Cambodia

Back in Phnom Penh finally

A Hindu temple amid the rice fields We got up early this morning for the last time to return to the capital, with regret as we have been back in Phnom Penh a couple of times already. But instead of heading directly to the capital, we make a detour to Phnom Chnok, an active, almost…
Disrupted ride to Bokor hill station

To Bokor in the back of a pick-up truck with an international group Today a visit to Bokor hill station is on our program. At half-past seven, they pick us up. We drive to another guesthouse where we eventually leave with 12 people to Bokor, with 1 car and a 4WD. My travel partner and…
The deserted villas of Kep

Travel to Kampot in a shared taxi After breakfast, we prepare our backpacks and wait for our transport to Kampot, our next destination from where we want to visit the deserted villas of Kep, a bit further along the coastline. This time we travel by a shared taxi, something we have not done yet. And…
At the beaches of Sihanoukville

Taking a private bus to the beaches of Sihanoukville After a stopover in Phnom Penh yesterday, we are heading for the beaches of Sihanoukville today. The bus trip will last about four hours. A tuk-tuk driver picks us up to bring us to the departure point at Capitol Guesthouse; they seem to run this daily…
Spotting Irrawaddy dolphins

Racing on a dusty road from Banlung to Stung Treng Primarily a travel day today; we leave from Banlung to Stung Treng and tomorrow we sail from there to Kratie where we want to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins. Mister Leng has arranged a car (taxi) for us, 15. We leave around 8.45 am. Our driver…
Shakey boat to a Chunchiet graveyard

Arranging transport to Voen Sai The small town of Voen Sai is our destination for today. Apparently, we can go by car. Nick, a travel writer for Lonely Planet, would like a hike; he wants to explore a piece of untouched nature near Siem Pang. As he speaks Khmer, he offers to negotiate for us…
Chewing sand in Banlung city

An overbooked flight to Banlung Our motorcycle drivers already wait for us when we get out of the guesthouse, packed and sacked, to take us to the airport for our flight to Banlung. The check-in is slow but fluent. Even though this is a domestic flight, we still have to pay a 6$ departure tax.…
An improvised visit to Silk Island

Drivers waiting for new clients to arrive When checking out, we meet our drivers from yesterday again at the counter. Today they have no work. This afternoon a fresh load of tourists arrives in Battambang, hopefully, that provides them some job the next day. Later in the day, back in Phnom Penh, we will also…
The Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau

A bumpy road sitting at the back of a motorbike After breakfast, we reserve our bus to Phnom Penh for tomorrow at the reception. Outside at the entrance of the hotel, we negotiate our trip to the Killing Caves for today with the drivers present. Eventually, we leave with two reasonably young guys on the…
Scenic river trip to Battambang

A spectacular boat trip to Battambang We got up early this morning for the river trip to Battambang. This seems to be one of the most scenic boat tours in Cambodia. Around a quarter past 6, a minibus picks us up. We stop at a couple of guesthouses and hotels and drive fully loaded to…