Cycling and Donating

In early June, as junior residents at the hospital, we had the special opportunity to participate in a charity bike ride around Angkor Wat. The event was supported by the Cambodian Ministry of Justice and brought together several hundred participants to help fund the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital. Many families rely on the high-quality care provided there, which is free of charge for patients.

We met at the hospital before sunrise and set off together for the starting point. The early morning hours in Siem Reap are the most pleasant time of day, before the tropical heat sets in. When we arrived, an impressive crowd of cyclists was already waiting for the start. After a few group photos and brief speeches, we finally set off.

The route took us through the stunning landscape surrounding Angkor Wat. Along the way, a hospital staff member surprised us with num kroch, a traditional Cambodian pastry. They are freshly fried glutinous rice balls with a sweet bean filling and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Little encounters like this make participating in events like this especially enjoyable and give us time and again the opportunity to get to know the local culture better.

A highlight of the program was participating in a tree-planting initiative. Together with the other participants, we planted young trees in the Angkor area. Such projects have been carried out for several years and help preserve the unique cultural landscape surrounding the temple complexes for future generations. Reforestation not only protects the environment but also contributes to the long-term preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An incident at the entrance to the temple complex provided a bit of a laugh. Since we, as Swiss students, weren’t wearing the official event T-shirts, we were initially stopped by security. They mistook us for tourists trying to enter the grounds without a ticket. Our explanations were met with skepticism at first. Fortunately, our clinic director, Prof. Yay Chantana, drove by at that moment and explained to the staff that we were affiliated with the hospital and were part of the event.

The route around Angkor Wat isn’t just popular for events like this. Many of our hospital staff use it regularly after work for cycling, jogging, or walking. The paths lined with large trees, the historic temple complexes, and the peaceful atmosphere make the route one of the most beautiful places in Siem Reap to get some exercise while enjoying the unique surroundings.

For us, the day was much more than just a sporting activity. It impressively demonstrated how community, health promotion, social engagement, and nature conservation can be interconnected. I am very grateful to have been part of this special experience.

Warm regards from Siem Reap

Daphne