A travellers guide to Balos Beach, Crete’s incredible beach (updated 2022)
Post updated 04-08-2020 | Crete is well-known for its white-sanded beaches and crystal clear Mediterranean sea, Balos Beach is no different. This guide contains everything to help you visit this paradisiac stretch of beach in the best possible way.
If you’re keen on uncovering Balos Beach, you’ll surely be welcomed by one of the most charming landscapes Crete has to offer.
Think exotic white-sanded beaches, shallow turquoise waters, and an incredibly picturesque backdrop, formed by Tigani and Gramvousa in the distance.
Although situated in the very northwest of Crete, between Kissamos and Gramvousa, Balos Beach feels like a tropical paradise in the midst of the Caribbean sea.
For that reason alone, it is considered one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, and therefore an absolute must-see on any Crete trip.
If you’re preparing for a day trip to Balos Beach (which I think you should), look no further, this traveller guide includes everything you need to know, from how to get there, what to pack, and the best guided tours & boat trips – plus essential travel information.
A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO BALOS BEACH, CRETE
WHERE IS BALOS BEACH
Balos Beach is a stunningly picturesque stretch of beach (arguably the best in Crete), situated in the very northwest of Crete, poised between Kissamos and Gramvousa.
Although Balos Beach is pretty remote, 191km of Heraklion, 116km of Rethymno, and 56km of Chania, it is clearly one of the favourite Crete beaches for travellers from all over the world.
HOW TO GET TO BALOS BEACH
Crete makes the perfect island for a banging road trip, and if you’re keen on exploring every corner of the island, renting a car is easily the best thing you could do.
If you’re planning to do so, you’ll have all the freedom to visit Balos Beach as early as possible – plus it’s significantly easier to explore other interesting places on Crete.
For car rental on Crete, I would recommend checking out Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.
The journey itself is pretty straightforward, as the roads on the island are in excellent condition. However, do keep in mind that the last 10 kilometres, starting at Kissamos, are off-road and bring you along a steep cliff edge.
If you drive slowly and conscious, it isn’t a big deal, yet it can be a bit challenging during the high season, when significantly more people visit Balos Beach by car.
That said, when planning to drive to Balos Beach with a rental car, check if you’re insurance is covering off-road driving. In most cases, this isn’t a problem, yet it’s better to be safe than sorry.
HOW TO HIKE TO BALOS BEACH
Once you reach the car park, and are ready to go, take a moderate 25-minute hike down, before arriving at the beach.
Along the way, you’ll pass several fascinating viewpoints, hordes of friendly-looking mountain goats, and a stall that offers donkey rides down to the beach.
If you’re following this blog a bit longer, you probably already know that I aim to travel in the most ethical way possible. For that reason, I would sincerely discourage using animals as form as transport.
We ourselves, did the hike at a slow pace, resulting in an excellent experience, with plenty of time to take some photos along the way, and I would highly encourage you to do the same!
Although the hike isn’t the most challenging, it is good to wear decent sneakers and bring extra drinking water (preferably a reusable water bottle). Additionally, I would recommend bringing something to cover your head from the sizzling Mediterranean sun.
JOIN A BALOS BEACH TOUR
If a self-driving trip isn’t your cup of tea, that’s alright, there’s a great variety of guided tours available, including full-day trips, organized boat trips, and combinations of both.
Joining a guided tour comes without the hassle of driving off-road and saves you a short hike down – plus you won’t have to drive all the way back after an afternoon of swimming and relaxing.
On top of that, most tours include a visit to the charming island of Gramvousa, which makes the trip the absolute highlight of your time on Crete.
I saved you time by doing some proper research and made a list of the best Balos Beach tours.
The Balos Beach tours I recommend include:
From Heraklion: Full-Day Balos and Gramvousa Tour | A great 12-hour day trip to Balos Beach and Gramvousa.
Balos Beach and Gramvousa Day Tour from Chania | The absolute best option to visit Balos Beach from Chania.
From Rethymno: Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island | The best full-day tour to Balos Beach from Rethymno.
