When I think of gondolas, I always picture Venice. I never even considered that we would see gondolas in Cambodia, but there are actually quite a few that take people out onto the moat surrounding Angkor Thom.

After a hot day full of wandering through various ruins and temples, it was a welcome break to relax in the boat as our gondolier steered us out on the water. We hired the gondola shortly before sunset and, as a result, we were able to watch the sun go down while floating around this ancient temple complex...a really peaceful experience.

This image is of another gondola that was ahead of us. I loved watching the gondolier skillfully make his way through the narrow passageways in between the reeds. It was a beautiful, unexpected scene and was the perfect ending to our first day in Cambodia.