We visited the spectacular Santorini in Greece ten months ago and what a sensational holiday we had.
Never did I expect the views from Fira Town and Oia Village to be so breathtakingly stunning – this place is truly a ‘Gift from the Gods’ and that’s an understatement!
I remember many years ago gasping at the most perfect Santorini photographs in those ‘posh’ travel magazines – dreaming myself there one day….now the dream is a magical memory.
The whole holiday from start to finish was just super WOW and the local people were my five star favourites.
This holiday was a tad on the expensive side, but we were well prepared for that, and in my opinion, the luxury we experienced was worth every penny.
Stunning views from Fira
We stayed in Cavo Bianco, a lovely romantic five star boutique hotel and spa near Kamari Beach and I must say, the staff (⭐ Maria ⭐) and service there was impeccable. On arrival, we were extremely lucky to be upgraded to their best suite and we certainly made the most of it. I would definitely recommend this hotel if you are looking for a more tranquil and relaxed vibe – it really was so peaceful and was just what we needed – a delightful getaway from our busy London City lives.
Restaurant View, Kamari Beach
Kamari has a pebble beach – now I do prefer golden sandy beaches but it proved to be special in so many other ways. We did catch the early morning sunrise here and were truly mesmerised by it.
Our holiday adventures took us to the best restaurants, bars, beaches, captivating views…with the highlight of our holiday being a beautiful Catamaran Sunset Cruise, sailing on the ‘Serenity’……a truly unforgetable and sensational experience.
Sunset Cruise on the ‘Serenity’
We made good friends on our holiday and that was down to the whole vibe of the island – cool, carefree and charming.
Would I go back? This one is a no brainer for me….one thousand percent YES!
If you are looking to visit an extra special place with breathtaking views, then Santorini is an absolute must. I look forward to going back.
Take your heart on holiday – you deserve the magic it brings!
I have a dream to travel the world on a luxury super yacht, sailing the open seas and inviting the ocean sunsets into my heart.
The great thing is…in my magical mind…it’s never JUST a dream…it’s a vision to come true….to forever experience…to truly live and fully immerse in.
Dream It Do It and as cliche as it may sound, that’s my exact plan.
I’m never that girl who only talks the talk! Yes, it might take me a few years to get there, but I will forever walk the talk.
I’ve always loved boats and I’m not even a great swimmer but there’s just something so special about sailing towards the summer sunset – free, easy, bright and breezy!
Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Santorini
Watching whales in their natural environment will be on my sailing adventures list – the thought of being close to the breathtaking beauty and magnitudnal size of a blue whale, fills me with the greatest joy and off-the-scale excitement.
Our sailing journey starts in 2025 where we will be cruising around Spain, France and Italy, on the stunning ship – the famous Sky Princess by Princess Cruises. It’s a top quality oceanliner that will be freeing my heart amongst the waves of life.
These dreams do come at cost, but I’d rather pay thousands of pounds for a magical lifetime experience than a fancy designer handbag anyday – but hey, each to their own and we all love what we love!
The world is a travellers extravaganza and its hidden gems are waiting to be explored. Please check out The Rife Guide my favourite modern nomad travel blog.
A lot of us are living and working in square boxes most of our lives, but I genuinely don’t think that’s where we’re supposed to be. Our life of this time should not be couped up any longer than it needs to be. The wonders of the natural world on land, sky and sea want to greet our soul with a smile and a sparkle. Please don’t be tempted to stay in your cave for too long, the miracles you seek are often just a decision away.
I dare you to plan that dream trip, go to that new place you’ve had your eye on, shake mother-nature’s hand and simmer under the sunset like there’s no tomorrow – for I know this adventure will live in your heart forever.
Explore your passionate desires through wondrous worldly travel.
With a title like this, I am in no way minimizing the sheer amazement that is Angkor Wat. Truly, I have never been so blown away by such mastery and grandeur. I usually max out on museums and historic sites after a few hours each day. Something was different at Angkor Wat. Each temple held a unique frequency, and I became more energized as I temple-hopped. If it were allowed, I would have happily slept out there. LOL. There is a wealth of information about visiting Angkor Wat online, so I wanted this article to help you differently. Here, I’ll share my favorite things I did in Siem Reap beyond the temples.
First, I’ll offer a few tips I wish I had known before visiting. Then, we’ll head north of Angkor Wat and explore beyond, where I’ll share some of the adventurous and off-the-beaten-path activities I enjoyed outside the temple grounds. To clarify, the ancient city of Angkor Wat is inside the modern city of Siem Reap. I’ll keep these concise and to the point. Here are my top 11 pointers not to miss beyond the temples!
