It was a tiring journey to get to the top tier as the risers of the stairs (height between the steps) are quite far apart. And I have sort of short legs.
There were probably just two other groups of people around during my visit and a larger group when I was leaving.



After a tiring climb up, I tried to shelter myself from the sun on the other side of the shrine and sat around for a while. It's nice to just stand there and enjoy the moment.
Then I slowly began my descent.





I tried sitting at the edge of one of the tiers but was quickly shooed by one of the guards sitting nearby. Oops. Safety first, photos second.

We drove to Preah Ko next, which is approximately a minute's ride from Bakong.





I was fascinated by the warm colours in Preah Ko. They certainly make some nice backdrops for ootds. IF I HAD HAD A TRIPOD FOR MY CAMERA.



So I had to get another wandering tourist to help me get my act-cool-in-elephant-pants shot. Socially awkward but.. what can do?







I felt that it was not very nice of me to keep asking the same person to take photos of me so a reflection would suffice. #despotraveller
Guess it works OK.





Showcasing my $7 henna tattoo I got from the night market the day before. That awkward moment when you are so tanned that your skin colour matches the whole colour scheme.

Ended the trip around 4pm and left for my hostel. Was a tiring day so I slacked around a little before heading out again.

These two temples might not be the first choices for most tourists but if you have time to spare, why not?

I have had friends who told me that there's practically nothing in Phnom Penh and asked me to skip the city altogether and just visit Siem Reap but I believe that one of the best ways to truly understand a country and its people is by visiting the capital.
Alternative things to do
for when you've done thetouristy stuff

7. Cafe-hopping



At this point you are probably thinking, really? I came all the way to Cambodia to visit cafes?



Surprisingly, there is a fair amount of cafes in Phnom Penh. There are independent cozy little cafes and also franchised/branched stores from around the world.

The chain of Brown coffee stores in Cambodia is an example of their coffee (and cafe) culture as it is a local brand which expanded quite steadily in the past few years.
Plus, most of the cafes I visited in Phnom Penh had more locals than foreigners.

There are also cafes which dedicated themselves to helping the needy in the area so it is also nice to drop by and have a little coffee or tea break.




8. Well, you know, eat some fried insects


While we are still on the topic of food and local culture, why not try some fried insects for a change? These street snacks might look disgusting and horrifying at first but it is definitely the perfect TV snack for locals.
P.S. It doesnt taste as bad as it looks.



9. Visit the Olympic Stadium


(source)

Personally, I've missed out this part of Phnom Penh due to oversleeping but I did pass by the stadium. Would be a cool place for those #ootd shots and linework photography.




10. Go for a river cruise/walk along the Mekong River



The Mekong River is one of the most important rivers in Asia as it flows through multiple countries and providing for the produce and the people who live there.
It is definitely not as clean as one would've expected (especially in this bend) but it is interesting to see people go about their lives. Just some people-watching while taking in a gentle breeze.

Saw some people swim in the river, which is not encouraged. Also saw people washing their clothings there.
One of the more amusing things I saw was an officer washing his motorbike at the riverside.
I guess.. as long as you keep the water out of the engines then you could actually save on your water bills?

Also went for an evening/night river cruise. There are boats that will take you for a little tour around the area. Different timings are available (mostly during sunsets).


11. A walk in the park



There are quite a few public parks in Phnom Penh. The greens provide a more soothing and relaxing atmosphere and you could find locals gathering around in the evening when the weather is not as hot.







Monuments and some landmarks could be found within the parks itself.




12. Cool down a little in an air-conditioned shopping centre


(source)

One of the more popular shopping malls in Phnom Penh is the Japanese AEON Mall. It is truly a lifesaver when you've spent most of the day under the hot sun.
Coffee joints and restaurants are also available within the shopping mall alongside clothing brands such as Havaianas and MANGO.



---------- list ends here, for now ----------

I wouldn't have been to so many places if I did not let myself explore by foot. Sure, Google Maps and travel guides help a lot but everyone has different interests.

For this trip, I just wanted to relax for a few days and not rush through the itineraries. I also wanted to blend in (I probably ended up 3-4 shades darker during my Langkawi trip at the start of the month and maybe 2 shades darker in Cambodia). I would've passed for a local if my Khmer was fluent. Maybe next time...


Also, please do leave a comment below if you have anything to add to the list! (or anything in general)