Today was all about slowing the pace right down. After a couple of full-on days – temples, shopping centres, animated chaos and all – we decided it was time to just relax.

We started by checking out the rooftop infinity pool. The views were absolutely unreal – Phnom Penh stretching out in all directions – but it wasn’t exactly built with kids in mind. Great for a sunset cocktail… less ideal for a pair of energetic little ones.

So we made the smart move and headed to the 13th floor pool instead. Much better choice – it’s got a shallow kids’ splash area on one side and a proper pool next to it for swimming and floating. Georgia and Dotty were straight in. Dotty paddled, Georgia jumped in like a dolphin on sugar. Sorted.

Ali finally got a breather, feet up, sun on her face, catching up on a bit of paperwork she’d been trying to get to for days. Pure zen.

And just when we thought the kids might start getting bored turns out there’s a play area right next to the pool. Perfect. So after their splash session, they headed straight there for more fun while we got a few extra minutes of peace.

Sometimes the best days don’t involve sightseeing or big plans just a pool, some shade, and space to unwind. And honestly? After the last few days, this was exactly what we all needed.

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We made it to Phnom Penh, finally! After a sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh that had more random stops than a toddler on a nature walk, we were wrecked. These buses look like a great idea reclined beds, aircon, sometimes even Wi-Fi but with sudden braking, questionable roads, and a few surprise “leg-stretching” stops at roadside stalls, meant it was an experience and a half.

The next day we grabbed a lie in after which we set off to ease into Cambodia with a bit of culture. Wat Phnom, the city’s oldest and most important temple. Cheap to get in (less than a quid), peaceful from a distance… but full of surprises up close.

The place has a real charm incense burning, golden statues, and that classic temple calm. Some people dancing in front of a Buddha statue like it was a rave. Drummers were playing music and we watched wide eyed. All while Ali was keeping dotty entertained.

Outside, a massive snake statue curls along the stairs it’s Nāga, a sacred mythical serpent in Khmer culture. These creatures are protectors of temples and a symbol of life and water. Looks impressive. Bit creepy when you’re already overtired, though.

To balance out the weird, we hit a play area at the bottom

Of the slope so the kids could let off steam. They were straight into it. After that, we headed to a nearby shopping centre near The Peak with a cinema, bowling alley, and a bit of everything. Lunch wasn’t cheap, but we were too hungry to care by then.

In the afternoon, we thought we’d try a bit of chill time and saw Lilo & Stitch in 3D. Audio was in English with Khmer subtitles perfect! Dotty didn’t keep the glasses on, obviously, she had a sleep and then was happy peaking at the screen and munching the odd bit of popcorn. Georgia loved it. As did ali, I found it moving somewhat but I am blaming being over tired on that!

After the film we grabbed some essentials from the shop just basic food to get us through our five day stay then back to the apartment.

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Phnom Penh is a funny old place. After a couple of days here, we still can’t quite work it out.

Locals earn maybe £200 a month, but a coffee can cost $5. The whole place runs on US dollars, and prices in the city often feel closer to Europe than Southeast Asia. You’ll spot tuk-tuks weaving through traffic beside gleaming SUVs, and it all sort of works even if it shouldn’t.

Honestly? Don’t ask too many questions or your brain will melt.

Anyway, onto us.

Wednesday – A Much-Needed Pool Day

After bouncing around from city to city, we finally had a proper down day. The hotel had a rooftop pool with views over the skyline and just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. Dotty loved the shallow kids’ area, and Georgia spent most of the time jumping in and out like a maniac.

Ali got some paperwork done (power mum mode), and I finally got to just stop, breathe, and enjoy a moment of stillness. No tours, no plans just the us having a splash and a bit of peace. It’s these kinds of days that keep the big adventure ticking else you just fizzle out!.

Thursday – Big Bus, Big Sights, Big Bonus

Back into explore mode, we jumped on an ope -top bus tour in the afternoon one of those hop on hop off jobs (not that they were letting anyone on or off), but it was open air.

We passed some of Phnom Penh’s main landmarks:

The Royal Palace, gleaming in the sun Wat Phnom, perched at the city’s highest point The Independence Monument Riverside markets buzzing with life And countless little glimpses into everyday Cambodian life along the way

The breeze was much needed, and it gave us a better sense of the city’s layout (and chaos).

After the bus, we stopped at a nearby mall for lunch classic food court affair with noodle bowls, and enough air conditioning to revive us.

