Today’s journey wasn’t one I’d normally write about just a bus ride from Battambang to Poipet, right? But what should’ve been a simple hop turned into a border crossing chess match between Cambodia, Thailand, and our bus schedule.

We left Battambang on a cramped early bus, bags wedged in like Tetris, and arrived in Poipet the day before our Bangkok leg, staying just one mile from the border. We’d booked a 10am bus only to find out the day before that it actually departs from the Thai side. Small detail. Big difference, thanks for the heads up…

Two Borders, Two Timetables, One Shot

Here’s where it got tricky: Thailand opens its side of the border at 8am, but Cambodia doesn’t open until 9am (because of some dispute… it used to be 4am…) even though the bus leaves at 10am Thai time. That only gave us an hour to get through both checkpoints and make it to the bus on time. Tight, we thought impossible having read forums about how slow it is.

So, we decided to set off at 8am sharp, walking straight to the border with our bags, the kids, and crossed fingers.

A Border-Side Game of Chicken

The Cambodian side wasn’t open yet. Staff were sitting at their desks, twiddling their thumbs, while a growing crowd of travellers began to form. Touts were buzzing around offering “VIP lanes” and “express services” and other scams they had on offer so we skipped all that and just went to the office and sat waiting, watching and playing a-z of countries.

At 9am on the dot, the border opened and it was go time. We were near the front, which made all the difference. We got through Cambodian control in minutes, crossed the dusty neutral zone, and joined the queue on the Thai side.

Here’s the thing.

The Cambodian queue on Thailand border had already swelled to 400+ people. However the foreigner queue on the Thai side was around 15 people deep when we arrived, our plan was looking good, however by the time we were at passport control the queue was about 60-70 people behind us!

because we were early, we were processed quickly, pulled into the foreigner lane, and through both borders by 9:20am, even 10 mins later and we would have been waiting behind 70-100 people to give finger prints check visas and it’s slow… so timing was everything!

Planning Pays Off

We reached the Thai side bus stand by 9:30am, drenched in sweat but victorious with 30 minutes to spare. People arriving behind us? They weren’t getting through in time and some had 9am busses booked, which they missed before processing started.

So yeah, it was stressful. But it could’ve been way way worse.

If You’re Doing This Route:

Stay near the Poipet border the night before. Leave by 8am sharp, earlier if you’re anxious we were 8th in the queue at 8am. Skip the touts and head straight to the legit passport control up the steps. Bring patience, snacks, and a sense of humour.

It’s not often bureaucracy, borders, and tuk-tuks all come together in one trip, but somehow… we made it. Next stop: Bangkok.

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After such a great first day exploring with our driver in Battambang, we didn’t even think twice we booked him again. And what a follow up it turned out to be. Wild fruit bats, ancient ruins, a lightning storm of epic proportions, and one very soggy tuktuk ride made this a day we’ll never forget.

Giant Bats and Village Life

We started the morning with a visit to see fruit bats in the wild, and they were absolutely massive. Hanging in clusters, wings outstretched, squeaking loudly as they glided through the trees like something out of a nature doc but louder and more chaotic.

From there, our driver took us deep into the countryside, winding through quiet villages. He pointed out crops we hadn’t seen much of before carrots, cabbages, runner beans, and long beans growing in neat rows alongside the road. Locals watched curiously as our tuktuk clattered past it’s not every day a tourist family comes rumbling through in the middle of their fields.

365 Steps to the Past

Our main stop was Banan Temple, perched high on a hill with exactly 365 steps leading to its ancient ruins. It’s over 1,000 years old, and you feel every bit of that age as you climb.

Georgia gave up 99% of the way up, she was done. Ali stayed behind with her in a shady shack, while I powered up to the top. The sky rumbled as I reached the summit but looked clear enough. I took a quick walk through the temple ruins, snapped some photos, admired the views and then swapped. I came back down and waited with Georgia, and Ali made her way up for her turn.

That’s when the storm hit!

Lightning, Waiting, and Walking Through a Monsoon

At the top of the temple, just as Ali had started exploring, the sky cracked open. Thunder rolled across the hills, lightning flashed over the horizon, and then came the downpour not rain, a full on monsoon. She found shelter in one of the old temple buildings and waited.

She stayed up there for around 15 minutes, hoping it might ease up. But it didn’t let off for a second. Just crash, bang, rumble, with sheets of water hammering the trees. Eventually, Ali decided she wasn’t waiting out a lightning storm on top of a mountain.

