There are a lot of great reasons to travel, but at the end of the day it’s all about the experiences. Travel has never been more exciting and it seems that new options to interact with local communities has hit its stride as a travel style. So I decided to look back at the last year and highlight just a few of my favorite experiences both close to and far away from home in 2014.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

It’s really hard to isolate a single experience from a trip to Australia; the entire country is just so remarkable. But in thinking back on my trip in January, there were two days that were better than all the others and I realized that I just had to highlight the experience. Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island is located off the coast of South Australia it’s as close to a natural zoo as you’ll find almost anywhere in the world. Some of the animals you will see on a visit include kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, penguins, echidnas and more. I’m a wildlife guy and I have to admit that the promise of wildlife viewings really is what drew me there in the first place. We didn’t have much time so we used the expert services of Exceptional Kangaroo Island, the best touring company on the island and definitely the most luxurious. Led by affable Craig Wickham, a lot is packed into a short period of time and we did everything from walking next to kangaroos in an open field to enjoying a white linen lunch with a view to die for. Those two days were exceptional, not just for the amazing wildlife I saw in person but for the warm hospitality extended to me.

Coasteering, Wales

At first the adventure sport of coasteering seems like the bad result of a drunken wager gone wild. But it’s not and even more surprising, it’s insanely popular and a lot of fun. Coasteering is defined as “a physical activity that includes movement along the intertidal zone of a rocky coastline on foot or by swimming, without the aid of boats, surf boards or other craft. It can include swimming, climbing, scrambling, jumping and diving.” It sounds great in the middle of a hot summer, but I was there in March when the water temperatures were anything but encouraging. Located along the Irish Sea, the beauty of Anglesey can’t be denied though and I soon found myself lost in the beauty of the craggy landscapes surrounding me. The extreme experience was just as advertised and not even my two wet suits could fully keep the freezing waters at bay. In spite of the conditions though it was fun, a lot of fun and diving along the coast, swimming across the white-capped waves and pushing myself in ways I didn’t know I could was as personally gratifying as anything I have ever done. Ultimately, that’s the real thrill of adventure travel; pushing one’s comfort zones in ways you didn’t know possible.

Kayamandi Township, South Africa

Located near Stellenbosch, South Africa, Kayamandi isn’t necessarily all that different from other townships found around the country, but for me it was an especially poignant experience. Townships are holdovers from apartheid, when non-whites were forced to live in large communities, such as townships. In Stellenbosch, the Kayamandi Township was at first home to mostly black laborers, there to work the nearby farms. All townships around South Africa evolved over time, many of them turning into small cities. Unlike a real city though, townships lack key aspects of infrastructure, like sewage, universal running water, and well-organized electrical grids. Townships still exist today, but they’re evolving and many, like Soweto, have distinct sections home to middle-class individuals as well as the very poor. There is most definitely poverty in a township, but that poverty doesn’t define the experience. That was brought home to be when I met Mama Lily, who invites tourists like me into her home in the township to teach us about Xhosa cooking and to share stories from her very remarkable life. It was a beautiful moment in a place that has many more similar moments for anyone who takes the time to look.

Exploring Ancient Temples in Cambodia

I traveled halfway around the world to Siem Reap for one reason – to finally see the unusual Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat in person. I love history and archeology and had long tried to visited this legendary site, so that when the chance finally arose I couldn’t say no. I was surprised though; I thought that the main building of Angkor Wat would impress me the most, but that wasn’t the case. Instead it was another nearby temple, Angkor Thom that really wowed me. The feeling is undeniably eerie as you walk amongst the many stone towers of Bayon, the massive faces staring straight through you. They’re said to be of the god-king Jayavarman VII, the monarch responsible for the massive temple. It was a special experience for me, a beautiful one that I know I will never forget.

Kayaking Around Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of my favorite cities in the world, its golden buildings and massive walls seem like something out of a fantasy novel. I visited the city for the second time this year, but it was my first experience seeing it in an entirely different way. Starting from the small harbor near Place Gate, several companies take adventure travelers out for a kayak excursion around the city walls of Dubrovnik. From the other side of the wall the beauty of the architecture is seen without impediments, a lasting tribute to the souls who worked on its construction. Small details, like carvings and statues that can only be seen from the water came into view. After two trips to Dubrovnik I can honestly say that this kayak adventure was one of the best things I’ve done in the city. So if you’re curious and active like I am, be sure to plan your own adventures kayaking around Dubrovnik the next time you visit.