Crocodile Cruise at Sunset

At 6 PM, we boarded a river cruise the kind with food served on board and a perfect view of the sunset. The boat glided along the river as Phnom Penh’s skyline lit up, locals waved from the shore, and music played softly in the background.

The food was simple tofu and rice but it was tasty, and the atmosphere was great. And here’s the thing the whole lot the bus tour and the cruise came to just £20 total for all of us, and that even included four free beers.

In a city where prices sometimes feel bonkers, this felt like an absolute win.

Phnom Penh FAQ: What We Wish We Knew Before Arriving

Is Phnom Penh cheap?

Not really. It can be, but don’t expect classic backpacker prices in the city centre. A coffee can cost $4–5, a meal in a mall might be $8–12 per person, and Western-style supermarkets are as pricey as the UK.

What currency do they use?

Mostly US dollars. Cambodian riel is used for small change (you’ll often get coins back as riel), but prices are usually listed in USD and that means tourist pricing is real.

Is public transport easy to use?

Tuk-tuks are everywhere and cheap-ish, especially if you use the Grab app (like Southeast Asia’s Uber). No need to haggle or carry small cash.

Is street food safe?

Yes just go where it’s busy and cooked fresh. We stuck mostly to malls and cafés this time, but loads of travellers swear by the local BBQ stalls and noodle stands.

Are hotels good value?

You’ll get more space and a pool for less than in Europe, but prices aren’t dirt cheap. Budget $30–$50 a night for family-friendly places in central areas.

What’s the deal with the crocodile cruise?

We paid £20 total for two adults, which included an open-top bus tour, dinner on the boat and four free beers. An absolute bargain by Phnom Penh standards ask around at your hotel for local deals like this.

Is the internet decent?

Yep fast enough for Netflix and work. Most cafés, hotels, and even buses have free Wi-Fi.

Anything that surprised you?

Yeah the cost of imported goods, the shiny new malls, and the weird mix of luxury and poverty side by side. It’s a place full of contradictions.

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It was our last day in the capital honestly the 5 days have flown by!

Today we decided to split up in a “this is too heavy for the kids” kind of way Ali headed to the Killing Fields, while I stayed with Georgia and Dotty for one last splash in the rooftop pool. We’d talked it over the night before and decided that the girls and honestly, even I didn’t need to hear or see those stories just yet.

When Ali returned, she was quiet. It had hit her hard a place that makes you realise life is ioften about luck.

The killing fields site is haunting. Even now, when it rains, human remains still rise to the surface bones, teeth, fragments of lives lost. Tour guides walk you through mass graves and trees once used for torture and far worse. Ali said pretty much everyone in the group was in tears, it was deeply emotional.

Ali explained that there was a man on site one of only a handful of survivors. He now sits there selling his story (a book Ali bought) I’ll read it in a week or two and let you know my thoughts.

Anyhow, The Khmer Rouge didn’t just kill political enemies they eliminated nearly anyone with an education. Could you read? Count? Fix a typewriter? That was enough. And they didn’t stop at one person. If one member of a family was educated, they often wiped out the whole household.

And the worst part? Pol Pot, the man who orchestrated all of it, was never truly punished. No trial. No prison. He died in 1998 under a kind of house arrest a fact that’s hard to wrap your head around after hearing what really happened and more bizarre, his wife and children now live wealthy and free in Florida!

Meanwhile, on the Roof back at the hotel!

It was cannonballs and chaos of a much happier kind!

Dotty held court in the shallow end like she owned the place, Georgia launched splash attacks with deadly precision. I was half soaked, half laughing, all while thinking about just how bizarre this whole trip can be. I mean, one of us was standing on a mass grave. The other was being pelted with inflatable unicorns much has changed here in the last 40 years but it’s still haunting to think about!

I said it before and I’ll say it again, Phnom Penh, full of contradictions,….

Killing Fields FAQ – What You Need to Know Before Visiting

What are the Killing Fields?

Mass grave sites from the Khmer Rouge era (1975–1979), where over a million people were executed during the genocide. The most visited site is Choeung Ek, just outside Phnom Penh.

Where is it located?

About 30–40 minutes by tuk-tuk from central Phnom Penh. Easy to get to — just ask your driver.

What’s the visit like?

Emotional and very quiet. The audio guide is excellent and full of real survivor stories. You’ll walk through areas where bones still surface during rain.

Is it suitable for kids?

We don’t think so. It’s intense and graphic. We kept our girls away and would recommend it only for older teens who can grasp the history.

Can you take photos?

Yes, but be respectful. Most people put their phones away and take in the experience.

How long does it take?