Angkor Wat
1. Logistics
Passes
When I visited Angkor Wat in June 2024, there were three types of passes available: a one-day, three-day and seven-day pass. If you have the time, I highly recommend the seven-day pass. It allows you to explore the grounds at a more relaxed pace and visit remote temples that many rushed travelers don’t have the opportunity to see.
There are two main viewing routes in Angkor Wat – the Big Circuit and the Small Circuit, most definitely traversed on separate days. My friends and I hired a TukTuk driver for the Big Circuit, which was the best use of our time and incredibly fun! The next day, I tackled the Small Circuit on my bicycle, which provided both a workout and enjoyment.
There was something about biking alone through the jungle that made me feel like a real adventurer, especially when I got stuck in a torrential downpour for 1.5 hours 🙆🏽♀️. I recommend these transportation methods and they are a bit rugged and keep you close to the earth. You can rent or hire an air-conditioned car, to me this felt too modern for the landscape.
Pro tip ~ there are two temples 20-30 minutes outside the Big Circuit called Phnom Bok and Banteay Samre. We had our driver take us to these for an additional small fee. Now I wouldn’t suggest more temples unless they were worth it, and these REALLY REALLY ARE!
Put on your athlete cap, as Phnom Bok requires 630 steps up to this 9th-10th century temple. This is no joke in triple-digit weather, my friends. Apart from the crumbling Phnom Bok there is also a gorgeous Buddhist temple atop. You will feel alone on top of the world up here.
Banteay Samre is down the street as you head back into town. This temple blew me away because the carvings are well-preserved. I think this is because of its tucked-away location and the fact that it attracts far fewer visitors than the temples on the circuits.
Food & Drink
There are cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the grounds of Angkor Wat which offer a variety of food, drinks and souvenirs. You won’t go hungry out there!If you have specific preferences for snacks and hydration, I recommend bringing them in a backpack. Additionally, it’s wise to research the weather for your visit. Depending on the season, you may want to pack a rain jacket and umbrella, just in case.
2. The Angkor Wat App
This app proved invaluable as it maps out both routes within its interface, conveniently numbered in viewing order – a stroke of genius! Clicking on each temple provides a brief history, which was informative. While the basic version sufficed, in hindsight, I wish I had opted for the upgraded version for additional features and information. The app was particularly helpful when I explored alone on my bike, keeping me on course through the behemoth jungle.
3. The Secret Angkor Thom Trail
Anything secret intrigues me, especially when lost cities are involved. So when a local tipped me off to the 12km trail around Angkor Thom, my ears perked up. As you enter through any archway entrances surrounding the perimeter, you’ll find small dirt trails leading up to the wall (I entered at the South Gate). On top of the wall is a perfect trail for walking, running, or biking. You’ll encounter wildlife, a jungle to your right, a moat to your left and hidden temples along the shaded path. I saw no other trekkers, only a few bicycle groups during my walk.
Walking is one of my favorite activities, and this trail in this setting made it extra special – it was one of my favorite walks ever. I suggest bringing a hat, plenty of water, a fully charged phone and a few downloaded podcast episodes. Walking casually, I completed the full loop in 3 hours and 22 minutes. Talk about experiencing Angkor Wat without the crowds!
I think you will be pleasantly surprised and enamored with the town of Siem Reap. It is walkable, safe and has the modern conveniences you want. Now, this is not a food guide, but there are a few places I MUST point out. These are places I will always revisit when I return.
4. Restaurants
It is hard to have a bad meal in Siem Reap. That said, I especially fell in love with these restaurants. The first two are quick, delicious and mission-driven establishments. The third was such a comforting, cozy experience tasting Geeta’s food; it reminded me of my Nana’s cooking!
• Wild Creative Bar & Spring Rolls Restaurant – anyone who has designed a restaurant concept around spring rolls has my heart. To me, spring rolls are close to tacos regarding a near-perfect meal. Light, easy, crunchy, flavorful, creative and requires sauce ~ bliss! Wild has come up with some unique rolls and dipping sauces. I packed a few of their rolls for a picnic one day inside the temples and that was the move.
• Muffin Man – these guys served me one of the best muffins I have ever had. Along with sweet treats, they nail healthy salads and sandwiches. With two convenient locations in town and delicious coffee, Muffin Man is a must-try.Don’t miss reading the story of how they came to be, as it absolutely moving, grab the tissues.
• Serendib Srilankan Cuisine – go meet Geeta and eat her incredible food! She is a nurse by day and chef extraordinaire by night. The sweetest soul and her food will transport you to Sri Lanka and beyond.
5. Bars
There are plenty of bars in SR, but these watering holes were unique and unforgettable.
• Asana Old Wooden House – a cozy, perfectly lit gem inside Pub Street’s bustle. This cocktail-forward bar is a beautiful example of traditional Khmer architecture. These houses are known for their intricate wooden carvings and elevated stilts to protect against flooding during the monsoon season. You could see lighting up a cigar with the most interesting man in the world at Asana!
