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The Ultimate Cambodia Travel Hack
The ultimate travel hack in Cambodia
From Paradise back to Siem Reap
After an exhilarating journey through the ancient wonders and vibrant cities of Cambodia, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of sand between your toes and a gentle ocean breeze. For us, that moment of pure bliss came on the pristine, white-sand beaches of Koh Rong. This island paradise is the perfect place to decompress, trading the awe-inspiring chaos of the mainland for the serene rhythms of island life.
We had just spent weeks exploring the intricate carvings of Angkor Wat, navigating the bustling markets of Phnom Penh, and soaking in the rich history of a country that has endured so much. As our trip neared its end, the call of the coast was impossible to ignore. Koh Rong promised a tropical escape, a chance to simply unwind and let the experiences of our adventure settle in. It truly delivered. With its crystalline turquoise waters and lush, green interior, the island feels like a hidden gem, a world away from the rest of Cambodia.
The Ultimate Travel Hack
With our return flight set to depart from Siem Reap, we faced the common traveler’s dilemma: a long, exhausting bus ride across the country or a more efficient, but potentially less scenic, alternative. We opted for a little travel hack that we now recommend to everyone: a quick, one-hour flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap.
The decision was a game-changer. Instead of spending an entire day on the road, we gained precious hours on the island. Leaving Koh Rong a day earlier than we had originally planned allowed us to catch an early morning ferry, which connected with our flight. The journey itself was a highlight. We flew on a small ATR72-500 turboprop plane from Air Cambodia, which offered a unique perspective. The low altitude gave us a breathtaking aerial tour of Cambodia’s landscape, from the sprawling coastline and deep green forests to the checkerboard patterns of rice paddies stretching as far as the eye could see. It was a final, stunning glimpse of the country, a beautiful, unexpected bonus to our trip.
A Masterclass in Customer Service
Our flight story took an unforgettable turn upon landing. We had departed Sihanoukville under brilliant sunshine, but as we touched down in Siem Reap, the sky opened up. A sudden, heavy tropical rainstorm began, and as we taxied to a stop, we realized the small ATR72-500 couldn’t connect to a jet bridge. We would have to deplane onto a completely soaked tarmac.
As the plane door opened, a collective sigh went through the cabin as the first passengers peered out at the downpour. But the ground crew had a brilliant solution that was nothing short of a masterclass in customer service. They were waiting for us,with a human chain of airline employees, each holding a large umbrella. They had lined up from the base of the plane’s stairs all the way to the bus and later to the terminal, creating a covered walkway for us.
One by one, they escorted us from the plane through the rain, ensuring not a single person got wet. In a world where customer service often feels like an afterthought, this small act of kindness was truly remarkable. It wasn’t a grand gesture, just a simple, thoughtful action that made a huge difference.
The True Spirit of Cambodia
This experience perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Cambodia. It’s a country of incredible history, natural beauty, and, most importantly, wonderful people. From the peaceful tranquility of Koh Rong to the bustling streets of Siem Reap, and even in the most unexpected situations like a rainy airport tarmac, we were met with warmth and genuine care.
Our Cambodian adventure was an incredible tapestry of ancient temples and modern-day paradise, all woven together by the kindness and resilience of its people. We arrived seeking exploration and left with our hearts full, a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most memorable part of a journey isn’t the destination itself, but the people who help you get there.
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