She stepped out into the storm, poncho over her, and walked the the short first descent and was soaking wet, thunder cracking above her head. She arrived back to us drenched but still smiling. So… we waited another 30–45 minutes with the girls hoping the storm might ease so we could get back down, but it just kept coming.

A Watery Descent and a Wavier Ride

In the end, we accepted we were in it now. Georgia and Ali had a poncho. I didn’t. A man who wondered up and down offered me an umbrella but kept stopping every few steps, so I gave up and just went for it.

The steps had turned into rivers, the rain pouring down in torrential waves.

When we finally reached the bottom, our driver was waiting, just as soaked as we were barefoot, his poncho on, laughing through the rain. “I’ll drive in the rain,” he said. And drive he did.

The tuktuk ride back was like something out of a film flooded roads, children coming out of school on mopeds splashing through puddles, road rivers and what can only be described as lakes, they were waving at Georgia, who gleefully waved back through the back window. We were all soaked, all tired, and somehow all still loving every second of it.

A Day to Remember

Back at the hotel, we grabbed a quick dinner, hung up our soggy clothes, and collapsed into bed. Tomorrow we move on to Poipet for a quick stop before heading up to Bangkok.

Battambang gave us two full on days. But this one was a chaotic, thunderous, completely unforgettable adventure.

We’ll be telling the story of those 365 steps and that monsoon for years.

And yet there is more, to this day…

After dinner, just when we thought the day couldn’t get any wilder, Georgia and I had one last job: get the pushchair dropped off for our 3am bus to Poipet. We jumped in a tuk-tuk—and realised straight away this wasn’t your average ride.

The driver had his baby on his lap, calmly drinking milk from a bottle as he steered. On his other side, a young boy presumably his son leaned out the tuk-tuk, honking the horn at traffic like a little king of the road. Georgia and I squeezed into the back with the folded pushchair jammed awkwardly beside us, wheels jutting into the air as we rattled through Battambang one last time.

It was noisy, cramped, slightly ridiculous and the perfect end to a truly unforgettable day!

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After saying farewell to Siem Reap, we rolled into Battambang with modest expectations and a tuktuk driver booked for the afternoon. What followed was one of the wildest, most jam-packed travel days we’ve had so far a whirlwind of history, nature, and total “what just happened?” moments.

If you’re short on time and wondering what to do in Battambang in one day, buckle up this post is for you

A Sleepy Start Turned Wild Ride

Ali wasn’t exactly buzzing at the start. After a rough night’s sleep and a long bus ride with two restless kids, she was running on fumes. But not 20 minutes into the tour, our incredible tuktuk driver transformed the day.

He launched straight into stories about Battambang’s colonial past, pointing out French-era mansions, Italian villas, and tales of royal family feuds that gave the city a real edge. Battambang may be quieter than Siem Reap, but it’s steeped in history and charm a mix of French, Thai, and Khmer influences around every corner.

First stop? A bridge reinforced with old French cannons. Yes actual war cannons used as support beams. Only in Cambodia.

Stick Man Buddha & A Sudden Storm

We made a brief stop at Ta Dumbong, the iconic “Stick Man Buddha” who gives the city its name. The legend behind it involves a magic stick, a fallen king, and some serious Khmer mythology Georgia was hooked. Dotty just looked at the giant statue.

Then the skies opened up. Classic Cambodian downpour. To add to the drama, our driver lost his keys in a shop for 15 minutes. It was chaotic, hilarious, and somehow all part of the fun.

Riding the Famous Battambang Bamboo Train

Next up: the Bamboo Train and honestly, this deserves its own post.

Locally known as the Norry, this hand-built bamboo platform on wheels is powered by a small engine and runs along a single track railway. Originally invented in the 1980s by villagers, it was a practical solution to Cambodia’s defunct rail system. Now, it’s become one of Battambang’s top tourist attractions and for good reason.

Fast Facts: Bamboo Train Cambodia

Speed: Up to 50 km/h

Built from bamboo, steel wheels, and a lawnmower engine

Entire platform is lifted off the track if another comes the other way Costs ~$5–$10 USD per adult

Family-friendly, but hang on tight!

Dotty wasn’t a fan on the way out (it’s bumpy), but loved the ride back. Georgia called it “the fastest bench in the world.”