• Laundry – I first walked by Laundry and thought it was a laundromat. Nope! It is a groovy, low-key bar with a melting pot of travelers, expats and locals. The pool table, along with the hot peanuts and local draft beer, are the main attractions. The perfect place to decompress after a day of temples!
• Elephant Bar – because who doesn’t love a little pinky-up moment? Located inside Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Elephant Bar boasts a well-appointed setting. They host a welcoming happy hour from 4-6p, open to outside guests. Beyond the delightful drinks, I was charmed by the friendly staff, world-class art and snacks (of course!).
Honorable Mention – although not a restaurant or bar, I highly recommend visiting Tribe Art Gallery. They house incredible art created by locals and other artists throughout Asia. The meaning and intention behind each artist’s work really drew me in. Check their hours; they were open Friday through Sunday evenings when I visited.
North of Angkor Wat
For the adventures below, I rented a scooter. There is nothing like riding a scooter through Cambodia’s countryside, as this is a wonderfully rural part of the world. It did a lot for the little kid in me. Don’t miss this type of transportation during your exploration beyond the temples!
6. Banteay Srey Temple
Banteay Srey Temple is known for its distinctive red sandstone construction, unique among the Angkorian temples. This beauty dates back to the late 10th century, making it older than Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century. It is celebrated for its decorative intricacy, showcasing some of the finest examples of classical Khmer craftsmanship from the Angkorian era. The artistry here was astounding. You will need your temple pass to enter.
7. Cambodia Landine Museum
Landmines in Cambodia are a tragic legacy from decades of conflict, including the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge regime, which left the country heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance. This museum tells the brave and heroic story of Aki Ra ~ a soldier, humanitarian, hero, de-miner, husband and father.These accounts of the past are heavy and hard to process. Understanding these gut-wrenching pieces of history allows us to honor and acknowledge those who endured unfathomable hardships. For me, it’s a way to pay my respects.
I mapped myself here to break up my drive to Tonle Sap Lake and was sure glad I did! During the brief tour of the farm I saw and learned about all the sustainable ways they use the lotus flower. These include making thread for clothing, food, vegan leather, candles, perfume, tea and much more. Don’t miss the gift shop downstairs + lotus tea & biscuits upstairs!
9. Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia 😲. It has sustained Cambodian communities for centuries, providing fertile fishing and agricultural grounds. The lake is home to floating villages, where houses and structures are built on stilts or platforms. This allows inhabitants to adapt to the lake’s changing water levels and move their homes + communities as needed depending on water levels during wet and dry seasons. Visiting the floating villages is a hands-on way to understand the importance of this lake. Can you imagine moving your home because you know a monsoon is coming? All I can say is respect.
Phnom Kraom is home to a Buddhist monastery where monks live and practice daily rituals, contributing to the serene atmosphere atop the hill. You can explore this Buddhist temple, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Cruise to Phnom Kraom after Tonle Sap for sunset, as this is one of the highest points in Siem Reap. Viewing the floating village from this hillside provides a colorful vision. You will need to show your temple pass to enter.
East of Siem Reap
11. Kulen Elephant Forest Camp
My last suggestion beyond the temples is Kulen Elephant Forest Camp. I booked this experience directly online. They offer roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned car, which is amazing. Our guide picked us up downtown, and we drove one hour east to Kulen Elephant Forest to meet these majestic giants.
These elephants were rescued from working in tourism at Angkor Wat in 2017. By 2019, elephant rides at the temples had stopped. It is wonderful to see how well taken care of they are, these caretakers are doing a top notch job. The time spent at the camp includes making elephant food, feeding, walking, and hanging with the elephants in the forest. If you are an elephant lover, this experience will be a dream come true! The money spent on visits helps with their feed, care and conservation efforts. I paid $90 USD.
Good Bye, Mysterious Angkor Wat
When I think about Angkor Wat, it evokes mystery and intrigue. There are many theories about how the Khmer built the largest and most prosperous urban city of the 12th century. How did they cut and lay each stone so precisely? How did they carve the stones without cracking them? As curious as I am, some things are better left enigmatic. I believe ancient civilizations had access to higher consciousness ~ visioning, dreaming and creating as they were not so focused on climbing the corporate ladder, paying bills, social media and running carpools ~ if you know what I mean?
I hope you enjoy the temples with your body, mind and soul. May they touch you on a deep cellular level, activating a sense of mystery and wonder. And I hope these ways of experiencing Siem Reap beyond the temples round out your visit in a fulfilling way.May we all have the privilege of dreaming up something magical in this lifetime!
