jaydeemedia

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Soho & The West End are two of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods. This historic part of the capital has drawn aristocrats, gangsters and musicians thanks to its reputation for debauchery. Today, it’s still a lively place to stay in London. By: Paul Healy | Published: 22 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> The West End is an informally defined area north of the Thames between Oxford Circus and Holborn. As the home of mainstream professional theatre in the country, it’s one of the liveliest areas in London.   Soho is a smaller area within the West End roughly defined by the triangle between Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Tottenham Court Road tube stations. This is one of the most exciting areas in London and somewhere we love to hang out when we’re not travelling. It has a buzzing atmosphere 24/7 with excellent live music and small lane ways packed with bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs. You could easily spend days strolling around Soho, popping into interesting shops and still not even scratch the surface. It’s a great base for your London stay if you are looking for somewhere with plenty of great nightlife while still retaining a village feel. It’s one of our favourite areas of London.  WHY STAY IN SOHO & THE WEST END? The West End is one of the busiest nightlife areas in London so if you stay here, you’ll have everything on your doorstep. You can enjoy a great night out, trying Soho’s small wine bars, live music venues, boutiques and excellent restaurants and easily walk back to your hotel. If you’ve come to London to do some shopping, Oxford Street and Regent Street, both in Soho, are a great place to start. Soho is also very central and walkable to many attractions. Some of London’s best art galleries are very close as are the popular tourist centres of Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Chinatown. The thing we love about Soho the most is that, while very popular with tourists, it still manages to hold on to a local feel. SOHO MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN SOHO & THE WEST END London’s LGBT Scene: The area around Old Compton Street is the heart of London’s LGBT scene where you’ll find plenty of great bars (they are open to everyone). Soho’s Laneways: Soho has a collection of small streets packed with cafes, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Some of the best streets are Dean Street, Firth Street, and Beak Street. Chinatown / Leicester Square: As the centre of touristy London, Chinatown and Leicester Square are good to explore, but probably in small doses. Galleries: The National Portrait Gallery (our favourite gallery in London) and the National Gallery are in the West End. Covent Garden: We love Covent Garden even though it’s very busy and touristy. It’s a beautiful square, the shopping is excellent and there are some very good restaurants. French House: The French house is a historic pub in Soho with no music, TV or phones. They famously sell half-pints only except on 1st April every year when you can get a full pint for charity. Berwick Street Market: Whenever we’re in Soho we make a beeline for the Berwick Street Market for some of the best street food in London. Our pick is Jerusalem Falafel. TUBE STATIONS IN THE WEST END Embankment | Charing Cross | Piccadilly Circus | Leicester Square | Covent Garden | Temple | Holborn | Chancery Lane NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY REGENT STREET WHERE TO STAY? Z HOTEL STRAND (£) It’s not easy to find decent-value hotels near the West End, but Z Hotels have a few, and the one on the Strand is probably the pick. It’s in an excellent location and the rooms are clean and tidy, although very small. 10 minute walk – Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Ronnie Scotts, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Embankment | 20 minute walk – Oxford Circus, Googe Street, Buckingham Palace, Southwark. Z HOTEL SOHO (£) The Z Soho is trendy and hip with all the right de

sign quirks. Rooms are small but practical with comfortable bedding and open bathrooms. There are no wardrobes, just a bit of hanging space, so you need to be prepared to travel light. However, it’s a great value stay in central Soho. 10 minute walk – Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly, Charing Cross | 20 minute walk – Green Park, The Wallace Collection, Bond Street, Westminster Abbey, Chancery Lane. HAZLITT’S (££) In the heart of Soho, I’ve walked past this hotel many times and never known it was there. It oozes old-world charm across four Georgian townhouses with a wood-panelled library, leather-bound books, and antique furniture. 10 minute walk – Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly, Charing Cross, Oxford Circus, Savile Row | 20 minute walk – Green Park, The Wallace Collection, Bond Street, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Chancery Lane. L’OSCAR (£££) On the north-eastern corner of Covent Garden, this exquisitely designed boutique hotel is opulently decorated somewhere between 1920s glam and Studio 54. The friendly staff, excellent cocktails and above-average breakfast make this a great stay in Soho. 10 minute walk – Chancery Lane, Russel Square, Bloomsbury Square, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden | 20 minute walk – King’s Cross, Euston Square, Oxford Circus, BFI Imax, St Pauls, Smithfield Market. HAM YARD HOTEL (£££) Ham Yard Hotel is a cool urban village with a tree-filled courtyard, shops and a bowling alley. The rooms are beautifully designed with chic British sensitivities. The roof terrace has an edible garden and lovely London views.   10 minute walk – Piccadilly Circus, Liberty, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Fortnum & Mason, The Mall, Charing Cross | 20 minute walk – Great Portland Street, Russel Square, Southbank, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Bond Street, Hyde Park Corner. HAZLITT’S SOHO MORE LONDON ACCOMMODATION GUIDES ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Cosy bars, majestic castles and timeless architecture make Lisbon a cool and entrancing city. Our 3-day Lisbon itinerary puts it all together, so you have time to savour it all. By: Paul Healy | Published: 16 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Lisbon is cool. As a city unrestrained by convention, Lisbon is bursting with personality. Beside majestic architecture housing Portugal’s famous blue tiles, flea markets hum to the murmur of curious browsers. Re-purposed industrial areas give it an edge for artistic expression, while timeless monasteries captivate with beguiling designs.    Windy lanes climbing up and down narrow streets hide tiny bars serving simple tapas and local wines. Live music spills from open windows; the wistful warbling of fado fills squares with an inexplicable yearning. We’ve visited Lisbon several times, and this itinerary captures everything we love about this alluring city. From the best local areas to the top tourist spots; exquisite galleries to the coolest street art; glorious castles to quirky shops. And of course, pastel de nata. IN THIS GUIDE 3-DAY LISBON ITINERARY DAY 1 São Jorge Castle, São Vicente de Fora, Graca’s Campo de Santa Clara, National Palace, Cathedral DAY 2 Antiga Confeitara de Belém, Jerónimo’s Monastery, Museu Coleção Berardo, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, LX Factory, Santa Catarina DAY 3 Tram 28, Praça Luis de Camōes, Praça de Principe Real, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcãntara, Elevador da Gloria, Igreja de São Domingos, Convento do Carmo LISBON MAP | ABOUT THIS ITINERARY We’ve put this itinerary together after several visits to Lisbon. It has been designed to minimise the travel time between sights and you can follow most of this itinerary on foot. The map below is organised by each of the 3 days. >> DAY 1 – ALFAMA & OLD LISBON Alfama, perched up on the hill, is a maze of alleyways winding between grand historic buildings. There are sweeping views over the city and the sea, similar to some of the vistas in Porto. We always have a great time simply ambling around the area but here is a recommended route. SÃO JORGE CASTLE Start your 3 days in Lisbon at São Jorge Castle, high on the hill in Alfama. It was once a Moorish castle, but little remains from that period and most of it has been rebuilt over the years. The small museum could do with some improvements, but the views over the city from the rambling walls are excellent. Castelo de São Jorge / Skip-the-Line Tickets SÃO JORGE CASTLE CHURCH OF SÃO VICENTE DE FORA Grab a quality coffee at Copenhagen Coffee Lab and Bakery, before entering the Church of São Vicente de Fora. The church itself is decent and worth a look, but the monastery and cloisters next door are incredibly impressive. Blue tiles, protected by vaulted ceilings, shimmer on the white walls. The atmospheric side chapels have tombs adorned with skulls with a cloaked statue standing guard. Igreja de Sao Vicente de Fora / Check current opening times. SÃO VICENTE DE FORA GRACA’S CAMPO DE SANTA CLARA After the church, head over to Graca’s Campo de Santa Clara, where a massive flea market, Feira da Ladra, covers the streets (Tuesday and Saturday). It sells everything you will never need: old rotary phones, broken mannequins and pre-loved vinyl. The market is great for people watching and you may even pick up a bargain. LUNCH There are plenty of atmospheric places to grab lunch near the market, we loved Tabernita for the traditional Portuguese dishes. FEIRA DA LADRA NATIONAL PANTHEON In the afternoon, enter the striking Panteão Nacional. Originally built as a church it now houses monuments to the great and the good of Portuguese history including a shrine to Vasco da Gama who brought massive wealth to Lisbon. The entrance ticket allows access to the roof with excellent views of the city. From the upper terraces take in a birdseye view of the

marble hall. NATIONAL PANTHEON LISBON CATHEDRAL Next, stroll the tightly packed twisty streets of Alfama. Head past the cute stores and tiny bars to Miradouro das Portas do Sol observation deck for more views. Drop down the hill to the castellated fortress that is Lisbon Cathedral. The Romanesque Lisbon Cathedral dates back to the 12th century. With an imposing facade and two bell towers on either side, it rises like a medieval fortress from the old town.  The view from the loft was the highlight for us. LISBON CATHEDRAL PRAÇA DO COMÉRCIO Finally, leave Alfama and stroll down towards Praça do Comércio. The harbour-facing plaza is one of the largest in Portugal and the most beautiful in Europe. It was completely remodelled after the earthquake and today it’s the seat of the Portuguese state departments. The large ornate square an excellent photo opportunity, but we’d suggest avoiding the restaurants around the square. PRAÇA DO COMÉRCIO FADO + EVENING In the evening head to Bairro Alto. Grab a drink on the steps at Meson Andaluz. Then, choose from the daily changing menu of local dishes at the tiny but charming Taberna da Rua das Flores. Later in the evening, Tasca Do Chico offers an intimate great value fado experience. One block north, cool jazz drifts out of Páginas Tanta. At Portas Largas a mixed young crowd can be found enjoying live pop music. If you can’t decide, just go to all three. There’s no entrance charge and the drinks are cheap. DAY 2 – BELÉM & WEST LISBON The seafront area of Belém lies to the west of Lisbon city centre. Come here for engrossing architecture, the epicentre of modern art in the city, and the best pastel de nata in Lisbon. ANTIGA CONFEITARA DE BELÉM Take tram 15 to Belém and begin the second day of your 3-day Lisbon itinerary with coffee and pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) from Antiga Confeitara de Belém. Yes it has become a large tourist institution, but the pastel de nata is still the best in town. JERÓNIMO’S CHURCH AND MONASTERY After breakfast head to Jerónimo’s Church and Monastery. The remarkable vaulted ceiling of the church is held aloft by intricately carved stone pillars, illuminated by beams of light cascading through colourful stained glass windows. The tomb of Vasco de Gama – the first person to sail around the Cape of Good Hope and therefore enable Portugal to build an empire – takes pride of place. The church is free but we recommend paying to go into the monastery. The cloisters are magnificent and the view of the church from the upper choir is not to be missed. JERÓNIMO’S CHURCH AND MONASTERY MUSEU COLEÇÃO BERARDO End the morning at Museu Coleção Berardo, Lisbon’s best modern art offering. The permanent collection is well-labelled and offers a history lesson in the development of modern art. The temporary exhibitions have an excellent reputation, it was one of our favourite experiences in Lisbon on our last visit. MUSEU COLEÇÃO BERARDO BELÉM TOWER & PADRÃO DOS DESCOBRIMENTOS Cross the street and peer up at the tower of Belém. The climb up to the top is not really worth the wait, so we’d suggest skipping in and strolling along the seafront to find a spot for lunch. After recharging, pass by Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the photogenic monument to Portugal’s navigational prowess.   PADRÃO DOS DESCOBRIMENTOS BELÉM TOWER LX FACTORY Head toward the city on tram 15, but before you get there, jump off at LX Factory, an old textile factory that has been converted into a modern and creative space under the railway line. There’s some excellent street art on old factory walls, indie shops, a very cool bookstore and some of the best coffee in town. It’s a great place to hang out and relax. SANTA CATARINA Hopping back on tram 15, spend the evening in the quaint neighbourhood of Santa Catarina which sits on top of a hill. A drink at Noobai Café offers views over the water. To get here it’s a steep walk up the hill or you could take the fun way and ride up on Eleva

dor da Bica. LX FACTORY DAY 3 – BAIRRO ALTO, BAIXA & CHIADO The central area of Lisbon is an eclectic mix. Narrow alleyways crisscross grand shopping streets, dilapidated ruins sit next to striking hotels, and music wafts through open doors and windows. It’s a great part of the city. TRAM 28 On the last day of this 3-day Lisbon itinerary, get an early start (to avoid the queues) and head to Praça Martim Moniz to board Tram 28. This tram twists and turns up the hilliest, narrowest and most scenic lanes in Lisbon. It loops around Alfama, across the centre of town and back up into Chiado. PRAÇA DE PRINCIPE REAL Jump off the tram in Chiadom explore the shops around Praça Luis de Camōes and then head north into the tightly packed narrow lanes of Bairro Alto. Check out the various new concept stores around Praça de Principe Real before lunch at A Cevicheria. Sit at the counter under a giant octopus, and admire the chef preparing mouth-watering fish dishes. MIRADOURO DE SÃO PEDRO DE ALCÃNTARA After lunch check out the view at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcãntara, which we think gives you the best view in the city. Then make your way down to Rossio and Baixa. You can either take the Elevador da Gloria tram or walk down the path alongside the tram tracks to inspect some of the coolest street art in Lisbon. IGREJA DE SÃO DOMINGOS You now find yourself in Rossio and Baixa – newer Lisbon neighbourhoods, built after the earthquake of 1755. Explore the squares and statues making sure you call in at Igreja de São Domingos. This atmospheric church suffered damage during the earthquake and was burnt down in 1959. The roof was destroyed and has been rebuilt but the walls bear the scars of both events. IGREJA DE SÃO DOMINGOS CONVENTO DO CARMO Skip the long queues and only average views of Elevador de Santa Justa and take the free supermarket lift to Rua Garrett. It’s less glamorous, but just as effective. Stroll the shops before visiting Convento do Carmo. The convent was damaged in the earthquake, and now only towering arches reach into the sky. The chapel at the back contains a strange mix of fascinating artefacts: tombs of the famous, a 2nd-century Egyptian sarcophagus and most interestingly, two mummies of Peruvian children. BAIRRO ALTO For the final evening, grab dinner at Artis Bar in Bairro Alto. It has a great local wine bar atmosphere and tasty dishes at decent prices. It’s also perfectly positioned for people spilling into the streets as music wafts in the air. CONVENTO DO CARMO WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON Lisbon is a relatively compact city, but it’s still a good idea to stay as centrally as possible. We recommend staying in Baixa/Chiado, Bairro Alto or Alfama. All these neighbourhoods ooze the charm that makes Lisbon the city that it is. They’re all centrally located allowing you to get an early start in the morning, and a late night in the evening. BUDGET CASA C’ALMA Casa C’Alma is a beautifully decorated B&B with a small, friendly vibe and a big continental breakfast. It’s located in a lovely neighbourhood about 1 mile from the city centre with plenty of restaurant options nearby. BOOKING.COM MID-MARKET CASA BALTHAZAR The modern, self-catering apartments of Casa Balthazar are bang in the centre of town, yet exude a relaxed chilled-out calm. The views are superb but upgrade to the Jacuzzi Terrace room for spacious luxury with landmark views. HOTELS.COM / BOOKING.COM UPMARKET MEMMO ALFAMA For an emphasis on design with all the latest gadgets, it’s hard to go past Memmo Alfama for your Lisbon stay. Although surrounded by some of the best attractions in Lisbon, it will be hard to leave the rooftop bar and pool with sweeping views over the Tagus River. HOTELS.COM / BOOKING.COM HOW TO GET AROUND LISBON Lisbon has a comprehensive public transport network including trams, funiculars, buses and a metro. A Navegante Card is a quick and easy way to pay for all your travel. The ca

rd costs €0.50 and can be charged with individual tickets, a day pass (€6.40 / £5.95 / $7.90), or with a balance of up to €40 to use as pay-as-you go. Cards can be purchased and charged at metro stations or small stores displaying the Navagante sign. However, the best way to get around the city is to walk. This Lisbon itinerary puts all the sights and experiences in the right order, so you don’t have to spend too much time between places. BEST TIME TO GO TO LISBON The best time to visit Lisbon is during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October. Over this period, the temperatures are generally comfortable and there are fewer visitors. You might also snap up a bargain with accommodation places slightly cheaper over this period. As with most European destinations, summer is the peak season when both the temperature and visitor numbers are high. In winter it can be wet and windy, although in Lisbon it’s rarely uncomfortably cold. WHAT TO BOOK BEFORE A TRIP TO LISBON Most attractions in Lisbon don’t require pre-booking and we wouldn’t recommend getting too much in advance so you can leave your itinerary flexible. If you’re visiting during peak times, you may want to book ahead to beat the queue especially São Jorge Castle and Saint Jerónimos Monastery. SAVING LISBON CARD With access to 23 museums and free tram passes, the Lisbon Card is a very cost-effective way to see the main sights in the city. Cards can be purchased for 24, 28 or 72 hours. HOW MUCH TIME IN LISBON? Most of the main sights in Lisbon could be seen in 2 days. It’s a relatively compact city with good local transport so getting between all the main attractions is efficient.   We have provided a 3-day Lisbon itinerary because this allows you to see all the impressive historical sights and enjoy some local experiences. It also leaves a little time to wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere.   Lisbon is one of our favourite cities in Europe. It’s charming and easy; beautiful and interesting. Yet the nightlife is pumping, the wine free-flowing and the locals friendly. So, you could easily spend up to 4 or 5 days visiting Lisbon, especially if you added a day trip to Sintra, which you could either do on your own or join a tour.   TIPS FOR VISITING LISBON Firstly, read our guide to the best things to do in Lisbon which covers all our top highlights in more detail. TRAM 28 TIPS Getting on board Tram 28 at Praça Martim Moniz can be painful as queues are often long. Get their early or walk to the next stop at Rue Palme and hop on there. Tram 28 is a wonderful Lisbon experience but a pick-pocketers delight, so keep an eye on your stuff. STREET SELLING The whispers of “Hashish? Cocaine?” on the streets of Santa Maria Maior is part of a well-known fake drug annoyance embraced by Lisbon. Simply say “no thanks” and move on, in most cases, you’re just rejecting flour or crushed up bay leaves. AUTHENTIC FADO Fado is a moving experience in Lisbon, but the best never gets advertised or promoted to tourists. If you hear it wafting from a packed bar, but there are no signs, this is the place to check out. TOURIST RESTAURANTS Lisbon has grasped the concept of the tourist restaurant. If you want a local dining experience, gravitate towards places without English menus, and avoid places with people hassling you out the front. MIRADOUROS Always take the opportunity to collect the views at a miradouro; they’re a great place to hang out and Lisbon’s array of roof tiles is stunning. Some of the best are: Miradouro das Portas do Sol Miradouro da Graça Miradouro de Santa Catarina Miradouro de Senhora do Monte Miradouro de Monte Agudo MORE PORTUGAL READING ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad

_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] With such a breathtaking stretch of coastline, you’ll want to find the best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast. Whether you are a hiker, a beachgoer, or a do-nothing-er; this guide helps you choose your perfect spot. By: Paul Healy | Published: 12 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> With 95 miles of coastline and 185 million years in the making, the Jurassic Coast is a geological marvel, a scenic refresher and a hiker’s paradise. Finding where to stay on the Jurassic Coast is just the start of a great escape to some of the best coastal activities the UK has to offer. Spend an afternoon in rejuvenation mode either hiking along rugged white clifftops or lazing on pebble beaches below them. Take in the Jurassic Coast light via a sunrise excursion to a decaying castle, or under the exposed lightbulbs of a hipster brewery producing artisanal ales. The Jurassic Coast is a 2-hour drive from one end to the other, so it’s important to understand where you want to stay. Pick from a stylish clifftop hotel staring, a shepherd’s hut, a cool treehouse or a traditional pub in a remote location. Whatever accommodation you are after, our guide to the best hotels on the Dorset Coast includes all the regions along the Jurassic Coast to help you plan your next long weekend in the UK. 1 – PURBECK PENINSULA Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for superb hikes and dramatic scenery The Purbeck Peninsula is a sixty square mile patch of England, jutting out into the English Channel and bordered on three sides by water. Nowhere along the Jurassic Coast is the scenery more dramatic than in the Purbeck Peninsula. Towering white cliffs and mighty stacks of rock drop precipitously to the sea. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks – the iconic sights of the south of England – are scattered across the peninsula, connected by scenic hikes on the Jurassic Coast. Just inland, the exceptionally photogenic Corfe Castle and several abandoned villages, add to the remote feel of the region. There are some great Dorset Coastal hotels on the Isle of Purbeck. Remote pubs all alone on the southwest coastal path, grand hotels in charming market towns or a bit of luxury along the bay in Studland. OSMINGTON MILLS SMUGGLERS INN The remote pub with traditionally furnished rooms perched right on the coastal path has stunning views over a rugged stretch of the Dorset coast. BOOKING.COM WAREHAM PRIORY HOTEL A grand hotel in the charming town of Wareham, the Priory Hotel is set within 4 acres of beautiful English cottage gardens. BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM STUDLAND PIG ON THE BEACH A gem of a 16th-century manor house on Studland Bay with a commitment to local produce and quality service. BOOKINGS STUDLAND COSY COTTAGE This cosy 3-bedroom cottage sleeps 5 and is ideal for families with all the facilities you’ll need for a Dorset coastal getaway. It’s a lovely 10-minute walk to the beach. VRBO.COM 2 – LYME REGIS  Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for a hip and welcoming seaside town There are a few seaside towns along the Jurassic Coast, but the pick of the bunch is Lyme Regis. Unlike some of the tourist-driven towns on the coast, Lyme Regis capitalises on the character of the area. Independent shops stocked with local produce line the high street beside quality restaurants and surprisingly good coffee.  The Lyme Regis micro-brewery perched over a tiny brook is a secret worth knowing about. Down on the front, the part shingle, part sandy beach bends in an arc backed with colourful huts and cute townhouses. It’s a lovely, authentic town with a working harbour that still clamours with activity in the early hours as fishermen head out to sea.   A little further afield, take part in a fossil-hunting expedition at Charmouth or enjoy a circular walk around the weird rock formations of West Bay. The barrel-vaulted, 14th Century Chapel at Abbotsbury is as traditionally English as you could h