SETTING FOOT ON BALOS BEACH
Following your journey, it is finally time to set foot on the incredibly appealing sands of Balos Beach, and trust me, arriving at the beach with no other being around is truly a mesmerizing experience.
Think exotic white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and stunningly beautiful scenery, with views of Tigani and Gramvousa in the distance.
Be prepared to be left in awe by the impressive colour palette of the water, and the pure beauty of the unique landscapes that surround you.
Continue reading | The best beaches in Milos, Greece
OTHER GREAT BEACHES ON CRETE
Being the largest island in Greece, Crete comes with a coastline of approximately 1.046 km, resulting in a great variety of incredibly picturesque beaches, all with impressive clear turquoise water.
Some of my favourite Crete beaches include:
Elafonissi Beach | Named one of the world’s top 25 beaches by Tripadvisor in 2014, Elafonissi Beach is a charming beach that is well known for its pink sand. Located on the southwestern part of the island, Elafonissi was only known by locals not so long ago. At present, it is one of the absolute favourite Crete beaches to travellers and locals alike.
Where | Elafonissi Beach
Falassarna Beach | Situated at only a 20-minute drive of Kissamos, Falassarna Beach is a large stretch of fine-sanded beach, that is among the best beaches in Crete. Famous for its turquoise waters, this beach is perfect for an afternoon of relaxation. On top of that, it’s great if you’re into windsurfing.
Where | Falassarna Beach
Preveli Beach | Charmed by a river that flows directly into the sea, while also dividing the coastline, Preveli Beach is a small, yet incredible beach. The real draw though, it is significantly less busy than the aforementioned beaches, making it an excellent place to enjoy some alone time under the Mediterranean sun. Next to it, you’ll find the Preveli Monastery, which is more than worthy of your visit.
Where | Preveli Beach
WHERE TO STAY ON CRETE
CHANIA
Porto Veneziano Hotel | Close to the Venetian harbour of Chania but not in the busiest part of town. With a panorama view over the sea and harbour, excellent rooms and quality service this is one of the finest places in Chania.
RETHYMNON
Ammos suites | An aparthotel that has everything you need. The design of the room looks great and each room has a balcony or sun terrace. They have an outdoor swimming pool and the beach is within 10-meter walking distance. The town centre of Rethymnon is located within 800 meters.
PLAKIAS
Kalypso Cretan village resort & spa | If you come mainly to relax this place is amazing. Located between the mountains and directly at sea, this hotel provides the most stunning scenes. With facilities like an infinity pool, a private beach where you can dive and a spa this place will help you ease your body and mind. If you stay at Kalypso it would be wise to rent a car if you want to explore the island.
HERAKLION
Abaton Island Resort & Spa | This is one of the finest looking resorts on the island. They offer luxurious guesthouses, suites and villas. The design is inspired by the surroundings and all accommodation options offer either an outdoor terrace, private pool or an outdoor hot tub.
Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Crete.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BALOS BEACH
If you’re after good weather, the summer months from July till early September will be your best bet. Do keep in mind that the prices are considerably higher, and expect way more travellers around.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Crete is during shoulder season, think May, June, September, and early October.
We visited Crete and Balos Beach in May, and had great weather throughout the entire trip – plus we had the advantage that the prices were slightly lower, as well as the fortune to escape the crowds.
BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO VISIT BALOS BEACH
Balos Beach is at its absolute best in the early morning, when the exotic white-sanded beach is not yet flooded with travellers and locals alike.
Alternatively, the afternoon is great for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing, so make sure you bring a good book and some snacks.
Do bear in mind that it will be significantly busier than in the morning, as tourists from guided tours and boat trips will set foot on the coastline of Balos. The good news though, they often stay for a short amount of time, resulting in an almost empty beach afterwards.
SAFETY IN GREECE | TRAVEL INSURANCE
While Greece is totally safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – 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 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 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.
Where to stay in Kampot
Kampot RiverInn Boutique Hotel
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.
Have a look at booking.com to see the current rates for hotels in Kampot.
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.
