Experience Angkor Wat — Learn all About the Famous Temple

Cambodia’s greatest treasure is Angkor Wat. As the largest religious complex in the world, Angkor Wat has a story everywhere you turn.

Interesting history 

Do you know that Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century as a massive Hindu temple complex? However, by the end of the 12th century, the site had gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. This change occurred as the religious landscape of the Khmer Empire shifted.

Sunrise Views

The temple is glorious at any time of the day, but to witness its real beauty, nothing beats a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat. Hotels around the area, such as FCC Angkor Siem Reap and the like, are located within easy reach of the temple. Don’t forget your camera!

Tickets and entry

Since Angkor Wat is such a huge complex, tickets range from one-day to three-day tickets, giving visitors enough time to explore the complex. You can decide if you’d like to finish viewing the temple complex in a day or take it slow. You can also purchase the tickets online, well in advance.

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Attire when visiting

As Angkor Wat is a religious complex, it is imperative to dress decently. This means both men and women have to keep their shoulders and knees covered. Opt for breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes.

 

Hidden Gems in Siem Reap You Must Explore — Brimming with untamed nature, intricate artistry, and serene waters

Cambodia is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. Siem Reap offers plenty of unexplored sides waiting to be explored.

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Banteay Srei

Widely known as the jewel of Khmer art, Banteay Srei is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. You can still see the faded, rare, rose-pink sandstone used to build this temple. The best time to visit this temple is in the late afternoon, just as the sun retires, casting its glow on the intricate three-dimensional carvings across the walls.

Phnom Kulen National Park

To discover where the empire began, make the one-hour journey from FCC Angkor Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen National Park. Featuring a stunning, three-tiered jungle waterfall, this sacred mountain landscape is perfect for a day out. Nearby, you can walk along the River of a Thousand Lingas.

Sra Sang

Sra Sang is a massive 10th-century royal reservoir – a perfect addition to your unique itinerary. Sra Sang is often overlooked but offers a peaceful setting to those looking for exactly that. Make use of the many FCC Angkor offers to witness the perfect, uncrowded alternative for watching the sky change colours over still waters.

Kompong Khleang

Kompong Khleang offers an authentic glimpse into rural lakeside life. One of its many wonders is the towering stilt houses that soar up to ten metres high to withstand seasonal flooding. Because it is untouched by mass tourism, making this journey is wholly worth it.

Discover the Amazing Temples of Angkor – Ancient Structures That Still Inspire Awe

The mystical temples of Angkor are sure to capture the imagination of the culture lover; there are many enthralling attractions in this renowned and entrancing complex in Cambodia, including those mentioned below.

Angkor Wat 

As you might expect, Angkor Wat happens to be the highlight and principal attraction of the Angkor Archaeological Park. This magnificent structure is huge and includes five towers reaching up to the sky. Innumerable tourists make their way to this entrancing religious attraction, which is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu deity. An accommodation choice to consider from which you can easily visit this site is Anantara Angkor Resort, where you may also dine at an appealing restaurant in Siem Reap after your adventures.

Ta Prohm 

Another much-visited temple in the complex is the intriguing Ta Prohm, which will undoubtedly appeal to the discerning traveller. This site boasts a number of eye-catching structures that hint at its former splendour. Additionally, there are numerous huge roots of trees, which have become tangled and twisted amongst the buildings, adding to the temple’s ancient allure.

Bayon Temple 

Bayon Temple is another outstanding attraction in this part of Cambodia. This temple features no less than 54 towers, with each displaying mammoth carved faces on all sides. There are, in fact, as many as 216 faces at this site; interestingly, there were many more in the temple’s heyday when it contained as many as 200 towers.

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Pre Rup

Your tour of Angkor’s highlights wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the absorbing Pre Rup; this happens to be rather different from the majority of the other temples, having an orange tinge as well as a distinctive design and shape. The various towers and interesting tiers to be found here also offer great photo opportunities.

Best Hiking Experiences in Ella, Sri Lanka – Follow Captivating and Scenic Trails 

The environs of Ella, on the island of Sri Lanka, are marvellous places for the avid hiker, as there are numerous attractive and rewarding hiking trails in this locality. Here are some of the best destinations that you can explore on foot.

Little Adam’s Peak

Undoubtedly, one of the most alluring hikes in this area is the one that leads to the well-known Little Adam’s Peak. You will find that this trek commences in a laidback fashion, winding through tea estates and then concludes with a rather steep but fairly brief series of steps leading to the peak’s summit; from this point, you can take in some stunning views.

Ella Rock 

Another not-to-be-missed experience is taking a guided hike at sunrise to the famed Ella Rock, which is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Ella. During your hike, you can experience the mist-clad landscapes, soothing sounds of nature and the invigorating mountain air. An accommodation choice to consider from which you can enjoy this experience and other outdoor adventures is 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Nine Arch Bridge 

Hiking enthusiasts may also take the opportunity to make their way to the eye-catching Nine Arch Bridge; as you might expect, it would be ideal to time your hike to experience the sight of a train passing over this bridge. Naturally, this is a distinctive spectacle worth photographing and is likely to become a treasured memory.

