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Chalk Dust and Temples: A Teacher’s Cambodian Journey

As a teacher, my days are filled with lessons, schedules, and the occasional chalk fight. So, when the opportunity arose to embark on a 6-day adventure through Cambodia, I traded my classroom for temples and textbooks for tales of history. Here’s a glimpse into my unforgettable journey through the Kingdom of Wonder.

Day 1-2: Siem Reap – Where History Comes to Life

siem reap blue temple

Landing in Siem Reap felt like stepping into the pages of a history book. The city buzzed with energy, but I took my first day slowly, exploring the local streets, sampling dishes like fish amok, and soaking in the vibrant culture.

The second day began early—before even my alarm-loving students would be awake. I made my way to Angkor Wat for sunrise, and the sight of the temple glowing in gold left me awestruck. I spent the day exploring other nearby marvels like Ta Prohm, with its giant trees reclaiming the ruins, and Bayon, with its serene, smiling stone faces. Each temple felt like an ancient classroom, teaching lessons about Khmer ingenuity and spiritual devotion.

Day 3: The Road to Phnom Penh

phnom penh night

Traveling by bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh was a chance to witness Cambodia’s rural beauty. Fields of rice paddies stretched endlessly, dotted with farmers and grazing water buffalo. It was the perfect time to reflect on the connections between education and culture—the way traditions are passed down like lessons in a family story.

Day 4: A History Lesson Like No Other

phnom penh cambodia

Phnom Penh was a different chapter entirely. The Living History tour took me to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, confronting Cambodia’s painful past head-on. It was a sobering experience, but also a reminder of the resilience and courage of the Cambodian people.

As a teacher, I couldn’t help but think about the importance of sharing these stories with future generations, ensuring that history’s darkest moments are never forgotten. The day ended with a quiet dinner along the Mekong River, the sunset casting a golden glow over the water—a moment of peace after a heavy day.

Day 5: Back to Siem Reap

ta prohm siem reap cambodia

The return to Siem Reap was a time to unwind and process everything I’d seen and learned. Cambodia is a country with layers of stories, and I felt privileged to have peeled back even a few.

Day 6: Goodbye, Kingdom of Wonder

angkor wat cambodia

On my last day, I strolled through the local markets, picking up small treasures for my classroom—hand-carved wooden figurines and colorful scarves to share a piece of Cambodia with my students.

Final Word

Cambodia wasn’t just a vacation; it was an education. From the ancient wisdom of Angkor Wat to the resilience shown in Phnom Penh, this journey reminded me of the importance of understanding history and embracing other cultures.

For teachers looking to recharge and find inspiration, Cambodia is the perfect destination. The lessons it offers are far richer than any found in a textbook—and the memories, like a well-taught class, will stay with you for a lifetime.

Until the next journey, keep learning and keep exploring!

Check out Bamba Travel’s free itinerary to Cambodia:

Kiko Steins teacher headshot

Guest post written by Kiko Steins

Kiko Steins is a dedicated teacher with a thirst for adventure. When he’s not shaping young minds, he’s out exploring new destinations, diving into local cultures, and collecting stories to bring back to his classroom.