Rice Fields, Mushroom Farms & Mopeds on a Wire

Our tuktuk adventure took us deep into the Battambang countryside, weaving through rice paddies and sleepy villages. We stopped to visit a mushroom farm, learned how locals grow them in shaded tents using sawdust and spores, then crossed a suspension bridge barely wider than a scooter tyre while mopeds flew past at full throttle, it was mad confusing and yet somewhat fun!

Was it terrifying? Yes.

Would we do it again? Also yes.

The Killing Caves & Bat Cave Buddha

Late afternoon brought a shift in tone as we arrived at Phnom Sampeau, home to the haunting Killing Caves of Battambang. This site, once used by the Khmer Rouge for executions, now stands as a memorial, complete with a glass shrine containing the remains of victims. It’s a heavy stop — but an essential one for understanding Cambodia’s past.

Climbing further, we reached a peaceful mountaintop temple complex with sweeping views, golden stupas, and roaming monkeys.

Then came the grand finale…

Sunset at the Bat Caves A Natural Spectacle

With just minutes to spare, we raced down the hill and made it in time to see one of Battambang’s most jaw-dropping experiences millions of bats pouring out of the cave at sunset.

Around 6 PM each night, a massive stream of bats flows into the sky, forming a twisting black ribbon across the horizon. It lasts for 30 minutes and genuinely feels like something out of a David Attenborough documentary.

Locals gather at roadside cafés to watch with a beer. We sat on a wall, jaws open, trying to count (and failing miserably).

Top 3 Things to Do in Battambang (From Our Wild Day)

Ride the Bamboo Train

Unique, thrilling, and a total hit with the kids (even if one of them screamed at first). Only in Cambodia!

Catch the Bats at Sunset

It’s nature’s version of a fireworks display. Free, unforgettable, and way more epic than expected.

Explore Phnom Sampeau

From dark history to golden temples, this hill offers reflection, beauty, and bat-viewing all in one.

Final Thoughts

We expected Battambang to be a quiet stopover instead, it was one of the most action-packed, surprising, and memorable days of our entire trip through Cambodia.

If you’re travelling with kids or alone and short on time, you can 100% do Battambang in one day just get a good tuktuk driver, bring water, and be ready for anything.

We left dusty, buzzing, and grinning from ear to ear.

Today was without a doubt one of the busiest days we have had travelling, and tomorrow our tuktuk driver is taking us for more he says is amazing, I’m not sure he can top today can he!?

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Leaving Siem Reap: A Bittersweet Goodbye to Our Tropical Hideaway

It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Siem Reap and to the hidden gem that made our time here so magical the Banana Hotel.

Right now, we’re rattling along in a bus to Battambang, bags packed and our minds are still wandering through Caro’s lush gardens and dreaming of that morning mango jam.

A Slice of Paradise We Didn’t Want to Leave

Our stay at Caro’s was nothing short of perfect. What started as a short stop turned into a longer stay of 10 days, we just couldn’t tear ourselves away. The peaceful bungalows, vibrant greenery, shimmering pool, and thoughtful touches made this one of our most memorable stays on the trip so far.

Each morning felt like a gift fresh tropical fruit, warm homemade bread, incredible jams, and perfectly cooked breakfasts served in the most peaceful garden setting you can imagine. Every detail was cared for and the team? Simply lovely. Friendly, helpful, and always happy to see the girls bounding into breakfast.

Georgia said it best: “Can we live here?” Honestly, we were tempted…

More Than Just Temples

Of course, Angkor Wat is world famous and it is jaw dropping but there’s so much more to Siem Reap. We explored waterfalls at Phnom Kulen, wandered through traditional villages, climbed to see the Sleeping Buddha, and met Apsara dancers and cheeky monkeys along the way. Dotty wasn’t convinced by the waterfalls, but Georgia loved her dip. I mostly played lifeguard, trying to stop them from launching off rocks!

And if you ever get the chance, do not miss Phare, The Cambodian Circus. It’s not just acrobatics it’s powerful storytelling with a mission. The performers are graduates of an arts school that gives vulnerable youth a creative future. It’s emotional, funny, spectacular… and better than many big budget shows we’ve seen and ultimately it’s just simple fun!

We Wish We Could’ve Stayed Forever

Some places just get under your skin and Caro’s did. If you’re travelling through Cambodia and looking for somewhere peaceful, family friendly, and full of soul… this is it.

Now, it’s time to make some new memories in Battambang but we leave a little bit of our hearts behind in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Family Travel FAQ

Quick answers from our adventure-loving crew!

Where did you stay?

