KEP – Cambodia between crabs and rice fields

Kep – probably the most underestimated town in Cambodia – has it all. The rice fields in the backdrop of grand mountains, a crab market with all the exotic treats, and a nice little beach where Cambodian families are enjoying food, drinks, and each other’s company right on the sidewalks or in one of the simple cabanas.

One of the numberless fish hawkers on the famous Crab Market in Kep.
One of the numberless fish hawkers in the famous Crab Market in Kep.

After having been in distress when visiting Koh Rong Samloem in unfavorable weather conditions, I sought shelter for one night in Sihanoukville. The next morning, I took off to explore some of Cambodia’s countryside where everything feels just so settling.

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THAILAND – all the must-see places

In this travel guide to some mesmerizing must-see places, I’m proving that Thailand is extremely easy to travel. This makes this enthralling country the perfect destination even for hesitant first-time solo travellers.

Wat Arun, one of Bangkok's most important temple complexes on the west bank of River Chao Phraya.
Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most important temple complexes on the west bank of River Chao Phraya.
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KAMPHAENG PHET and PHITSANULOK – two (un)necessary detours

Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok might not be the most exciting spots in Thailand, nevertheless, you’ll possibly have to take those detours.

Archeological Park at the center of Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand
At Kamphaeng Phet, you even don’t have to go to the archeological park – there are majestic ruins to be admired right in the center of the city!

Therefore, I’ve put together itineraries for short stays in these places. This way, you still can make the best of these deviations.

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SUKHOTHAI – 200 Temples at Your Choice

Sukhothai took me by storm – with its incredible number of 200 glorious temples. As a matter of fact, the heritage of Siam’s former capital is just surreal.

The archeologic park of Old Sukhothai, Thailand
The archeologic park of Old Sukhothai is a place of magic and surreal beauty. Best discovered cycling since this way you don’t miss even the tiniest detail of the ancient grand art.

Since it would be a big mistake to limit your visits to the archeologic park in the city center, you should explore Sukhothai cycling. This way, you get to all the sites you like to see – obviously, there are quite a few.
Almost 200, to be precise.

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CHIANG MAI – Ten out of 200 Temples

Yes, there are about 200 Buddhist Wats in the glorious city of Chiang Mai – and for a start, I’ve handpicked the ten best temples for you!

Wat Mahawan, one out of 200 of Chiang Mai's glorious temples.
Wat Mahawan, one out of 200 of Chiang Mai’s glorious temples.

If I had the chance to visit only one place in Thailand, it would definitely be Chiang Mai.

For the number and variety of those breathtakingly beautiful houses of worship, for the lovely coffee shops, for the charming little stores, for the good massage places, for the fact that they offer language lessons, for the perfect mix of traditional and historical and modern and hip.

Did I make myself clear? I love this place!

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Guide to the Most Amazing Places in SRI LANKA

My three-week visit to the Island of Sri Lanka was a mesmerizing experience. The historic remains, the preserved natural richness, the white beaches, and the colorful traditional attires were pleasing to the eye and soothing to the soul. Hence, let me take you to some of the most amazing places this beautiful country has to offer.

Aradhana Gala in Mihintale, Sri Lanka
One of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places: Aradhana Gala where Buddhist monk Mahinda landed as he met with King Devanampiyatissa.
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Guide to ANURADHAPURA and MIHINTALE

Here comes my guide to Anuradhapura. Anu… what? Read my lips: Anuradhapura. It is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals. A visit can easily be combined with a trip to Mihintale, a holy place of Sinhalese Buddhism.

the Abhayagiri Dagaba in the northern part of Anuradhapura
O come, all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant….to the Abhayagiri Dagaba in the northern part of Anuradhapura.

Although it’s also famous for its ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, there are pleasingly few tourists around, but huge numbers of truly faithful.

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Guide to KANDY and a Temple Hike from Embekke to Pilimathalawa

During a visit to Kandy – geographically and metaphorically Sri Lanka’s navel – I’d like to guide you to the small town of Embekke from where you can take an idyllic temple hike to Pilimathalawa.

Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy before a Temple Hike from Embekke
Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

After having spent four days in Kandy, I ask myself: Why?

Honestly, I didn’t really get it. And after some additional online research, I’m definitely convinced that it is almost hysterically overrated.

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Guide to UDAWALAWE – on a Peaceful Safari

Whatever you like, you’ll find it in Sri Lanka: Whether it’s archeological sites, lush sceneries in the highlands, jungles, beaches – and animals, lots and lots of wild animals and endemic birds. You can observe them on Safaris – where the only kind of shootin’ is with your camera, of course. Although the most popular Safari-site is Yalla, the national park of Udawalawe doesn’t offer only the far cooler name, it grants also a much more idyllic and intimate experience – mainly with elephants, that are not in the room since they are roaming practically everywhere.
Here is a Guide.

Solitary elephant taking a foot bath in Udawalawe
Solitary elephant taking a foot bath.
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