Around 1.5 to 2 hours. Some also visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) on the same day.

How much is it?

Around $6–$10 USD depending on whether you include the audio guide (definitely worth it).

Was Pol Pot punished?

No. He died under house arrest in 1998, never standing trial for his crimes. Some other leaders were tried much later, but many never faced justice.

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We left Phnom Penh on a 7-hour day bus bound for Siem Reap one of our longer journeys, but not a bad ride at all. The bus had big reclining seats, air con (just about), and they even handed out water bottles. The roads were bumpy in places, but the countryside views made up for it: rice fields, scooters carrying entire families (no joke, 4 people on a moped) and the occasional cow casually crossing the road.

When we arrived, we struck gold with our accommodation a peaceful little spot outside the main town, complete with a sparkling pool, relaxed bar, and lovely French hosts who made us feel instantly welcome.

After unpacking, we had dinner by the pool: sweet and sour chicken for me, veggie stir-fry for Ali, and two kids’ meals for the girls. Quick, tasty, and just what we needed to end a long travel day.

Honestly, travel days knock the wind out of you, so like always we took it easy the next morning. Georgia didn’t wake until 8:30 practically unheard of!

Then came breakfast… and wow. Easily the biggest breakfast we’ve had since leaving home:

Fresh pancakes Homemade rolls with 4 jams, butter, and honey Coffee, juice, and hot chocolate and loads of Fruit on the side!

Just as we were finishing up, the owner came over and asked what we’d like for the cooked breakfast… notepad in hand, so obviously we went again. I asked for eggs and bacon and made bacon rolls (yes, plural), Georgia had two fried eggs on top of the other food she ate, and Ali loved the pancakes so much she had another round of them, and Dotty staged a silent protest and refused food altogether. Classic Dotty all or nothing!

After an hour of serious eating, I waddled away from the table absolutely stuffed.

Later that morning, we grabbed a taxi into town and wandered around Phsar Chas the Old Market. It’s a proper sensory overload and reminded me of Peru a log, rows of handmade goods, fabrics, spices, jewellery, souvenirs, and a few stalls you might want to avoid if you’ve got a sensitive nose (hello, dried fish section). It’s hot, somewhat disorganised but worth the experience.(I was surprised how quiet it was having read it’s normally mad)

After the market we popped in to a temple site looked at the old shrines buildings and admired the architecture for a bit, free entry and no other visitors!

Market Tip: Go early, take small notes, and don’t be shy about bartering, prices usually start high but can drop fast with a smile and a polite counteroffer.

After the temple (and a bargain £4 asthma pump from a local chemist), we headed back to do the only sensible thing, spend four hours in the pool. In the pool we had everything blazing sun, rain, clouds, then more sun a full Cambodian weather sampler while the girls splashed, floated, and finally crashed. Honestly they were absolutely knackered by dinner.

We kept it simple with takeaway pasta and cheese with some veg. No complaints, and Dotty came of hunger strike and stuffed herself. Day one in Siem Reap? Busy for a rest day but not overwhelming!

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While in Siem Reap, we visited APOPO’s incredible bomb disposal site and yes, we saw rats saving lives. Giant African pouched rats, also known as HeroRATs, are trained to detect landmines by sniffing out the explosive chemical compounds buried underground. They’re so light, they don’t trigger the mines, which means they can work quickly and safely.

We watched in awe as one of the rats swept a section of field, pausing to signal when it found something dangerous below. It was like watching a living metal detector, but way more efficient. After the demonstration, we even got to hold one of the HeroRATs it was calm, soft, and honestly kind of adorable.

Here’s what blew our minds even more:

Rats trained by APOPO have helped locate over 150,000 landmines and unexploded bombs. One rat can search a tennis court-sized area in just 30 minutes — something that would take a human up to four days. They’re used in Cambodia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Laos, making post-war land usable again.

Meet the Greatest of All Time: Magawa

The most famous HeroRAT of all was Magawa, who worked right here in Cambodia. He personally found 71 landmines and 38 UXOs, clearing 141,000 square metres of land. In 2020, he was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal, the highest honour for animal bravery — the first rat ever to receive it. He passed away in retirement in 2022, but his impact lives on.

After seeing the rats in action, we headed back to the pool grateful, a little humbled, and full of admiration for the tiny heroes changing lives one sniff at a time.

FAQ: Bomb-Sniffing Rats in Cambodia

What are HeroRATs?

HeroRATs are specially trained giant African pouched rats that detect landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) by sniffing out explosive chemicals like TNT. They’re smart, lightweight, and incredibly accurate.