ope to find. LYME REGIS CLOVELLY GUEST HOUSE  Great value guest house in the centre of Lyme Regis with help-yourself breakfast and very friendly hosts. The perfect Dorset welcome. BOOKING.COM LYME REGIS COVERDALE A comfortable and spacious 1 bedroom apartment located just 450 metres from the beach, this is a great choice if you’re planning on making the most of the beach. BOOKING.COM LYME REGIS THE PILOT BOAT  The recently refurbished beautiful rooms at the Pilot Boat are complete with finishing touches including robes, slippers and free beer. BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM 3 – DORCHESTER  Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for a charming market town with easy connections If you want to explore all the things to do on the Jurassic Coast then Dorchester is a great option. Centrally located between the Purbeck peninsula and Lyme Regis, it’s a great base to explore most of the main attractions on the coast. But as the capital of Dorset, Dorchester has its own appeal as well. The High Street is lined with grand and imposing architecture, excellent restaurants and museums. Perhaps more importantly, there’s good coffee at Coffee Saloon. As a major centre, it has a good range of accommodation from top quality B&B’s to grand Jurassic Coast hotels in landmark buildings. Dorchester is a great option for accommodation on the Dorset coast. In less than an hour’s drive you can be at many of the best spots anywhere along the coast.   DORCHESTER DUCHESS OF CORNWALL Classic market town hotel with a Georgian theme, modern amenities and beautiful decor. The Duchess of Cornwall is a classy stay on the Dorset coast. BOOKING.COM 4 – DESTINATION STAYS  Best Jurassic Coast hotels and innovative stays which are the attraction in themselves The Jurassic Coast has its fair share of quirky accommodation; places so good it hardly matters that you’re also in one of the most scenic parts of the country.   Go off-grid in a well-equipped and cosy Shepherds’ Hut set in the Dorset countryside, or unwind in stylish, quirky accommodation overlooking the sea. For something completely different, escape to the outdoor luxury accommodation of a treehouse; a unique stay on the Jurassic Coast and a memorable way to unwind. BURTON BRADSTOCK THE SEASIDE BOARDING HOUSE Stunning clifftop views from this stylish hotel with an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in the area. BOOKINGS THANKS FOR VISITING // WHERE NEXT? A BIG THANK YOU We’ve been providing free travel content on Anywhere We Roam since 2017. If you appreciate what we do, here are some ways you can support us. Thank you! Paul & Mark FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM USE OUR RESOURCES PAGE [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Funchal, the capital of Madeira, has a small-town vibe with big city credentials. Here’s what can happen when you mix Portuguese spirit with a subtropical climate in a city fuelled by fortified wine and Pastel de Nata. By: Paul Healy | Published: 9 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Displayed like a football stadium, Funchal is an amphitheatre of terracotta houses curving down towards the Atlantic Ocean. High above the city, towering mountains provide a scenic backdrop to this colourful European centre. With a sub-tropical climate providing delightful year-round temperatures, Funchal is an excellent base for exploring the island. Enjoy a day of exhilarating outdoor activities and wind down with a glass of fortified wine. Have a slow stroll through the old town or take to the streets on an exhilarating toboggan ride. Funchal sets a relaxed pace under a lush, rugged canvas, making it a unique European destination for outdoor adventures and cultural kicks.    We visited Funchal with Jet2holidays. Here’s what we got up to. CARREIRO DO MONTE 1. FUNCHAL TO MONTE CABLE CAR Funchal is oriented around a small Old Town squeezed between the mountains and the sea. Midway up the hillside backdrop, Monte is a small village that sits around 550 metres above sea level. The Funchal-Monte Cable Car runs from the historic centre of Funchal up to the village of Monte. It’s a great way to take in the sweeping amphitheatre of Funchal and there are several great things to do once you get to the village. WHAT TO DO IN MONTE – Take the traditional wicker Toboggan ride back down to Funchal.   Stroll through the beautiful Tropical Gardens at Monte Palace. Admire the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Church of Our Lady of the Mount) Have coffee at Local Shop for an excellent drop with an even better view. Take the cable car over to the beautiful hilltop Botanical Gardens. Admire the cute little Babosas Chapel. Teleférico do Funchal – The cable car station is located in the garden of Almirante Reis, in the Funchal Old Town. For prices and opening times, see madeiracablecar.com. MONTE CHURCH 2. MONTE TOBOGGAN Wicker toboggan sledges were the original form of transport for locals who needed a speedy way to get from the hill of Monte down to Funchal in what was one of the world’s coolest commutes. Today, the Monte Wicker Toboggan ride is one of the most popular tourist activities in Funchal. Powered by 2 runners called Carreiros, the toboggan ride is an exhilarating dash down the streets of Funchal where corners are taken with an additional twist to extract screeches from delighted tourists. CARREIROS DO MONTE The cost is €27.50 for a one-person toboggan, reduced to €17.50 per person if you share with 1 or 2 people. If you are travelling by yourself, you’ll have plenty of time to make a friend to share a toboggan with. Queues can be snaking up the hill and it’s not uncommon to wait up to 2 hours. We highly recommending arriving as soon as the toboggans start running (9 am) to avoid queuing. The ride is 2 kilometres long and takes around 10 minutes. Starting Point – The starting point is just below the steps of the Monte Church (location). Buy your tickets from the booth first, then join the queue. Arrival Point – The toboggan ride finishes at Livramento (location). This is about a 40-minute walk back into the Old Town, but there are usually plenty of taxis nearby. Tips – The Carreiros will tip their Straw Boater hat at the end of the run expecting a tip, so make sure you have some cash with you if you want to tip. Hours – Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm | Cost – €27.50 for 1 person; €35 for 2; and €52.50 for 3 people. MONTE TOBOGGAN RIDES 3. JARDIM TROPICAL MONTE PALACE The Tropical Garden at Monte Palace is a beautiful green space in a prime hilltop position overlooking Funchal Bay. Displayed over multiple terr

aced levels, the gardens contain over 100,000 species of exotic flora from all over the world. The highlight for us was the Oriental Garden, adorned with Buddhist sculptures, lanterns and red walkways. There’s an excellent collection of art throughout the gardens. The most notable are the large panels of Portuguese tiles, some of which date back to the 15th century. Inside the gardens, the Monte Palace Madeira Museum houses sculptures plus a unique mineral collection from all over the world. To get to the gardens, it’s a short walk from the top of the Funchal Cable Car. Hours – 9:30 am – 6 pm | Cost – €15, children under 15 years old have free entry. MONTE PALACE TROPICAL GARDEN 4. BOTANICAL GARDENS The Madeira Botanical Gardens cover 8 hectares of green space featuring ornamental shrubs, exotic orchids, and manicured lawns with wonderful views of Funchal. There are around 2,500 plants in the garden including succulents, palms and several species that grow only in Madeira. At the end of the gardens, there’s an area devoted to exotic birds, with around 300 species. The best way to get to the gardens is by taking the Jardim Botânico Cable Car which is just a short walk from the Monte station of the Funchal Cable Car. You can save 10% if you book online. Hours – 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Saturday | Cost – €7.50 (over 12 years); €3 (6-12 years). Free on April 30 and July 1.  5. MERCADO DOS LAVRADORES Mercado dos Lavradores, or the Farmers’ Market, is a small but bustling market in the centre of Funchal. Out the front you’ll find the flower market, with the fruit and veg occupying a central courtyard. It’s a lovely place to stroll around with locals snapping up all kinds of delights, and tourists snapping photos. You may find some of the vendors excited to see you, but it’s nothing a polite “no thanks” can’t solve.   The highlight of the market is the fish section towards the back where you find locals in stiff negotiations for seafood. Tip – The best time to visit is early in the morning, up to around 1 pm, when the fish market is buzzing. Friday is the busiest day when most vendors are selling. MERCADO DOS LAVRADORES 6. THE PAINTED DOORS Rua da Santa Maria is one of the oldest streets in Funchal, lined with a mix of residential houses and café terraces. In 2014, local artists were invited to work their magic on 200 doors in the tiny laneway. The Arte de Portas Abertas project, or Art of Open Doors, has transformed what was once an unassuming street into the most vibrant area in the Old Town.   Now an open-air gallery, Rua da Santa Maria is completely free and one of the most colourful things to do in Funchal. After strolling down the laneway to admire the art, grab a treat from Padaria Pastelaria Mariazinha – one of the best bakeries in Madeira. Dinner Option – If you’re around Rua da Santa Maria in the evening, check out Já Fui Jaquet for dinner. Don’t be put off by the menu on their website, it’s quality Portuguese cooking. ARTE DE PORTAS ABERTAS OUR PICK // BEST RESTAURANTS IN FUNCHAL KAMPO – Refined dishes presented with style, featuring incredible flavours derived from local produce. HORTA – A beautiful space in natural tones with dishes derived mostly from their own garden. Vegetarian dishes take centre stage. AUDAX – Innovative modern Madeiran cuisine with wine pairing. Incredible food, but probably not the best choice for vegetarians. 7. MADEIRA WINE It’s said that Madeira wine was an accident of the island’s seafaring past when wine would over-ferment on long sea voyages. To solve the problem, additional alcohol was added, and the result was a sweet complex wine that’s now the pride of the island. Madeira wine is still fermented in American Oak with additional alcohol added. You can enjoy it from sweet to dry with a couple of levels of sweetness in between. It appears on all wine lists in Madeira, but a good way to try it is to do a wine tour at Blandy’s Wine Lodge. They’ll explain the whole process in their atmospheric distillery with tastin

gs included. BLANDY’S WINE LODGE 8. JARDIM MUNICIPAL The Municipal Gardens are a lovely spot to explore in Funchal when you’re looking for a quick way to unwind. It’s a small local garden, filled with exotic plants from the island and many from other parts of the world including macadamia trees, sausage tree, cotton wool tree, and purple jacaranda. You don’t need long to explore, but it’s worth popping in for a quick look. MUNICIPAL GARDENS COTTON WOOL TREE 9. PRAÇA DO MUNICÍPIO The Municipal Square is one of the most important squares in the historical centre of Funchal. It’s surrounded by interesting buildings with a fountain in the centre dating to 1942. Public events are held in the square including Funchal’s famous Christmas Market. The square is covered in traditional Portuguese black and white tiles which are laid in small repeating arcs creating a uniform central focal point in Funchal.   MUNICIPAL SQUARE 10. FUNCHAL CITY HALL The striking building in Municipal Square was built in 1758 and became the City Hall of Funchal in 1883. It’s free to pop in and admire the interior landscaped courtyard with the beautiful Battistini tiles. To learn more about the history of Madeira, you can book a guided tour (€3.50) on weekdays. Tours start at 11 am and take 1 hour. FUNCHAL CITY HALL 11. NATA 7 Pastel de Nata is something of an obsession in Portugal. This small parcel of flaky pastry packed with egg custard and burnt to perfection on top, can divide the nation if you ask where to find the best one. We have it on good authority that Nata 7 is the place to go. Judging by the steady stream of locals out front, it’s hard to argue. NATA 7 12. UAUCACAU Madeira has a wonderful artisan approach to their various crafts and Uaucacau Chocolate is a great way to experience one of the many quality treats you can get in Funchal. While the chocolate is imported, all the fillings are made from local ingredients. One of the most popular is passionfruit, but I was a big fan of the salted caramel. Wash down your chocolates or Pastel de Nata with a coffee from The Studio. I loved their flat white and it’s within easy walking distance of Praça Do Município, Nata 7 and Uaucacau. 13. SÉ CATEDRAL DO FUNCHAL The Funchal Cathedral looks unassuming from the outside, but the main religious building of the Madeira archipelago is packed with history and interesting architectural features. Building commenced in 1493 and was completed in the 16th century using characteristics from the Gothic period. The highlight is the cedarwood ceiling with ivory inlay. It’s a stunning example of Mudéjar decoration common throughout Moorish Iberia, especially Seville and Córdoba. The cathedral is free to enter. MUDÉJAR CEILING 14. JEEP TOUR A great way to see more of the Madeira Island is by taking a jeep tour. Tours will pick you up from your hotel around 9 am and visit various scenic locations where you can appreciate the rugged beauty of the island. West Island Tour – The West Island tour includes the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, the agricultural regions near Canhas and the Paul da Serra plateau. The tour returns via Seixal for incredible coastal scenery. East Island Tour – The East Island tour heads to the highest mountain in Madeira, Pico do Arieiro, before heading to the beautiful Balcões Viewpoint. After lunch you visit a rum factory, then Ponta de São Lourenço before returning to Funchal. Both tours include lunch. JEEP TOUR PONTA DE SÁO LOURENÇO BALCÕES VIEWPOINT GO BOOK YOUR TRIP Spend more time by the pool and less time in planning mode with a package holiday to Madeira with Jet2. They have deals with a wide selection of properties so you can find a stay that’s perfect for you. 15. LEVADA WALK Levadas are water canals that transport water around the island from the rainforests in the north. There are over 1400 kilometres of levada throughout Madeira with the longest being 90 kilometres. A popular way to get outdoors in Madeira is by doing a

Levada walk. There are several you can do on guided tours from Funchal, otherwise they are easy enough to do on your own as the hiking trail follows the canal. One of the best Levada walks is the 25 Fontes – Cascada de Risco, a beautiful hike with hundreds of little waterfalls. The trail is 9 kilometres (return), easy to follow and should take around 4 hours. This self-guided 25 Fontes walk includes pick-up from your hotel in Funchal. They get you to the start of the trail before other hikers so you’ll have it to yourself for the first couple of hours. LEVADA WALK MAP | FUNCHAL, MADEIRA All the attractions listed in this guide are on the below map so you can get your bearings in the Madeiran capital. >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   WHEN TO VISIT Madeira is a rock in the middle of the Atlantic and it can have two different weather systems depending on which side of the island you are on. As there are lots of great outdoor activities to enjoy from Funchal, it’s a good idea to avoid as much rain as possible. The best time to visit Funchal is from August to December which is the driest time of the year. The temperatures remain warm over most of this period and the sea is delightfully swimmable. Funchal has relatively consistent temperatures and it’s a great year-round destination. However, the warmest period is between July and October. WHERE TO STAY Madeira is made for the good life and all windy, scenic, mountain roads lead to Funchal – the capital of the island. We stayed at NEXT at Savoy Signature, a modern resort-style hotel with a cheeky personality and a cool modern design. They have a winning roof-top pool and bar, direct access to the sea and several quality restaurants. It’s a lovely 10-minute walk into the centre of the Old Town. NEXT AT SAVOY, FUNCHAL GETTING TO MADEIRA Jet2 has regular flights to Madeira from several UK airports including Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth, Manchester and London Stanstead. Look out for great deals on flights from Manchester Airport with Jet2 from where you can take off to over 60 destinations. MERCADO DOS LAVRADORES LOCAL SHOP MORE PORTUGAL READING ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Cambodia is a fascinating destination with historic landmarks, friendly culture, and wonderful attractions. But a trip to Cambodia requires some forward planning. This guide covers our tips to help make your trip both easy and memorable. By: Paul Healy | Published: 7 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Cambodia has a winning combination of world-class tourist attractions and cheap cost of living. Short-term holidaymakers can dive into the history of the Angkor Temples, catch a political lesson in Phnom Penh and relax on unspoilt beaches. Longer-term travellers can throw in more remote destinations, stop in colonial towns and reduce the tempo. If you like to travel independently, like us, a well-planned trip is important for getting the most out of this diverse country. But even if you’re visiting Cambodia on a short stay, we can help you with money tips, booking suggestions and what to pack. Our guide covers the best time to go to Cambodia, how to get around, what to see plus important information for staying safe. To see how we put our trip together, read our 2-week Cambodia Itinerary. KOH RONG MONDULKIRI WHERE TO GO Cambodia has a lot to offer both tourists looking for a mini-break and long-term travellers on a wider trip. Here are some of the main places you’ll want to consider when planning a trip to Cambodia. You can see how we put most of these places together on our Cambodian itinerary. KAMPOT PRE RUP ROYAL PALACE, PHNOM PENH BEST TIME TO VISIT Cambodia is hot throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F – 95°F). However, the year is split into two seasons. WET SEASON The wet season runs from May to October. During these months there can be considerable rain and lots of cloud. Blue skies are infrequent and if you are visiting the islands in the south, crossings can be rough. DRY SEASON The dry season runs from November to April. There is little rain during these months and a good chance of blue skies. Within the dry season December & January offer the best temperatures (25°C to 30°C) but it’s busy. March & April are the hottest months of the year peaking at around 35°C (95°F). February can be a good compromise, with fewer crowds but still good weather. KAMPOT TONLÉ SAP HOW TO GET TO CAMBODIA INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS There are three international airports in Cambodia – Siem Reap (SAI), Phnom Penh (PNH) and Sihanoukville (KOS). Most trips to Cambodia involve at least 1 stopover, usually in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, or Singapore. Google Flights is an excellent way to find the best routes when planning your trip to Cambodia. SIEM REAP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Opened in 2023, the new Siem Reap International Airport is 45 kilometres from the centre of the city. Taxis cost $30 and can be arranged through your guesthouse or hotel. A bus runs 8 times a day from just outside the terminal and costs $8. There are no tuk-tuks at the airport. PHNOM PENH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Phnom Penh International Airport is 12 kilometres from the centre of the city. The best ways to get to the centre of town are: Bus No 3 stops at the Central Market and the Night Market and costs about 50 cents. The Shuttle Train runs to Cambodia Railway Station and costs $2.50. Hiring a tuk tuk from the airport will cost about $5-$10. A taxi will cost around $10 – $15. SIHANOUKVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT There are not many flights into Sihanoukville, but it’s possible to fly here from Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. CAMBODIA NATIONAL MUSEUM MONDULKIRI BENG MEALEA LAND CROSSINGS If you’re visiting Cambodia on a multi-country trip around Southeast Asia you might be looking at a land crossing by bus. It’s significantly cheaper than flying as it avoids both the cost of the flight and the transfers. Common routes are from: Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) to Phnom Penh – 7 hours 30 minutes. Bangkok (Thailand) to Siem Reap – 8 hours

30 minutes. These bus journeys can be long and painful with tedious stops at the border. Sometimes bus and minivan companies dump you at one side, leave you to make your own way through immigration (where bribes might be sought), and then pick you up on the other side. It’s worth spending a bit extra to go with a reputable bus company.   Bus Tip – Everyone we spoke to – expats and tourists alike – recommended Giant Ibis. The bus comes with an on-board service attendant who provides lunch, water and cold towels. They can also assist with the immigration process, making it as easy and stress-free as possible. CAMBODIA BUS CAMBODIA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS When planning your trip to Cambodia, make sure you check the entry requirements from the country of your passport. Here are some standard arrival requirements as set by the Cambodian Government. Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Cambodia. Visa – 30-day tourist visas (Visa T) are available on arrival. However, it’s easier and less time consuming to apply online. Visas cost $36 and take about 3 business days to be processed. If you overstay the 30 days, you will be charged $10 a day for the first 30 days. IMPORTANT – NEW E-ARRIVAL CARD From 1 Jan 2024, Cambodia is trialling a new e-Arrival Card. This card will become mandatory from 1 July 2024. As part of the application process, you need to provide your length of stay, a contact address in the country (use a hotel), and health information. Most importantly it requires Proof of Onward Travel (POOT) where you must show a ticket for travel out of Cambodia. Most airlines are already checking for this when you board. If you want to stay flexible, either buy a cancellable exit ticket or a cheap one which you can write off. TONLÉ SAP FLOATING VILLAGE TONLÉ SAP SIEM REAP MARKET VACCINATIONS We are not health experts, so please check the latest requirements with your doctor. However, here are some broad guidelines to consider when planning a trip to Cambodia: Recommended vaccinations for all travellers – Tetanus & Hep A. Possible vaccinations for longer, remote stays – Hep B, Rabies & Typhoid. Malaria – Malaria is low risk across most of Cambodia but becomes a higher risk in the northeast provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. If visiting the northeast some doctors may recommend anti-malarial tables, while others suggest just taking sensible precautions with DEET and long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Again, check with your doctor. HEALTH INSURANCE Cambodia’s health facilities have improved over recent years. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have decent facilities, but many other areas are still quite basic. Make sure you travel with up-to-date and comprehensive health insurance. Travel tip – Hiring scooters is a common way to travel around Cambodia independently, but many insurance policies do not cover you when riding them. Check with your insurance in advance if you plan to hire a scooter. BAYON, ANGKOR ANGKOR WAT ANGKOR WAT WHAT TO PACK It’s always good to be prepared, and there are a few considerations when packing for Cambodia. Cambodia is a hot country any time of year, so plan accordingly: Light coloured layers. Wide brimmed hat. High factor sun-tan lotion. Cambodia is a conservative country, and a dress code is required in many temples: Lightweight full-length trousers. Shirts with sleeves. Light scarves. Insects are a menace, especially at dawn and dusk: Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to help avoid bites. Insect repellent with high level of DEET. Anti-bite cream. Don’t add to the massive amount of plastic in Cambodia: Refillable water bottle. Reusable cutlery. Reusable coffee mug. Pharmacies are plentiful but it’s worth having some essentials with you: First Aid Kit. Imodium & Rehydration salts. Travel Tip – Cheap laundry facilities are available almost everywhere. It costs about $2 per kilogram and your freshly laundered clothes will be ready the next day. So, there’s no excuse for

overpacking. MONDULKIRI MONEY Cambodia’s official currency is the Cambodian riel. However, the country effectively operates a dual currency system, and you can pay in Cambodian riel or US dollars.  Guesthouses and hotels, tour operators, and smarter restaurants and shops will accept credit and debit cards where you get to choose the currency. The rest of the economy (tuk-tuks, taxis, street food, local restaurants, official museums) take cash only. Important: Using US Dollars – If you pay in US dollars the notes need to be perfect. The National Bank of Cambodia will not accept a note with any type of rip or mark on it – so neither will the vendor. If you have US dollars, check to makes sure there are no marks or rips and keep them well protected. Cash Machines – Cash in both US dollars and Cambodian riels can easily be obtained from ATMs, which are present in all the main tourist centres. There is an almost universal fee of $5-$6 for each transaction, so take out as much as you think you’ll need in one go. The Cathay United Bank was the only one that didn’t charge us a fee. PHNOM PENH PHNOM BAKHENG GETTING AROUND CAMBODIA Getting around Cambodia is surprisingly easy. Buses run between the big cities, tuk-tuk drivers are on hand everywhere, and scooters are easy to hire for independent travel. The only thing that’s not easy is walking! It’s often very hot and there is little by way of pavements. BUSES Buses are a cheap, easy, and pretty comfortable way to travel long distances in Cambodia. Multiple bus companies run different types of vehicles between the major cities. Transport ranges from a mix of minivans, minibuses, luxury buses and night buses. For an easy way to see which bus companies serve which routes check the aggregator CamboTicket. The quality of service with each company varies but we highly recommend Giant Ibis and Vireak Buntham – our experience of both were excellent. It’s worth spending an extra $2-$3 for the comfort of the larger luxury buses, some come with on-board service and the price includes coffee and lunch.  There are different prices for Cambodians and non-Cambodians. Common routes and prices for non-Cambodians are: JOURNEYCOSTTIMEPhnom Penh – Siem Reap$12-$176 hrPhnom Penh – Sihanoukville$12-$153.5 hrPhnom Penh – Kampot$8-$103 hrPhnom Penh – Mondulkiri$12-$166 hrKampot – Sihanoukville$8-$102.5 hr SARACEN BAY, KOH RONG SAMLOEM SARACEN BAY, KOH RONG KOH TOUCH BEACH INTERNAL FLIGHTS Buses are usually a better option than internal flights. However, the bus from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville takes about 10 hours, and the newly introduced Cambodia Angkor Air flight takes only 1 hour 10 minutes. TUK-TUKS Tuk-tuks are not designed for stability or speed, instead, they are a fun way to explore a city. They operate at about 12-24mph (20-40kph) and are great for trips up to about 15-20 miles away (taking about 1 hour). Short journeys of around 10 minutes within towns and cities are about $2-$4. Daily hire is about $20. If you ever have trouble communicating with your tuk tuk driver they will hand you their phone and get you to type your destination into Google maps. If you are going somewhere particularly obscure, it might be a good idea to have the address in Khmer on your phone. TAXIS Taxis are great for longer distances. They are more comfortable and come with air conditioning. You can hire them for a single journey or for a haIf or full day. If you are four people, they can be similar in price and more convenient than long-distance buses. Travel Tip: PassApp – Guesthouses can help arrange tuk-tuks and taxis, or you can bargain on the street. Alternatively, download the PassApp, an Uber-like service for taxis and tut tuks with a standard price generally cheaper than what you could negotiate yourself. When registering you need to enter a Cambodian telephone number, so either buy a Cambodian sim or ask your guesthouse owner to register with their number. SCOOTERS Scooters or mopeds can be rented almo

