Angkor with the Gang

On my second day in Siem Reap, I returned to Angkor — this time by tuk-tuk and with a group from the hostel: Felix from Germany, Celeste from the Netherlands, and Sebastien from France. Traveling together immediately gave the day a different energy.

We set off early to reach Angkor Wat for sunrise. Watching the sun slowly rise behind the temple was a magnificent sight. As the sky shifted through shades of orange and pink, the silhouette of Angkor Wat gradually emerged — a truly unforgettable scene.

After sunrise, we had breakfast in the temple courtyard, surrounded by ancient stone walls and the quiet buzz of early visitors. One interesting detail about Cambodia was the currency situation: the US dollar was the primary currency in use, while local riel was mostly given as small change.

We were lucky to have an incredibly friendly tuk-tuk driver who patiently waited for us throughout the day, driving us from temple to temple under the intense Cambodian sun. By midday, the temperature was clearly well over 30°C, and the heat made our lunch break especially welcome.

At the restaurant, I struck up a conversation with some of the locals who worked there. To my surprise and delight, they invited me to join them at their lunch table as a guest — a small but memorable example of local hospitality.

The day continued with exploring more temples, each with its own character. Celeste even attempted to climb partway up one temple wall, adding a bit of adventure to the afternoon. Some temples were still in active use, which gave them a living, spiritual atmosphere rather than feeling like mere historical monuments.

We also encountered local musicians playing traditional instruments, souvenir vendors weaving through the crowds, and beautiful local paintings. At one point, Celeste made a new little friend - a dog.

Among the many carvings and statues, one lion figure stood out to me. It seemed to echo the ancient glory of the Khmer Empire — a quiet reminder of the grandeur that once defined this place.

It was a long, hot, and incredibly rich day — made even better by good company.