#3 Join a Kampot River cruise
A city divided by a river always charms us. In that case, a river cruise couldn’t miss. 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
When in Kampot, Cambodia you have to visit a pepper plantation. Located in between amazing hills close to the sea 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 visit in Kampot are 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. This is 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.
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.
A travellers guide to Angkor Wat, Cambodia's majestic ancient kingdom
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 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 travellers guide to Angkor Wat, Cambodia
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
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. It can be handy to bring a passport photo for your personal ticket, though they have the equipment to make them at the desk.
Angkor Wat ticket options
One-day ticket | $37
Three-day ticket | $62
Seven-day ticket | $72
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.
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.
The best temples in Angkor
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.
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.
The 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.
Ta Phromh
At Ta Prohm, it is nice to see how nature took over the temples. Try to plan this temple direct after you 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.
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.
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.
Things to know before visiting Angkor Wat
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where to stay near Angkor Wat
When you plan to visit the temples of Angkor the chance is big you enter Cambodia through Siem Reap Airport. Staying in Siem Reap can be really laid back in between your time exploring the temples. We booked four nights at Bopha Residence and enjoyed relaxing by the pool after a long day of temple running.
One piece of advice, book your accommodation with free cancellation in advance on booking.com. Siem Reap is a popular destination for backpackers.
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.
My 3-week Cambodia itinerary | Uncover the absolute best of Cambodia
When people talk about Cambodia they probably instantly name up Angkor Wat. All tough visiting the temples of Angkor should be on the top of your list when travelling to Cambodia, there is so much more to explore in this authentic country.
We loved the diversity that it brings, name it and Cambodia will deliver. Jungle, beaches, culture, temples, islands to relax or party and lovely countryside. In 18 days we managed to enjoy all those lovely things.
In this guide, we hope to help you enjoy authentic Cambodia just as we did.
If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and 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.
Where to start?
When planning your Cambodia itinerary, it’s good to know where you wanna start.
Our adventures through Cambodia started off in Siem Reap. In our case, a ticket to Bangkok was way cheaper than a flight directly to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. So we choose to have a 2-day city trip in Bangkok before heading to Siem Reap with AirAsia. To see how we spent our 48 hours in Bangkok click here. In this Cambodia itinerary, we show you which places we visited and tell you all about our favourite sites.
BTW don’t forget to bring some dollars, when entering Cambodia you have to pay $20 for a 30-day visa. Also, keep in mind that you need some extra passport photographs for your visa and Angkor pass.
Travelling through Cambodia by public transport
Going from place to place in Cambodia is best done by bus. We used Camboticket to get our tickets for the bus, ferry or taxi. With the code CTAPP, you can get 10% off when booking tickets with their app. Another easy option is that you can get your tickets at almost any hotel or hostel. If that isn’t the case try visiting a Mekong Express office nearby or book online.
It can happen that they sell too many tickets and if that’s the case the bus can be really packed. Also, keep in mind that your bus driver usually tries to drop you off at the edge of the city centre, it looks like they are working together with the tuk-tuk drivers. They usually drop you at a place where you pay way too much for short-distance tuk-tuk rides. We used an app called Maps.me to pin a marker at the place where the bus driver should have dropped us. So when they were planning to drop us at the wrong place, we could show them the bus station. This app is a perfect offline alternative to Google Maps.
For short distances in the cities or just outside of them, a tuk-tuk is perfect. The price can vary between $1 to $3, never pay more. And don’t get fooled by the trick that the price is per person instead of per tuk-tuk. And always try to get a deal, it’s really common to do this in Cambodia.
Accommodation | Where to stay in Cambodia
When travelling through Cambodia there are enough options to get accommodation. We booked our accommodation one day in advance and that worked out pretty well. It gives you a lot of freedom and opportunities to change your itinerary. We always use booking.com and if you use this link you get a $15 discount. In some cases, you can even cancel your booking, if done on time, without being charged.