st anywhere. They cost about $8-$10 per day for unlimited mileage. They are great in more remote places, but the streets in the cities can be chaotic. Check that your insurance policy covers scooter use. ANGKOR SMALL CIRCUIT TA PROHM ANGKOR HEALTH & HYGIENE Nothing can ruin a holiday quicker than getting ill. Here’s a few health and hygiene tips to consider when planning a trip to Cambodia. Water – The tap water in Cambodia is not safe to drink. Bring a refillable water bottle which most guesthouses will let you fill up for free or for a small charge. Ice is generally fine as it’s made from filtered water.   Toilets – You may come across the odd squat toilet in Cambodia, but most are western style toilets and generally the standard of cleanliness is high. As with many Asian countries, toilet paper goes in the bin beside the toilet. In public restrooms, toilet paper and soap regularly run out, so carry your own with you. Pharmacies – There are many pharmacies in the main cities, and they are relatively well stocked. However, if you are going to more remote areas, especially the islands, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Traveller’s Diarrhoea – Cases of Traveller’s Diarrhoea is not uncommon in Cambodia so take the usual precautions including washing your hands regularly, avoiding all tap water and considering what you eat. The food markets in Cambodia are great but assess which ones appear to have good hygiene standards before you try their food. RUSSIAN MARKET, PHNOM PENH CENTRAL MARKET PHNOM PENH KOH RONG ELECTRICITY & DATA Electricity Sockets – Cambodia is the only country we have ever been to with electricity sockets designed to take all major plugs. Most hotels will have at least a few of these ingenious sockets that will take US, European, UK and Australian plugs. If another country exists with this feature, please let us know. Wi-Fi – Unless you are in a very remote location, almost all guesthouses and hotels have wi-fi. Mobile Data – We recommend getting an e-SIM before you travel which allows you to retain your mobile phone number, plus use data in Cambodia. We used Nomad which had good service throughout the country and Asia-wide plans so we could use it in other countries. You could also purchase a Cambodian Sim when you arrive which will be cheaper, but you have the hassle of going into a store to buy one. RUSSIAN MARKET, PHNOM PENH CRIME & SAFETY We felt very safe travelling around Cambodia and the Buddhist culture is friendly and welcoming. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of. Bag snatching – In recent years bag snatching in Phnom Penh has become more prevalent. Wear backpacks or keep single strapped backs tight to your person. Sex tourism – There is usually one or two streets in the major cities geared towards sex tourism. Prostitution, although extremely common, is illegal. Land Mines – Land mines are a terrible part of Cambodian history. They are most prevalent in the rural northwest, near the Thai border. De-mining activities continue, but if you’re hiking, don’t stray from the main trails.    LANGUAGE The main language in Cambodia is Khmer, but English is commonly spoken in most tourist areas and most tours operate in English. Travel Tip – Download Khmer on Google Translate before you travel. It can help in more remote areas and with tuk-tuk drivers. BENG MEALEA TONLÈ SAP KOH RONG MORE CAMBODIA READING ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] At the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap Rivers lies a city with a tortured past that is emerging as Asia’s premier capital of cool. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Phnom Penh. By: Paul Healy | Published: 5 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Phnom Penh is one of our favourite cities in southeast Asia. Dusty, but leafy streets give it a lovely village-like feel while grand palaces and world-class museums position Phnom Penh as a modern international city. But it also has a long and painful history. Cambodia’s harrowing past is bought to life in meaningful memorials that, while confronting, are important in understanding the compelling resistance of the Cambodian people. Phnom Penh has all the intensity of Asian culture in a town that can be both quiet and hectic, chilled yet buzzing with atmosphere. Here are all our favourite things to do in Phnom Penh.   RUSSIAN MARKET 1. SOSORO MUSEUM The Cambodian Museum of Economy and Money, the Sosoro Museum, provides a unique perspective of the tenuous link between money, politics and power. It’s a fascinating, well-organised museum and the highlight of our visit to Phnom Penh. The story starts with an early 7th-century coin discovered in the Russian Market in 2012, providing proof that ancient Angkor societies used money. From here, the exhibition covers the story of Cambodia through finance, trade, economics and politics. The best section is the history of the last 150 years which shows just how far Cambodia has come over the last few decades. If you only visit one museum in Phnom Penh, this is definitely the one. SOSORO MUSEUM 2. TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSEUM (S-21) The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was the largest torture centre of the Khmer Rouge where 12,000 people were tortured and murdered. The former high school was the height of the Khmer Rouge atrocities. When liberated by Vietnam, there were only 7 people left alive at Tuol Sleng. Photographs of those tortured and killed as Vietnam advanced on the city remain on the walls to this day. As with many genocidal regimes, the Khmer Rouge documented their insanity in great detail. Thousands of B&W photos of each prisoner are displayed often before and after torture, along with harrowing descriptions of what they did to them. Tours used to be given by some of the few survivors. However, there are now only two remaining inmates still alive, Bou Meng and Chum Mey. They are often in the grounds of the museum, selling their books. We highly recommend getting the audio guide to fully understand this important but harrowing museum. Allow around 2 hours to visit. 3. CHOEUNG EK KILLING FIELDS The Killing Fields are several sites across Cambodia where more than 1 million people were executed by the Khmer Rouge in state-sponsored genocide. The Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre is one of these killing fields where around 20,000 prisoners from Tuol Sleng were detained, tortured and executed. There are 129 mass graves, spread across 6 acres. Visiting is a humbling but important experience in understanding the atrocities Cambodia has experienced. An audio guide provides detailed information about the site, as well as personal accounts from survivors.   After the tour, visit the Memorial Stupa which contains 9,000 skulls, exhumed at the site, arranged by sex and age. To get to the Killing Fields organise a Tuk-Tuk driver who will charge around $US15 to take you out, wait and bring you back. Allow about 90 minutes to visit. CHOEUNG EK 4. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA The National Museum of Cambodia houses the largest collection of Khmer sculpture in the world. It contains sculptures and statues discovered from the Angkor Temples near Siem Reap as well as ceramics and textiles, some of which date from pre-Angkor times. One of the highlights at the museum is the building itself. Constructed in 1920, it’s a traditional Khmer building with a lovely centra

l courtyard. If you enter the building and turn left, you’ll see the collection in chronological order. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA 5. NIGHT MARKET (PSAR REATREY) The Phnom Penh Night Market is a riverside open air market selling clothing, handbags, fake designer goods and souvenirs. Past the stalls firmly focused on tourists, there’s a fantastic Cambodia street food market. Expect to pay around $US1 to $US2 for a steaming bowl of noodle soup, fried rice straight from the wok, or pork skewers, steamed buns and much more. Grab your food from one of the stalls then either sit on mats in the central space or at table and chairs around the edge. It’s one of the best local eating experiences in Phnom Penh. The entrance is on Sisowath Quay between street 106 and street 108. The night market is open every night from around 5 pm. NIGHT MARKET 6. ROYAL PALACE & SILVER PAGODA The Royal Palace is the official residence of the king. It’s a remarkable example of traditional Khmer architecture and well worth a visit on your trip to Phnom Penh. As a royal residence, many areas are closed to the public, but you can visit the Throne Hall, used for official ceremonies. It has a 59-metre tower inspired by Bayon at Angkor Wat. The other main highlight in the complex is the Silver Pagoda, named after the silver tiles covering the floor. Don’t miss the murals around the pagoda on the northwest side. You need to adhere to the dress code to visit the palace which is shorts that reach the knees and shirts that cover elbows. However, we it seemed that the rules were much stricter for women. ROYAL PALACE SILVER PAGODA 7. THE WAT’S OF PHNOM PENH There are a few temples in Phnom Penh worth visiting on your way past. The main one is Wat Phnom. Located on the top of a grassy hill (Phnom means hill), Wat Phnom is reached via a staircase adorned with lions and nāga (semi-divine, half-human, half-serpent creatures). There’s often great atmosphere at the bottom of the stairs with locals purchasing offerings to take to the temple. It’s $1 to visit and, as with all temples in Cambodia, you need to take your shoes off to enter. The second wat worth visiting is Wat Ounalom. This is the oldest Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh and the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism. You’ll find lots of monks who live in the complex wandering around.  WAT OUNALOM WAT PHNOM WAT PHNOM 8. KOH DACH (SILK ISLAND) Koh Dach is a small island in the middle of the Mekong River, famous for its silk production. You can visit on your own steam; however, Silk Island is one of the few attractions we recommend visiting on an organised tour. Join a boat tour, where you can enjoy a relaxing ride down the river, then learn about the island and its silk traditions from a knowledgeable guide. You’ll be taken on a quick tour of the school before meeting the woman behind the silk production. Watch them create intricate patterns on traditional looms and follow the silk process from worm to finish scarf. There are toilets and a small hut selling drinks and snacks. Beer or soft drink is included for free on the boat. Book your Koh Dach tour which takes about 3 hours. SILK ISLAND 9. PHNOM PENH’S BEST MARKETS Life in Phnom Penh happens in the markets. No visit would be complete without soaking up the atmosphere of the city’s vibrant markets. They are all a little different but here are the ones we think you should visit. RUSSIAN MARKET (TUOL TOMPOUNG) The Russian Market is laid out under a patchwork of tin roofs with hundreds of stalls vying for space underneath. Find everything from fresh food and vegetables to pig’s trotters and spices, car parts and wicker baskets. Our tip: Visit Tuol Sleng in the morning, walk up to the Russian Market for lunch, then organise a tuk-tuk to go out to the Killing Fields. ORUSSEY MARKET Orussey Market is the true local market in Phnom Penh and there were almost no tourists when we were there. It’s spread o

ver 3 floors with clothing and fabrics on the top two and everything you could imagine on the ground floor. It’s a wonderful experience, with stalls stretching as far as the eye can see, but mostly for photo opportunities.    ORUSSEY MARKET CENTRAL MARKET (PSAR THMEI) The Central Market, often referred to as the New Market is an art deco landmark in Phnom Penh shaped like a giant beehive. The huge domed hall is one of the largest in the world and acts to keep the market as cool as possible. You’ll find jewellery, antique coins and watches, but the fresh food section is best for photography. Tip: Go in the morning when it’s busiest and have breakfast at the food stalls on the western side. CENTRAL MARKET 10. MONUMENTS OF PHNOM PENH Phnom Penh is a proud city with several monuments to Cambodia’s independence from various occupiers. You don’t need long to see them, but they are worth picking up as you stroll around the city. Independence Monument – Modelled on the central tower of Angkor Wat, the Independence Monument celebrates Cambodia’s independence from France. The design is beautiful, and it’s surrounded by a park which is a nice place to relax. Norodom Sihanouk – The 4.5-metre-tall statue of King Norodom Sihanouk is housed under a 27-metre stupa east of the Independence Monument. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument – The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument was built in 1979 by the communist regime that took over after the country was liberated by the Vietnamese. SIHANOUK STATUE VIETNAM FRIENDSHIP MONUMENT INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT 11. BASSAC LANE & LANGKA LANE Phnom Penh has a neighborhood vibe with tree-lined streets and cafes housed in ramshackle buildings. Although it maintains the intensity of Asian culture for the most part, there are a few areas specifically aimed at tourists which we loved. Bassac Lane – Also known as Street 308, Bassac Lane was a quiet residential lane that has been transformed into a hub for eating and drinking. Try White Rabbit for some of the best cocktails in town, Mama Wong for excellent homemade noodles, Yacht Club for stylish cocktails, and Elia Greek Kitchen for some tasty Mediterranean food. Langka Lane – Just around the corner, Langka Lane is a tiny street with a smart collection of stylish western bars. We loved, GroovyRoom lounge bar, TicTic for stylish cocktails and BattBong, a speakeasy hidden behind a Coca-Cola fridge. BASSAC LANE 12. SUNSET RIVER CRUISE A sunset cruise on the Mekong is a very cost-effective way to experience Phnom Penh from the river. See the lights of Phnom Penh fade and get a glimpse of local life from the other side of the Mekong. All tours include unlimited beer and soft drink plus a seasonal fruit platter. Most will pick you up from your hotel, but you need to find your own way back. Book your sunset river cruise here. After the cruise, walk down to the Night market for dinner. MORE CAMBODIA READIN ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] The Lauterbrunnen Valley is the Switzerland of postcards and travel brochures. The best way to see it is on trails that wind above and below its vertical rocky walls. Here’s our guide to the best hikes near Lauterbrunnen. By: Mark Barnes | Published: 5 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> The Lauterbrunnen Valley is the most dramatic valley in Europe. Its 400m high vertical cliffs are cut by up to 72 waterfalls plunging towards the flat green valley floor. Above the rocky walls rustic wooden chalets and villages are backed by 4,000m high snow-capped mountains. It is the Switzerland you see in postcards and travel brochures. The central hub of the valley is the town of Lauterbrunnen, from where a myriad of cable cars and trains connect a maze of trails. There is a suitable hike for all levels of fitness. Some trails allow for easy walks along the valley floor. Others are more challenging, heading above the cliff walls to explore the high mountain peaks. These are our top hikes near Lauterbrunnen organised via easy, medium and challenging treks. We have included maps, route instructions, and tips for getting that perfect photo. WHERE IS LAUTERBRUNNEN? The Lauterbrunnen Valley is just south of Interlaken in a mountainous region of Switzerland called the Bernese Oberland. Five miles long and rarely more than half a mile wide, the U-shaped valley has a flat base surrounded by vertical cliffs up to 400m high. The town of Lauterbrunnen sits at the entrance to the valley and is regularly served by trains from Interlaken. Cable cars and funiculars head up the valley walls to towns that sit atop the cliffs providing easy access to some amazing hikes. This post covers all the best walks near Lauterbrunnen. However, there are lots of other great hikes near Interlaken and across the Bernese Oberland region. In particular, don’t miss the Oeschinen Lake Panoramaweg. MAP | BEST HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN The below map contains each of the routes for our favourite hikes near Latuerbrunnen. Each hike is colour-coded. All the details are included in the descriptions further down in this guide. >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   EASY HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN Our 6 easy hikes near Lauterbrunnen are under 7 kilometres and can be done in less than 2 hours and 15 minutes. Most are flat or downhill, and those that are uphill have no more than 150 metres ascent. MODERATE HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN Our 2 moderate walks are 6-7 kilometres long and require a bit more ascent or descent or walking through snow. They take between 2 hours and 4 hours to complete and are more physically demanding. CHALLENGING HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN Our 2 challenging hikes are both over 10 kilometres taking about 5 hours to complete. The Männlichen to Alpiglen hike is almost in the moderate section, so well worth a go if you want a challenge, but not too much of one. KLEINE SCHEIDEGG 1 – STAUBBACH FALLS The Staubbach Falls provides one of the most iconic photos in the Swiss Alps. This magical wisp of water plunges 297 metres over the vertical valley walls, making it the third-highest waterfall in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The short hike begins at Lauterbrunnen Train Station and heads to the base of the falls. From here you get a true appreciation of the sheer size of the cliff face as the water drops towards you. The hike is a simple 1km each way along the road and almost entirely flat. Almost all the way is paved, however the final 200m is along a dirt track allowing you to get almost directly under the spray. Tip | Easy hike for the day you arrive in the valley. Most of it can be done with a stroller. ROUTE DETAILS // STA

UBBACH FALLS Distance – 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) | Time – 30 minutes | Elevation – 50 meters (165 feet) ascent and descent | Difficulty – Easy | Start & End – Lauterbunnen Train Station | Map – Orange & Red trail STAUBBACH FALLS 2 – JUNGFRAU EIGER WALK This is a great little trail to do on the way down from the Jungfraujoch. It only takes 30 minutes and it’s all downhill. The hike begins at Eigergletscher Station from where you can almost touch the tongues of snow and ice coming down the rocky faces of Mönch and Jungfrau.  The hike descends passing a charming wooden mountain hut that peers over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Take a shot at the artificial lake of Fallbodensee, before making your way to Kleine Scheidegg. At Kleine Scheidegg you can get the train back to Lauterbrunnen. Tip | Keep an eye out for photo opportunities of the Jungfraujoch train as you walk down. ROUTE DETAILS // JUNGFRAU EIGER Distance – 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) | Time – 30 minutes | Elevation – 260 meters (850 feet) descent | Difficulty – Easy | Start – Eigergletscher | End – Kleine Scheidegg | Map – Green trail 3 – TRÜMMELBACH FALLS The Trümmelbach Falls (April to November 9 am to 5 pm), are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls. Carved by glacial meltwater from the Mönch, Eiger, & Jungfrau mountains, up to 20,000 litres per second crash through the tunnels. Deep inside the valley walls the 10 roaring falls have been accessible by a series of lifts, tunnels, and platforms. It takes about 1 hour to hike the metal walkways and explore the falls. There’s a fee to enter and often a queue waiting for the lift. But the sheer power of the falls is a sight to see. The easiest access point is Trümmelbach bus stop, 7-minute bus ride from Lauterbrunnen (every half hour during the day). From the bus station it is just 250 metres to the entrance and lift.   Tip | Bring a raincoat and shoes with good grip. ROUTE DETAILS // TRÜMMELBACH FALLS Distance – 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) | Time – 1 hour | Elevation – 140 metres (460 feet) descent | Difficulty – Easy | Start & End – Trümmelbach Bus Station | Map – Purple trail TRÜMMELBACH FALLS 4 – GRÜTSCHALP TO MÜRREN This easy trail ascends the balcony between Grütschalp and Mürren. The path goes in and out of trees, revealing glimpses of the stunning Lauterbrunnen valley. There are grand views across to the town of Wengen and up to the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. The walk ends in Mürren where car-free lanes surround cute wooden chalets.  Tip | This is an easy and pleasant walk, but you can also get many of the same views on the train that runs between Grütschalp and Mürren. So, you could save your energy for another hike. ROUTE DETAILS // GRÜTSCHALP TO MÜRREN Distance – 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) | Time – 1 hour and 30 minutes | Elevation – 150 metres (490 feet) ascent | Difficulty – Easy | Start – Grütschalp | End – Mürren | Map – Light grey trail GRÜTSCHALP WENGEN LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY 5 – MÄNNLICHEN PANORAMA TRAIL A wonderful easy hike near Lauterbrunnen, the Männlichen Panorama Trail has truly magnificent views. It starts at the Männlichen Cable Car Station, which has a perfect view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Staubbach Waterfall. The trail heads towards Kleine Scheidegg with the trio of snow-capped giants – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in front of you and the town of Grindelwald on your left. The path is well-signed and very easy to follow. As you make progress, the 1,800m high daunting north face of the Eiger becomes more and more imposing. Just before reaching Kleine Scheidegg stop at Restaurant Grindelwaldblick for a break. Head up to its watchtower for one of the most scenic views in Switzerland. Tip | From Männlichen cable car an optional detour takes you to the Männlichen summit. The views from here are even better. It is a little higher, so it has a better angle looking down the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Add 500 metres each way and 120 metres of ascent and descent to include

this detour. ROUTE DETAILS // MÄNNLICHEN PANORAMA TRAIL Distance – 4.6 kilometres (2.85 miles) | Time – 1 hour 30 minutes | Elevation – 160 metres (525 feet) descent | Difficulty – Easy | Start – Männlichen | End – Kleine Scheidegg | Map – Blue trail MÄNNLICHEN PANORAMA TRAIL 6 – LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY WALK The Lauterbrunnen Valley is possibly the most beautiful valley in Europe. Its sheer-sided walls are cut by 72 waterfalls, some of which drop up to 400 metres. This easy hike begins at Stechelberg Bus Station, and follows the valley floor between Stechelberg and Lauterbrunnen. There is almost no ascent or descent making it a very pleasant stroll in stunning surroundings. The hike passes very close to the two falls mentioned above – Trümmelbach & Staubbach Falls. A great half day out is to hike this Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk, stopping off at the two falls on route. ROUTE DETAILS // LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY Distance – 6.8 kilometres (4.25 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Elevation – 120 metres (395 feet) descent | Difficulty – Easy | Start – Stechelberg | End – Lauterbrunnen | Map – Orange trail LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY 7 – NORTH FACE TRAIL This excellent hike near Lauterbrunnen can be completed in either direction. Going downhill from Allmendhubel to Mürren we would rank it as easy. Going uphill from Mürren to Allmendhubel we’d call it moderate. Either way, the trail is well-signed. Simply follow the blue ‘North Face-Trail’ markers at each junction. The trail is a great exploration of grassy meadows dotted with cute wooden chalets. Cows, pigs, goats, and horses dot the landscape as the path meanders past rustic barns and working farms. There are grand views up to the Schilthorn and across the upper end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Allmendhubel has a restaurant and play area. Mürren, perched on the edge of a vertical cliff is one of the more enchanting villages in Switzerland. ROUTE DETAILS // NORTH FACE Distance – 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) | Time – 2 hour 30 minutes | Elevation – 390 metres (1,280 feet) ascent and 60 metres (200 feet) descent | Difficulty – Easy to Moderate | Start – Allmendhubel | End – Mürren | Map – Brown trail MÜRREN 8 – MÖNCHSJOCHHÜTTE One of the best things to do at the Jungfraujoch is to hike to Mönchsjoch Hut. The highest altitude serviced hut in Switzerland, it stands at a staggering 3,658 metres. All year round, snow and ice surround the rocky pinnacle on which it stands. Fortunately, it’s only 1.5 miles from the Jungfraujoch Observation Deck at 3,463m. However, hiking through snow at high altitudes often takes longer than you think. We’d recommend allowing 2 hours for the round trip. Warm up with a coffee at Mönchsjoch Hut. JUNGFRAUJOCH A few suggestions for this hike: The high-altitude trail can often be closed so check before you leave. It’s very cold at the summit of this hike, (zero degrees even in peak summer) so bring warm clothes and waterproof boots. It can also be very sunny and the reflection off the snow can be blinding so don’t forget your sunglasses and sunblock. No mountaineering skills are required, it’s just a simple walk-through snow. Our Recommendation | This is a great hike to do if you already plan on taking the train up the Jungfraujoch. However, the train is very expensive, and it’s not worth paying for it, just to do the hike. ROUTE DETAILS // MÖNCHSJOCHHÜTTE Distance – 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Elevation – 210 metres (690 feet) ascent and descent | Difficulty – Moderate | Start & End – Jungfraujoch | Map – Black trail 9 – MÄNNLICHEN TO ALPIGLEN HIKE This wonderful hike combines three shorter trails and collects many of the best views near Lauterbrunnen. It begins at the Männlichen Cable Car Station. From here, you can take an optional detour to the top of Männlichen for excellent views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Next, the trail follows the Männlichen Panoramaweg. This path traverses under the ridgeline towards Klein