Playing Cowboy in Alberta, Canada

The main reason I drove along the Cowboy Trail in Alberta, Canada was to spend a couple of days at the beautiful Sierra West Ranch. Owned by Randy and Ginny Donahue, it’s a true Alberta ranch in every sense of the word. Horses, cows and wide-open terrain are the stuff of movies. But they’re not your typical ranchers. A few years ago they decided to open their home to tourists who wanted to live the cowboy life as a getaway from the modern world. Since then they’ve built a series of cabins and even a small old west town for their guests, who descend on the ranch from all around the world. As a guest I learned how to ride and take care of a horse and even went out with Randy and Ginny to manage their herd of cows. More than the horsemanship and the hospitality of my hosts, sitting out there watching as the sun set over the beautiful plains was a very special moment for me. I felt like I was as far away from everything as a person could be enjoying a private spectacle all to myself. It’s a special place and one I hope to visit again one day.

A Walk Through The Desert in Jordan

During my most recent visit to Jordan, my first experience was perhaps the most unusual, but one that quickly became my favorite. It started off with a 16-kilometer hike through the Dana Biosphere Reserve. This special natural retreat is one of the world’s most unusual and while daunting and not for everyone, the hike takes visitors through beautiful valleys, along dry streambeds and even through an oasis or two. Anyone can do that though, what catapults this into experiential luxury is where you end up; at the Feynan Ecolodge. Named one of the top 25 in the world, Feynan lives and breathes green travel. I arrived just as the sun had set and yet I almost didn’t see the lodge. That’s because there’s no electricity, well not much anyway. Situated in a desert valley, Feynan is completely off the grid depending on solar energy for the small amounts of power it does consume. The hallways and rooms are lit with candles, candles made in a community outreach project with local Bedouins. Everything about this place screams sustainability but in a way that is entirely comfortable. The rooms are well designed and imminently comfortable and the activities on offer allow guests to get closer not only to nature, but the locals who call this inhospitable desert home. The experience is unlike any other in the region and presents the concept of sustainable travel in a way that is comforting and relatable.

Live Jazz in New Orleans

While on a recent trip to New Orleans, the group I was with went out after dinner to a small club to hear an unusual band. Well, it was unusual for me but for New Orleans it was just an average Sunday night. No other city has done more for modern music than The Crescent City and this fierce love of jamming can still be found everyday, throughout the city. The bar was a small one and about thirty minutes late we were led into an even smaller back room. No windows or much decoration, just a place to listen to great live music. The band that night was an all brass band, pumping out some of the most incredible experimental music I’ve ever hear. As I stood there with the small crowd, I thought to myself just how special that moment was. There I was, in the middle of New Orleans enjoying new music coming alive for the first time. I realized just how lucky I am to be allowed these special experiences and it was all brought home to me that night.

What are some special travel experiences you’ve had this year?

The post My Favorite Travel Experiences of 2014 appeared first on LandLopers.

One of the first posts I wrote following my trip to beautiful Cambodia was about a visit to Angkor Wat. In it I described feeling a little underwhelmed and that I preferred other temples in the areas surrounding Siem Reap. While that’s true, there is also no denying that the Angkor Wat complex is a striking artifact, a magnificently preserved glimpse into another century and another culture, without which both would be lost to time. I love exploring ancient sites and while I won’t call Angkor Wat one of my favorite experiences, I did nonetheless enjoy touring this stunning temple complex.

I arrived in Cambodia on a very easy Dragonair flight from Hong Kong. It’s hard to believe, but in two hours I was transported from the busy streets of Hong Kong to the quiet fields of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Staying with La Residence d’Angkor, they helped coordinate my visit to the famous Angkor Wat site, starting before dawn to capture the famous sunrise.

The largest religious monument in the world (It’s true, look it up) Angkor Wat started life in the 12^th century first as a Hindu temple before shifting to a Buddhist one. Because of that, one sees not only at Angkor Wat but in other nearby temples a curious mingling of images and beliefs, coming together to live in aesthetic harmony. Crossing the bridge over the massive moat, I entered like millions before me, just after sunrise and eager to explore the complex and discover its secrets.