Why use rats instead of metal detectors?

Rats can search faster and more accurately. While a metal detector picks up every bit of metal (including bottle caps), rats ignore scrap and only react to explosives. They also work much faster and don’t set off the mines due to their low weight.

Are the rats in any danger?

No rats are too light to trigger the mines they’re detecting. They are trained using positive reinforcement (treats!) and are never harmed during their work.

Where are these rats used?

They’re active in Cambodia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Laos countries heavily affected by landmines from past wars.

How many landmines are left in Cambodia?

Estimates suggest there are still 4–6 million landmines and UXOs scattered across the country, especially in rural areas. Clearance is ongoing, but it’s a massive job.

Can tourists visit the rat training centre?

Yes! APOPO has a visitor centre just outside Siem Reap, Cambodia. You can watch a live demonstration, learn about their work, and even hold a HeroRAT yourself. Great for families and travellers interested in meaningful experiences.

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Today we stepped into one of the most breathtaking places on Earth Angkor Wat, and let me tell you: wow doesn’t even come close. We’ve done some big-ticket sights on this trip including Machu Picchu, Piza, Lurve and so on just a few months ago… but the sheer scale of Angkor Wat? It’s next level. Peru was jaw dropping. This? This felt like stepping into a living, breathing epic.

It’s hard to explain what it feels like walking through this ancient temple complex, surrounded by stone towers that scrape the sky and carvings that tell stories older than most countries. But it wasn’t just the temples that made the day unforgettable… it was our guide and the fact you are not restricted to narrow routes!

We hadn’t planned on hiring a guide, but as we stepped through the main gate, this absolutely buzzing local guide approached us full of beans, grinning from ear to ear. Within seconds he had Georgia giggling with his booming intro:

“ANGKOR WHO?! ANGKORRRRR WATT!!!”

From that moment, we were hooked. His enthusiasm was contagious. Every stone had a story. Every carving came to life through his animated gestures and voices. He got Georgia involved at every stop asking questions, pointing out hidden animals in the bas reliefs, even teaching her how to spot the apsaras (celestial dancers) with different poses and headdresses. She went from quiet observer to mini explorer in no time.

Why Angkor Wat Matters

Angkor Wat isn’t just the most famous temple in Cambodia it’s the largest religious monument in the world, originally built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. First a Hindu temple to Vishnu, it slowly transformed into a Buddhist site. The complex is enormous surrounded by a moat, filled with detailed reliefs that depict epic battles, gods, and daily life from over 800 years ago.

But what really blew us away was how perfectly symmetrical and awe-inspiringly vast the place is. It dwarfs everything else we’ve seen. You walk down one corridor, then turn a corner and realise there’s still a whole city of stone stretching out in front of you.

The Details That Made It Magic

Sunlight streamed through crumbling doorways, lighting up the ancient stone like something out of a movie. Our guide clapped his hands to demonstrate the “echo chamber” in the Hall of Echoes Georgia tried it and burst into laughter when her clap echoed right back at her. He showed us secret spots we’d have missed alone a Buddha statue wrapped in saffron cloth in a hidden alcove, incense curling up silently into the stone ceiling. Dotty, riding in the carrier, was wide eyed the whole time, Ali overheating in the 34 degrees heat carrying Dotty while Georgia looking for monkeys playing near the moat (sadly we didn’t see any).

We all make it out from the temples satisfied and happy what a great morning it had been!

Back to the Pool

After a full morning of temples, heat, and history, we were absolutely knackered. But not before Georgia asked for one more shout from “ANGKOR WHO GUY!” and of course, he delivered one final booming shout that had everyone within earshot smiling.

We then took a short trip to another temple and toured around( there are loads) and after which we called it a day, we were knackered!

We wrapped up back at the pool, cooling off and talking about everything we saw. Even Georgia mimicked the chant all afternoon, I guess It was the kind of day that’ll stay with us for years part adventure, part history, and all heart. (We have 2 more days of it to go)

Travel Tip:

Hire a guide at the gate. We didn’t plan to, but it made the experience ten times better. Ours was friendly, energetic, and great with the kids plus, they know all the best photo spots and hidden details. Expect to pay around $15–$25 for a tour, and it’s worth every cent.

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We started the day like any good explorer family bright and early on an 8:30 AM city walking tour through the backstreets and heritage spots near the legendary Angkor Wat.

Our guide was a proper character full of passion, stories, and a brilliant ability to make the ancient feel alive.