e Scheidegg. Glorious views of the three mighty peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower in front of you. At Kleine Scheidegg the path follows the Jungfrau Walk, climbing up to Eigergletscher. From here it follows the Eiger Trail, which traverses under the mighty north face of the Eiger. It ends at Alpiglen Train Station where you can get the train up to Kleien Shceidegg and back down into Lauterbrunnen. There is nothing technically difficult on this walk and all the trails are well signed. Restaurant Grindelwaldblick is our choice for lunch. It has a little watchtower to catch the best of the views. ROUTE DETAILS // MÄNNLICHEN TO ALPIGLEN Distance – 13.25 km (8.25 miles) | Time – 5 hours | Elevation – 340 metres (1,115 feet) ascent and 945 metres (3,100 feet) descent | Difficulty – Moderate | Start – Männlichen | End – Alpiglen | Map – Blue, green, and light green trails LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY 10 – SCHILTHORN TO MÜRREN HIKE This hike starts from Piz Gloria Cable Car Station at the top of the Schilthorn. The rotating restaurant with 360-degree views featured in the James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The first hour of this hike is a lovely walk along a wild rocky ridge. Although it has steep drops on either side, the path is wide and not too exposed. There are a couple of metal ladders and handrails to assist and often large piles of rocks to protect you on one side. At the end of the ridge, the path drops steeply down the flanks of the mountain. This is a long 1,000-metre descent. The rocky trail gradually turns to grassy meadows dotted with alpine flowers. The mountains of the Bernese Oberland spread out in front. The trail can be tricky to spot in places so make sure you keep referring to the map. About 90 minutes after leaving the ridge, the trail reaches Rotstochhütte, a perfect spot to stop for lunch. From here it’s just over 2 hours and 400 additional metres of descent back to Mürren. The last part of the hike is on part of the North Face Trail. It’s a challenging hike that takes about 5 hours walking, but you’ll want to leave at least 6 hours for lunch and photos. ROUTE DETAILS // SCHILTHORN TO MÜRREN Distance – 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) | Time – 5 hours | Elevation – 1,400 metres (4,600 feet) descent | Difficulty – Moderate to Challenging | Start – Schilthorn | End – Mürren | Map – Dark grey trail BIRG BIRG FROM SCHILTHORN MÜRREN UNDER BIG THREE HIKES NOT TO MISS NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN Most people only spend three or four days in the Lauterbrunnen Valley and cannot hope to complete all the hikes in that time. So, here are our top Lauterbrunnen hikes which we suggest you don’t miss. Best Easy Hike – Lauterbrunnen Valley (Staubbach & Trümmelbach) Best Moderate Hike – Mönchsjochhütte Best Challenging Hike – Männlichen to Alpiglen BEST TIME TO HIKE NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN September is the best time to hike near Lauterbrunnen. The summer hiking season runs from mid-June to mid-October, but snow can still cover the higher trail early in the season. The trails are at their most busy during the summer holidays from mid-July to the end of August. It’s a beautiful time to visit when the meadows are lush and the alpine flowers blooming. But you’ll rarely have a trail to yourself. THANKS FOR VISITING // WHERE NEXT? A BIG THANK YOU We’ve been providing free travel content on Anywhere We Roam since 2017. If you appreciate what we do, here are some ways you can support us. Thank you! Paul & Mark FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM USE OUR RESOURCES PAGE [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Ask me what the best things to do in the UK are and I’ll always answer the same: immerse yourself in our culture. Perhaps you’re wondering what that means, seeing as a fair few memes say it’s only beige food and bizarrely titled royals. But having lived abroad for a few years now, I think I can finally answer that question based on all the bits of home I miss. It’s proper pubs with banter, booze and slightly questionable carpets. It’s a cracking cultural scene that spans open-air theatres in the south to legendary live music and non-stop festivals in Edinburgh. It’s complaining about crappy countryside roads that squeeze through farmland before arriving at some of the world’s most spectacular coastal hikes. It’s wild camping on the outer Scottish islands where time stands still and stars dance, so you don’t mind the odd rain shower. And it’s lugging yourself into London on the train – while repeatedly complaining about the train prices to anyone who will listen – because there’s always another free museum to visit. Not that we only have one culture – we’re four proud nations bound by one (often debated) union. Even city to city, you’ll notice the differences in accents, what we call a bread roll, and our signature slang. So, while it’s highly subjective, these are my picks of the United Kingdom’s top things to do – the ones I always suggest friends do when they visit to get a flavour of the country from top to toe. Sure, it might not list every single ‘must-see’ place in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland, but these UK experiences will introduce you to the country’s history, nature, pomp and people. Tackle Wales’ Great Trails  Most first-time visitors to the UK rarely make it to Wales, and they’re missing a trick. Given my Gran’s Welsh, making me a quarter so, I’m proud to fly my little part of the coolest dragon-adorned flag there is. But if you venture to the wonderful west of Great Britain, get beyond Cardiff and into the unadulterated nature. Summit Eryri (Snowdonia) for sweeping vistas of lush peaks and dramatic, cerulean-hued lakes. If you’re lucky, you’ll see as far as Pembrokeshire, arguably the most handsome part of the whole country.  And it’s here, amongst the windswept, croissant-coloured beaches, that you’ll likely fall in love – especially if you come in spring when the Wales Coast Path is lined with fluttering vivid wildflowers. Whether it’s along the border-tracking Dyke Path or the craggy coastal trail, Wales’ Great Trails offer some of the UK’s best self-guided adventures on foot or bike. En route, I guarantee you’ll stumble upon so many beautiful off-the-beaten-path spots as you traverse across scrub, shores, moors and all-smiling remote villages that you might just forget about the other three nations. Fossil hunting on Charmouth beach is one of the UK’s best activities Fossil hunt on a South Coast road trip I might be biassed as this is my home region, but little can compare to the southwest of England, specifically the history-hiding Jurassic Coast. Not that it hides its history that much. You can actually hunt out fossils buried just below the surface of these gorgeous sands. One of my favourite things to do in the UK even now is to take a road trip along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and search for ammonites and belemnites that are millions of years old. Pop into one of the museums along this 95-mile-long stretch of shore, and you’ll be stunned by some of the dinosaur fossils people have actually found and put on display for all to see. I’d love to tell you to book a little beach hut and Lyme Regis and chill out for a while. But these days, getting one of those aquamarine seaside huts is nearly as impossible as meeting one of the stegosaurus that were here long before sunbathers. Instead, rent a car and work your way down the coast from Dorset to Devon. Start in my hometown of Bournemouth, skate along to the dramatic rock arch of Durdle Door – don’t

miss the Man O’ War Beach next door, it’s the best – and then continue on to Charmouth to find your own piece of history. Along the way you’ll learn all about Mary Anning, one of our most prolific dinosaur fossil hunters, enjoy top-notch fish and chips in seaside pubs, and then cross into equally as handsome Devon for the final stretch. Summer might have the nicest weather, but it will also have half of London on the shores. Come in late spring or early autumn for the best experience. Paying a visit to the Roman Baths is one of the best experiences the UK has to offer Discover the UK’s Roman history It’s not that I don’t think Stonehenge — our most famous prehistoric megalith – is impressive or fascinating. But if you ask me what the UK’s top historical experiences is, I’m going to point you in another direction: Roman Britain. For me, the 350-odd years we were part of the Roman Empire is a far more interesting part of our country’s story. Even these days, we’re still discovering new parts of this historic chapter, such as the new London museum showing off a recently discovered part of a former Roman Wall at Vine Street or the well-preserved mosaic found near the Shard. But it gets even better than that. Start your history tracing in the city of Bath, at the impressive Roman bathing complex that has been in the heart of the city since 70 AD. Then, cross over into Kent to tour the Lullingstone Roman Villa (currently under renovation) and marvel at the well-preserved wall paintings and mosaics. Heading north, the Wroxeter Roman City is an open-air walk back in time, while Hadrian’s Wall, further still, is perhaps the best Roman sight of all to visit. Stretching across the width of the country, you can track the weathered Roman fortification wall across remains of forts and towns. Once, I was there for an epic evening when they illuminated the whole wall with torchlight, and it was incredible, though it apparently only happens once a decade. Regardless, it’s an excellent place to start your introduction to Roman history, before continuing on to bonnie Scotland. Why not sleep in Durham Castle to upgrade your UK experience? Sleep in a castle We may be the country of outdated pomp and funny royal titles, but that’s given us plenty of practice at perfecting castles. Sure, visiting Windsor or Edinburgh Castle are cool things to do, but if you’re looking for the best castle-related activity in the UK, it’s got to be sleeping in one. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that castles are apparently so commonplace in this old land that students even use them for dorms. Yes, really! I couldn’t believe it either when I was touring Durham Castle — a Harry Potter filming set — and I was told that the University students slept there. During the summer holidays, it becomes one of the UK’s most unique hotels. And it’s far from the only option. All across the land, you can splash out and splurge on a  stay in a British castle, which has got to earn some kind of bragging rights – especially if you rent a private one for you and your travel crew. Why not go wild and rent out the 1,900 acre estate of Crom Castle in Northern Ireland, or 18th-century Birkhill Castle in Scotland. Or perhaps you’d prefer to while away some days in Wales’ haunted Craig-y-Nos Castle? Either way, a regal stay is in sight on our shores.  From scenic rail to serene lochs, the Scottish Highlands have it all Ride and hide in Scotland’s highlands  Call me a traitor to England all you want, but Scotland can’t be beaten. Yeah, the weather might be worse more often than down south, but any chance I got to be in Scotland, I took, whether it was bar work in Glasgow or spending the month of August working at the non-stop Edinburgh Festivals. After those late-night work trips, I’d always slip away into the Scottish highlands for some R&R, and I highly recommend you do the same on your Scotland road trip. Sure, take the “Harry Potter” Jacobite train, it really is spectacular,

and do a loop of gorgeous Skye – avoiding summer when over-tourism doesn’t even cover it – but then come back into the gorgeous glens (valleys), munro (high mountains), and legendary lochs (lakes) flanked by crumbling castles. Out here in the hypnotic highlands, time really does seem to slow down if you’ll let it. Sure, you can get busy summiting Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, or trying to spot the mythical Nessy Monster with your own eyes, but it’s also equally enchanting cycling through Glen Coe, made famous by 007, or wild camping alongside a wild-flower flanked lake. Not a fan of camping? Spending a few nights at Eagle Brae Cabins, one of Scotland’s unique stays, is my top tip of things to do in the UK for a proper bolthole escape. Especially as these homely log cabins with photogenic turf roofs are set on a private landscape with deep and adorable goats trotting around. Pour yourself a dram of whisky (without the e up here) from the Isle of Arran, sit out on your terrace, and be entranced by absolute bliss. Start a night in Manchester at Mackie Mayor for good grub before going until the early hours Make it an all-nighter There are a fair few jokes about British drinking culture (more on that later), which, I think, are mainly warranted. But if you really want to see the best of Britain, you’re gonna need to have at least one proper night out. Luckily, the best nightlife experiences in the UK span the whole country. From Belfast’s chummy and craic-filled Irish pubs soundtracked by traditional live music to the LGBTQ+ bars of free-spirited Brighton in the south of England, there really is a non-stop night out for all. Liverpool, with its legendary musical credentials courtesy of The Beatles, won’t let you go to bed early. Manchester is a cracking city for a night on the tiles, whether at the gay bars of Canal Street or raving to pumping Techno at The Warehouse Project. Up in Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, I’ve had some of the absolute best and wildest nights of my life – Scottish people are the best people to make drinking buddies with. And, of course, in London and Edinburgh, you’re just as spoilt for choice. After dark, we Brits somehow seem to be at our best – just apologies for any chundering, scraps and the state of some kebab shops! Ride vintage trams, play dress up, and visit recreations of Victorian kitchens at Beamish Go back in time at Beamish One thing the UK excels at is museums, and I’m not just talking about your average quick walk through some information boards. Take the Beamish Living Museum of the North in Durham, perhaps the best museum I’ve ever visited. Here, a whole set of interactive villages have been built to show what life was like at various stages throughout Britain’s history. From sweet shops to moving trams and photo studios to interactive classrooms, actors and the re-constructed properties literally transport you to times gone by – hopefully, they can open safely this summer. There are multiple museums like this in the UK, from the Cosmeston Medieval Village in Wales to the Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire, and including one of these in your next British getaway will add another level of history to your UK experience. Have a proper fish and chip takeaway or get it down the pub to experience the UK’s boozers Pies, pints and fish and chips What’s a good night in the UK? Well, it might look something like this… It’s dropping clangers during a chinwag in a bee’s knees boozer that’s chockablock with sloshed chavs while complaining what a cock up things are to any geezer who will listen because it’s all gone pear-shaped. Then, it’s a cor blimey to the publican about how many quid a pint costs (he’s taking you for a mug) before noshing on a cheeky Nandos. But you’re cream crackered after, so you pinch one last fag and skip the knees up to leg it to your gaff for a kip so you’ll be full of beans tomorrow as you don’t want to make a dog’s dinner out of the Sunday roast, innit. Confused? You’ll have it nailed after a few nights down your temporary local!

Nothing can beat the British pub for an evening out. I’ve been lucky enough to travel and live in so many countries now but the good old British Pub is an institution that can’t be rivaled (alright, Ireland, I’ll tip my hat to you, too). [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Gawking at a twinkling Eiffel Tower, cramming into the Mona Lisa’s tiptoeing crowd, and tipsily serenading passers-by in scant French à la Moulin Rouge are some of France’s famed first-time experiences – well, they were mine, anyway. But if you’re aspiring for more than a pre-prepared, Paris-heavy checklist, you’ll want to venture beyond the crème de la crème capital to embrace all of that France has to offer. Oui, the world’s most visited country has an Eiffel Tower-sized list of activities, something I can attest to after a dozen or so visits. Powderchasers should beeline to the southeast for perfect winter pistes, summer sun-seekers can sizzle on the seductive southern shorelines of the Cote d’Azur or Corsica, while history-inclined travellers will find stories along Normandy’s D-Day beaches and its isolated island abbey.  And then there’s all that food and wine. Oh là là! Diving into France’s joie de vivre is as effortless as devouring your way through some of Europe’s best food cities, such as bouchon-heavy Lyon or perfectly wine-paired Bordeaux. But the menu doesn’t end there. From flitting between lavender blooms to micronation border-hopping, these are my picks of the best things to do in France. Taste your way through an appellation (or two) Madame et monsieur, what will it be? An oaked Chablis, light and fresh Beaujolais, or a criminally good Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Whichever you order, you’ll be embracing one of France’s best experiences: sampling a selection of the world’s finest wines. But in addition to popping corks at closely huddled tables, factor in a delicious Domaine visit, a boozy wine marathon, or an overnight vineyard stay to exhaustively appreciate the land of award-winning vintners and seriously credential-clad sommeliers. Settling into a tasting room, perhaps in a château or a more humble farmhouse, is the quickest way to gain intimate knowledge of France’s top-notch vins. When I worked in a French restaurant in London, one of the job’s greatest joys was occasional trips across the channel to meet knowledgeable makers and hand-select new vintages for the wine list – an essential “research experience” I think everyone should build have. And you won’t even have to travel far to say santé amongst the vines. Wineries are everywhere. There are the most famous appellations, of course, such as Bordeaux and Champagne – less than two hours from Paris – but don’t overlook the likes of Alsace, easy to explore if you’re at Colmar’s Christmas markets, or the very palatable rosés of Province’s vines, a perfect detour on a French Riviera road trip. The bad news? A designated driver in France is a must. View from the scenic Bordeaux to Bergac train which slices through vineyards Embark on a river cruise L’Hexagone is handsome from all angles, but perhaps even more so when cinematic castles and Cézanne-inspiring countryside unhurriedly glide by. For a trip with distinction – one free of traffic and hotel-hopping – why not explore France’s highlights on a river cruise? Like the country’s wine list, the waterway prospects are extensive, with cruises along the Dordogne, into the Loire Valley, or tracing the border-crossing Rhine all bundling many of France’s best experiences into one dreamy getaway. The most obvious first-time route would be a Seine river cruise from Paris. Leaving the city of love in your wake, a one-week cruise will smuggle you away to Calvados distilleries, Rouen’s jaw-dropping cathedral, and the half-timbered houses of Honfleur. For something slightly ‘offbeat’, consider the Loire Valley, journeying in a barge along the River Cher to see the 17th-century, river-crossing Château de Chenonceau. Or begin your waterway love affair in Lyon by sailing down the Rhône for terraced vineyard views en route to Provence’s vivid lavender and limestone towns. Whichever ship you board, you can be sure of a bon voyage. Whether you’re cruising the Seine or gliding down the Rhône, a river cruise in France affords another vantage point

Stay in a château Not keen on a cabin? No problem. There’s no need to set sail to upgrade your France sleeping experience. How about an equally indulgent night or two in a château? You might also be suprised at how affordable it can be. Sure, there are some out-of-this-world chateaux with equally eye-watering prices – the cost of one night at Airelles Château de Versailles can make a river cruise seem cheap – but hunt around for a small, family-run pick, and you can have your champagne moment at (nearly) lemonade prices. Why? Because there are thousands of these stately residences speckling the county. Unlike in the Middle Ages, when the term only referred to imposing castles and regal palaces, its use expanded to cover any large, decadent dwelling over the centuries. All excellent news for those of us on a budget. My first time feeling like French aristocracy (the good kind, not the post-revolution guillotine kind) was sinking into a four-poster bed in the bubblegum-painted Château Hôtel du Colombier near St Malo – and it was barely any more expensive than a hotel in town. So, widen those hotel searches, hunt out a regal countryside retreat, and regale yourself with one of the most luxurious things to do in France. Staying at Château Hôtel du Colombier was a fantastic experience See the lavender blooms Chances are you’ve seen a vibrant, violet-hued image of France where big skies meet endless lavender fields. And if you have, I’ll bet you want to tread through them, breathing in the sweet scent of blooms soundtracked by buzzing bees. Well, you’re not alone. A visit to Provence’s lavender fields is one of the most popular activities in France. Thousands flock to Luberon and Valensole from late June until early August to see this colourful, camera-friendly extravaganza. Advanced planning to snag accommodation is therefore critical, but be aware that in recent years, with climate change, there have also been shifts in when the lavender blooms. If the idea of expensive stays and crowded fields doesn’t sound appealing, follow my lead and head to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in mid to late June instead. Last year, I spent some delightful days around Gringan and Montélimar in the Drôme, touring pretty fields, enjoying fair prices, and barely sharing the spectacle with another soul. Being slightly further north and not sporting the Provence label, this region has remained (slightly more) unsung. You might see more of the slightly shorter lavandin than true lavender up here, but honestly, it’s an almost unnoticeable trade-off. Seeing the blooming lavender around Grignan Pop to a micronation Fancy racking up a few more (imaginary) passport stamps on your trip to France? You’re in luck. In the south, you can nip across to two of Europe’s smallest countries, Andorra and Monaco. Plus, border-hopping to Luxembourg is also on the cards. But be warned, Europe’s microstates are small in landmass but gigantic in price. Little is cheap in these tiny corners. Hence, a fleeting day trip can be a France must-do rather than a stand-alone trip.  Monaco, hemmed in by France’s Cote d’Azur, is a quick train ride from Nice. Or an even shorter helicopter ride if you’re as lucky as I was at Monaco’s famed Monte-Carlo Casino and decide to splash the cash on your transfer back. Its pocket-size is perfect for a whirlwind visit, and you’ll have time to tour the 15th-century Prince’s Palace (come around 11 am for the Changing of the Guard), amble around pretty gardens, and see the fascinating Grand Prix circuit, which is in fact formed of the nation’s normal roads. Better still, time your visit for late May or June and get your Formula 1 tickets in advance to see the real deal. Pop to micro-nation Monaco for casinos, race tracks and wealth Across the other side of France, landlocked Andorra hides away in the Pyrenees mountain range, Spain just beyond. In winter, expect plenty of snow, while hiking and tax-free shopping rule supreme in summer. Luxembourg, however, is oh-so dreamy, and I’d argue that it deserves more than a day trip.

Spend a night or two falling in love with the fairytale-like, multi-layered Old Quarters of Luxembourg City, and you’ll likely agree with me that it’s one of Europe’s most underrated cities. Medieval Annecy is one of France’s prettiest cities (Top image: SUP on Lake Annecy) Slip away to medieval villages and towns Going off the beaten path in Europe is a delight, one that France elevates to another level. This country has gorgeous medieval villages and storied half-timbered hilltowns down to a tee. From walled Fougères in Brittany, which could have been plucked straight from a pop-up Disney book, to castle-crowned Najac in often-overlooked Occitania, you’ll soon stumble on a dreamy detour on any countryside road trip. And have you seen Semur-en-Auxois? Chef’s kiss! But these pretty villages aren’t just ten a penny; they are all packed with their own only-in-France experiences. Walking the ramparts in outrageously handsome Carcassonne before chowing down on slow stewed cassoulet. Crossing the cobbles of postcard-perfect Annecy to SUP atop Alpine lakes and admire canal-splitting turrets. Or kayaking along the Dordogne to see Bergerac’s beauty from another angle. These are just some of my favourite French memories. Seriously, do yourself a favour and forgo the cities for a side trip – or ideally, a longer sojourn – and get to see France’s more timeless side. It’s easy to spend a day, or longer, exploring the Louvre’s vast collection Linger a little longer in the Louvre Nearly everyone will tell you that visiting the Louvre Museum is one of the best things to do in France. And to an extent, I agree. However, I can also understand why people walk away wondering what all the fuss is about. Sure, this is undoubtedly one of the greatest museums and collections in the world – if you’re into it. But if you’re only coming to spot the Mona Lisa, which, to pre-warn you, involves quite an intensely crowded, camera-wielding experience, you might leave less than impressed. The Louvre is a museum that needs time. There’s a six-figure collection to admire here that could easily keep art aficionados engaged for days. If you can only spare an hour or two, missing some of the most spectacular pieces can be easy. My advice is to consider if it’s worth your time on a quick Paris getaway, especially given there is no shortage of other excellent museums and attractions across the capital and country. Or, perhaps join one of the fantastic guided tours, which not only showcase the best pieces in a short time frame but also explain some history about the magnificent building, part of which is a former Royal Palace.  Lyon’s Old Town is packed with bouchons, ideal for tasing the city’s traditional sausage-led dishes Eat everything  Charcuterie. Oozing cheeses. Refined cooking methods. Simple yet sublime sauces. The can’t-be-rivalled now UNESCO-listed baguettes. A well-seasoned, seafood-packed Bouillabaisse on a summer’s day in Marseille. Savoury, breakfast-stuffed galettes or freshly baked all-butter croissants. Bon appétit! Welcome to French gastronomy, where the degustation is endless. It’s no stretch to say that eating is one of the most tempting reasons to visit France, and you’ll tastebuds will be dancing from the very first hors-d’œuvre. Sure, it’s a cliché. But to be fair, the French invented that word, as they did the countless acclaimed dishes. Just ensure your à la carte escapade extends well beyond the big hitters. Forget escargot, macarons, and moules frites for a minute – especially the last one, as the Belgians would like a word – and extend your palate to all the provincial dishes. Whether you’re dining in one of Lyon’s many bouchon restaurants where sausages in all forms are the order of the day, trying the fatty-potato mix of Truffade in Clermont-Ferrand – the birthplace of the MICHELIN Guide – or having fresh Fine de Claire oysters shucked tableside in coastal Marennes, all the regional delights are delectable. Forget Disneyland and enjoy the fairytale feeling of Mont Saint-Michel instead

Make for Mont St Michel From an overlooked islet to a monastery, convent and even prison, the unique island of Mont St Michel has built quite the curriculum vitae over the centuries. Nowadays, crossing the water-flanked bridge to the abbey-crowned island is one of Northern France’s top things to do for millions of visitors. Long gone are the days when only pilgrims ventured to this less-than-easy-to-access coastal outpost, which first gained religious buildings in the 8th century. Not that it’s all changed. The coastal constant of high tide cutting off the island from the rest of Normandy remains the same, though the more modern, permanent road makes access far easier than the previously twice-a-day submerged footpath.  Fascinating stuff, right? Well, it gets even cooler when you realise you can stay overnight. Pick from a handful of heritage hotels, such as Hotel Le Mouton Blanc, housed in a 14th-century half-timbered building, for a memorable sleep. Then, enjoy exploring the Gothic Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, walking the ramparts, and picnicking in the gardens – after dark, with the daytrippers long gone, it’s arguably even more enchanting. Plan around the full moon, when the tides are most elevated, and you might witness the road completely underwater, allowing you to experience Mont St Michel as it was always intended to be: private and secluded.  Nice is the French Riviera’s crown jewel, but there are plenty of other adorable places to pick from Roadtrip the French Riviera From St Malo’s wave-battered, northern coastline to the gin-clear shores of sun-kissed Corsica, France earns bragging rights for its beaches. However, no other part of the country can compare to the French Riviera for worldwide magnetism. Yes, the Côte d’Azur, to use its formal name, is a French-language superlative: it’s très chic, luxe, and oh so élégant. Setting off on a road trip along the belles of French beaches will show you the best of it beyond fashionable Nice, the Riviera’s de facto capital, or cinematic-focused Cannes. Stretching from Menton on the Italian border to Cassis (depending on who you ask) near Marseille, this roughly 260-kilometre coastal road trip crosses some of Europe’s best beaches, making it one of the best things you can do in France when the sun is shining. Marvel at Menton’s pastel-hued seaside homes and dense lemon groves, track Monaco’s race track, splurge amongst Saint-Tropez’s trendsetters and slow down for a second in postcard-perfect Sanary. Be sure to pack a swimsuit, as once you’ve passed the pebbly beaches in and around Nice, you’ll be treated to spectacular sandy shorelines. Pick from the powdery sands of Plage de la Garoupe for a cape-yet-city coastal retreat or Plage de Bonporteau for a proper bay bolthole. Fancy throwing a few islands into the mix? Hop on a catamaran to Port-Cros National Park. Just maybe avoid August when it seems the whole of France is sizzling on the shores of the Côte d’Azur.  Caen is a fantastic French city break easily reachable by ferry from the UK Book a city break beyond Paris Some would say Paris is the best city break in France. I’d say au contraire. Sure, it’s one of the world’s most lusted-for cities, but there are plenty of reasons you might not become a super fan. Have you heard of Paris syndrome? It’s a terrible culture shock that traumatises some unsuspecting Japanese visitors in much the same way as Emily terrorises Parisians. In truth, it took me three visits to Paris before I started to see what the fuss was about. But I digress. The point is there are some serious contenders to rival the capital. Lyon is up there. You get the river strolls, first-class dining, romantic Old Town and hill-topping Basilica but wrapped up in a much more manageable marvel. Bordeaux? Yes, please. This charismatic city is about much more than wines, though they are a good mid-day sip between exploring the numerous museums and pretty corners that “little Paris” offers. Think Marseille is a gritty port city? Think again. It’s a culture-packed Mediterranean city reborn.