Angkor Wat is not surprisingly huge, almost intimidating by its size. The name Angkor Wat translates to City of Temples, and that’s exactly what visitors encounter when they first visit. This is why a guide is incredibly important, and there are many trained local guides available at very affordable rates. I personally think you need a guide to not only help interpret the site, but to frankly lead you around the maze-like corridors and breezeways.

The many buildings and temples are of course interesting, but the real star of the show are the many bas-relief friezes found throughout. The engravings show everything from scenes found in Hindu epics to real events in the history of the Khmer civilization. It still astonishes me that these beautiful works of art were somewhere preserved throughout the ages, nimbly dodging the effects of both age and theft. Spend some time looking at the reliefs, they are amongst the best in the world and really do more than anything else to show the spirit of the people who carved them.

A truly exhaustive visit to Angkor Wat takes time, so make sure you plan for it and also be prepared for the elements. Cambodia is usually very hot and humid, and trekking through Angkor Wat can take a toll on even the most physically fit. But visit it you must, because even in spite of its limitations it truly is one of the most impressive preserved sites from antiquity you’ll find anywhere on the planet.

Have you been to Angkor Wat? What did you think?

This campaign was created and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.

The post Exploring The Ruins of Angkor Wat In Cambodia appeared first on LandLopers.

As a picky eater, I’m never entirely optimistic about the food when I visit a country for the first time. There are so many things that I don’t eat, which the rest of the world seems to love that travel can sometimes be difficult. Oddly enough, in the past I have had a lot of luck in Southeast Asia and over the years have come to truly love my foodie experiences in places like Thailand and Laos. I took things a step further though on a recent trip to Cambodia when I joined the chefs at the luxury hotel La Residence d’Angkor for a remarkable market tour and cooking class.

La Residence d’Angkor is part of the Belmond family of hotels (formally Orient-Express) which includes some of the best hotels in the world, including this serene property located in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia. After a quick and very easy direct flight from Hong Kong with DragonAir, I was in the thick of the action and ready to see and do as much as possible.

One of the great things about luxury hotels in Southeast Asia is their commitment to service, which extends to the activities they offer guests. The hotel made my brief three-day visit to Siem Reap easy and hassle free, as they do for all their guests, by doing everything from coordinating local tours to making sure I had enough time to relax by the pool. The long list of activities they offer isn’t centered only around the area’s attractions, but the hotel as well and as soon as I saw the cooking class option, I knew it was for me. There is no better way to quickly learn about a new culture than through its food and after two days of eating delicious local dishes, I knew it was a cuisine I had to learn more about.

Chef San Piseth had just returned from a sabbatical, but was ready to be thrown back into the fire with me, his first pupil in several months. We hopped into the back of a tuk-tuk and before I knew it we were in the middle of Siem Reap’s busy central market. There are several markets around town, but the central market is where everyone goes, from housewives to restaurant chefs. Walking around I saw a little bit of everything, from fresh fruits and vegetables, to more adventurous bites like crickets and grubs. Even though it was early, the heat of the day was already making its presence known and many folks wanted to get everything done before the weather went from Very Hot to Surface of the Sun hot.

We didn’t buy anything though; Chef Piseth said that to ensure quality and quantity, La Residence d’Angkor buys locally, but from sources they know and trust. He wanted me to see the ingredients we’d be using though, to understand their tastes, colors and textures before we got started. With that in mind, we tuk-tuk’d back to the beautiful hotel so I could take my first ever class exploring the wonders of Cambodian cuisine.

I love to cook, but given my normal hesitation towards eating too many vegetables, Southeast Asian cuisine is rarely on the menu. I was determined to give it a try though, and eagerly put on my apron and waited for Chef Piseth to show me the ropes. What progressed was my favorite meal of the trip – freshly made courses (that I helped with!) that didn’t just reflect the local community and culture, but were also refined and naturally delicious.

Cambodian cuisine is one of the oldest living culinary traditions in the world. With an emphasis on simple, fresh and seasonal cooking, it has been at the core of the Cambodian experience for centuries. Rice is naturally an important part of the food experience, something I witnessed firsthand as nearly every meal had a rice component to it and I tried my best to learn a few of the more than 100 words Cambodians have for this daily staple. Sadly, Cambodian cuisine was almost entirely wiped out during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s, but in combination with increased tourism, these food traditions have experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially in the form of cooking classes for tourists.

