When thinking about a name for this website, the obvious choice was templesandtwowheels.com. I had just returned to my apartment in Phnom Penh after travelling over 2000 kilometres on my trusty 110CC Ginio Honda Moped. The main purpose was to visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, but I took the long way round because that’s the way I roll!
More on that later. There is so much more to Cambodia than temples. The people are friendly, there’s some magnificent architecture, it has some fantastic beaches, it’s always warm, it has some beautiful countryside and it’s cheap! After its dark recent troubles (which I will also cover, you can’t understand a country until you understand its past), it really is quite extraordinary how the people and the country have developed in the last 30 years.
There is already a wealth of information on the Internet regarding the above but some of the most wonderful temples never even get a look in! Angkor Wat is impressive but so are many others, spread out all over the country.
When you think of Cambodia, you only need to look at the flag to see what it is they are so rightly proud of. This blog’s purpose will be to focus on the wonders of the ancient Khmers, but as it develops, I hope to give you a well-rounded picture of the beautiful country that is modern day Cambodia, the true Kingdom of Wonder. Obviously, many of the countries modern aspects will reveal themselves throughout my stories and adventures anyway, which turned out to be quite a few!
So, whilst it is a temple focussed website primarily, I will also share some travel advice, health tips (unfortunately I had to use them!) and useful tips for anyone planning on visiting Cambodia. Here are some essential books I found invaluable.
LATEST POSTS
- Preah Khan
Preah Khan is probably one of my favourite temples. That is if you can have a favourite. It is a bit like having children or pets, probably best not to say it! It charmed me as soon as I ventured through one of its gates. 12th Century, built originally as a Buddhist temple until the… - Banan Temple
Banan Temple sits about a 30 minute bike ride from Battambang. It’s not for the faint hearted that’s for sure! It was a baking hot and humid February day and I was particularly feeling the heat which isn’t like me. After arriving sweating but at least cooled by the air on the moped I was… - Wat Hanchey
Wat Hanchey in the Kampong Cham area pre dates many of the temples at Angkor. Originally built in the 7th Century but most of it has been rebuilt, although some parts still remain. I was lucky enough to be staying at Hanchey Bamboo Resort (you can read about all the places I stayed here too)… - Prasat Phnom Rong
Phnom Rong is based in the Angkor park area. It isn’t on any tour itineraries, that’s the benefit of travelling on two wheels! I just randomly came across it. If you are traveling to Angkor then you can either ask your tuk tuk driver to stop off there or take your own transport. Mopeds can… - Wat Phnom
It seems sensible starting with the first temple I visited in Cambodia. Little did I know then that I would be living next to it when I found my first accommodation here in Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom is the Mother of all temples in Phnom Penh. Undoubtedly, if you find yourself in Phnom Penh you…