My 3-week Cambodia itinerary | Day-to-day overview
Day 1 – 4 | Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat
When travellers talk about Siem Reap they see it as a starting point to visit the world’s largest religious monument named Angkor Wat. If you are thinking about visiting Angkor and we know you do! You can have a look at our Temple running guide below. Besides the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap is a place rich in culture and history. It’s easy to spend 3 to 4 days here, including your visit to the temples. Enjoy the many lovely restaurants, and the exciting nightlife and have a visit to the night market. If you take Siem Reap as a home base you can take a trip to, Phnom Kulen also known as the ‘‘Mountain of Lychees’’. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Cambodia and totally worth a visit.
Joining a day tour from Siem reap to Angkor is easy and includes a visit during sunrise. For prices and availability check here.
Day 5 – 6 | Battambang, Cambodia’s underrated gem
The city that’s most famous for its Bamboo train. Driving through the rice fields with a traditional train is a fun thing to do. You can combine it with a visit to the killing caves of Phnom Sampeau which was used as an execution site. During the Red Khmer regime, they used this cave to kill their victims and threw the bodies into the cave afterwards. On the other side of the tragic cave, you have the Bat Cave. Every day around sunset thousands of bats leave the cave, an amazing show by Mother Nature. In the city centre of Battambang, you can see the French colonial influences. You can say that Battambang has something special, although there isn’t much to do in the city, the cosy restaurants and laid-back cafes make it worth your stay. We really enjoyed eating tapas at The Lonely Tree Cafe or getting lunch at About The World.
Transit | Sihanoukville
Once a sleepy beach town but it’s rapidly transforming due to Chinese investments, Sihanoukville has now, sadly, become a gambler’s paradise, with casinos popping up on just about every corner.
Not our favourite town, but that was no problem for us. We went straight to the ferry that brought us to Koh Rong. Sihanoukville is the best-known harbour city and you have to go here when you are going to visit Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem.
Day 7 – 11 | Koh Rong, Cambodia’s island paradise
If you like to have some time off at the white beaches or take a relaxing swim in the clear blue sea. Koh Rong is your place to go. When on the island you can choose to stay on the busy side to visit the bars and go partying. Or just pick a quiet beach on the other side of the island. We really liked our stay on the island and planned it in the middle of our itinerary. We even stayed a few days longer than planned.
Day 12 – 14 | Kampot, Cambodia’s scenic riverside town
Kampot is a small city on the coast with a lovely relaxing vibe. One of the charms of Kampot is that life feels slow over here. We ended up staying there a bit longer because of the nice atmosphere and good restaurants. We had some awesome Khmer food at Rikitikitava and enjoyed some good burgers at Pepe and the Viking. A must-do when in Kampot is driving to the top of Bokor Hill, you can easily rent a motorbike and explore the mountain by yourself. On top of the 1,080 meters high mountain, you have a viewpoint that gives you the most amazing views of the region. Take a visit to the famous Catholic Church or just restored Bokor Hill Hotel, which is now a hotel. If you own a drone you should definitely take it with you to the top, the bird-eye view is just mesmerizing!
Day 15 – 16 | Kep, an authentic local town
If you love seafood make your way to Kep. This small coastal city is well known for its ‘’Crab Market’’. You can easily spend a day in Kep to rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding countryside. Take a look at La Plantation which is one of Cambodia’s famous pepper plantations. They provide you with a free guided tour and let you taste all different kinds of peppers. The dusty road brings you through local villages and lovely rice fields and you can even have a stop at Kampot’s “Secret Lake”.
Day 17 – 18 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s energetic capital
The capital of Cambodia is really overwhelming and definitely not our favourite place in Cambodia. But if you don’t know anything about what happened during the Khmer Rouge regime, then this is where you should go. Have a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and take a look at the tragic Killing Fields just outside of Phnom Penh. Keep in mind that visiting those places can be shocking and may need some time to settle. If you want to see some other cultural things in Phnom Penh pay a visit at What Preah Keo better known as The Silver Pagoda. Or maybe even try a traditional Khmer cooking lesson. At night you can have dinner or a drink at one of the many restaurants or rooftop bars.
Stay safe in Cambodia | Travel insurance
Though Cambodia is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
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.
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