With this in mind, I did my best to follow the lead of the amazingly proficient Chef Piseth. From assembling delicate spring rolls to tasting the broth of savory curries, I was there with him in the beautiful outdoor kitchen watching my knife cuts and doing my best to duplicate his stunning efforts. It was more than just a class though, it was also my lunch; the best part of any cooking experience. After we crafted each course, I was allowed to slowly savor it in the tree-canopied café and enjoy a truly unique experience.

I walked away from the class full and happy, but also wiser. I learned a lot about Cambodian culture that morning and afternoon, more than just how to make a spring roll. I learned about the key role food plays in Cambodia, no matter one’s social position, and I was so happy to have taken the time to slow down a bit and absorb the culture around me through its food.

Below are some recipes for the dishes I created, but be sure to book the class for yourself when you stay at the beautiful Residence d’Angkor. That’s why I love staying at hotels like the Belmond’s Residence d’Angkor. Sure, the rooms are great and the service is exceptional, but it’s also for the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences like the cooking class that makes the overall experience truly extraordinary.

Recipes

Appetizer

Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet and Sour Dressing

Spring Rolls

Ingredients

1 pack rice paper

2 cups carrots, peeled and julienned

3 cups cucumbers peeled and julienned

7 ounces bean sprouts

7 ounces basil leaf

Roasted peanuts and fried garlic to taste

Directions

1. Soak the rice paper in water for 5 seconds and then put aside

2. Arrange carrots, cucumbers, basil leaf and bean sprouts on the rice paper and gently roll

3. Serve with fried garlic, roasted peanut and sweet and sour dressing

Soup

Chicken Soup with Lime Pickles Served with Long Leaf Lettuce and Deep Fried Garlic

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds sliced chicken

6 cups chicken stock

14 ounces mushroom of your choice

Onion to taste

3 ounces lemongrass

Pinch of kaffir lime leaf

3 pickled limes

3 ounces of lettuce

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 tpsp sugar

1 tsp salt

½ cup chopped garlic

¼ cup chicken powder

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil and then fry garlic until brown in color

2. Bring stock to a boil in a large pot then add lemongrass, lime leaves, mushrooms, onion and limes. Cook for two minutes.

3. Add sliced chicken adding fish sauce, sugar, salt and chicken powder.

4. Cook until finished and serve with garlic mixed in the bowl with lettuce.

Main Course

Traditional Khmer Chicken Amok and Steamed Jasmine Rice

Ingredients

2 ¼ pounds of chicken

1.7 cups onion

1 ¼ cups Khmer curry paste

4 cans coconut milk

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp fish sauce

2 cups cooking rice

1 ounce red chili

1 ounce kaffir lime

1 ounce Chicken powder

Directions

1. Sauté curry paste with vegetable oil and then add coconut milk. Strain afterwards.

2. Bring the amok sauce to a boil and then add chicken, onion, fish sauce, salt, sugar and chicken powder.

3. Keep cooking until chicken is cooked through and tender then remove from heat.

3. Before serving add a few drops of coconut milk, chili and kefir lime.

4. Serve with steamed rice.

Dessert

Banana Fritter

Ingredients

15 small bananas

Tempura powder

Sugar

Coconut milk

Water

Black sesame seed

Directions

1. Peel bananas and put to the side

2. In a bowl, mix the tempura powder, sugar, coconut milk, water and sesame seed until well combined.

3. Soak the banana in the mixture and then deep fry.

This campaign was created and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.

The post Learning How To Cook In Cambodia (Recipes Included) appeared first on LandLopers.

I’ve long been interested in archeology and learning about past civilizations. Had a natural predilection against math not prevented my entrance into any of the sciences that’s where I might very well find myself today. That’s why I seek out opportunities to visit ruins and dusty sites, from the obscure to the heavily touristed. That was also the main reason for my trip to Cambodia with Cathay Pacific, jumping on a short and easy Dragonair flight from Hong Kong to be immersed in the history of the Khmer Empire. Using the well located and luxurious Residence d’Angkor as my home base, visiting Angkor Wat was my primary goal. I soon learned though that it is not the most impressive temple complex near Siem Reap. No, that accolade belongs to Angkor Thom.

