Cambodia Travel After 60: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat and a Difficult History

In 2024, I traveled solo to Cambodia and Vietnam, a journey that became one of my all-time favorite and most interesting adventures.

I began in Phnom Penh, where I learned about Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge, before continuing to Siem Reap and the extraordinary temples of Angkor.

Traveling through Cambodia gave me a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture and remarkably welcoming people. Angkor Wat was the sight I had anticipated most, but Phnom Penh and the Cambodian countryside made equally lasting impressions.

After Cambodia, I continued on to Vietnam, traveling through the country from Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta to Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay and Hanoi.

South Africa - Beyond Safaris and Cape Town

My journey through South Africa took me to a country where vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes, wildlife and history all share the spotlight. I really didn't know what to expect, and South Africa surprised me. One of the things I enjoyed most was the variety. You can spend the morning exploring a city neighborhood and the afternoon watching the sunset over a nature reserve, mountain range or coastline.

Cape Town is often called one of the world's most beautiful cities, and I completely understand why. Stunning beaches, mountains and panoramic views are all within a short distance of the city center. It is a remarkable introduction to South Africa and a destination that offers much more than the traditional safari experience.

 

        Biking enthusiasts in Cape Town                        

South Africa After Apartheid

Apartheid officially ended in the early 1990s, and South Africa held its first fully democratic election in 1994, when Nelson Mandela became president. More than three decades later, the legacy of apartheid remains visible, particularly in patterns of wealth, housing and economic opportunity.

The contrast between rich and poor was striking to me, especially in Johannesburg. At the same time, I heard about efforts to create more economically integrated residential communities. South Africa has made enormous changes since the apartheid era, but significant inequalities remain.

Split, Croatia: Exploring the Dalmatian Coast

Exploring Split

Split is the perfect starting point for exploring Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, with its ancient palace, waterfront promenade, and easy access to historic towns, islands and national parks.

Life here is slow and relaxed. Tourism plays a major role in the local economy and English is widely spoken.

Croatia, once a republic of communist Yugoslavia, has emerged as a popular tourist destination since transitioning to a democratic society in the 1990s.

The country borders the beautiful Adriatic Sea, across from Italy's east coast. Much of Croatia's allure lies in the quaint, picturesque towns and islands along its rugged coastline, many of which have retained their historic character despite the country's popularity.

I stayed at the modern, clean Hotel Amphora, about a ten minute ride to town. It is a large hotel which serves many tour groups and sits across from the lovely Znjan beach.The beachfront promenade is popular with runners, cyclists, dog walkers and families and is active throughout the day and evening. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars along the beach. 

Solo Travel After 60: What I Learned From Joining Group Tours

Why I Sometimes Choose a Group Tour

Traveling solo does not always mean traveling completely alone. Sometimes I join an organized group because transportation, language or complicated logistics would make a destination difficult to navigate independently. Traveling this way has taught me that discovering a country is only part of the experience. The strangers you meet—and the stories they share—can become just as memorable as the destination itself.

This is not my favorite travel option due to its limitations, but admittedly, I would not otherwise get exposure to places like Siem Reap, Cambodia or Halong Bay, Vietnam, if I were to do it on my own. 

What mostly makes traveling in a group interesting, is spending extended time with complete strangers.  By day 3, it is given, that with very little prompting, you learn a significant amount of interesting facts about your new friends’ lives.  

The Remarkable People I Have Met

While traveling with a group I’ve met…

… a woman who decided her husband should stay home in order to teach him a lesson in being independent and making his own decisions. I've often wondered if that strategy was successful.

… widows, who after painful life experiences acknowledged life's unpredictability and purchased plane tickets thereafter. I met a woman, whose husband shockingly was murdered in a park, who opened up to the world, instead of shutting down.

… a woman who confessed that she still shares her house with her ex for economic survival. No judgement there.

... a fearless couple who met jumping out of airplanes. They helped me with crossing the streets in Hanoi to protect me from waves of motorbikes.

… a closely knit family with 3 adult unmarried children, enjoying each others’ company, giddily sharing their adventures. Each had a specialty, like navigation, or history, to share with the others.

... a woman born with a spinal defect, whose family was advised by medical professionals to be institutionalized, only to obtain a doctorate and counsel people with traumatic brain injury.

… a mother cut-off by her successful, ostentatious son because he was embarrassed by her cultural traditions.

… another mother treated like royalty by her successful son who appreciated all she did for him.

Can You Still Be a Solo Traveler in a Group?

I believe you can. I may arrive without a companion and make my own decisions, but joining a tour gives me the practical support needed to experience destinations that might otherwise feel overwhelming. I can enjoy the security and convenience of a group while still having time to explore independently.

Traveling after 60 has also taught me not to make assumptions about people. Fellow travelers may initially appear to have little in common, but after several days together, their resilience, humor and life experiences begin to emerge. Some have overcome loss, disability, family conflict or dramatic changes in their lives. Others simply decided that they were no longer willing to postpone seeing the world.

Each trip is a discovery of new places but also a discovery into the depths of people’s lives. This is why travel can be so intriguing.