marmont had seen in 1798 during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign.
Even the erosion-exposed stepped surface was imitated. Construction lasted 27 days. The pyramid hill was 36 metres high and surmounted by a 13-metre-high wooden obelisk. It was named “Mont Marmont” or “Marmontberg”.
Entrance to the entrance to the Pyramide van Austerlitz
When arriving at the entrance it’s about a 300m walk till you reach the pyramid. Don’t forget to bring some cash with you. The entrance fee is around €3. They open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. and in the wintertime, they only open on Saturday. The winter season for 2019 is from the 29th of October till the 6th of April.
Even if it is closed it’s worth paying a visit, the only downside of that is that you can’t climb it.
If you are planning to visit the pyramid by car. There will be free parking spots available next to the entrance, in high season there is an opportunity it’s too busy.
More information about the Pyramide van Austerlitz can be found here.
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.
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.