A few weeks ago I wrote about my thoughts and feelings regarding Angkor Wat; it was fine, but wasn’t the experience I had always imagined it would be. It was too crowded and while the buildings were indeed impressive, they just didn’t speak to me. I never felt transported back to a different era; instead I was hot and increasingly annoyed at the endless array of stone buildings. I was disappointed, but grudgingly followed my guide to the next stop on the Day o’Temples and I’m glad that I did. As it turns out, Angkor Thom was my favorite experience of the trip.

Crossing the bridge into Angkor Thom was not unlike the beginning of an Indiana Jones movie. The bridge is flanked by divas and ashuras, figures from mythology that are seen repeated throughout the Khmer temples. This time was different though, the scale of Angkor Thom (an area of 9 kilometers) is one of the most impressive in Cambodia. The name means Great City, an epithet as meaningful today as when it was first built in the 12^th century. Not just one temple, but truly a city comprised of a variety of buildings, spending the afternoon in Angkor Thom is the best way to understand the power and influence the Khmer Empire once enjoyed.

Nothing was as I expected it. I anticipated an experience similar to that of Angkor Wat, namely a hot trek through poorly interpreted buildings. The reality of Thom was shockingly and wonderfully different. A tree-lined path led the way to the most famous of the temples in this ancient city, Bayon, with its massive stone faces peering out into eternity.

Bayon temple was the last state temple built at Angkor Thom and just like most of the other Khmer buildings, incorporated elements of Hinduism, Buddhism and local animist beliefs. The feeling is undeniably eerie as you walk amongst the many stone towers of Bayon, the massive faces staring straight through you. They’re said to be of the god-king Jayavarman VII, the monarch responsible for the massive temple. All but lost to time, his public works projects are his lasting contribution, still here and still impressing visitors as they did 800 years ago.

I didn’t know any of that at the time though, I was too much in awe to listen to my guide, who was getting frustrated with me as I hopped through narrow doorways and scampered over ruins. That was the best part of my experience at Angkor Thom though, the feeling of exploration. Through the oppressively hot and humid temperatures, we explored most of Angkor Thom from the well trodden to the little seen. Massive buildings that were meant to inspire fear and awe, and private temples that no one but monarchs were ever supposed to see. But Angkor Thom succeeded where Angkor Wat failed. The site transported me to another era, to live in the shoes of a people as distant and alien to me as Martians. That’s the beauty of visiting ruins and ancient sites. It’s not to tick something off of a list; it’s to understand the culture and history of a place as deeply as you can.

I’m not sure exactly why Angkor Wat failed to do this for me, but it did. It could be that my expectations were far too high and since I knew nothing about Angkor Thom, it was easy for me to be impressed. That’s a good theory but I think it’s wrong. I just think that Angkor Thom is a more impressive and infinitely more interesting site. It may not get the attention that Wat does, it may not be the national symbol but at the end of the day I think that’s a good thing. It’s far from being unknown, but it doesn’t see the incredible crowds that Angkor Wat does, making the experience much more intimate and infinitely more enjoyable. So when you visit, sure, go to Angkor Wat and see the sunrise, but later that day explore the width of breadth of Angkor Thom and prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime.

Have you visited Angkor Thom? What did you think?

This campaign was created and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.

The post Angkor Thom – The Real Star of Cambodia’s Temples appeared first on LandLopers.

I love researching new places before I first visit them, but I have to admit that my scholarly endeavors before visiting Cambodia were lacking. I was busy and didn’t have the time I needed before flying with Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong and then on to Cambodia to properly research all the things to see and do in Siem Reap. I put myself in the hands of my hotel, the Residence d’Angkor, knowing that as long as I saw some temples that I would be alright. As it turns out, one of my favorite experiences had nothing to do with temples and almost didn’t happen at all.

The description on the hotel’s web site and in their on-site brochures mentioned a river and a visit to traditional villages. That’s all I needed to know before eagerly signing up for the excursion, the destination I didn’t even know. I did know though that it was important for me to get out of the sometimes touristy Siem Reap, away from the Angkor Wat bubble and to see for myself what the countryside of Cambodia looks like. Plus I love being on the water, so it was an obvious decision to spend the afternoon out of town.

The drive out to the river was an enlightening one, the car passed by innumerable huts and makeshift houses, full of kids and parents whiling away the time. 4 million people in the country exist on $1.25 per day or less. Seeing poverty, extreme poverty, from an American point of view is always an uncomfortable experience as it was that afternoon in Cambodia. But I didn’t want to be the invading colonial; instead I wanted to learn more about these folks.