Then there are all the smaller cities, which might not have the City of Light’s dazzle but still boast some of France’s best things to do. Caen’s Abbey is a sight to behold, playful Nantes, with its mechanical animal marvels, is a perfect weekend getaway, and Grenoble packs a cultural punch even when snow isn’t falling. Paris is an absolute must-visit – just be sure to return to France to explore more of the good stuff. Top: Château Chenonceau | Bottom: Les 3 Valles [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Koh Rong Samloem is a jungle-clad island surrounded by magnificent beaches illuminated with white sand. It is undergoing development but remains a stunning destination in Cambodia. Here’s all you need to know for an escape in paradise.   By: Mark Barnes | Published: 28 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Koh Rong Samloem is an island paradise with some of the finest beaches in the world. Remote locations with few facilities and tricky access made Koh Rong Samoloem the perfect destination for backpackers. Recently, mid and upmarket hotels have started appearing with some infrastructure underway to connect different parts of the island. Development comes at an environmental cost, but it also brings a much wider choice of accommodation. We were a bit nervous before visiting, but we were not disappointed. The island maintains a cool vibe and it’s possible to avoid most of the development. Our guide covers the main areas of the island with tips for deciding where to stay, how to get around and what to do. If you are deciding between the beaches of Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Rong, check out our guide to Koh Rong. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Koh Rong Samloem is a laid-back resort island with beaches dotted around its edge, but there are a few things to know before you decide where to stay. Rubbish – Plastic is a problem in Cambodia, and unfortunately, you’ll find it littering some of the beaches at Koh Rong Samloem. Much of it gets carried across the water from Sihanoukville, but there’s also a little being dumped directly on this beautiful island. Every morning, resort staff (and tourists) will clean up the beaches and generally keep the area in front of the resorts pristine. But away from the main resorts, there is some litter on the beach. In our experience it was a little better than Koh Rong, mainly because most of the beach is occupied by resorts. Development – Koh Rong Samloem has been home to backpackers for many decades, but the Cambodian government is trying to develop the island. Mid and upmarket resorts are being built sometimes with little concern for the environment. Large tracks that seem much wider than necessary have been carved through the jungle to prepare for roads that so far have not been built. Saracen Bay, in particular, has been affected. But, where development has finished, there is now an excellent mix of accommodation for different budgets surrounded by a relaxed vibe and beachfront restaurants. We were nervous about coming here but if you choose your accommodation carefully (see below), it’s a fantastic beach destination. Sandflies – Sandflies can be a problem when lying directly on the beach at Koh Rong Samloem. However, the process of raking the sand helps to significantly reduce the number of these pesky little insects. So, finding a beach in front of a resort or guesthouse is a good idea. Otherwise, find a lounger or hammock. Cash – Most guesthouses, hotels, and resorts take credit and debit card, but the local bars and restaurants will want cash. There are no ATMs on the island so bring enough with you. WHEN TO VISIT KOH RONG SAMLOEM The best time to visit Koh Rong is from Mid-November to February when the temperature is between 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F), the skies generally clear and the sea calmer.  March to May can be very hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (86°F) but rainfall can still be relatively infrequent. Throughout June to mid-November you can expect some wind and rain on about half the days. Periodically boat crossings to the island are cancelled and snorkelling and diving is impossible. The upside is that accommodation is cheaper. GETTING TO KOH RONG SAMLOEM To get to the Kohn Rong islands you take a boat from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. SIHANOUKVILLE AUTONOMOUS PORT Sihanoukville’s Autonomous Port can be reached by bus from most other Cambodian cities. The most popular are Phnom Penh (3 hours), Kampot (3 hours) and Siem Reap

(10 hours). Rithy Express Buses stop just around the corner from the Autonomous Port. Vireak Buntham buses require a short tuk-tuk ride ($3) There is also a new flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville (1 hour 10 minutes) with Cambodia Angkor Air.  SPEEDBOAT FROM SIHANOUKVILLE PORT TO KOH RONG SAMLOEM Five companies run regular speedboat journeys from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to three destinations on Koh Rong Samloem: Saracen Bay, Sandy Bay and M’Pai. Saracen Bay has two different piers (Ocean Pier & Eden Pier), 10 minutes’ walk from each other. Timing – The boats run from about 8 am to 5 pm. Cost – Tickets are $14 one way or $25 return. You need to book a ticket to a specific destination, so make sure you know the pier that’s most convenient to where you are staying. Journey Time – The boats will stop wherever people have booked tickets for. The journey takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes depending on whether you are the first or last stop. If you buy a return, you need let the ferry company know the boat you want to get back one day before you leave Koh Rong Samloem. Bookings – Book online in advance, especially in peak season. We used GTVC, it had the best ratings, easy online booking, and the service was good. However, its arrival times were a bit optimistic, so allow extra time for any connections on the way back. GETTING BETWEEN KOH RONG & KOH RONG SANLOEM You can get between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem via longtail boats. There are a couple daily, leaving from M’Pai or Saracen Bay and dropping you at Koh Touch or Long Set Beach. They take about 60 to 90 minutes and cost about $14 per person. ACCOMMODATION BOOKING TIPS Rooms are pricier if they overlook the beach and accommodation is most expensive in December & January. Here is a rough estimation of what you could expect to pay:  Budget – $ – up to $30 Midmarket – $$ – $30 to $60 Upmarket – $$$ – $60 to $120 Luxury – $$$$ – $120 + When booking, make sure you know if your room comes with air-conditioning and/or mosquito nets. With lots of insects and night-time temperatures around 25°C, they can make sleeping much easier. If you are staying for more than 3 or 4 days, it’s worth splitting your accommodation and staying at a couple of different beaches. Alternatively, you could spend 3 days on Koh Rong Samloem and then hop over to equally stunning Koh Rong and stay a few days there. WHERE TO STAY IN KOH RONG SAMLOEM Beautiful beaches are dotted all around the coast of Koh Rong Samloem. Each beach has a different vibe attracting a different crowd and different levels of accommodation. We have a brief description of each below along with our recommendations for the best places to stay, and a rough indication of the price. 1. SARACEN BAY The jewel in the crown of Koh Rong Samloem, Saracen Bay is a stunning beach. With only a narrow entrance at its mouth, it feels almost like a lagoon. Gentle soft white slopes gradually to the water so you can walk out for a few hundred metres before being up to your waist. It used to be a backpacker haven, but new developments have provided mid-market and upmarket resorts. While there is some building happening, most of Saracen’s cool vibe remains. The middle part of the beach (around Sara Resort) is still a great mix of cheap and friendly hostels and guesthouses, with plenty of places to drink and eat. Regular good value boat trips leave to explore the coast, stopping to snorkel, dive, or see the bioluminescent plankton. The trick is knowing where to stay. It’s best to avoid the south-eastern section of the beach where development is still planned, and the older resorts look a little tired. The middle section (Sara resort, Onederz & La Passion) has no more room for development and resorts keep the beach immaculate. The excellent Island Centre Point has a central position on the north-western end of beach. The two resorts either side share a large beachfront which they all maintain well. G

ETTING THERE All 5 ferry companies run direct ferries from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to Saracen Bay. GTVC stops at Ocean Pier, while the others drop off at Eden Pier. The two piers are a 10-minute walk apart. SARACEN BAY ACCOMMODATION ONEDERZ KOH RONG SAMLOEM ($) This hostel in a prime location in the middle of Saracen Bay has dormitories and rooms with private bathrooms. Wedged between other resorts the beach around here is well-cleaned and often pristine. The papasan chairs on the beach are a great place to hang out. SARA RESORT ($$$) In the middle of Saracen Bay, Sara Resort has a great central location surrounded by other bars and guesthouses. The beach front is mainly taken up by their excellent restaurant, but there are loungers around the pool. ISLAND CENTER POINT ($$$) New in 2023, the rooms at Island Center Point are modern and beautifully appointed with stylish open-air bathrooms. The hotel owns a wide stretch of beach, with free cabanas. It’s a quiet end of Saracen Bay, but the bars are just a 10-minute walk along the beach. The downsides are there is no pool, and the restaurant is decidedly average and expensive. LA PASSION BY ACHARIYAK ($$$$) The most luxurious hotel on Saracen Bay, 4-star La Passion is beautifully presented with carefully manicured gardens and boardwalks. The restaurant looks extremely inviting, but its prices and western-focused menu can be a bit off-putting. Fortunately, there are lots of options nearby. 2. M’PAI M’Pai is a small fishing village on the northern tip of Koh Rong Samloem that can only be reached by boat. The beach is not as attractive as Saracen Bay, but the village entices backpackers coming for a longer stay. It has a slightly bohemian feel and being more remote there are good hiking options into the jungle. The diving and snorkelling at Koh Koun, just across the water, is excellent, and it’s possible to see the glowing bioluminescent plankton just offshore at night. This is a good option for a cheap, but different type of stay on Koh Rong Samloem. GETTING THERE GTVC and Buva Sea run direct ferries from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to M’Pai. Numerous shuttle boats run daily between M’Pai and Saracen Bay and cost about $7. M’PAI ACCOMMODATION DRAGONFLY GUEST HOUSE ($) Basic but comfortable fan-cooled bungalows with shared bathrooms. There’s a bar and garden to hang out in, and a rocky bay for snorkelling. They have incense to deter mosquitoes, but no nets. BEACH HOUSE CAMBODIA ($$) Directly on the beach, this hotel offers lots of activities from yoga to snorkelling, movie nights to karaoke. The common areas are a great place to meet other travellers. There are rooms for all budgets, some with air-conditioned (a rarity in M’Pai). 3. SUNSET BEACH With no roads across the island and no scheduled ferries, Sunset Beach, on the western side of Koh Rong Samloem, is a secluded untouched gem. There’s wonderful snorkelling straight from the beach and diving opportunities. Facing westward, there are excellent sunsets and a good chance to see the glowing bioluminescent plankton just offshore. The beach is backed by three or four different accommodation options. There is no five-star luxury, nor is there air conditioning. But you will find back to basic experiences where the sounds of the forest and the waves permeate every moment. There’s not much to do and it’s not easy to get anywhere else, so it’s the perfect place for just unwinding. Sunset Beach is a good place to stay if you want to get away from it all. Alternatively, it’s a great destination for one or two nights to break up a longer stay on Saracen Bay. GETTING THERE Ferry & Walk – Take the ferry to Saracen Bay then hike for 30 minutes across the island to Sunset Beach. The path is a mix of wide gravel tracks (being prepared for roads) and narrow jungle paths (see map below). The last section is a steep, narrow rocky trail down to the beach. There’s a guard rope to assist with the descent and you’ll need your

hands free. Wear shoes with a good grip and come with a backpack. The path is not good for flip-flops or suitcases and certainly don’t try it at night. (If you are coming for the day, leave heavy luggage at Sunny Bungalows on Saracen Bay for $1). Ferry & Taxi Boat – Alternatively (during summer season November to May) get the ferry to M’Pai and hire a local taxi boat to take you to Sunset Beach. The taxi boat takes about 30 minutes and costs $20-25 one way. SUNSET BEACH ACCOMMODATION ROBINSON BUNGALOWS ($) Wooden bungalows with straw thatched roofs, each with their own balcony with hammocks overlooking the sea. Rooms have mosquito nets and private bathrooms but no electricity points and wi-fi is unreliable (charging can be done at reception). SUNBOO BEACH BUNGALOWS ($$) The basic beach-facing bungalows are comfortable enough, but it’s the morning yoga classes, tasty food, books to borrow, and inviting hammocks that really make Sunboo a great experience.    4. LAZY BEACH Lazy Beach is another remote destination on the western side of Koh Rong Samloem. The golden sand is untouched and, apart from a few bits of rubbish at the far end, it’s very clean. Tree roots wind through the sand and their canopy offers a small amount of shade. There is no road to Lazy Beach (although that may change) and no scheduled ferry stops. But the walk across the island from Saracen Bay is easy and they have a tractor ferry guests across with their luggage. There is only one resort on this remote beach, and it has a great restaurant area. Even if you don’t stay here, walking over from Saracen Bay and having lunch is a great thing to do on Koh Rong Samloem. Lazy Beach is an easier place than Sunset Beach to disconnect from the world. GETTING THERE Take the ferry to Saracen Bay where Lazy Beach Resort will organise a tractor to carry you and your luggage to the resort on the other side of the island. Without luggage, you can hike the 0.7 miles, which will take about 25 minutes. The trail is a mix of wide gravel tracks and narrow jungle trails which can be done in flip-flops (see map below). LAZY BEACH ACCOMMODATION LAZY BEACH RESORT ($$) Rustic bungalows with balconies and sea views. The rooms are spacious and come with a private bathroom and mosquito nets (no aircon). Board games, puzzles, and wi-fi is available in the bar and restaurant area. There is very limited phone reception. 5. SANDY BEACH & PEARL BEACH These two beaches are separated by a slither of land forming a jungle-clad peninsula on the far eastern section of Koh Rong Samloem. Sandy Beach faces east towards Sihanoukville and has a few mid-market resorts lining a pretty beach. Pearl Beach is the private beach of Pearl Beach Resort & Spa – a new luxury resort recently opened.   From either beach it’s a 60-minute walk along tricky jungle paths to get to Saracen Bay. The hike is hot and tiring and should not be attempted at night, so you are restricted to staying around the resorts in the evening.   Restaurant prices can be a bit high, but between the two beaches there’s a mini-mart and Sky Bar that serves decent food. If you want to get away from the crowds in a good quality resort, then these beaches can be a good option. But the location is inconvenient for evenings out and exploring the rest of the island. GETTING THERE Buva Sea run direct ferries from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to Sandy Beach. SANDY BEACH & PEARL BEACH ACCOMMODATION ONE BEACH RESORT ($$) Secluded and private resort with garden and pool on a pretty stretch of beach. The rooms are very good value rooms, but at the time of writing, there were construction works happening on other parts of the beach. PEARL BEACH RESORT & SPA ($$$$) Pearl Beach Resort is a brand-new luxury resort in a tranquil setting overlooking its own private beach. The villas are well-appointed with views stretching across Saracen Bay. The spa is due to open in 2024 and they offer free boat transfers across to Saracen Bay to help

you explore. KOH RONG SAMLOEM MAP We have marked the beaches and our recommended places to stay on the map below. They are colour-coded to help you get your bearings. Saracen Bay – red M’Pai – blue Sunset Beach – purple Lazy Beach – orange Sandy Beach – brown >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   THINGS TO DO ON KOH RONG SAMLOEM While you’ll be more than happy to laze on the beach, there are plenty of activities that almost all hostels, guesthouses and beach resorts can organise for you. Hike to other beaches – If you are staying on Saracen Bay, Lazy Beach, or Sunset Beach, you can walk between each of them in around 30 minutes. The path between Saracen Bay and Lazy Beach can be done in flip flops, but the descent to Sunset Beach is steep and rocky so you need decent footwear for this. Routes are shown on the map above. Snorkelling – There is some decent snorkelling around the island and particularly at Koh Koun. Regular half day trips run on converted fishing boats and can be booked through most guesthouses. Bioluminescent Plankton – One of the most popular trips (about $10 per person) is to head out to sea just after dusk and watch the bioluminescent plankton turn the sea an eerie green. Island Tours – Mr Nice Island Tours run half day tours from his guesthouse on Saracen Bay. They include a mix of snorkelling, a visit to M’Pai, watching the sunset, and seeing the bioluminescent plankton.  They run from 2 pm-8 pm and cost $15 per person. Diving – The Dive Shop, located in the middle of Saracen Bay, offers Padi Courses or day trips, which usually leave from Saracen Bay, but can be moved to Lazy Beach or Sunset Beach if conditions require. Water Sports – Many resorts and guesthouses have kayaks & SUPs that you can either use for free or rent. Head out in the morning when it’s cooler and usually calmer. MORE CAMBODIA READING ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Koh Rong Island is a Cambodian beach paradise with accommodation from budget digs to deluxe high-end escapes. Our guide to Koh Rong includes how to get there, where to stay and what to do on this Cambodian island getaway.   By: Mark Barnes | Published: 27 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Koh Rong is an idyllic island just off the Cambodian mainland. A jungle-clad interior is surrounded by stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. At a mere 9 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide, Koh Rong is packed with some of the finest beaches you’ll find anywhere, each with a unique vibe. There are also plenty of great things to do when you’re feeling active. Hit the water on a kayaking adventure, snorkel in pristine waters or hire a scooter to explore the local side of the island.   In this compact island there’s a wide variety of hostels, guesthouses and resorts offering everything from budget dorms to exclusive private resorts.   Our guide to Koh Rong includes a breakdown of each of the different beaches, recommendations for where to stay, plus tips for getting there and around. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Koh Rong is a beautiful jungle clad island with beaches dotted around its edge, but there are a few things to know before you choose where to stay. Rubbish – Plastic is a problem in Cambodia, and unfortunately, you’ll find it littering some of the beaches at Koh Rong. Much of it gets carried across the water from Sihanoukville, but there’s also plenty being dumped directly on this beautiful island. Every morning, resort staff (and tourists) will clean up the beaches and generally keep the area in front of the resorts pristine. But away from the main resorts, the beaches can be a mess with litter. Staying in accommodation surrounded by other resorts and guesthouses is beneficial as a large stretch of the beach will be clean. Development – While development is occurring on many of Cambodia’s beaches, Koh Rong has been relatively untouched. The centre of the island is still mainly jungle and there was little sign of mass development while we were there. Sandflies – Sandflies can be a problem when lying directly on the beach at Koh Rong. However, the process of raking the sand helps to significantly reduce the number of these pesky little insects. So, finding a beach in front of a resort or guesthouse is a good idea. Otherwise, find a lounger or hammock. Cash – Most guesthouses, hotels, and resorts take credit and debit card, but the local bars and restaurants will want cash. There are no ATMs on the island so bring enough with you. WHEN TO VISIT KOH RONG The best time to visit Koh Rong is from Mid-November to February when the temperature is between 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F), the skies are generally clear and the sea is calmer.   March to May can be very hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (86°F) but rainfall can still be relatively infrequent. Throughout June to mid-November you can expect some wind and rain on about half the days. Periodically boat crossings to the island are cancelled and snorkelling and diving is impossible. The upside is that accommodation is cheaper. KOH TOUCH GETTING TO KOH RONG To get to the Kohn Rong islands you take a boat from Sihanoukville’ Autonomous Port. SIHANOUKVILLE AUTONOMOUS PORT Sihanoukville’s Autonomous Port can be reached by bus from most other Cambodian cities. The most popular are Phnom Penh (3 hours), Kampot (3 hours) and Siem Reap (10 hours). Rithy Express Buses stop just around the corner from the Autonomous Port. Vireak Buntham buses require a short tuk-tuk ride ($3) There is also a new flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville (1 hour 10 minutes) with Cambodia Angkor Air.   SPEEDBOAT FROM SIHANOUKVILLE PORT TO KOH RONG Five companies run regular speedboat journeys from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to three different beaches on Koh Rong Island: Koh Touch, Long Set Beach, and Sok San Village (

Long Beach). Timing – The boats run from about 8 am, to between 3 pm and 5 pm depending on your destination. Cost – Tickets are $14-17 one way or $25-$30 return. You need to book a ticket to a specific beach, so make sure you know the most convenient pier for where you are staying. Journey Time – The boats will stop wherever people have booked tickets for. The journey takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes depending on whether you are the first or last stop. If you buy a return, you need to let the ferry company know what time you want to return the day before you leave. Bookings – Book online in advance, especially in peak season. We used GTVC, it had the best ratings, easy online booking, and the service was good. However, its arrival times were a bit optimistic, so allow extra time for any connections on the way back. GETTING BETWEEN KOH RONG & KOH RONG SANLOEM You can get between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem via longtail boats. There are normally 2 services daily. They leave from Koh Touch and Long Set Beach on Koh Rong, and stop at M’Pai or Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem. Journey time is about 60 to 90 minutes and the cost is about $14 per person. ACCOMMODATION BOOKING TIPS Rooms are pricier if they overlook the beach and accommodation is most expensive in December & January. Here is a rough estimation of what you could expect to pay:  Budget – $ – up to $30 Midmarket – $$ – $30 to $75 Upmarket – $$$ – $75 to $200 Luxury – $$$$ – $200 plus When booking, make sure you know if your room comes with air-conditioning and/or mosquito nets. With lots of insects and night-time temperatures around 25°C, they can make sleeping much easier. If you are staying for more than 3 or 4 days, it’s worth splitting your accommodation and staying at a couple of different beaches. Alternatively, you could spend 3 days on Koh Rong and then hop over to equally stunning Koh Rong Samloem and stay a few days there. WHERE TO STAY IN KOH RONG Beautiful beaches are dotted around the coast of Koh Rong. Each beach has a different vibe attracting a different crowd with different levels of accommodation. We have a brief description of each below along with our recommendations for the best places to stay, and a rough indication of the price. 1. KOH TOUCH Koh Touch is the main town on Koh Rong Island. The street along the front, starting from the pier is back-to-back hostels, bars, tour providers and restaurants. A white sand beach stretches from the pier north for about 1 kilometre. It can be a little dirty near the village and locals regularly ride their motorbikes across the sand, so it’s not the most relaxing place to hang out. But a little further along the beach, away from the town, it starts to get more mellow. Walk around the headland to Treehouses for the most relaxing stretch of beach. From Koh Touch it’s easy to hire a scooter to reach Long Beach (15 minutes) or walk along the beach through the jungle to Long Set Beach (45 minutes).   In the evening, music from hole-in-the wall bars goes head-to-head with DJs on the beach. It’s not as wild as it was a few years ago, but if you are looking for budget accommodation where you can make new friends and party, then Koh Touch is the place for you. GETTING THERE All the main ferry companies run boats to Koh Touch. The pier is at the southern end of the beach, right in front of the village. KOH TOUCH ACCOMMODATION SWEET JUNGLE BUNGALOWS ($) On the edge of Koh Touch Village but still quiet, these bungalows overlook either the jungle or the beach. They come with a balcony and a couple of hammocks. This is an extremely budget-friendly way to stay on Koh Rong. TREEHOUSE BUNGALOWS ($$) Just round the headland from Koh Touch beach, you get all the benefits of the nearby village while sleeping in peace and quiet. These picturesque bungalows are built on stilts overlooking the sea and come with their own strip of beach with decent snorkelling. 2. LONG SE

