DearTouring: Koh ta Kiev and around, Cambodia

We found out about this little paradise in Cambodia from a couple of fellow travelers. It is a small island Koh ta Kiev about an hour boat ride from Sihanoukville. The island has only 4 accommodation options, making it a rare gem in the nowadays overdeveloped world.

There are beaches on 3 sides of the island, 2 of which have bungalow housing. We found our way to the isolated 3rd beach, where we set up camp for a couple of days.

There are only a couple of things in the world better than falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the waves.

Among other attractions of the island, was the interactive miniature tiger training.

Counting our sunsets.

This is the way the locals treat their women :)

As much as we didn't want to leave, it was our time to say good bye to this piece of paradise.

Admiring a lotus in its full bloom.

It's a long way home from here...

On the mainland we took a day to explore the surrounding areas. We stumbled upon this temple on the side of a hill.

It is beautifully located overlooking the ocean, surrounded by a sculpture garden, and the peace and quiet of the surroundings made us stay there for quiet some time.

It was the most colorful temple interior that we've seen so far. We were greeted by a very friendly monk who introduced himself and handed out candles to make a prayer. He asked us where we're from and suggested that we pray for peace in Ukraine, and so we did.

The walls and ceiling were covered in murals depicting Buddha's life story. The centerpiece was a statue of Buddha meditating under the Bode tree, which is believed to be the place where he achieved enlightenment.