He took us through the rise of Siem Reap, how it grew in the shadow of one of the world’s greatest temple complexes, and showed us places we’d have completely missed on our own.

It was cultural gold m temples, shrines, French facades, local life, and Georgia playing “spot the Buddha statue” all morning, we always enjoy a city tour because you find out things that you would always miss, but we don’t always get to do one!

After the tour, we set out to grab a few basics. What we got was a full-on teleportation back to the UK.

This wasn’t a store like Iceland or Co-op.

This was a shop selling actual Co-op and Iceland food.

We walked in expecting dusty snacks and came out genuinely questioning what country we were in.

It had everything:

From fruit to Warburtons bread, coop Belgian buns made, Cadbury drinking chocolate, gravy granules, proper British beans, sauces, biscuits Iceland frozen ready meals, spring rolls, pizzas, party food, desserts, ice creams all branded with UK pricing

We’re talking thousands of UK products, every aisle a different kind of culture shock. Even the cleaning aisle smelled like home.

It was surreal. It felt like we’d stepped into a mega Co-op on a sleepy Tuesday night back in Broadstairs.

Except… we were in Cambodia. And those UK price tags? Still on the boxes. But now marked up in USD, making that £2 box of fish fingers suddenly a luxury item (6 USD)

Still. It was worth it.

We hadn’t had real gravy or proper hot chocolate in six months. I nearly hugged the till staff in anticipation.

Afternoon: Pool Time & Wind Down

We headed back to our accommodation for a much needed splash session.

The girls were shattered and silly, switching between pool races, floaty games and making up songs about the supermarket.

Dotty did her usual drifting about and Georgia hosted the “Cambodia Pool Olympics.”

It was the perfect slow down after the madness of the morning.

Evening: Phare Circus – Not Your Average Big Top

Later that night, Georgia and I had tickets to the Phare Circus and this isn’t your usual circus, folks.

There are no lions, no popcorn, no cheesy ringmasters shouting into bad microphones.

Instead, it’s a mind blowing blend of Acrobatics Juggling Tightrope and rope tricks Interpretive dance Physical theatre

It’s emotional, hilarious, and utterly unique with a live band and a real storyline threaded through it all.

Georgia was mesmerised. She was wide eyed and gasping more than once, especially during the juggling duels and slapstick scenes.

What makes it even more special is that Phare supports disadvantaged Cambodian youth training them in the performing arts and giving them a platform to shine. And shine they do.

Quick Travel Tips

City Walking Tour: The earlier the better. 8:30 was perfect to avoid the heat.

UK Supermarket: Ask around for the spot that sells only Co op and Iceland stock. It’s not a tourist trap it’s the real deal, your homesick taste buds will thank you.

Pool Breaks: Siem Reap gets hot and humid fast. A pool = sanity.

Phare Circus: Book ahead. You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer. It’s not a circus, it’s an experience. Section B for the best seats.!

Final Thought

This is why we travel not just for the big monuments and famous sights, but for the weird, wonderful, and wildly unexpected.

Today we saw temples.

We ate British buns in Cambodia.

And we watched a Cambodian teenager tightrope walk like it was nothing.

Not bad for a random week day!.

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After days filled with temples, tuktuks and surprise supermarkets, today was something different.

Gentle. Quiet. And moving.

We took a short ride out of town to Butterfly Paradise, a peaceful, blooming sanctuary run by SALT Ministries and walked straight into a world where beauty and purpose flutter side by side.

From the moment we stepped in, we were surrounded by butterflies thousands of them, flitting through tropical plants, dancing between flowers, and occasionally pausing just long enough to perch on a curious child’s hand.

Dotty squealed every time one fluttered close, and Georgia was absolutely chuffed when a brilliant blue butterfly landed on her arm and almost stayed there long enough for a photo.

The garden is alive not just with insects, but with colour, life, and peace.

There are shaded paths, koi ponds, benches tucked beneath overgrown vines, and tiny bridges spanning trickling streams. It’s beautifully designed but never flashy — the kind of place that lets nature do the talking.

Dotty and Georgia loved feeding the fish, that was an absolute win!

what makes Butterfly Paradise truly special isn’t just the garden… it’s what it supports.

Behind the Wings: The Orphanage at Wat Preah Yesu Butterfly Paradise is a social project.

All profits go directly to supporting the children’s home at Wat Preah Yesu, where SALT Ministries cares for over a hundred children orphaned or abandoned, many due to poverty, HIV/AIDS, or family breakdown.

This isn’t an institutional orphanage. It’s set up like a village.