T (4K) BEACH Long Set Beach (also known as 4k Beach) is a long stretch of beautiful white sand lapped by clear turquoise water. The western end of the beach is populated by a series of bars that back onto a lagoon. The bars don’t look after the beach, so quite a lot of rubbish can pile up. The eastern end of the beach is lovely with a sweeping arc of sand backed by jungle. There’s a mix of hostels and hotels providing a range of options for different budgets. Resort staff rake and clean up the beach every morning, so by around 7.30am the beach is almost pristine (although trash can drift back in during the day). The hostels and hotels each serve their own food, offering a variety of options to eat along the beach. Long Set Beach is the place to come for a general relaxing beach, with a few different types of restaurants and bars to choose from in the evening. GETTING THERE All the main ferry companies run boats to Long Set Beach. The pier is in the centre of the beach. LONG SET (4K) BEACH ACCOMMODATION NEST BEACH CLUB ($) Near the southern end of Long Set Beach, Nest Beach Club is a mixed dormitory hostel known for its Saturday night Nestival party. It has a cool vibe with its own beach, and it’s a great place to meet other people. Some guests have complained that the bathrooms could do with a clean and an upgrade. MAD MONKEY KOH RONG ($/$$) With a choice of dormitories or private rooms, Mad Monkey has a great location on the centre of Long Set Beach. Tables and hammocks line the sea front, and there are books and games available for guests. It’s got a vibe in the evening that keeps people hanging around. BEACHWALK KOH RONG ($$$) Located on the most beautiful part of the beach, BeachWalk Koh Rong is the best upmarket place to stay on Long Set. The large plot of land means the bungalows are well spread and the beach front loungers are spaced out nicely under the palm trees. There’s a large pool and the food at the restaurant is a cut above. 3. PAGODA BEACH Pagoda Beach is, in our opinion, the most beautiful beach on the island. Soft white sand is lapped by clear water and the whole beach feels secluded with no big ferry companies stopping.   The beach is backed by several upmarket resorts with their entrances down a gravel track from the back, keeping the front peaceful and quiet. The resorts also take great care to keep the area free of rubbish and the beach is raked every morning. There are no local bars or restaurants, but the resort restaurants serve non-guests, so there are 5 or 6 places to eat in the evening. Scooters can be hired to explore the island during the day. Pagoda Beach is the best place on Koh Rong for a romantic escape on a stunning beach.   GETTING THERE The Pagoda Speed Ferry, operated by the resorts, leaves daily at 1:30 pm from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The direct journey costs $40 return and takes 40 minutes. If the timing of the daily Pagoda Speed Ferry is not convenient, take the regular speedboat to Long Set Beach and arrange pick-up from your resort ($5 per person). PAGODA BEACH ACCOMMODATION THE SECRET GARDEN KOH RONG ($$$) A great choice on this stunning beach. It has beautifully appointed rooms in a well-maintained 4-star hotel with excellent staff. All rooms come with a terrace and most have ocean views. It’s the sister hotel of BeachWalk on Long Set. YOU & ME RESORT ($$$) Another great 4-star hotel on a prime part of the beach. It has clean and spacious rooms with two lovely pools and a jacuzzi. The staff are friendly and can help with boat trips or transport across the island.   4. PALM BEACH & SONG SAA ISLAND Palm Beach and Song Saa Island are opposite each other divided by a narrow strip of water. Song Saa is a tiny private island, where villas are perched on stilts above the water, connected by wooden walkways. It’s Cambodia’s version of the Maldives and comes with a similar price tag. There is a tiny white sand beach at one end of the island with snorkelling, sea kayaking and yoga activiti

es on offer. It is the place to stay if you are after a slice of private luxury. Palm Beach and Naroth Beach are opposite Song Saa on main Koh Rong Island. These two beaches are just a 5-minute walk apart and are very secluded. No one else comes here so you’ll have the beaches almost entirely to yourself. The downside is you are a little confined to the resort in the evening, so don’t expect any nightlife. It’s not as beautiful as Pagoda beach, but it’s much cheaper and still incredibly relaxing. GETTING THERE Palm Beach Resort run their own boat. It leaves daily at 2 pm from the Royal Pier in Sihanoukville and costs about $25 return. If the timing of the boat is not convenient, take the speedboat to Long Set Beach and arrange pick-up. Song Saa Private Island includes speedboat transfers in its prices. PALM BEACH & SONG SAA ISLAND ACCOMMODATION NAROTH BEACH BUNGALOW ($$) Naroth Beach has nicely appointed, comfortable bungalows right on the beach. Free snorkelling and kayaks are provided, and the friendly owners meticulously clean the beach every morning. SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND ($$$$) Song Saa villas are either located over the water or on the edge of the island. Standard rates include speedboat transfers from Sihanoukville, breakfast, snorkelling gear, SUP, kayaks and hobie sailboats. They also offer all-inclusive rates.   5. PREK SVAY VILLAGE Built along a river inlet in the far north of Koh Rong, Prek Svay is a tiny fishing village. There are no great beaches here, but it’s a lovely riverside location beside a mangrove forest. It’s a great place to relax in guesthouses and take kayaks out to explore the river. Accommodation, perched on stilts above the river, is basic but good. The village is remote, but scooters can be rented to get to other beaches, like the wonderful Lonely Beach (see below). HOW TO GET THERE There’s a local village supply boat that goes from Pier 52 at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to Prek Svay Village pier. Tickets cost $7.50 each way for foreigners and the trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Otherwise, you can get a tuk-tuk from Palm Beach or Long Set Beach. PREK SVAY VILLAGE ACCOMMODATION LILY’S RIVERHOUSE ($) Lily’s is a lovely little guesthouse perched above a quiet stretch of river, just inland from the sea. Kayaks can be hired to head up and down the river or you can just relax in their rustic outdoor space. FIREFLY GUESTHOUSE ($) Firefly has dorms and basic private rooms high up on stilts where the river meets the sea. It’s a lovely spot to watch life on the water and in the village go by. Sunrise followed by a swim is the perfect way to start the day.  6. LONELY BEACH Lonely Beach is a well-named beach in the far north of the island. It’s a 4-kilometre bike ride down a dirt track followed by a 1.5-kilometre walk (or even trickier bike ride) along a narrow sandy path. With no resorts or major development, Lonely Beach is a slice of golden sand that is almost entirely untouched. The beaches are backed by a rocky cliff and lined with swaying palms. It is an idyllic and tranquil setting. It makes an excellent day trip (by scooter) from other parts of the island, but it is possible to stay here. The rooms may be basic but it’s a genuine remote experience. In the evening, when the day trippers have left, you can swim out to the bioluminescent plankton that glow in the sea. GETTING THERE Lonely Beach is not the easiest place to get to, but that’s part of its beauty. Get the Palm Beach boat, then hire a scooter or get a tuk-tuk to head down the sandy track towards the beach. The last 1.5 kilometres is narrow, so you may want to park at the little parking station at the start of the track and hike in.   LONELY BEACH ACCOMMODATION LONELY BEACH ($) Basic solar-powered bungalows tucked into the forest behind the beach. Hammocks, bucket showers and no wi-fi add to the primitive lifestyle. The onsite restaurant serves a mix of Asian and western foo

d. 7. LONG (SOK SAN) BEACH One of the few beaches on the western side of the island, Long Beach (or Sok San Beach) is 7 kilometres of dazzling white sand. Watch the colour drain from the blue-green as you enjoy one of the best sunsets on the island. At the northern end lies Sok San Village, a small community of fishermen living in tightly packed houses with traditional wooden boats moored outside. The village has a couple of restaurants, stores, and a laundry. It is a wonderful little slice of Cambodian life on an otherwise tourist-focused island. Long Beach begins right next to the village. A couple of boutique resorts own the prime spot with easy access to the village and the beach. These resorts are excellent places to stay on Koh Rong. The beach is largely undeveloped however a few resorts (varying in quality) have popped up. The further south you go the more remote it gets and the more you are confined to your accommodation. Outside the resorts the beach can get a little dirty with trash, but inside the staff make a lot of effort to keep it clean.  Along with Pagoda Beach, Long Beach is one of the best beaches on the island. Even if you don’t stay here, come for a cocktail at Long Set Beach resort and watch the dying embers of the sun glint off the waves. GETTING THERE GTVC runs multiple trips daily from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. Long Set Beach Resort also runs its own boat. The beach is long, so if you are not staying near Sok San Village you may need a tuk-tuk to take you to your resort. LONG (SOK SAN) BEACH ACCOMMODATION WHITE SAND ARK RESORT ($$) Excellently positioned on the northern end of the beach, this is a great place to stay to get a mix of relaxing on the beach and enjoying life in a Cambodian village. GOLDEN BEACH RESORT ($$/$$$) Also excellently positioned right next to White Sand Ark Resort. The bungalows overlook a pretty swimming pool with sweeping ocean views behind. The beach is pristine, there’s a gym, spa, and sunrise yoga.  THE ROYAL SANDS KOH RONG ($$$$) The pick of the resorts at the southern end of Long Beach, these luxurious villas overlook miles and miles of white sand. All villas have an outdoor lounge area, and some come with their own private pool. The downside is you are mainly confined to the resort in the evening. KOH RONG MAP We have marked the beaches and our recommended places to stay on the map below. They are colour-coded to help you get your bearings. Koh Touch Beach – red Long Set Beach – blue Pagoda Beach – orange Palm Beach & Song Saa Island – grey Prek Svay Village – purple Lonely Beach – green Long (Sok San) Beach – brown >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   GETTING AROUND KOH RONG Beach holidays are often about lazing in the resort, but one of the joys of Koh Rong is the different beaches you can visit. A wide paved road connects many of the best beaches on the island as well as a few minor sights. There are very few vehicles on the road and hiring a scooter for the day (about $10 per day) is a great way to explore. If a scooter doesn’t appeal road buggies and tuk-tuks are also available. Shuttle Boats plough the waters around the island. There are usually one or two a day connecting Koh Touch with Sok San Beach and Village. Alternatively, you can hire a private longtail boat to take you wherever you want. THINGS TO DO ON KOH RONG While you might be happy to just laze on the beach, there are a few other activities that almost all hostels, guesthouses and beach resorts can organise for you. Snorkelling – There is some decent snorkelling around the island. Regular half day trips run on converted fishing boats. One of the most popular is Koh Touch to Long Beach (and back) stopping for snorkelling a

nd swimming. Diving – There are two diving operators on Koh Rong. Khmer Dive Group are on Long Set Beach and Koh Rong Dive Centre is based in Koh Touch. Bioluminescent Plankton – One of the most popular trips is to head out to sea just after dusk and watch the bioluminescent plankton turn the sea an eerie green. Scooter Day Trip – Hire a scooter (about $10 per day) and explore the island making stops at Long Set Beach, Pagoda Beach, Mangrove Boardwalk, Lonely Beach (requires 4 km off road and a 1.5 km hike), Sok San Village, and end with sunset drinks at the Long Beach Resort. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to ride from one end of the island to the other, but visiting all these places is a great day out. Water Sports – Many resorts and guesthouses have kayaks and SUPs that you can either use for free or rent. Head out in the morning when it’s cooler and usually calmer. MORE CAMBODIA READING ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Visit one of the few remaining lost temples of Cambodia and get well off-the-beaten-track at Beng Mealea – the wild ruins overrun by the jungle, not by the tourists.   By: Mark Barnes | Published: 16 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Beng Mealea is one of the most evocative Angkor temples around Siem Reap. A central tower lies in rubble with vines and roots slowly constricting walls adorned with ancient Khmer art. Through the dappled light of huge trees growing through the ruins, impressive carvings hint at the importance of this once great temple.   There is just enough standing at Beng Mealea to appreciate the grandeur, yet the invading jungle gives it the haunting feel of a ruined city. The complete lack of tourists only adds to the lost world vibe at Beng Mealea. Read on to find out how to visit this magnificent ruin in Cambodia. IN THIS GUIDE VISITING BENG MEALEA TEMPLE WHY VISIT BENG MEALEA Beng Mealea is the most evocative Angkor temple around Siem Reap. While other temples have a consumed-by-the-forest feel such as Ta Prohm and Ta Som, their roots and vines are actually maintained to stop the temples from being completely overrun. Beng Mealea on the other hand, is completely wild. The central tower lies in a pile of rubble and walls are crumbling from the weight of vines and tree roots. Apart from a few boardwalks, the temple remains completely untouched. But there is just enough temple standing to suggest a lost grandeur. The invading jungle gives it the haunting feel of a truly ruined city. The other main reason to visit is that no one goes and you’re very likely to have the whole place to yourself. HISTORY OF BENG MEALEA Beng Mealea was built in the 12th century in the reign of King Suryavarman II. It was constructed as a Hindu Temple, but like many Angkor Temples, the carvings depict a mix of Hindu and Buddhist symbols. Designed in the Angkor Wat style, the central sanctuary is surrounded by three galleries, which are enclosed by four walls. The entire area is surrounded by a moat 1200 metres long and 900 metres wide. It is thought the temple was abandoned in the 16th century and was not discovered until French explorers stumbled upon it in the 19th century. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2020 in anticipation of becoming a fully recognised UNESCO site. WHAT TO SEE AT BENG MEALEA The best thing to do at Beng Mealea is to simply stroll around and soak up the atmosphere, but here are a few things to keep an eye out for. The collapsed tower in the central sanctuary. The 3 galleries surrounding the sanctuary. The north-eastern library with the depiction of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. The southwest library with the curved roof intact. The decorated lintels depicting Hindu scenes. It’s no longer permitted to climb over the boulders, but make sure you walk around the back of the temple to see a good section of the outer wall still in place. BENG MEALEA TICKETS Until recently, it was possible to buy an individual ticket at the entrance. However, Beng Mealea is now included on the Angkor Pass, and you cannot see it without purchasing this pass. Keep in mind, you cannot buy the pass at the entrance to Beng Mealea. The only place you can buy the Angkor Pass is at the ticket centre in Siem Reap (Corner of Road 60 and Apsara Road) or online. We recommend ordering your Angkor Temples Pass online before you go. 1-Day Pass ($37) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for 1 day. 3-Day Pass ($62) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for any 3 days in a 10-day period. 7-Day Pass ($72) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for any 7 days in a 1-month period. We suggest you buy the 3-day pass and follow our 3-day Siem Reap itinerary. BENG MEALEA HOURS Beng Mealea is open every day from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. WHERE IS BENG MEALEA? Beng Mealea is 40 kilometres east of the main Ang

kor temples. HOW TO GET TO BENG MEALEA Beng Mealea is a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap and best visited by taxi. It costs about $45-$55 for a taxi driver to take you from Siem Reap to Beng Mealea, wait while you visit the temple, and then take you back to Siem Reap. The 60-minute drive from Siem Reap keeps visitor numbers down. We have been twice, arriving shortly after it opens both times, and were the only people there. You can also go by tuk-tuk, it’s a bit cheaper, but it takes 90 minutes each way so you’re on the road for an extra hour.   BENG MEALEA DAY TRIPS You can visit Beng Mealea on its own, but it often makes more sense to include it on a half-day or full-day trip that includes some of the other highlights around Siem Reap. Here are some other ideas: OUTER TEMPLES TOUR There are several temples dotted around Siem Reap that can be combined on a day tour to Beng Mealea. Start at the Roluos Group, next head to Beng Mealea, and then to Banteay Srei for the incredible Khmer carvings. Many tours include the ‘lingas’ (fertility symbols) in the river Kbal Spean, but personally we don’t think it’s worth the effort. Instead make a stop at the Cambodia Landmine Museum, which is on the road back to Siem Reap. Costs & Duration – A taxi should cost about $75 to complete the circuit of the above sites. The Landmine Museum is $5 per person. The entire circular route with stops takes about 6-7 hours. BENG MEALEA BENTEAY SRI BENG MEALEA, BANTEAY SREI AND KOMPONG PHLUK This is a busy, but excellent day. In the morning get and early start and take a taxi to Beng Mealea, and then go to Banteay Srei before heading back to Siem Reap. In the afternoon join a floating village tour of Kompong Phluk. This is what we recommend on Day 2 of our 3-day Siem Reap itinerary. Costs & Duration – The taxi to Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei should be around $65, the Kompong Phluk tour is around $25 per person. MOAT AT BENG MEALEA KOMPONG PHLUK BENG MEALEA & KOMPONG KHLEANG Beng Mealea and the floating village of Kompong Khleang make a great day out. Both are near each other to the east of Siem Reap and both are more off the beaten track than other temples and villages. Furthermore, you can also support the community by using Kompong Khleang Tours. This organisation gets ongoing approval for its activities from the village, involves them in decisions, and employs villagers. Profits are reinvested back into the community with almost 50% helping to fund education at the Bridge of Life School. MORE CAMBODIA READING ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Experience some of the best sights in Cambodia with our 3-day Siem Reap itinerary. Visit all the mysterious Angkor temples, soak up the unique culture of a floating village on Tonlé Sap plus enjoy the best of the city.   By: Mark Barnes | Published: 15 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> Siem Reap is the second biggest city in Cambodia and an essential stop on any trip to the country. Its calling card are the remarkable Khmer temples built in the 9th to 12th centuries. Lost for hundreds of years, these elegant stone cities are partially consumed by the forest, making them the most evocative religious buildings in the world. Just a few miles south is Tonle Sap, the largest lake in southeast Asia. Here locals adapt to the changing height of the lake by living in homes that float on the water or perch high above it on stilts. In addition to the surrounding sights, there are plenty of great things to do in Siem Reap including interesting museums, an old market, and plenty of cool bars. Our itinerary covers 3 wonderful days in the area with tips on when to visit, where to stay and suggested additions if you have more time. IN THIS GUIDE SIEM REAP ITINERARY HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN SIEM REAP? We recommend spending 3 full days in Siem Reap. This gives you enough time to explore all the most famous temples (as well as some lesser visited ones), visit a floating village on Tonle Sap and enjoy the nightlife in Siem Reap.   It is however possible to see most of the highlights in just two days. Four days would allow time to see the highlights at a more leisurely pace, explore some of the museums, and spend time chilling by the pool. BEST TIME TO VISIT SIEM REAP Siem Reap is hot and sticky all year round. Daily average highs are between 30°C (86°F) and 35°C (95°F) all year.   However, the year is split into two seasons, the wet season, and the dry season. In the wet season (May-October) it can be cloudy all day with intermittent rain and high levels of humidity. In September, it’s so overcast you might never see the sun. In the dry season (November to April) temperatures drop by a couple of degrees, there is little rain and less humidity. It’s still hot and sultry, but less so than in the wet season and there is much greater chance of clearer skies. The best months to visit are December & January. They are the coolest months of the year, and the Tonlé Sap Lake is still relatively full of water – perfect for seeing the floating villages. PHNOM BAKHENG 3-DAY SIEM REAP ITINERARY Here is an overview of our 3-day Siem Reap itinerary. Day 1 – Small Circuit of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Day 2 – Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei, followed by Tonlé Sap. Day 3 – Grand Circuit of less the visited temples, and Cambodian Circus. At the end of this guide, we have suggested amendments in case you want to take things a bit slower. ANGKOR THOM DAY 1 IN SIEM REAP SMALL CIRCUIT For day 1, follow the Small Circuit, a circular route around the most impressive temples around Siem Reap. You can find detailed instructions, including times, tips on how to get around, and maps on our Small Circuit guide. Get an early start and head to Angkor Wat to watch sunrise from behind the north or south reflecting pools. Explore Angkor Wat not missing the carvings on the southern and eastern walls, the Hall of a Thousand Gods or the views from the Upper Level. Next head to Angkor Thom, a collection of temples, the most impressive being Bayon with its 216 smiling faces.   Visit the Tomb Raider temple, Ta Prohm, fighting a losing battle against the jungle.   Finish at Banteay Kdei with its maze of chambers, Buddha statues, lintels, and bas-reliefs. The entire tour takes between 6 to 9 hours depending on how long you spend at each temple. There are restaurants and shops dotted along the route to pick up some lunch. BAPHUON, ANGKOR THOM

ANGKOR WAT BACK IN SIEM REAP If you leave Siem Reap an hour before sunrise you should be back about mid-afternoon. Spend the afternoon relaxing by your pool or strolling around town. In the evening explore the Old Market, and grab dinner at the stalls of the Riverside Night Market which are perched on the banks of the river. OLD MARKET WILD DAY 2 IN SIEM REAP Start day 2 by visiting the best temples on the outskirts of Siem Reap then take a tour of a floating village on Tonlé Sap. OUTER TEMPLES Hire a taxi for the morning and take the 1-hour drive to Beng Mealea, a remarkable temple literally consumed by the forest. Next drive 1 hour to Banteay Srei, a small temple with intricate carvings, considered the pinnacle of Khmer artwork. Drive back to Siem Reap (45 minutes) BANTEAY SREI BENG MEALEA BENG MEALEA TONLÉ SAP FLOATING VILLAGE In the afternoon join a tour to a floating village on Tonlé Sap Lake. There are quite a few to choose from, but we recommend either Kompong Phluk or Kompong Khleang. You can read all about them on our Tonle Sap post. Tours leave Siem Reap between 2 pm and 2.30 pm and end with sunset overlooking the lake. TONLÉ SAP DINNER IN SIEM REAP For dinner head to Street 26 in Siem Reap. Banlle does good vegetarian food, Tevy’s offers excellent Khmer classics, and Miss Wong provides the cocktails in a bar inspired by 1920’s Shanghai. TIPS FOR DAY 2 This is a busy day so you’ll want to leave by 8 am otherwise you’ll miss the Tonlé Sap tour. The taxi tour around the temples will cost about $65-75 and takes about 5 hours. There is an optional canoe experience on Tonlé Sap which cost $5 per person and is payable in good quality US notes only. If you want to take things slower see our Itinerary Adjustments lower in this guide. MISS WONG LAUNDRY DAY 3 IN SIEM REAP On day 3, complete the Grand Circuit, a route that explores the less visited temples that surround Angkor Wat. All the details are in our Grand Circuit guide.  As you don’t need to leave for sunrise, you can have a slower start this morning. Have a leisurely breakfast in your guesthouse or try Sister Srey for an excellent coffee.   GRAND CIRCUIT Organise a taxi to leave around mid-morning and do the Grand Circuit tour in an anticlockwise direction. Start with a brief photo stop at Prasat Kravan, then explore the monumental pyramidal structure of Pre Rup, followed by East Mebon. Next go to Ta Som, not missing the eastern entrance to see the remains of a tree consuming the gate. Stop off at North Baray lake, then walk across the boardwalk to Neak Pean temple. Finish at Preah Khan, a maze of corridors and vaults similar to Ta Prohm without the crowds. TA PROHM TA SOM PRE RUP ANGKOR WAT IN THE AFTERNOON On the way back to Siem Reap, you’ll pass Angkor Wat and it should be late afternoon. The light hitting the façade of the temple at this time of day is beautiful and it’s generally much quieter. Head back to the north and south reflecting pools and libraries to get photos in the peace and quiet. Note – Angkor Wat closes at 5.30 pm so make sure you arrive a good thirty minutes beforehand. AFTERNOON AT ANGKOR WAT PHNOM BAKHENG FOR SUNSET We suggest one of two options for this evening. If you’ve still got the energy head to Phnom Bakheng and hike up to the summit (25 minutes) to watch sunset over the jungle.  You can see Angkor Wat in the distance and there is often a good hubbub on the summit. PHARE The views from Phnom Bakheng are not amazing (in our opinion), so another option is to go to Phare, the Cambodian Circus. The performance is in a large tent in the western part of Siem Reap and it’s a lot of fun. The show begins at 8 pm and lasts 1 hour. PHARE ITINERARY ADJUSTMENTS The above is our recommendation on how to spend 3 days in Siem Reap. However, if you only have two days, we suggest you complete Day 1 and Day 2 of the itinerary above. If you have three days and don’t want to rush, consider this slower 3-da