My guide paid the owner of the small boat, a floating combination of rickety wood, a bad motor and a lot of good wishes. He gave me a toothy grin and pointed to his US flag bandana; I imagine he has one for most countries, but the effort was appreciated. We were off though, an hour-long ride on the river that along with the massive lake is known simply as Tonlé Sap. The river is a strange one and its flow actually changes throughout the year and when the rains come in the summer months, the vast lake is formed. I was there early in the season passing through villages built on stilts, I had an inkling of what the area would look like in a few short weeks.

Fishing and rice are the industries of importance to the Tonlé Sap villagers, taking advantage of the change in seasons and the effect water has upon their lives. The small collections of huts on stilts were basic, just four walls and some furnishings, at least that’s all I could see. Boats lay about in the grass, just waiting for the waters to rise and make them useful again and kids jumped into the dank water, trying to stay cool on an oppressively hot day. As the water flow changes, many villagers move their entire homes, turning them into houseboats and floating to the next spot for the best fishing. After an hour (and two breakdowns) of puttering along the murky, brown river we arrived in what is the current lake, a reflective masterpiece I never would have expected.

Tonlé Sap is huge, it’s the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and has incredible importance to Cambodia both in practical and spiritual terms. I could see why as we motored among the huts, floating but still firmly anchored in place. It was an entire village with a school, store and homes, exactly as one would expect except that this one was floating. There was a certain beauty and elegance to the design and I felt myself getting lost in the mirror-like qualities of the lake and how it reflected the unusual town.

I didn’t go to Tonlé Sap to gawk or to engage in lowbrow poverty tourism, I went because I was curious. Curious to leave touristy Siem Reap and see what the country really looks like, curious to see this UNESCO recognized lake and curious to discover something new. My curiosity was well fed that day and I left happy, happy in discovering something new and different and happy to have seen more of what daily life is really like in the country, albeit discouraging. I didn’t plan this experience, it wasn’t the result of Internet research or advice, it was an impromptu decision but, as so often is the case, was the best one I made during the trip.

Have you discovered important but unknown to you places before?

This campaign was created and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.

The post Joy of Unexpected Discoveries – Beauty of Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia appeared first on LandLopers.

When I was little I wanted to be an archeologist, à la Indian Jones naturally. The idea of learning all about past civilizations, discovering their long lost secrets captivated me, and still does to be honest. My inability to do any math past a rudimentary level may have kept me out of the sciences as a profession, but that lust to explore and learn has never gone away. That’s perhaps why I wanted to visit the ancient temples found near Siem Reap for so long; to see the famous Angkor Wat for myself. Many long anticipated experiences though can sometimes be a letdown, so I thought I’d share what I really thought and whether a visit to the Khmer temples was really worth it.

Getting there was the easy part. I was working with Cathay Pacific and their Dragonair flight from Hong Kong to Siem Reap was a quick two-hour hop. Getting there is relatively easy and once there I discovered a hopping tourist town, a mixture of backpackers and curious others, all there for one reason. THE TEMPLES.

One thing I didn’t really appreciate before my trip was that Angkor Wat is just one of many temples in the area. While there are more than 1000 temples, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, only a few are popular tourist sites, but of course Angkor Wat is the king of them all. The largest religious monument in the world, the temple has become a symbol of Cambodia and is frankly the major reason why many people visit.

I arrived before dawn to see the famous sunrise over the massive temple. I was joined by hundreds of other tourists, sleepy eyed but all there for the same show. There’s a rhythm to Angkor Wat, one orchestrated by the guides most visitors hire to show them around the area’s temples. I dutifully followed mine, from sunrise to the immediately hot and humid day that erupted. Walking across the moat into the temple I was awed that I was finally there, finally able to see one of the most amazing examples of ancient art and architecture in the world.

Maybe it was the other tourists, but more likely the site itself, but I quickly myself losing interest. While the site is indeed massive, it is also somewhat repetitive. Beautiful wall engravings, large rooms, impressive architecture and so on. Within an hour I was thinking more about what I wanted for breakfast than I was the site I had pined after for decades. What was wrong with me? I was disappointed at the time, but it wasn’t until later in the day that I finally figured out what the problem was.

