Cambodia: Where Nature and History Meet
From vibrant Singapore, we fly with Singapore Airlines to Siem Reap. Just 1 hour and 50 minutes in the air – and thanks to the time difference, we even gain an hour! A short flight, but with service that’s truly outstanding – worlds apart from what we’ve recently experienced on Lufthansa or Swiss.
A Warm Welcome to Cambodia
Immigration is quick and easy – and our driver is already waiting in the arrivals hall. A young Cambodian man with an impressively long name, which we’re kindly allowed to shorten to “Gan.”
Gan greets us with a big smile, ice-cold refreshing towels – and a surprise: freshly chilled coconuts from his cooler box. “They give you energy!” he says with a wink. And after a long day of travel, we could definitely use some.
Rolling market stall – always right in the middle of the action.Conversations That Stay With You
During the one-hour drive, we chat openly with Gan. He tells us he taught himself English through YouTube and online courses – without ever having left Cambodia.
We learn a lot about the country and its people – and even about cows. In Cambodia, cows aren’t considered sacred as in some neighboring countries, but are simply working animals. Good to know: hitting one accidentally might be awkward, but it’s not life-threatening.
Gan also gives us a taste of the local cuisine: Cambodian food is mild and aromatic – completely different from the fiery dishes of Thailand or India. We jot down his restaurant tips right away.
Just before we reach the hotel, he asks if we have palm trees in Germany – and what the weather is like back home. By the end of the ride, we don’t just feel well informed – we feel a little more connected. And perhaps, like we’ve already made our first friend in Cambodia.
Angkor Village Hotel – A Green Oasis
Upon arriving at the Angkor Village Hotel, we step into a world of its own – a lush green oasis just a short tuk-tuk ride from bustling Siem Reap.
The hotel is not only beautifully designed but radiates a warm, authentic atmosphere. It’s easy to dive into Cambodian culture here. Every detail – from the elegantly furnished rooms to the genuinely kind staff – tells its own story.
“Unique – the Angkor Village Hotel”
A place that offers peace, yet keeps you close to it all. For us, the perfect beginning to this fascinating country.
The Next Morning: Off to the Old Market – Colour, Scent & Real Life
Well rested and full of curiosity, we start our first morning in Siem Reap. The plan? Easy: the Old Market is at the top of our list!
A short tuk-tuk ride takes us right into the heart of the city – where life truly pulses. Between fragrant food stalls, artfully stacked vegetables and fabrics in every colour, the vibrant spirit of everyday Cambodia unfolds before us.
It’s loud, lively, colourful – and wonderfully authentic. The vendors smile, the pans sizzle, and there’s something to discover in every corner. From traditional breakfasts to little souvenirs – the market is a feast for all the senses.
A perfect start to our Siem Reap adventure.
➡️ Next stop: Old Market Psah Chas
Edith writes at wanderlust-knows-no-age.com
Travel, memories & champagne – that’s her world.
As a 70+ blogger with curiosity in her heart, she shares stories about journeys that matter and places that linger.
Always by her side: Reinhold – calm compass and loyal co-traveller – and a touch of self-irony.