Children live in family style homes with Cambodian house parents, attend a school run on site, and are given long term care in a safe, faith-based community.

While we walked through the butterfly enclosure, we were also walking past a deeper story one of second chances and resilience.

Some of the young people working in the garden or shop were once raised by this very orphanage and the girl who took the money for entrance was proud to tell us her story, her mother died and her father was an alcoholic so she went to the orphanage, she said it was a wonderful place and beamed with pride!

There’s also a vegetarian café on site if you arrive early or want a quiet spot to sit, cheap and good quality food served to order

The thing that stood out, no pressure to donate. There are no guilt trips or upsells. Just a quiet explanation near the entrance:

“Your visit helps feed, clothe, and educate children who need it most.”

That was enough for us.

Our tuktuk driver waited a three full hours for us to explore, for just a few dollars. Cambodian kindness in action. We tipped well, of course.

Tips for Visiting Butterfly Paradise

Go in the morning – it’s cooler, and butterflies are more active.

Bring small cash – there’s a small entry fee and optional donations.

Don’t rush – you’ll want time to sit, watch, and feel it all sink in.

Talk to the team – many speak English and are happy to share the story behind the place.

Check opening times – usually open weekdays, 9am–4:30pm.

A Quiet Kind of Magic

It’s easy to get caught up in the big sights when you travel the Angkor Wats, the jungle ziplines, the market buzz… But this? This was different.

Butterfly Paradise reminded us that small places can hold big meaning.

We ended the day with a quick swim, sure but it was those butterflies, and the stories behind them, that stayed with us.

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Today was one for the memory books ancient stones, creeping jungle vines, and cinematic déjà vu. We explored two of Angkor’s most fascinating sites: the atmospheric Nokor Thom and the iconic Ta Prohm, where the jungle has taken hold in the most dramatic way.

And yes… there may have been a dinosaur sighting too.

First Stop: Nokor Thom – Quiet, Moody, Magical

We started our day at Nokor Thom far less visited than the big names but absolutely full of character.

Where places like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm buzz with camera clicks and crowds, Nokor Thom was silent, shaded, and peaceful.

Worn down paths and mossy carvings, low light filtering through stone corridors it felt like we’d stumbled into a forgotten world.

Georgia called it “the sneaky temple,” thanks to the way the sunlight slipped through cracks and lit up hidden corners.

Dotty was warming up to the day in a grumpy way, hot, tired, and protesting about walking, so we carried her!

There is something special about having a place like this almost to yourself no rush, no tour groups, just time to soak it in and imagine the stories the walls could tell and I bet they have a lot

Then to Ta Prohm, Where Nature and History Collide

If you’ve seen Tomb Raider (the Angelina Jolie one), you’ve already had a taste of Ta Prohm.

It’s the jungle temple the one where massive tree roots smother ancient stone, like nature slowly pulling it all back into the earth.

Walking through it feels like you’ve stepped onto a film set… only it’s real, and older than you can imagine.

Georgia was blown away by the way the trees wrapped themselves around buildings like they were giving them a slow, crushing hug.

Dotty just ran from one vine to the next, like she was on a treasure hunt.

It’s wild. It’s crumbling. It’s powerful. It was beautiful adventuring the site was magical!

The Ta Prohm “Stegosaurus”

Tucked into a quiet section of the temple is one of Angkor’s weirdest mysteries: a stone carving that looks exactly like a stegosaurus complete with those bony plates down its back.

People argue about it constantly, is it proof of ancient knowledge? Just a stylised rhino? A time-travelling carver?

We don’t know. But standing there looking at it? You definitely pause and go, “Hang on… what?” It 100% looks like a dinosaur and it would have taken days to carve out, so it was done to design! Odd to say the least!

Whether it’s a dinosaur or not, it’s yet another reason Ta Prohm stays with you long after you leave.

Quick Tips from Today

Nokor Thom

Go early it’s peaceful and you might have it all to yourself. Wear good shoes and take your time. Bring water there’s not much nearby.

Ta Prohm

Gets busy fast, so try early morning or later in the day. Watch for the “stegosaurus” carving near the outer wall of the central area. Be ready for roots, uneven stone, and wild photo opportunities.

Thoughts

Today we started in silence, ended in the jungle, and in between… we might’ve seen a dinosaur carved into 12th-century temple stone.

Cambodia continues to surprise us. Every stone, every statue, every crooked corridor seems to hold something unexpected whether it’s peace, wonder, or a little movie magic.

We’re loving every minute!

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