y itinerary: Day 1 – Complete the Small Circuit Day 2 – Take a taxi tour to the outer temples of Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei, but also include a stop at the Roluos Group and the Cambodia Land Mine Museum. Day 3 – Explore Siem Reap and visit the Angkor museum (or chill by the pool) in the morning, and then take a tour to a floating village on Tonle Sap in the afternoon. You’ll miss the Grand Circuit, but it’ll be more relaxing, and you’ll have seen the best Siem Reap offers. If you have four days, follow the slower 3-day itinerary above, then on the fourth day complete the Grand Circuit. TONLÉ SAP ROLUOS GROUP TA PROHM OTHER THINGS TO DO This 3-day itinerary covers our highlights of Siem Reap. But it’s a popular destination and there are plenty of other sights. Don’t miss anything you might be interested in by reading our guide to the best things to do in Siem Reap. There are also lots of very different-looking temples. Here’s a breakdown of all the best temples near Siem Reap. ANGKOR TEMPLE TICKETS To visit the Angkor Temples near Siem Reap you need a pass from Angkor Enterprise. You can purchase the pass at the entrance gate to the main Angkor temples, but it can take time. It’s much more convenient to purchase them in advance online. The pass can then be stored on your phone to show as you enter each temple. There are three types of tickets: 1-Day Pas ($37) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for 1 day. 3-Day Pass ($62) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for any 3 days in a 10-day period. 7-Day Pass ($72) – Entry to all the above temples for any 7 days in a 1-month period. The pass will be scanned at the entrance to most of the major temples to monitor how many days have been used. Children under the age of 12 are free but must show their passports. Note – Even if you follow our 4-day itinerary above you can buy the 3-day pass, as the third day exploring Siem Reap city and visiting Tonlé Sap does not require the ticket. WHAT TO PACK Read our guide on what you need to know before travelling to Cambodia, but here are some items particularly useful for hot days walking around the temples. A refillable water bottle to help cut down on the excessive plastic use in Cambodia. High-factor sunscreen and a floppy hat that covers the neck. Mosquito spray with a high level of DEET and bite cream. Good comfortable walking shoes – the miles quickly add up. Longer shorts – shorts that are too short are not allowed in the temples. Men seemed to get away with shorts just above the knee, but the rules are stricter for women. Bring plenty of T-shirts with sleeves – sleeveless T-shirts are not allowed in the temples. In the wet season bring comfortable thin walking trousers and a light rainproof. A light rucksack to carry items during the day will be handy. Basic first aid kits including rehydration salts are always a good idea in Cambodia. A lot needs to be paid for in cash, so always have small change in US or Cambodian Riel. ANGKOR WAT WHERE TO STAY Siem Reap has embraced tourism with plenty of accommodation options from budget backpacker lodges to luxurious hotels. Here are a few recommendations from us. HOSTEL | $ ONEDERZ SIEM REAP Located beside the Old Market, this excellent hostel has private rooms and dormitories with free Wifi and two swimming pools. BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM BOUTIQUE | $$ JAYA HOUSE RIVER PARK Located outside the busy area in a tropical garden, this beautiful property has excellent Wifi, air-conditioning, and a very enticing pool. BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM LUXURY | $$$ BOPHA WAT BO RESIDENCE A smart clean hotel with a pool in a lovely garden setting. The breakfast is superb and it’s just a short stroll into the centre of town.   BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – P

aul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] The Grand Circuit is a circular loop that passes many of the lesser-known Angkor temples near Siem Reap. It’s great for getting off the beaten track. Here’s how best to do the circuit including tips on when to go and which temples to see. By: Mark Barnes | Published: 14 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> The Khmer Empire built impressive and elaborate temples dedicated to their religion which are scattered around the city of Siem Reap. The most impressive temples can be visited on a circular route called the Small Circuit. But to get off the tourist trail a little, we highly recommend a second route called the Grand Circuit. Less visited, but no less remarkable, the Grand Circuit temples are more decayed, more wild and more lost-world. They include intriguing pyramid structures, Greek-like libraries, and ruins consumed by the forest. It’s a great thing to do if you are spending more than 2 days in Siem Reap and like to get a bit off the beaten track. We have included a map of the route, recommended temples to visit and tips for organising your self-guided tour.   MAP – ANGKOR WAT GRAND CIRCUIT There are two circuits of the central Angkor Temples. The Small Circuit visits the most famous and significant temples; the Grand Circuit visits other temples which are less important, but no less impressive. If you only have time for one, you should do the Angkor Small Circuit. But it’s well worth doing the Grand Circuit as well. The temples are all a bit different and much quieter. The 26-kilometre Grand Circuit is marked in red on the map below along with all the major sights and recommended parking spots. >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   HOW TO DO THE GRAND CIRCUIT TOUR There are several ways to complete the Grand Circuit. TUK-TUK Hiring a Tuk-Tuk driver is an excellent way to see the Small Circuit because you get a shady drive, giving you time to cool off between the temples. Expect to pay around $15 for the day with water provided by your driver. Sunrise or sunset trips may cost a little extra.   You can easily book a tuk-tuk through your guesthouse or from tour providers in town. Once you find your first Tuk-Tuk driver they will most likely want to exchange WhatsApp numbers to take you out on subsequent days. English-Speaking Guide – Your guesthouse will be able to arrange an English-speaking guide to take you through the temples explaining the history and layout. Expect to pay another $10 for the guide, in addition to the Tuk-Tuk driver. Alternatively, you’ll find guides offering their services as you approach each temple. SCOOTER Another option to see the Small Circuit is to hire your own scooter and self-drive, following the map and walking route above. Scooters cost $5-8 a day to hire and usually come with unlimited mileage. The roads around the temples are not very busy, but there is quite a bit of traffic on the road from Siem Reap to get to the start of the Grand Circuit. It’s also a lot of fun, but it can also get a bit hot. BIKE The first time we did the small circuit we went by bicycle ($3-5 to rent). It’s a great way to explore the temple area, but it’s a 45-minute ride from the centre of Siem Reap to the start of the circuit and 45 minutes back again at the end of the day. If you include the many hours spent walking around the temples in hot temperatures, we think it’s better to go by tuk-tuk or scooter. Furthermore, if you want to see sunrise or sunset you’ll be cycling there or back in the dark. TAXI A taxi tour ($27) is just like a tuk-tuk tour except you’ll have air conditioning and it’ll be a tiny bit quicker. But it’s more expensive and nowhere near

as much fun. ANGKOR WAT GRAND CIRCUIT TOUR We have ranked all the temples to help you choose which ones to visit. All the temples in the area including the outer temples are in our best Angkor Temples guide. 1. PRE RUP Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Worth a stop | Time to Visit – 40 minutes. Built from grey sandstone, Pre Rup has decayed quicker than other temples, giving it even more of a worn, crumbling appearance than many other Angkor temples. From a series of galleries and walkways you can spot lion statues guarding doorways, crumbling stone columns and once intricate lintels. The long staircase leading up the 3-stepped pyramid to the upper level with 5 towers was our highlight.   Pre Rup is one of the few temples open at both sunrise and sunset. However, with no views and high trees surrounding it, it’s not the best place to be for either. PRE RUP 2. EAST MEBON Our Rating – ★★☆☆☆ | Checkout the elephants | Time to Visit – 40 minutes. East Mebon is a pyramid of terraces with beautiful sculptures and statues. The highlight is the 2-metre-high elephants adorning each corner. Originally, the temple was located on an artificial island in a large body of water and was only accessible by boat. The water is long gone, but the temple remains in a layout of multiple courtyards and towers. We liked visiting but unfortunately, there was quite a bit of scaffolding. See the elephant statues and head inside if the scaffolding has gone. EAST MEBON 3. TA SOM Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Walk all the way through to the eastern gate | Time to Visit – 45 minutes. Ta Som is an atmospheric temple that has been carefully restored over the years. It’s been held up in places, but not so much that it ruins the crumbling effect. There are some remarkable stone carvings, and the jungle setting makes it a captivating place to stroll around. Make sure you head all the way through the temple to the far eastern gate. The tree consuming the gate has been cut back extensively but the roots over the entrance remain. It’s lost some of its allure since our first visit but it’s still a good sight.   TA SOM 4. NORTH BARAY Our Rating – ★★★★☆ | Stop to photograph the Baray | Time to Visit – 15 minutes. The reservoirs that surround the Angkor temples are remarkable. One of the most spectacular is the North Baray also called Jaytataka Baray. Measuring 3,600 metres by 900 metre it’s a colossal man-made lake. A wooden boardwalk (that heads across the water to Neak Pean) offers an excellent viewing platform over the reservoir. It is often covered in lilies and backed by dead trees poking above the water. NORTH BARAY 5. NEAK PEAN Our Rating – ★★☆☆☆ | Can skip if short on time | Time to Visit – 30 minutes. Neak Pean (sometimes spelt Neak Poan) is a Buddhist temple on a man-made island in the centre of the Northern Baray. The central shrine, rising from a double circular lotus-styled base, sits at the centre of a large basin, The temple is nice enough, but it’s the walk over the Northern Baray that makes coming here special. NEAK PEAN 6. BANTEAY PREI Our Rating – ★★☆☆☆ | Skip unless its wet season | Time to Visit – 20 minutes. Just off the Grand Circuit you’ll find Prasat Prei and a little further on Banteay Prei. Only partially restored the site presents a very natural atmosphere and it’s usually very quiet. The temples were built during the Jayavarman VII era in the late 12th to early 13th century. They are best seen in the wet season when the moat surrounding them fills with water. Otherwise, you can easily skip both. 7. PREAH KAHN Our Rating – ★★★★☆ | Essential stop on the Grand Circuit | Time to Visit – 90 minutes. The most impressive Angkor Temples are on the Small Circuit, but Preah Kahn is an exception. Consumed by the jungle it is a lot like Ta Prohm, but much less visited. It’s one of the largest temples built during the Khmer empire and the decaying remains are well worth visiting. A 100-metre-long causeway, flanked by giants holding a Naga, crosses a moat to enter the complex made up of 4

enclosures. Each one converging on the Main Sanctuary, a perfect square in the centre. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition and it’s one of the most interesting temples to visit which remains relatively quiet. There are a few highlights to seek out. Gigantic tree roots surrounding the eastern wall. The Greek-looking library in the eastern section of the temple. A maze of rambling corridors converging on the central stupa in the Main Sanctuary. PREAH KAHN 8. NORTH GATE ANGKOR THOM Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Quick easy stop | Time to Visit – 15 minutes. The Grand Circuit now passes into Angkor Thom through the North Gate. The gate is similar to the more visited South Gate but with a more rustic and less restored look. It’s an atmospheric place, and well worth a quick stop. The Grand Circuit now winds through Angkor Thom and passes the entrance to Angkor Wat. These two temples are usually visited on the Small Circuit, but if you have time there is nothing to prevent you adding them onto this tour. NORTH GATE ANGKOR THOM HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO THE GRAND CIRCUIT? On the Grand Circuit there are three temples you should definitely visit – Preah Kahn, Ta Som, and Pre Rup. If you only stopped at these three, the circuit takes about 4 – 5 hours. However, we suggest you also explore the North Baray, the elephant statues at East Mebon, and stop for photos at Angkor Thom North Gate. Add in a break at one of the many lunch spots on route and it’s better to allow 5 – 6 hours. You can easily extend the circuit by adding in stops on the Small Circuit that you pass on the way including Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Try to time your trip to be at Phnom Bakheng for sunset.   BEST TIME TO DO THE GRAND CIRCUIT TOUR The temples open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm with a few exceptions which allow you to visit at sunrise and sunset. Angkor Wat – 5 am to 5:30 pm Pre Rup – 5 am to 7pm Phnom Bakheng – 5 am to 7pm You can do the Grand Circuit any time within these hours and in either direction. We suggest leaving mid-morning and completing the Grand Circuit in an anticlockwise direction. This should mean you are driving past Angkor Wat in late afternoon when the light streams onto its wonderful façade. After grabbing some photos head back to Phnom Bakheng and (if you have the energy) climb to the summit for sunset.  TICKETS FOR ANGKOR TEMPLES sit the Angkor Temples near Siem Reap you need a pass from Angkor Enterprise. You can purchase the pass at the entrance gate to the main Angkor temples, but it can take time. It’s much more convenient to purchase them in advance online. The pass can then be stored on your phone to show as you enter each temple. There are three types of tickets: 1-Day Pas ($37) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for 1 day. 3-Day Pass ($62) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for any 3 days in a 10-day period. 7-Day Pass ($72) – Entry to all the above temples for any 7 days in a 1-month period. The pass will be scanned at the entrance to most of the major temples to monitor how many days have been used. Children under the age of 12 are free but must show their passports. MORE READING Here is some more useful reading for your trip to Cambodia. ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] The Small Circuit is a circular loop that passes the most impressive Angkor Temples near Siem Reap including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. Here’s how best to do the circuit including tips on when to go and which temples to skip. By: Mark Barnes | Published: 13 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> The Khmer Empire thrived from the 9th to the 15th centuries, but it peaked in the 12th century when god-kings of Khmer built its most impressive and elaborate temples. The best way to see these amazing Angkor temples is to take a route called the Small Circuit. The Small Circuit is a concise tour of the most majestic temples, including Angkor Wat, the enigmatic stone faces of Bayon, and the jungle-strewn temple of Ta Prohm. It’s a fantastic route that visits various temples with different characteristics. However, with so much to see, some could be skipped and others with hidden highlights. This guide includes a map of the route, recommendations on which temples to visit,, and walking routes to ensure you don’t miss any highlights. MAP | ANGKOR WAT SMALL CIRCUIT There are two circuits of the Angkor Temples. The Small Circuit visits the most famous and historically significant temples; the Grand Circuit visits other temples which are less important, but no less impressive. The 18-kilometre Small Circuit is marked in red on the map below along with all the major sights. We have also suggested walking routes through the main temples and recommended parking spots. >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   HOW TO DO THE SMALL CIRCUIT TOUR There are several ways to complete the Small Circuit. TUK-TUK Hiring a Tuk-Tuk driver is an excellent way to see the Small Circuit because you get a shady drive to cool off in between the temples. Expect to pay around $13 for the day with water provided by your driver. Sunrise or sunset trips may cost a little extra.   You can easily book a tuk-tuk through your guesthouse or from tour providers in town. Once you find your first Tuk-Tuk driver they will most likely want to exchange WhatsApp numbers to take you out on subsequent days. English-Speaking Guide – Your guesthouse will be able to arrange an English-speaking guide to take you through the temples explaining the history and layout. Expect to pay another $10 for the guide, in addition to the Tuk-Tuk driver. Alternatively, you’ll find guides offering their services as you approach each temple. SCOOTER  Another option to see the Small Circuit is to hire your own scooter and self-drive, following the map and walking route above. Scooters cost $5-8 a day to hire and usually come with unlimited mileage. The roads around the temples are not very busy, but there is quite a bit of traffic on the road from Siem Reap to get to the start of the small circuit. The benefit of hiring your own scooter is that you can go where you want and even include the Grand Circuit. It’s also a lot of fun, but you have a little bit more to think about as you’ll need to find somewhere for the scooter at each temple. It can also get a bit hot. BICYCLE The first time we did the small circuit we went by bicycle ($3-5 to rent). It’s a great way to explore the temple area, but it’s a 45-minute ride from the centre of Siem Reap to the start of the circuit and 45 minutes back again at the end of the day. If you include the many hours spent walking around the temples in hot temperatures, we think it’s better to go by tuk-tuk or scooter. Furthermore, if you want to see sunrise or sunset you’ll be cycling there or back in the dark. TAXI A taxi tour ($25) is just like a tuk-tuk tour except you’ll have air conditioning, and it might be a tiny bit quicker. But it’s more expensive and nowhere near

as much fun. ANGKOR WAT SMALL CIRCUIT TOUR 1. ANGKOR WAT Our Rating – ★★★★★ | Lives up to the hype | Time to Visit – 2 hours. The most iconic of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat is the largest religious building in the world and the Khmer Empire’s greatest legacy. It’s the showpiece of the empire’s devotion to religion and the best example of their architectural skill. Angkor Wat is a powerful symbol of Cambodian culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. OUR SUGGESTED ANGKOR WAT ROUTE Follow the walk marked in Orange on the map above. From the parking area (Angkor Wat Park on the map), walk towards the imposing towers passing over the moat on the Rainbow Bridge. Continue straight on and inspect the Northern & Southern Libraries and then the magnificent reflections of Angkor Wat over the North and South Reflecting Pools. Climb the steps towards the temple but before entering turn right and walk around the wonderfully carved galleries to the back of the temple. As you go around, you’ll pass images of the Army of Suryavarman II on the south wall and the Churning of the Ocean of Milk on the eastern wall. Now enter the temple from the back, turn right and climb the steep stairs to the Upper Level (shoulders and knees need to be covered). Explore the upper level before going back down the steps and then exiting the temple via the Hall of a Thousand Gods, where monks regularly offer blessings. ANGKOR WAT SUNRISE TIP Usually, the best place to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat is about three-quarters of the way up the North Reflecting Pool. However, some is currently being done restoration (early 2024) to the northern pool, while this is happening the best sunrise views are from about three-quarters of the way down the South Reflecting Pool. 2. PHNOM BAKHENG Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Go at sunset or skip it | Time to Visit – 75 minutes. Phnom Bakheng is a mountain temple in honour of Shiva, the Hindu God. It’s not the most impressive of the Angkor Wat temples, but it’s one of the few that remains open for sunset. There are nice views over the jungle from the top and you can see Angkor Wat in the distance. The main reason to go, however, is for the atmosphere. You’ll often find Monks snapping selfies overlooking the dusty plains of Siem Reap.   It’s a tiring 25-minute uphill walk to the top and in the heat of the day it can be rather draining without much reward. We recommend you skip it on the Small Circuit, and (perhaps) come back for sunset some other time. 3. ANGKOR THOM Our Rating – ★★★★★ | Do not miss Bayon Temple | Time to Visit – 2 hours. Angkor Thom was one of the most impressive cities of the Angkor period, and evidence of their extensive urban planning. This ancient city covers an area of 9 square kilometres surrounded by four walls 3 kilometres in length. Each wall has a gate which provides access to the complex over a moat. The most impressive gate is the South Gate, which is how you enter Angkor Thom on the small circuit. At the centre of the complex is Bayon, an extensively decorated temple with 216 gigantic smiling faces. Surrounding it are numerous other sites, which are best seen by walking between them. We highly recommend stopping at Bayon Temple on the small circuit. The surrounding temples are also well worth strolling around. OUR SUGGESTED ANGKOR THOM ROUTE Follow the walk marked in Purple on the map above. From the parking area (Bayon Park on the map), walk westwards along the stone concourse into Bayon temple. Do a half loop of the inner walls looking at the carvings before heading into the centre to get up close to the giant faces. Exit Bayon Temple northwards and when you see another temple on your left follow the thin stone causeway to Baphuon. Climb to the summit for wonderful views over the forest, before descending and winding your way through the trees to Phimeanakas, a Hindu temple surrounded by a pretty moat. Continue through the trees to smal

l but pretty Preah Palilay, then return to the main path and head passed the Terrace of the Leper King to the Terrace of the Elephants. Either get the tuk-tuk driver to pick you up here or walk back to where you parked the bike. Bayon Temple takes about 30-40 minutes to explore, but if you walk around all the surrounding temples, it will take about 2 hours. 4. TA KEO & SMALLER TEMPLES Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Grab a quick photo of Ta Keo from the base | Time to Visit – 30 minutes. The Small Circuit now exits Angkor Thom via the Eastern Gate. Ruined and less restored than the South Gate it’s an easy quick stop. The road then passes between two small temples. Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. They have interesting carved pediments, but most people quickly skip by. Next is Spean Thmor, an ancient bridge that has seen better days and not worth stopping at. The highlight of the area is Ta Keo. One of the first temples built entirely from sandstone, it is a monumental, stepped pyramid topped with five massive towers. Even if you don’t climb the stairs to the summit, it’s well worth stopping and grabbing a photo from the base. 5. TA PROHM Our Rating – ★★★★★ | Essential stop on the circuit | Time to Visit – 90 minutes. Ta Prohm is the Tomb Raider Temple with ancient walls crumbling under the constriction of the jungle.    The complex is a maze of corridors, vaults, and closed courtyards. Many are piled up with boulders tossed aside by the advancement of the jungle. Bas-relief adorns many of the walls and porches, enhanced by the flickering shadow of huge encroaching trees. It’s a magical place and an essential stop on the Small Circuit. Don’t miss the door surrounded by room from the Tomb Raider movie and the giant Crocodile Tree. The bas-reliefs on the Dancer’s Corridor are also exceptional. 6. BANTEAY KDEI & SRAH SRANG Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Try to squeeze it in | Time to Visit – 45 minutes. Banteay Kdei is a maze of chambers and corridors, partially overrun by jungle. The temple is adorned with lions, Buddha statues, lintels, and a few bas-reliefs. It’s much less visited than most of the other temples of Angkor Wat making it a refreshing place to stroll around. We enjoyed visiting, but it’s not as impressive as some of the other temples. Try to squeeze it in if you have time. Opposite Banteay Kdei is the massive reservoir of Srah Srang. The stone platform offers pretty views over the lake and it’s a popular spot for sunrise or sunset. 7. PRASAT KRAVAN Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Quick easy stop | Time to Visit – 15 minutes. Prasat Kravan is a 10th-century site containing unique bas-reliefs on its inner walls. It’s a well-preserved small temple and, being only a short distance from the road, it only takes a few minutes to explore. It’s worth a quick stop. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO THE SMALL CIRCUIT? On the Small Circuit there are three temples you should definitely visit – Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. If you only stopped at these three the circuit takes about 5-6 hours. However, we suggest you also explore the other temples around Bayon and stop for photos at Angkor Thom South Gate and Ta Keo. Add in a break at one of the many lunch spots on route and it’s better to allow 7-8 hours. Be aware that if you are travelling from the centre of Siem Reap it takes about 20 minutes to get to the Small Circuit. BEST TIME TO DO THE SMALL CIRCUIT The temples open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm with a few exceptions which allow you to visit at sunrise and sunset. Angkor Wat – 5 am to 5:30 pm Phnom Bakheng – 5 am to 7pm You can do the Small Circuit any time within these hours and in either direction, but we suggest leaving at one of the following times. TO SEE SUNRISE AT ANGKOR WAT Start the Small Circuit by heading to Angkor Wat for sunrise. It’s best seen from the North or South Reflecting Ponds, where the sun rises behind the towers and reflections of the temple appear in the water. After sunrise complete the small circuit in a clockwis

