Started today in Phnom Penh, caught the 7.30 ‘speed’ boat to Siem Reap. Got to the quay at 7am and looked at an old cigarette tube that we were going to be entombed in four 6hours, ugh! The boat had quite a few foreigners on it, so that helped. We chatted to a couple from SA and a woman from Las Vegas, so it ended up being quite fun. We lasted about 30 seconds in our seats, which were noisy, smelly from diesel fumes and by the loo. We headed for a cabin at the front which had bench seating and was ok. We alternated that with sitting on the front ‘deck’, loose description. Bit of a challenge getting out there as there was no rail for a few feet and it felt a bit scary.
Speed boat!
Inside cigarette tube
The trip was interesting as we passed loads of really poor villages where fishing was obviously their occupation. All the family seemed to be out on the boats. The houses are on stilts and made of palms. They look like they won’t last through the first storm that hits.
Fishing families on the Tonle Sap River
Eventually the river widens out into the Tonle Sap Lake and is so big you cannot see land for a lot of the journey.
Six hours later and we arrive at the dropping off point for the shortish journey to Siem Reap town.
Another prearranged tuk- tuk was waiting for us holding up a sign with our name on it. Kelly Cabs Cambodian style, who took us the 40 min ride to our hotel over some of the bumpiest roads imaginable . Surprised the tuk tuk suspension didn’t give way.
Arrived at hotel to an extraordinary welcome. Lots of bowing and how are you today etc. We were sat down and presented with a couple of refreshing iced teas. They took all our information over tea and told us all about the hotel. We were given a coupon for a small snack to take with us the next day whilst touring the Temples. To cap it all they asked what time we would like our one hour complimentary massage and what sort we would like. This is alright so booked six o clock tomorrow evening.
We had arranged with our same tuk tuk man to be picked up at 4.30 to go to a temple on a hill to watch the sunset, something everyone seems to do. Luckily there was a good sunset.
Back to hotel and another complimentary drink was awaiting us. Madness ?
We had dinner in the hotel ( 4 kinds of Amok) during which the manager presented us with another coupon for a complimentary BBQ for the next night. BBQ I think means you have a heater of some sort in the middle of your table and cook various ingredients yourself. We will see. The hotel is quite small but seems busy so why all the freebies who knows. All the staff are absolutely charming and can’t do too much for you.
Up tomorrow at seven to do the Temples which will be a long day.
