My Cambodian Adventure

From the chaos of a circus to the calm of the jungle, travel writer CRYSTAL WOO opens up her travel journal as she chronicles her time in Cambodia.

- CRYSTAL WOO

FRIDAY, 3:30PM The flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, from Kuala Lumpur, is a breeze. Just a little over two hours, and I am with the Khmer people. Siem Reap International Airport is modest in size, yet unmistakably modern—I arrive without a hitch. Everyone likely knows Siem Reap as the seat of the legendary Angkor Wat (early 12th century), the largest religious monument in the world that continues to capture the imagination of many. This trip, however, is to discover Siem Reap’s other sides. At the arrival hall, Chivoan (G1) from Bensley’s Pool Villa is here for the pick-up right on time. Only a short drive away from the airport, and in the laid-back neighbourhood of colonial shophouses bearing French influences, Bensley’s Pool Villas Shinta Mani Angkor is ideal for a carefree getaway.

4:05PM After a fast check in, walking into a quiet corner, the black door of Bensley’s Pool Villa reveals itself. Two floors connected by a flight of stairs as pretty as a picture, and with one’s own plunge pool to boot, the villa opens up to an interesting layout, with semi-outdoor walkways from the front yard to the shower at the back, offering surprises at every turn. From the ancient Khmer art details of King Jayavarman VII’s robes to the striking black and white floor tiles, the design is very fetching; instead of occupying maximum horizontal space, Bensley’s Villa plays more with vertical height, bringing to life a certain kind of swag. In the upper floor, soft yellow flowers dangle like chandeliers, complete with an inviting daybed and a bar counter to host friends. In the bedroom downstairs, a king-sized bed shares space with a tropical garden. Plus, the espresso machine and I become best friends overnight. But as amazing as the villa is, I need to get going. The circus is in town.