14/10/2026
This is the last post for my amazing trip to Vietnam and Cambodia and hope you’ve all enjoyed following me on my journey!
Day 15 - Siem Reap
This morning was a look around some more fascinating temple ruins. In the afternoon I went looking for some of Siem Reap’s famous street art but could only find one (but it was a good one!). Did a little bit of shopping before the Phare Cambodian circus (a social enterprise supporting young Cambodian artists and a Cambodia version of Cirque du Soleil), BOGOF cocktails on Pub Street and then back to the hotel to get ready for my final 😢 destination of the trip tomorrow….Phnom Penh
Day 16 - Siem Reap/Phnom Penh
This morning, I took a boat trip along Tonlé Sap to visit the floating villages, which was a really interesting experience and offered a glimpse into local life on the water.
Afterwards, was a 6-hour car journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. The route was mostly one long, straight road, giving me the chance to relax for a few hours while taking in the Cambodian countryside and watching everyday rural life unfold along the way.
We made a quick stop at Skun’s famous spider and insect market before arriving in Phnom Penh, where I enjoyed an evening tour exploring the city at night. A long but fascinating day!
Day 17 - Phnom Penh
Today was a very emotional day and cried for most of the afternoon! I spent the morning exploring the city’s highlights (including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Independence Monument and the Riverfront) which offer a rich mix of royal history, French-colonial architecture, bustling markets, and finished the tour with poignant and emotional reminders of its past with Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (formerly a school that was transformed into a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
These visits were deeply moving and provided an important insight into Cambodia’s tragic history. Although difficult to experience, they are essential places to visit for anyone wanting to understand the country’s past and the resilience of its people.
I ended the day with an evening river cruise taking in the skyline and the two way river confluence of the Mekong River (flowing from the northeast) and the Tonle Sap River (flowing from the northwest)
Day 18- Phnom Penh
Today, I had the opportunity to visit Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, located just outside Phnom Penh, for a special behind-the-scenes tour.
I learned about the centre’s rescue and conservation efforts and met some of the animals in their care, including bears (at the Save the Bears Centre), big cats, primates and other native species. From Roy the tiger who was rescued from a small cage at a Chinese restaurant in the city to Lomphat the elephant who was caught in a snare and Kong the blind bear who was rescued from a cage at a karaoke bar in Cambodia they do great work.
It was inspiring to hear about the dedication of the team and the vital role the centre plays in giving rescued animals a safe and secure future as well as helping sick, injured and orphaned/abandoned wildlife as well as rescuing those from the trafficking and pet trade industries.
A truly memorable experience and a fantastic addition to any Cambodia itinerary for wildlife lovers and anyone interested in responsible, conservation-focused travel.
Enjoyed a pizza when I got back before walking and exploring the riverfront market….whilst in Cambodia…..although there weren’t any of the insects I wanted to try (fire ants for example apparently taste like salt & vinegar crisps!) I couldn’t leave without trying something so I faced my fears and tried…..fried spider…..tasted crunchy and a burnt….wouldn’t have again!
Day 19 - Phnom Penh/Manchester
My final day in Phnom Penh before flying home tonight!
Having paid for a late checkout, I could relax and enjoy every last moment of my adventure, knowing I had somewhere to return to freshen up before heading to the airport.
I spent the day on a fantastic street art and food tour with a brilliant guide from Urban Forage. From exploring local markets where I was the only non-local, to taking in sky-high city views and discovering incredible street art, it was the perfect way to experience Phnom Penh. And, of course, the food was a highlight! Cambodian doughnuts, tapae (fermented sticky rice), seafood, noodles, and a final stop at the Temple of Chocolate! 😋
I rounded off the day with a final cocktail, followed by some final “me time” getting my hair and nails done before being collected for the airport.
What an absolutely incredible adventure from start to finish! Vietnam and Cambodia has been amazing, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly memorable holiday! I loved all of the places I visited although I think I’ve left a bit of my heart in Phnom Penh 🥰