With all my love,
Bekah
PS ~ if you are doing the darn thing in Southeast Asia and plan to visit Vietnam, check out our unique Vietnamese food guide here!
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Everybody has got to start somewhere and no matter when you start, it’s important that you do.
Non-stop thinking about starting is not progressing you forward. It’s time to act upon those inspired ideas and desires and make things happen for you.
Inspiration is everywhere and an inspired heart once acted on opens the gateway to your dreams.
What do you want to start today?
What first step can you take today to move you forward?
What does achieving your dreams and goals look like?
It’s all up to YOU and I know you’re going to do something about it today.
Believing before seeing does work and I am living proof of that, but I know it is not easy to practice this.
In order to achieve this, you’ve got to focus on the ‘feeling’ of having achieved that thing you want.
I especially have been more aligned to this set up in the last few weeks and I am starting to notice some miracle outcomes.
I produced a greetings card many years ago, based on this concept. It’s entitled, “Feel Happy”.
Remember, focus on the ‘feeling’ with ease and happiness and let go of any negative thoughts that creep in.
You are here to live your best life and that’s where your focus should be.
My favourite person to learn from on this subject is Esther Hicks – I listen to her teachings daily and it helps to keep my ‘believing’ mindset strong.
There are many paths to greatness that will work for you and it’s important you do what works best for you.
Great things are coming for you and I know that because you are here and we are aligned.
Seek the beauty in each day – it’s all there for you.
I believe your ‘Heart Power’ is stronger than any mind power because ‘Heart Power’ is that undeniable, unbreakable chain of love, bonded with your soul.
The real essence of you, is your ‘Heart Power’ – the mind and body are just ways we use to express this.
‘Heart Power’ – you never need to think about, it’s just naturally there, living and breathing within you.
When you truly let your ‘Heart Power’ grow – there are no limits.
It’s my ‘Heart Power’ that speaks with you today.
May your day be fully connected to your own ‘Heart Power’.
If only you could see the greatness that lies ahead for you.
Hold a future vision of living a fulfilling life with passion and purpose.
Believe that every step you take, leads you to your dreams.
As you progress through your life today, make each step count. All you have to do is focus on each single step and in no time a brighter horizon will form.
Don’t dwell on the grey skies, for then it will surely rain. Seek the blue above and let the energy of the sun uplift you.
Think of one thing you can do today to turn your grey skies blue.
Be your own light of hope.
No one can save you but YOU – please read that one again.
Life can knock you down a thousand times, and it probably will. But the most important thing is for you to never accept that failure is forever.
Failure is not a word that I like to ever use, because I choose not to believe in it. I much prefer to put a positive spin on things not going your way.
Where you tried, celebrate your efforts for giving it a go. I am sure there are many valuable lessons that you took away from the experience. You might have gained a better perspective on life or achieved clarity.
If you went for it and then decided it wasn’t for you – I salute you!
If you really want to change your current status, you have to channel all your energies into making that happen.
You have to go ALL IN , in order to get ALL OUT, of any unwanted situation.
It seriously is up to you and you’ve got to have real clarity on what you’re going to do everyday, in order to make that positive change.
Do the work and stay totally focussed on the goal in hand. It may also help to have an emotional trigger that will keep you on track.
Work, work, work on your plan, as much as you can, and in time, your efforts WILL pay off.
If it means, getting up at 4am every morning to fit the work in, then do it.
Your energy is so mighty and powerful, it can help you achieve so much more than you think.
Are you ready? If you are, you will feel a different person from within. You will switch into ‘gladiator’ mode and nothing will stop you until you get there.
Deliver everyday on becoming the best version of yourself.
Deliver by honouring your core values and serving your inner purpose.
Trust yourself to deliver on the things that matter to you and forge forward in the pursuit of your dreams.
Success is an accumulation of ‘doings’ aligned with your goals, that in time, manifests into your desired outcome.
Take charge of your thinking and channel your energies into a focussed and habitual manner that serves you well.
You won’t achieve what you want by delivering on this once or twice a week. Your success will be determined by the work you put in everyday and that is an absolute fact.
If you want to get real results, act accordingly and know the fruits of your labour will appear in good time.
To get the best out of a joyful life and all its magical wonders, one must savour each beautiful moment.
Never rush the process of life and the abundance it offers you. Take time to relax in its self-healing powers and float in its waters of love.
Life is not a sprint to the finish line, it is a treasured, slow walk along the white sandy beach, soaking up the wonderful energies of the warm sunshine.
Your goal on this journey of life is whatever you want it to be and I guarantee you that you’ll get there so much faster if you focus your mind on mastering thyself.
The greatest version of you is waiting to be unleashed and only you my friend have the key.
Keep on keeping on and flourish in your own magnificence.
Clarabelle Online Magazine 