Makulella to Ella

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This trail happens to be part of the amazing Pekoe Trail (Stage 15), which passes through the expansive central hill country of Sri Lanka. This part of the trail stretches from a Buddhist shrine located at Makulella to enchanting Ella; you will have the opportunity to pass by the surging Ravana Falls as well as Ella Rock on the way.

Exploring Koh Samui in 2026: Top Activities and Unmissable Sights – From Views to Temples to Markets 

Koh Samui has been attracting people for decades, which is no surprise. The beaches are gorgeous, the food is brilliant, the temples are worth your time, and the island is big enough that you never feel like you’ve run out of things to discover.

The Temples Are Must-Visits 

Start with the Big Buddha, Wat Phra Yai, on the north coast. The 12-metre golden statue is visible from miles away, and the site itself is peaceful and impressive, especially if you get there before the crowds. Wat Plai Laem nearby is equally worth a visit, with its towering Guanyin statue and lotus ponds. Modest dress is a must at both, so pack a sarong.

Find a Quiet Bay and Stay There for a While

Not every beach on Koh Samui is loud and busy. The northeast of the island has places that feel removed from the main tourist strip: small, sheltered bays with calm water ideal for kayaking and snorkelling over coral reefs, both of which are among the best things to do in Samui. A beachfront resort tucked into one of these quiet bays is the kind of place that makes the whole trip feel much more effortless, not to mention memorable. One option is SAii Koh Samui.

Take a Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park

This one is non-negotiable. Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands with limestone cliffs, jungle trails, an emerald saltwater lake, and some of the best snorkelling in the Gulf of Thailand. Book a speedboat from the north of the island and give it a full day.

Spend an Evening at Fisherman’s Village

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The walking street at Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is one of those places that just feels right in the evening. Old shophouses converted into bars and restaurants, people wandering, good food everywhere. It’s low-key and lovely – a nice contrast to the busier parts of the island.

Outbound Excursions in Paradise: Top 4  Adventures to Enjoy during a Getaway in Sri Lanka

As a small island nation that contains an array of diverse landscapes, Sri Lanka is an adventurer’s dream destination. Whether it’s whale watching in Mirissa or embarking on a wildlife safari in Yala, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities for visitors of all ages.

Safari Tour of Yala National Park

Laying claim to the world’s highest leopard density, Yala National Park is a safari hotspot teeming with majestic beasts. Home to over 33 mammals, including more than 350 elephants, the protected sanctuary is the perfect location to enjoy a wildlife safari in some of the island’s most breathtaking terrains.

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Surfing in Unawatuna

Although Sri Lanka is famed for its snorkelling and diving potential, wave riders will find the island’s surfing spots provide some of the best thrills and spills accessible along its coastlines. Travellers based at Araliya Beach Resort & Spa, for instance, will find that some of the region’s best surf spots and Unawatuna water sports facilities are located within close range of their base.

Trekking Across the Knuckles Mountain Range

Resembling a clenched fist from afar, the Knuckles Mountains are also where Sri Lanka’s most daring hiking trails happen to be located. Spread out across verdant forests, tea plantations and frothy waterfalls, the hiking paths that crisscross this rich landscape in the central hills are strictly reserved for seasoned trekkers.

Hot Air Ballooning in Dambulla

Couples and honeymooners on the lookout for an exciting yet romantic tour among the clouds must sign up for this exhilarating experience in the Cultural Triangle. Bird’s eye views of Sigiriya Rock and other iconic landmarks are not all there is to admire from the skies, however, as the region’s lush wildernesses also come into focus during this once-in-a-lifetime sky-bound expedition.

 

Fun in the Maldives – Turn Your Maldives Trip Into an Adventure

The Maldives is famous for its luxury resorts and brilliant beaches. That reputation is well earned, but it only tells part of the story. For travellers who want more from their time in the archipelago, there is a whole side of the Maldives that is active, exploratory, and truly exciting.

Diving and Snorkelling the House Reef

Every good resort in the Maldives sits above a reef, and exploring it is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do. The house reef at most resorts drops steeply into deeper water, where the marine life is very different from the shallow lagoon. Reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and schools of colourful fish are common things to see. For certified divers, the outer atolls open up world-class wall dives and channel dives that are among the best in the Indian Ocean.

Water Sports and Other Adventures

Luxury villas in Maldives come with access to a range of water sports that go well beyond swimming. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding are available at most well-equipped resorts. There are also resorts like OBLU Xperience Ailafushi that take this further with a strong focus on active experiences. Such places offer guests an extensive range of water sports and above-water activities that keep energy levels high even on the most relaxed of holidays.