Literally drenched in sweat (attractive, I know) my guide and I walked up to Angkor Thom, another Khmer site located a few miles from Angkor Wat. Immediately everything felt different. There were fewer people but more importantly, the site seemed more alive. Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire and the many temples and buildings of the site make it easy to imagine life there. My personal favorite was the Bayon, a richly decorated temple famous for its huge stone faces peering out into the infinity of time. Angkor Thom, to me, was more impressive than Angkor Wat, it was infinitely more interesting and wasn’t the tourist crush that Angkor Wat was.

By the end of the day, and visiting four more temples/sites I was done. The heat index was 104 for the day and my clothes had been soaked through multiple times. Climbing up the massive stones had exhausted me and it was with the great feeling of physical exhaustion that I plopped down on my bed at the Residence d’Angkor, a smile affixed to my face. I had done it; I had finally visited the temples of Siem Reap, but the experience wasn’t at all what I thought it would be.

Angkor Wat disappointed me because I have thought about it literally for decades. I had built it up into a travel experience it will never be. I should never have been surprised by the tourist crush or by the fact that my expectations could never have been met. That’s the problem with travel dreams, we build them up into something they aren’t and are invariably disappointed when confronted by the dull reality.

Is Angkor Wat impressive? Yes, of course, there is no debating that. But understand it for what it is and, more importantly, don’t limit your explorations just to that site. Do as I did, spend a day or two and visit all of the other temples, with a guide to lead you, and get a broader understanding of the power, wealth and brilliance of the empire that built these seemingly everlasting monuments to themselves. The lessons learned are surprising, the natural landscapes beautiful and the overall experience is so atypical for what one normally does and sees in Southeast Asia that it is well worth the visit.

Have you been to Angkor Wat? What did you think?

This campaign was created and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.

The post Angkor Wat in Cambodia – Worth The Visit? appeared first on LandLopers.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Cambodia, an easy flight on Dragonair from Hong Kong. Before even leaving Cambodia though, I knew that there were several details I wanted to share. Tidbits of information that could have helped me during my own stay in Siem Reap and tips that I hope will help you as you plan your own trip to this beautiful country. I have a lot more to say about my remarkable experiences in Cambodia, but I wanted to start with this more practical post.

1. Visas and cash – For U.S. residents, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. You can get one upon arrival but you will need a passport sized photo and $20. Yes, that’s right you need to have a U.S. $20 bill in order to process the visa. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes, but make sure you have everything you need before you get there.

That gets me to something I really wish I knew. In Cambodia the currency is the riel. However, the Cambodian economy being what it is, locals prefer getting paid in dollars since they get more value from it than from their own currency. I made the mistake of exchanging a bunch of cash, losing money in the process, which I didn’t really need to do. Local restaurants and shops will accept riels, but it’s easier and ultimately cheaper for you to just use American currency. Do bring lower value bills though, lots of $1, $5 and $10 bills will serve you well. American coinage is not used, so try to have even transactions or you’ll be stuck with a lot of nearly useless riels.

2. Visiting temples – The most popular tourism spot in Cambodia is Siem Reap; home to the legendary Angkor Wat along with a host of other temples. It’s an impressive place and after a few days there I quickly understood the draw. There are though a few things you should know. While you can certainly tour the temples on your own, I strongly recommend hiring a driver and guide for the day, which your hotel can help arrange. The price is very reasonable and the guides are licensed and provide a lot of great information. It will also be hot and having an air conditioned car to take you from one site to the next instead of tuk-tuk is a nice perk. I think it’s also nice to pump money back into the local economy by hiring a guide, most of whom come from some pretty humble backgrounds. Regardless of whether you go solo or not though you will need a temple pass. For $20 for one day (prices vary if more days are purchased) you will have access to most of the area temples, including Angkor Wat. Each temple complex has guards checking the passes so don’t think you can sneak by without one. Your guide will take you to the ticket area where you need to once again have American currency with you as they process your pass.

It’s Southeast Asia so it will most likely be hot and humid when you go. Be sure to pack a small day bag with plenty of water, hats, sunscreen and even a clean shirt to change into after a long (and sweaty) day of sightseeing.

3. Rainy season isn’t that bad – I’d always avoided Asia during the rainy season, which is why I was a little concerned before my recent trip. But I quickly learned that there is a sharp difference between rainy season and monsoon season. Rainy season is just that, periods of rain every other day or so. While I visited it rained everyday, in the afternoon for no longer than 20 minutes or so. Of course this will vary, but it wasn’t the day-long downpour I had feared.