e direction. TO SEE SUNSET AT PHNOM BAKHENG If sunrise is too early to start for you, this is an excellent alternative. After breakfast at your guesthouse complete the small circuit in reverse (anti-clockwise) starting at Prasat Kravan. If you leave mid-morning, you should arrive at Angkor Wat about 3:30pm. Explore the interior of the temple first and then get photos from the libraries and over the ponds in the late afternoon (just before it closes at 5.30 pm) when gentle light streams onto its wall and towers. You can then walk up nearby Phnom Bakheng for sunset. TICKETS FOR ANGKOR TEMPLES sit the Angkor Temples near Siem Reap you need a pass from Angkor Enterprise. You can purchase the pass at the entrance gate to the main Angkor temples, but it can take time. It’s much more convenient to purchase them in advance online. The pass can then be stored on your phone to show as you enter each temple. There are three types of tickets: 1-Day Pas ($37) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for 1 day. 3-Day Pass ($62) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for any 3 days in a 10-day period. 7-Day Pass ($72) – Entry to all the above temples for any 7 days in a 1-month period. The pass will be scanned at the entrance to most of the major temples to monitor how many days have been used. Children under the age of 12 are free but must show their passport MORE READING Here is some more useful reading for your trip to Cambodia. ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] With a combination of religious devotion and architectural ingenuity, the Angkor temples near Siem Reap are an evocative window to the once-great Khmer Empire. Here is our pick of the best and how to see them. By: Paul Healy | Published: 11 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> The Khmer Empire thrived from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Ruling over much of Asia, the god-kings of Khmer sought to out-build their ancestors with bigger and more elaborate temples. The result is one of the best collections of ancient monuments in the world. Lost for hundreds of years, these elegant stone cities have been consumed by the forest that surround them. Mixing commanding scale with intricate carvings, The Angkor temples around Siem Reap earned UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1992. There are 72 major temples and other smaller buildings in the Angkor Archaeological Park. In this guide, we cover the 15 most important temples with tips for visiting and the essential ones we think you should see. 1. ANGKOR WAT Our Rating – ★★★★★ | An essential temple to visit.  The most iconic of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat is the largest religious building in the world and the Khmer Empire’s greatest legacy. It’s the showpiece of the empire’s devotion to religion and the best example of their architectural skill. It’s a powerful symbol of Cambodian culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. NOT TO MISS Sunrise and later afternoon views over the north and south reflecting pools. Carvings on the southern and eastern walls including the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. The Monks offering blessings in the Hall of a Thousand Gods. ANGKOR WAT HALL OF A THOUSAND GODS 2. PHNOM BAKHENG Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Nice for sunset but otherwise not worth the climb. Phnom Bakheng is a mountain temple in honour of Shiva, the Hindu God. It’s not the most impressive of the Angkor Wat temples, but it’s one of the few that remain open for sunset. There are nice views over the jungle from the top and you can see Angkor Wat in the distance. The main reason to go, however, is for the atmosphere. You’ll often find Monks snapping selfies overlooking the dusty plains of Siem Reap.   It’s a 25-minute uphill walk to the top. ANGKOR WAT FROM PHNOM BAKHENG 3. ANGKOR THOM Our Rating – ★★★★★ | The central temple of Bayon is unmissable.   Angkor Thom was one of the most impressive cities of the Angkor period, and evidence of their extensive urban planning. This ancient city covers an area of 9 square kilometres surrounded by walls 3 kilometres in length. Each wall has a gate which provides access to the complex over a moat. The most impressive gate is the South Gate. At the centre of Angkor Thom is Bayon, an extensively decorated temple with 216 gigantic smiling faces. The other main sites are Baphuon, the Elephant Terraces, Leper King, and Preah Pallilay. NOT TO MISS The huge smiling enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple. The views over the surrounding temples from the top of Baphuon. Preah Palilay, the small hidden Buddhist Sanctuary nestled in the jungle. BAYON BAPHUON PREAH PALILAY BAYON, ANGKOR THOM 4. TA PROHM Our Rating – ★★★★★ | The most atmospheric temple and a must see. Ta Prohm is the Tomb Raider Temple with ancient walls crumbling under the constriction of the jungle.    The complex is a maze of corridors, vaults, and closed courtyards. Many are piled up with boulders tossed aside by the advancement of the jungle. Bas-relief adorns many of the walls and porches, enhanced by the flickering shadow of huge encroaching trees. NOT TO MISS The Tomb Raider door encased by the roots of trees. The bas-reliefs on the Dancer’s Corridor. The giant Crocodile Tree with huge roots consuming the temple. TOMB RAIDER TREE, TA PROHM TA PROHM CROCODILE TREE, TA PROHM TA PROHM 5. BANTEAY KDEI Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | It’s one you could miss. Banteay Kdei is a maze of chambers and corridors, partially overru

n by jungle. The temple is adorned with lions, Buddha statues, lintels and a few bas-reliefs. The layout comprises an outer enclosure followed by 3 further inner chambers. It’s much less visited than most of the other temples of Angkor Wat making it a refreshing place to stroll around. We enjoyed visiting, but there is less to see so we only recommend Banteay Kdei if you have additional time. BANTEAY KDEI 6. PRE RUP Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Interesting if you have the time. Built from grey sandstone, Pre Rup has decayed quicker than other temples, giving it even more of a worn, crumbling appearance than many other Angkor temples. From a series of galleries and walkways you can spot lion statues guarding doorways, crumbling stone columns and once intricate lintels. The long staircase leading up the 3-stepped pyramid to the upper level with 5 towers was our highlight.   Pre Rup is one of the few temples open at both sunrise and sunset. However, with no views and high trees surrounding it, it’s not the best place to be for either. PRE RUP 7. EAST MEBON Our Rating – ★★☆☆☆ | Skip it.    East Mebon is a pyramid of terraces with beautiful sculptures and statues. The highlight is the 2-metre-high elephants adorning each corner. Originally, the temple was located on an artificial island in a large body of water and was only accessible by boat. The water is long gone, but the temple remains in a layout of multiple courtyards and towers. We liked visiting but there are more impressive temples to see, so it might be one to skip unless you have plenty of time.   EAST MEBON 8. TA SOM  Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Worth a stop, but the impressive tree has gone. Ta Som is an atmospheric temple that has been carefully restored over the years. It’s been held up in places, but not so much that it ruins the crumbling effect. There are some remarkable stone carvings, and the jungle setting makes it a captivating place to stroll around. Unfortunately, the tree consuming the eastern gate has been cut back extensively. The roots over the entrance remain, but it’s lost some of its allure since our first visit.   TREE ON THE EASTER GATE TA SOM 9. NEAK PEAN Our Rating – ★★☆☆☆ | The temple could be skipped, but the views over the reservoir are good. Neak Pean (sometimes spelt Neak Poan) is a Buddhist temple on an island in the centre of Jaytataka Baray, a massive man-made lake measuring 3,600 metres by 900 metres. The temple is a long walk over a wooden boardwalk across the lake and is interesting enough. But the giant reservoir, often covered in lilies with dead trees poking above the water is worth a stop if you have time. JAYTATAKA BARAY NEAK PEAN 10. PREAH KHAN Our Rating – ★★★★☆ | Find time to see it. It’s like Ta Prohm, but without the crowds. Preah Khan is consumed by the jungle, like Ta Prohm, but it’s much less visited. It’s one of the largest temples built during the Khmer empire and the decaying remains are well worth visiting. A 100-metre-long causeway, flanked by giants holding a Naga, crosses a moat to enter the complex made up of 4 enclosures. Each one converging on the Main Sanctuary, a perfect square in the centre. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition and it’s one of the most interesting temples to visit which remains relatively quiet. NOT TO MISS Gigantic tree roots surrounding the eastern wall. The Greek-looking library in the eastern section of the temple. A maze of rambling corridors converging on the central stupa in the Main Sanctuary. PREAH KHAN 11. ROLUOS GROUP Our Rating – ★★★☆☆ | Not worth the trip unless you stop on way to Beng Mealea. The Roluos Group is a collection of monuments 12 kilometres east of Siem Reap. There are 4 temples which make up the Roluos Group: Bakong, Lolei, Preah Ko and Prasat Monti. The most impressive is Bakong which pre-dates Angkor Wat by around 200 years. A central pyramid built on 5 levels forms an attractive centrepiece.  

ROLUOS GROUP 12. BENG MEALEA Our Rating – ★★★★☆ | Make the effort to get out here, few tourists do. Beng Mealea is the true jungle temple of the Angkor Wat area. Unlike Ta Prohm, where the jungle is maintained to keep it from completely obscuring the buildings, Beng Mealea is entirely wild. Walkways have been constructed to get you across the site, but otherwise, walls lay in large piles of boulders and trees and vines wrap the temple in a lost-world vibe. This is true Indiana Jones territory and a magical place to visit. Beng Mealea is a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap, so it’s likely you’ll have the whole place to yourself.  A taxi from Siem Reap is around $45 return. We recommend organising a day trip with a private driver that includes the Roluos Group, Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei. NOT TO MISS Follow the wooden walkways to the well-preserved southwest corner. The library opposite a carving of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk in southeast corner. The collapsed remains of the central tower in the middle sanctuary. BENG MEALEA 13. BANTEAY SREI Our Rating – ★★★★☆ | Well worth visiting for the carvings alone. Banteay Srei is a small temple around 45 minutes from Siem Reap. Made from pink sandstone with intricate carvings, it’s considered the pinnacle of Khmer artwork. Meaning “Citadel of the Women” Banteay Sri features delicate carvings of women with lotus flowers and scenes from Hinduism. Many of the carvings are detailed 3-dimensional designs and the site is in an excellent state of preservation. BANTEAY SREI 14. KBAL SPEAN Our Rating – ★☆☆☆☆ | Give it a miss.  Kbal Spean is a carved riverbed in the jungle northeast of Siem Reap. There are hundreds of representations of Hindu deities as well as symbols of fertility and several carvings of animals and gods. The area is ok to visit in the wet season because a waterfall forms in the river. However, you can only really see the carvings in the dry season.   It’s a 1-hour taxi ride from Siem Reap then a 30-minute walk uphill to the riverbed. There’s not enough to see to justify the effort to get here, so in our opinion, it’s not worth going. KBAL SPEAN 15. PHNOM KROM Our Rating – ★★☆☆☆ | Stop on your way to Chong Khneas. Phnom Krom is a mountain temple, 13 kilometres south of Siem Reap, overlooking Tonlé Sap Lake. The highlight is three highly decorated sandstone towers in a significant amount of decay. The temples are interesting enough, and the views over Chong Khneas, Tonlé Sap and the surrounding rice fields are decent. However, it’s not really worth the trip out unless you decide to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas. TONLÉ SAP MAP – ANGKOR TEMPLES Our map shows all 15 Angkor temples we have covered in this guide. A popular way to combine four or five temples is to see them on the Small Circuit, the Grand Circuit or a day trip around the Outer Temples. SMALL CIRCUIT Angkor Wat ★★★★★ Phnom Bakheng ★★★ Angkor Thom ★★★★★ Ta Prohm ★★★★★ Banteay Kadei ★★★ GRAND CIRCUIT Pre Rup ★★★ East Mebon ★★ Ta Som ★★★ Neak Poan ★★ Preah Khan ★★★★ OUTER TEMPLES Roluos Group ★★★ Beng Mealea ★★★★ Banteay Srei ★★★★ Kbal Spean ★ Phnom Krom ★★ >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   BUYING TICKETS FOR THE ANGKOR TEMPLES To visit the Angkor Temples near Siem Reap you need a pass from Angkor Enterprise. You can purchase the pass at the entrance gate to the main Angkor temples, but it can take time. It’s much more convenient to purchase them in advance online. The pass can then be stored on your phone to show as you enter each temple. There are three types of tickets: 1-Day Pas ($37) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for 1 day. 3-Day Pass ($62) – Entry to all the Angkor temples for any 3 days in a 10

-day period. 7-Day Pass ($72) – Entry to all the above temples for any 7 days in a 1-month period. The pass will be scanned at the entrance to most of the major temples to monitor how many days have been used. Children under the age of 12 are free but must show their passports. Please note – In the past, tickets for Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea were sold separately. That is no longer the case, and the Angkor Pass is now required to visit these temples. Furthermore, it’s not always possible to buy the pass at the entrance to Beng Mealea, so make sure you have a valid ticket on your phone before you go. ANGKOR WAT SUNRISE TA PROHM ANGKOR WAT OPENING TIMES The temples open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm with a few exceptions allowing you to visit at sunrise and sunset. Angkor Wat – 5 am to 5:30 pm Phnom Bakheng – 5 am to 7pm Pre Rup – 5 am to 7 pm The best sunrise spot is at the north or south reflecting pools in Angkor Wat. The best sunset spot (but not that great) is on the summit of Phnom Bakheng. HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO SEE THE ANGKOR TEMPLES? You can see the three best Angkor Temples in one day. But there are many more temples in the area and they are all a bit different. We recommend spending 3 to 4 full days in Siem Reap, using the 3-day temple pass. On the final day, visit a floating village on Tonlé Sap. BENG MEALEA TA PROHM ANGKOR TEMPLES ITINERARY Here is our suggested 4-day Siem Reap itinerary. If you only have 3 days, you can start early and combine Day 2 and Day 3. DAY 1 – SMALL CIRCUIT The small circuit visits the three best Angkor temples – Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon) and Ta Prohm, plus Banteay Kadei. The circuit can easily be explored on a scooter ($8 for the day) or by hiring a tuk tuk driver ($13-15) for however long it takes you to complete the circuit. Start early to catch sunrise over the reflecting pools at Angkor Wat then explore the rest of the temples in cooler temperatures. DAY 2 – OUTER TEMPLES On day 2 hire a taxi (about $70 for the day) and visit the best of the outer temples. Start at the Roulos Group, then head to Beng Mealea, and finally the intricately carved Banteay Srei. DAY 3 – TONLÉ SAP On day 3, take a tour to one of the floating villages on Tonlé Sap. We have some suggestions about which to visit in our guide to Siem Reap. TONLÉ SAP DAY 4 – GRAND CIRCUIT On day 4, do the Grand Circuit which includes Pre Rup, Ta Som, Neak Poan, and Prasat Preah Khan. After the Grand Circuit, return to Angkor Wat to see the temple in lovely afternoon light when the crowds have started to disappear. If you still have energy, hike up Phnom Bakheng for sunset. The Grand Circuit can easily be explored on a scooter ($8 for the day) or by hiring a tuk-tuk driver ($15-18 for the circuit, plus another $5 for sunset up Phnom Bakheng). ANGKOR WAT ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] The once small market town of Siem Reap has seen the fastest development in Southeast Asia thanks to the increasing popularity of Angkor Wat. Here’s what to do in Siem Reap when you’re not engrossed with incredible religious architecture. By: Paul Healy | Published: 9 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> As the base from where to explore the temples of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap appears to be growing at a pace that it can only just keep up with. Initially the domain of hardy backpackers, Siem Reap has over the years, morphed into a cosmopolitan hub. Trendy hotels, designer spas and high-end restaurants combine with local Asian markets and riverside food stalls to keep you occupied in between exploring the temples. A fascinating and confronting history fills museums with stark reminders of the past and community projects are a testament to the resilient nature of the Cambodian people. There are plenty of worthy things to do in Siem Reap between temple visits, here’s our guide to seeing the best of them. OLD MARKET MAP – THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP The centre of Siem Reap is compact and easy to get around most of the sites on foot, or by tuk-tuk. However, to make the most of your visit, you will want to travel out to the temples and Tonlé Sap. >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   1. ANGKOR WAT TEMPLES The main reason to come to Siem Reap is undoubtedly to visit the Angkor Wat temples. Representing the height of the Cambodian Empire and their devotion to both Hinduism and Buddhism, the temples near Siem Reap are some of the most interesting historical landmarks in the world. We cover all the information you need including the most important temples not to miss, and some more remote ones that are worth seeing in our guide to visiting the Angkor Wat Temples. ANGKOR WAT ANGKOR THOM 2. ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM The Angkor National Museum is the main museum in Siem Reap and a good starting point for understanding the Khmer Empire.   It covers all periods of Angkorian architecture with a helpful rundown of the Khmer kings and all the temples associated with their respective reins. The detailed descriptions of the Hindu and Buddhist iconography helps decipher the incredible bas-reliefs adorning many of the temples around Siem Reap. If possible, it would be well worth going to the Angkor National Museum before you see the temples. Entry is $12 and the museum has comprehensive information boards in English, so you don’t need to spend the extra $5 on the audio guide. Allow 2 to 3 hours to see everything. ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM 3. CAMBODIAN LANDMINE MUSEUM Each year, dozens of people are killed or injured by landmines left behind from the civil war.  The Cambodian Landmine Museum was started by Aki Ra who was taken by his family at the age of 5 and recruited into the Khmer Rouge. After the war, he dedicated his life to ridding Cambodia of landmines and other unexploded ordinance that still litter the countryside. It’s a poignant exhibition to stories of Cambodian lives permanently affected by landmines, as well as technical information about the ongoing work to remove them. Entry is $5 and a free audio guide is provided by a QR code you scan on your phone. The museum is funded by visitor fees and part of the ticket price goes to several charitable causes related to helping people hurt by landmines. The Cambodian Landmine Museum is 25 kilometres north of Siem Reap but it’s easy to see on a day trip to Beng Melea and Banteay Sri. (See below) CAMBODIA LANDMINE MUSEUM 4. WAR MUSEUM CAMBODIA Unlike the Landmine Museum, the War Museum Cambodia has virtually no information and the exhibition consists of not much more than several rusted tanks dotted around a gr

assy garden. Occasionally, it’s possible to get a guided tour from an ex-army combatant who provides a fascinating and harrowing account of the war from his personal perspective. If a guided tour is available, the War Museum is an excellent experience in Siem Reap. If a tour is not possible, we wouldn’t recommend going. We suggest getting a Tuk Tuk out to the museum and asking if a guide is available before you purchase your tickets.  Entry is $5 per person. Guided tours, if available, are no extra charge. The museum is a 10-minute Tuk Tuk ride from the centre of Siem Reap. Expect to pay around $5 for the Tuk Tuk driver to take you out, wait for you, then take you back. CAMBODIAN WAR MUSEUM 5. SIEM REAP WATS If you’re not templed-out from visiting the sights of Angkor Wat, there are 2 more temples in the centre of Siem Reap that are worth popping in to. Wat Bo is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Siem Reap. It has several well-preserved paintings depicting famous Hindu and Buddhist stories. Entry is free and you’ll only need a short time to stroll around. Wat Preah Prom Rath is one of the most beautiful temples in Siem Reap town. It’s decorated with colourful wall paintings and statues. It’s located just near the Old Market. Wat Dam Nak is an old royal palace that today promotes a better understanding of Khmer culture with an on-site library. WAT BO 6. PUB STREET You’ll hear Pub Street before you get to it. With pumping music competing across often empty bars, the vibe is hopeful, teetering towards desperate. It’s hard to tell whether it’s a vision of what Cambodians think western tourists want on their travels, or the result of years of backpacker demand. Whatever the cause, Pub Street (Street 8) is the centre of Siem Reap’s nightlife. Many of the joints are open 24/7 and you’ll be able to find all types of food and plenty of bars. A few places on Pub Street are still offering fish massage, where Red Garra fish chew dead skin off your feet. Apart from the fact that the fish only eat dead skin because they’re so hungry, the tubs contain fish waste and are a breeding ground for bacteria. Most countries have banned the practice and it’s an experience to avoid in Siem Reap. PUB STREET 7. STREET 26 For a calmer experience, we highly recommend heading to Street 26, on the west side of the river. It’s a quiet street with a few excellent bars and restaurants.  Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant // Banlle has a nice outdoor terrace with a small menu of Khmer cuisine and efficient professional service. For dessert, try the ice cream shop at the entrance. Laundry // Just across the road from Banlle, Laundry is a smart bar with occasional live music. Miss Wong // Miss Wong is a cocktail bar and Dim Sum Restaurant inspired by 1920s Shanghai. The décor is beautiful, and the cocktails are decent value. Tevy’s Place // Tevy’s Place is an excellent value Cambodian restaurant run by an almost all-female staff. LAUNDRY MISS WONG BANLLE 8. PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS Phare is a fun night out in Siem Reap and a great way to support the local community. The 1-hour performance is a mix of interpretive dance and aerobic skill, set to a local cultural story. Witness impressive performances under the intimate big top with an added dose of Cambodian humour. The venue opens at 6 pm where you can have dinner from vendors selling curries, noodles, grilled dishes and burgers. There’s also a bar so you can have a beer or a cocktail while watching a performance from the local school children on a stage in the outdoor food court. You need to buy coupons to make purchases from the food vendors and the bar. Ticket prices are $18, $28, $38, which you can buy online in advance. It’s not a very big venue so there’s not much benefit in getting the more expensive tickets. The show starts at 8 pm. PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS 9. APOPO HERO RATS Apopo is a Belgian NGO that trains rats to sniff out landmines, dramatically increasing detection rates in the

countryside. Their highly sensitive sense of smell and the fact that they are too small to trigger the explosives makes them the ideal candidate for detecting landmines. At the visitor centre you can learn about how much the rats have achieved and meet them in person. 10. OLD MARKET On the eastern side of the river, the Old Market is a warren of stalls providing a great opportunity to do some shopping or just soak up the atmosphere of an Asian market. The stalls on the east side cater to tourists selling trinkets, souvenirs, t-shirts and scarfs. The western edge is the fresh food market with locals stocking up on fruit and veg. Seamstress and hairdressers are busy working away alongside a couple of street food vendors. It’s a great photo opportunity even if you’re not looking to buy anything. OLD MARKET 11. NIGHTLY STREET FOOD MARKET The night market straddles both sides of the river between the 2 bridges, both called Art Market Bridge. On the eastern side of the river, you’ll find a plethora of stalls selling local food which you eat on little tables by the banks of the river. The crowd and the food, gets progressively more local as you head towards the Fountain Dragon’s roundabout. The western side is more subdued with around 4 or 5 stalls along the river. This is the section of the market we recommend trying. It was the best and cheapest food we found in Siem Reap. WHERE TO EAT IN SIEM REAP NIGHT MARKET – The best food in Siem Reap is from the street food stalls on the western side of the river. WILD – Spring rolls only in a lovely garden setting with a great cocktail list. MISS WONG – Chinese Dim Sum in a Shanghai-inspired townhouse. BANLLE – Thai and Khmer classic vegetarian dishes in this stylish restaurant. TEVY’S PLACE – Traditional Cambodian cooking from a renowned chef. THE SUGAR PALM – The fanciest food in Siem Reap, perfect if you have a special occasion to celebrate. SAMBOO – Great Thai and Cambodia cooking with disorganised service. WILD 12. TONLÉ SAP Tonlé Sap is a large lake that starts around 15 kilometres southwest of Siem Reap. It’s the lifeblood of the area with more than 3 million people living on or around the lake. There are several excursions to Tonlé Sap where you can experience this unique culture. We recommend the Kompong Pluk tour which was a fantastic experience without being overly touristy. KOMPONG PLUK – OUR PICK Kompong Pluck is a village of bamboo skyscrapers, towering on high stilts on the banks of Tonlé Sap. The tour includes a stroll through the village where you can witness daily life in this friendly village, followed by an optional canoe ride through the floating forest ($10 per boat for 2 people). The trips finish watching sunset on a floating deck in the middle of the lake, where you can order dinner and drinks.  CHONG KNEAS Chong Kneas is the closest floating village to Siem Reap but it has become overrun with tourist groups and tainted by tour guide scams. But it’s only 11 kilometres from town so you can hire a tuk tuk or rent a bike to cycle out without taking up too much time. There’s a set entrance fee and boat prices to take you out to the village. KOMPONG KHLEANG Komgpong Khleang is the largest community on Tonlé Sap, with stilted houses set high above the lake to combat the vast changes in water level. At 50 kilometres from Siem Reap it’s much quieter than the other communities on the lake, making it a good reason to visit. Homestays are available for an overnight experience. PREK TOAL Prek Toal is a bird sanctuary with a significant variety of rare breeds. From December to February when the water dries up in other parts of the lake, birds flock to Prek Toal making it a birder’s paradise. It’s difficult to get to by yourself with several modes of transport involved, but tours include a stop at the village of Prek Toal which is a far more rewarding experience than the villages closer to Siem Reap. However, to

urs are very expensive (around $200) therefore, it’s probably only something to consider for very keen bird enthusiasts. WHERE TO STAY Siem Reap has embraced tourism with plenty of accommodation options from budget backpacker lodges to luxurious hotels. Here are a few recommendations from us. RATEPROPERTYPRICES$ONEDERZ SIEM REAP Located beside the Old Market, this excellent hostel has private rooms and dormitories with free Wifi and two swimming pools.booking.comhotels.com$$JAYA HOUSE RIVER PARK Located outside the busy area in a tropical garden, this beautiful property has excellent Wifi, air-conditioning, and a very enticing pool.booking.comhotels.com$$$BOPHA WAT BO RESIDENCE A smart clean hotel with a pool in a lovely garden setting. The breakfast is superb and it’s just a short stroll into the centre of town.  booking.comhotels.com GETTING THERE Siem Reap has a shiny new airport thanks to Chinese investment. To protect the temples of Angkor, it’s located 45 kilometres east of the town centre. The best way to get from the airport is to organise a pick-up from your hotel which should cost around $30. Taxis are few and far between and the airport bus ($8) currently only has 6 services per day, making it a fairly ineffective option. It takes around 50 minutes to drive into Siem Reap. TONLÉ SAP ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link