Island Hopping and Local Culture

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Visiting a local inhabited island gives your trip a different vibe that a resort stay alone cannot provide. Local markets, small cafes, and the daily workings of life in the Maldives are a rare experience for many visitors. Many resorts arrange guided excursions to nearby islands.

A Guide to Experiencing the Underwater Wonders of the Maldives

The Maldives happens to be renowned for its entrancing underwater environment, which contains a myriad of sea creatures, and you will have the opportunity to experience these aquatic wonders for yourself.

Snorkelling 

In the Maldives, you will have the chance to snorkel at appealing house reefs where beautiful corals, reef sharks, clownfish and eagle rays can be seen. A unique experience is snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay, in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; in the peak season, amazing gatherings of graceful manta rays may be spotted here, while you might also encounter huge whale sharks. If you seek the best Maldives offers at a property in this atoll, consider NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, which is just 20 minutes from Hanifaru Bay.

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Scuba diving 

By scuba diving, you can truly experience the undersea marvels of the Maldives to the fullest. As you dive in the local waters, you will encounter striking underwater scenery, exotic fish, different kinds of sharks and many other marine creatures. You could also avail yourself of expert instruction at a PADI centre in certain resorts. Pro tip: staying in the Baa Atoll is ideal for this activity as well.

Submarine rides 

Depending on where you stay, you will also have the chance to undertake a submarine ride that will take you into the depths of the ocean so that you can observe mesmerising underwater treasures in comfort. Often, the submarine would be rotated in the course of the dive in order to provide all the passengers with a good view of the picturesque reefs.

Underwater walking 

If you do not possess swimming skills, you may still engage in underwater walking, offered at some properties. In the course of this activity, you can walk on the surface of the seabed with a special helmet providing a steady air supply. Additionally, an expert can guide you while experiencing the captivating undersea environment.

A Handy Travel Guide for Dubai – Planning an Unforgettable Stay

Dubai has established a reputation as an outstanding tourism destination, offering sightseeing attractions, cultural highlights, great accommodations, shopping options, nightlife and more.

Best time to visit 

Undoubtedly, the optimal time at which to visit Dubai is the local winter season, stretching from November through March. At this time, temperatures are appealing, but it is also the peak season for tourism. You may also consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of October and April, or even the summer from June through September, when rates are at their lowest.

Accommodation 

Of the numerous accommodation options on offer in Dubai, a tasteful choice is a luxurious resort hotel with an attractive private beach. A stay is certain to be a pleasure in stylish, elegant rooms and suites with a private balcony or terrace and modern amenities. If you are travelling with children, check if it has features like dedicated family pools, a splash park, a kids’ club, mini golf, a wildlife discovery zone and all kinds of water sports. Great dining options – including fine Dubai restaurants with a view – as well as wellness and leisure options will complete your stay. An accommodation choice to consider that features the attributes described above is JA Beach Hotel Dubai.

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Things to do 

Sports facilities for activities like golf, shooting, cricket, tennis, padel, football and equestrianism will appeal to the active visitor. Scuba diving, water sports, a splash park for kids and even the chance to swim with horses will also be ideal. Check if your property is part of an integrated destination where you can enjoy such things to do in Dubai. Of course, there are additionally many engrossing sightseeing and cultural attractions too, from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Creek and the Gold and Spice Souks.

Tips for the traveller 

These tips should help you to enjoy a satisfying, worry-free sojourn in this city. As Dubai has a rather conservative Muslim culture, you should keep your knees and shoulders covered in public settings; swimwear is only for the beach and pool. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses will be needed for many daytime activities. Always remember to stay hydrated and bring a reusable water bottle.

Summer in Maldives – Is it the Right Time for a Holiday?

Planning a Maldives holiday and wondering whether summer is a wise choice? It is a fair question. The wet season puts some travellers off, but the reality is more approachable than that label suggests. Whether summer is the right time depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.

The Wet Season in the Maldives

The Maldives wet season typically runs from May through October, influenced by the southwest monsoon. Even though it’s called the wet season, it doesn’t mean consistent rain. It’s more like occasional heavy showers, usually brief, interspersed with long stretches of warm, calm weather. Wind conditions can be slightly stronger, and some days will be overcast, but a washout holiday is far less common than the term “wet season” suggests.

The Case for Going in Summer

The advantages are real and worth weighing carefully. A Maldives luxury resort is at its most affordable during this period. Flights tend to be cheaper and easier to book. The islands are quieter, and the experience of having a stretch of beach or a house reef largely to yourself is something peak season travellers rarely get. If you are interested in a resort in the Maldives in the wet season, consider a stay at Niyama Private Islands Maldives.

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What to Watch Out For

Some liveaboard diving routes are less accessible during the southwest monsoon because of sea conditions. A handful of smaller transfers between islands can be affected by wind. It is worth checking specific conditions for the atoll you are visiting and being flexible with your itinerary if possible. With a little planning, these are manageable considerations.