4. No need to excessively plan in advance – I’m a planner and am especially obsessive about it when I know I will be somewhere where I will need a lot of tours. I had planned all of my Siem Reaps tours from home, but as soon as I got there I saw that it wasn’t necessary. Perhaps this doesn’t hold true in the high season, but when I visited the hotel merely arranged the tour the day before I needed it done. There are many guides in the area and most are trained in the same sites and activities, so it’s easy to hire someone last minute. Not only that, but from my own experience traveling it’s much easier to see what there is to see and do after you arrive than in advance when you’re dependent on whatever information you can find online. Cambodia also enjoys a somewhat slower pace of life so you may feel the need to acclimate and relax a little more, something you can’t do if you over plan.

5. Spend more time – My three days spent in Siem Reap is actually the typical amount of time most tourists spend in this popular city. It’s enough time to see the temples, explore town and maybe even relax a little. But as with most places, more time always means a better experience. Luckily I managed to leave town one afternoon for a trip out to Tonle Sap, the famous and impressive UNESCO recognized lake and river system. Along the way though I passed through villages and met some of the local residents, each of whom greeted me with a broad smile. It was good for me to get out into the country and to see not how those involved with the tourist trade live, but how the average Cambodian lives and the experience was humbling. It’s for that and other experiences like it that make staying in Cambodia and exploring longer not only a nice thing to do, but an important one.

Is there anything you would like to know about traveling in Siem Reap, Cambodia?

This campaign was created and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.

The post Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Cambodia appeared first on LandLopers.

I love airlines, check that, I love good airlines and I’m excited to announce that I’m part of a new campaign sponsored by one of the best in the world – Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific and iambassadors (of which I am a member) decided to partner up in order to showcase several features that make traveling with them a pleasure and to highlight some of the fascinating destinations they reach. Cathay Pacific recently began a new non-stop route from Newark Liberty International Airport to Hong Kong. This route complements their already existing JFK service and makes it easy for East Coasters like myself to easily reach and explore beautiful Asia. (Don’t worry rest of the U.S., Cathay has four other American gateway cities.)

Three bloggers, one covering food, one covering fashion and myself, will travel to Hong Kong and then onward to three other locations to see for ourselves how easy it is to use Cathay Pacific as the perfect way to explore various cities in Asia. The food blogger, Rachelle Lucas of The Travel Bite and I will travel June 1-7 while the fashion blogger, Meg Biram of MegBiram.com will travel June 7-14. During our adventures we’ll see the best of Hong Kong but also Cambodia (me), Yangon (Rachelle) and Shanghai (Meg).

I’m particularly excited about my schedule, as I will be visiting two places that are completely new for me: Hong Kong and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

While in Hong Kong I will:

• Discover the luxurious comfort at the InterContinental Hong Kong located on the Kowloon waterfront.
• Enjoy a breathtaking view of Hong Kong from The Peak.
• Nosh on traditional meals like delicious dim sum.
• Visit the Police Married Quarters (PMQ), a newly revitalized area that is a creative industry hub.
• Explore Lantau Island
• And so much more.

After a couple of days I will board a convenient Dragonair (part of the Cathay Pacific Group) flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia; the closest city to the famous complex of temples centered on Angkor Wat.

During my time in Siem Reap I will:

• Call the beautiful La Résidence d’Angkor hotel my home, luxury in a great location.
• Explore the many temples around the area, including Angkor Wat of course.
• Discover what makes Siem Reap tick for myself as I bike around town exploring.
• Experience local cuisine for the first time, something I’m really excited about.
• Stay connected with my KeepGo Global MiFi device!
• And of course a lot more.

I will be able to get there and back thanks to the super convenient flight on Cathay Pacific, where I will also be testing out their Premium Economy Class, something I’m really excited about actually. I love flying and I love seeing how airlines enhance the experience for their guests and I can’t wait to see what Cathay Pacific has done towards their goal of making the in-air part of the travel experience as comfortable as possible.

So starting June 1, please follow me and my fellow bloggers by keeping tabs on the #CXploreAsia hashtag on all platforms, but especially Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as we share with the world how easy it is to get to Asia with Cathay Pacific and why these destinations are amongst the most exciting in the world to explore.

Is there anything you think I should do either in Hong Kong or Siem Reap? What do you want to know about these exciting destinations?

This campaign was created and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.

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