Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Trip Start
Dec 09, 2009
1
10
22
Trip End
Jan 13, 2010
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Friday, December 18, 2009
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
The day started with another early morning, surprise, surprise! Breakfast at 6am and then straight downstairs to grab a lift to the 7.30am "Fast Boat" up the Mekong to Siem Reap. The friendly Star Hotel manager had organized transport and accommodation for us in Siem Reap, as well as assuring us that we could leave our bikes and excess luggage in safety with him until our return.
Leanne and Amy were pleasantly surprised when they arrived at the Phnom Penh dock to see a lovely looking boat adorned with nice furniture, shade and smiling staff… only to be redirected to a skinny, long, slightly worn out looking old ferry with an extremely loud diesel engine. We were guided inside the ferry where it was packed with a lot of other tourists and smelled a little on the musty side.
After disembarking, most of us moved outside to the roof of the ferry where we could sit with the wind in our hair and get a good view of the beautifully picturesque Cambodian countryside. It was here where Keith spent the entire journey, whilst the rest of us moved inside the ferry occasionally to gain some respite from the hot sun, wind and noisy engine.
The ferry trip took about 7 hours and the time was spent reading, sleeping, talking, avoiding the wrath of Leanne's BB gun and marveling at the scenery. As the landscape changed so did the houses, from high density housing packed tightly together, and in no apparent order or guidance, to the occasional houses on stilts resembling the many water birds which strutted at intervals in marshy waters.
Moving closer to Siem Reap, houses floating on the water could be seen, and we docked directly next to the Chong Khneas floating village. Quite a sight to see, many houseboats crammed close together with people bustling about. We all tried cramming onto a Tuk tuk which had been arranged for us but found it a little too squishy, so Keith was forced to join another two gentlemen who were going to the same hotel. Wails of laughter could be heard from us as Keith squeezed himself onto the front of the smaller Tuk tuk, practically straddling the motorbike in front. Our laughter quickly faded as we got a flat tyre and had to get it fixed by a helpful local from down the road.
Our hotel – Neak Pean Hotel – is very nice and we sit in the lobby typing this now. First impressions are fantastic as you can see the swimming pool (yes! Woohoo) from the entrance. Wooden paneled rooms with nice bathrooms, TV and Mini Fridge make this luxury in comparison to other places we have stayed in the last few days. We are looking forward to a good feed and a good sleep in preparation for some temple seeing and other fun stuff.
Floating like a leaf and farting with confidence, Amy J
P.S. We would really appreciate any blog followers to write on our page, we appreciate any comments or just send us your love
Comments
Amy you look really well & fresh in the photos (despite the long ride?)
It must be quite an experience travelling so close with the locals, visiting the killing fields, etc...looks like this trip is becoming a truly eye opening experience. Take care & hope the roads to come will not have too many pot holes & bumps!
Great to hear of the interesting progress so far. May your flatulence remain as surprisingly confident as it has to date.
What an amazing experience for you all! Following your regular updates is far more exciting than watching anything on television. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to track your journey. We await your next instalment with great anticipation.
You guys are crazy. Looks like heaps of fun. What are your Km's covered at? This blog has inspired me to dust off my old rusty bike.
Yep, I have been following you guys from the beginning. Your blog makes me very envious and reminds me of my days travelling through Asia many, many years ago. No mobiles or internet in those days, but wow how things have changed. Being able to follow your journey so closely is a treat and a half. I am looking forward to your experiences riding through Thailand amongst the crazy road users there. Okkee Dokkee, keep safe and keep peddling and take care.