At Caro’s Accommodation (Banana Hotel) — it’s a slice of tropical paradise, perfect for families, and ridiculously good value.

What was breakfast like?

A daily highlight. Imagine warm bread, homemade jams, tropical fruit, and the kind of eggs that arrive just right all served in a garden that feels like a jungle café next to a blue pool.

What’s this about a circus?

Phare, The Cambodian Circus — unforgettable! Think Cirque du Soleil(on a tight budget) with meaning. Acrobatics, music, and real Cambodian stories told by incredible young performers.

Is Siem Reap just temples?

Not even close. There’s also:

Kulen waterfalls The Sleeping Buddha Traditional Apsara dance shows Floating villages Butterfly gardens Landmine Museum Colourful night markets (with mango sticky rice, of course)

Easy to get around?

Super easy. Tuktuks are everywhere and most drivers are lovely and helpful many became unofficial tour guides!

Kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The girls had a blast from pool dips and temple climbs to market snacks and the space to roam. And yes, we found enough plain rice and pancakes to keep everyone fuelled.

The post Leaving Siem Reap, A Sad Goodbye Our Tropical Hideaway appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

We set off from Siem Reap just as the sun was cracking the sky, piling into a trusty taxi instead of locking into a rigid coach schedule. Within an hour the rice paddies gave way to the lush greenery of Phnom Kulen National Park, and we could feel the humidity turn into anticipation.

Kulen Waterfall greeted us with a tumble of jade green water but, to be honest, it wasn’t quite the roaring spectacle we’d imagined or read about I mean, it was impressive but not as presented by people on posts suggested (we saw way better falls elsewhere) but… we couldn’t swim in those so this was a novelty!

Georgia wasted no time stripping off her shoes and plunging in as the cool pool washed over her. Dotty, on the other hand, hovered at the edge dodging the nibbling fish and fretting over slippery rocks and clanged on for life while I played guardian, guiding her across the slick stones and preventing any dramatic wipe outs. For the price we paid (way less than any coach tour), it was still fun, even if the falls themselves were a touch underwhelming (could be better managed, and Tidier/Cleaner for the entry cost).

After our dip at Kulen Falls, we set off on foot toward the Sleeping Buddha. The walk took us through a quiet village simple wooden homes, a few chickens, and friendly waves from locals as we passed. The path was dusty but easy enough, winding steadily uphill.

At the top, we reached Preah Ang Thom, Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha. Carved directly into the sandstone, the statue stretches around 16 metres and dates back to the 16th century. We took off our shoes, stepped inside the shrine, and paused. Georgia was curious, Dotty was unsure, and I was surprised how much smaller it was in real life (pictures made it look huge)

It wasn’t crowded, just calm and still. A quick look around, a few quiet moments, then we made our way back to the car—hot, tired, but glad we came.

Back in our taxi, we wound eastward to Banteay Srei the “Citadel of Women.” Built in 967 CE from glowing pink sandstone, its miniature gopuras and intricate bas reliefs truly come alive under a late day sun. We wandered through halls carved with scenes of Shiva dancing with Parvati, tracing the centuries old artistry with reverent fingers. Every corner held another delicate detail that felt almost too fine to have survived a millennium.

Why a Taxi Beat a Coach

Going private gave us all the freedom to linger exactly as long as we liked whether that was coaxing Dotty across a rock or snapping yet another photo at Banteay Srei. It also saved us cash compared to the big bus group tour rates, letting us splurge instead on a nice lunch.

By the time we rolled back into Siem Reap, dusk had settled over the dusty streets. We showered off the day’s adventures it was the kind of day you ponder over. Sure, the waterfalls didn’t quite live up to the hype, but between Georgia’s laughter, Dotty’s cautious optimism, and my precarious rock guiding skills, we made memories that are anything but underwhelming.

Tips for Your Own Trip:

Swimmers & Sandals: For slippery rocks and sudden dips.

Sunscreen & Snacks: There’s little shade on the trails, and shops are shacks.

Private Transport: Flexibility by taxi = freedom to call the shots.

Would we do it again, no, but we don’t regret doing it at all.

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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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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.

The post Visiting Butterfly Paradise in Siem Reap appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

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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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.

The post 🌄 A Day at Angkor Wat: Ancient Stones, Big Smiles, and “ANGKOR WHOOO?!” appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

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.

The post 🐀 Bomb- Sniffing Rats in Action: Cambodia’s Real Life Heroes appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.