The next morning we set off for Siem Reap, about a six hour journey south by bus. The streets were packed as we drove by in a tuk tuk at 7:30 in the morning and I couldn’t believe how many people were out and about at that hour of the morning! Just strolling along the river, sitting in the park eating breakfast, and busy shopping at the markets. The bus stop was also very busy with Cambodians and foreigners alike, all heading to Siem Reap to visit family or see the sights of Angkor Wat. I slept most of the way but my mom was busy taking pictures. I’m not sure how many of those will turn out, but she was so excited to see everything she had to try and capture it! It’s true the sights on the drive from Phnom Pehn to Siem Reap are not your average drive through the countryside- everyone was busy transporting goods for their New Years celebrations or already celebrating, so it was an exciting drive. Not to mention that people drive pretty crazy in Cambodia- they drive in the middle of the road, swerve past oncoming cars, cyclists and motorbikes on the side of the road, but will slow for cows.
We made it to Siem Reap and hung out at the bus station for a bit before a tuk tuk driver from our guesthouse arrived to retrieve us. As we drove through the city I saw a lot of restaurants and storefronts that looked familiar to when I was in Siem Reap the last time. We got to our hotel, unpacked our things, and took really long naps, only to wake up for dinner and then go back to sleep a while later. The next day would begin our three-day Angkor Wat tour, so it was good we got plenty of rest. It was very hot in Cambodia, and you get tuckered out very quickly.
We booked a tour guide with a tuk tuk for two days, and then the third day of Angkor Wat we decided to go on our without the guide but we hired the same the tuk tuk driver we’d had the previous two days. We stayed at a place called Earthwalkers that was recommended to us by a family friend and we really enjoyed it. It was a little bit out of town and closer to the airport but it took about 15 minutes to get to town by tuk tuk. It’s Norwegian owned but run by Thais and the couple had a really cute little girl who was probably around 3 who pretty much ran the place with her cuteness. There was a pool, which was the best after a day walking through dust and getting really sweaty. Nothing beats a beer in the pool.
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| At a gas stop. |
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| Load up the bikes! |
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| Many older Cambodia women don't usually drive motorbikes or ride bicycles- they are driven by young male family members. This woman is wearing a pretty typical, traditional outfit- long wrap skirt, light blouse and head scarf called a Karmar. The scarves are an iconic piece of any Cambodian's wardrobe. They are made in various sizes, patterns and colors to suit any need. Men also wear the larger wraps similarly to how women do. The checkered pattern is the most common design I saw. |
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| Mom's lovin' it. Notice the glass is empty. This is after day 1 of ruin-ing. |
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| I can't remember their names but they were quite a pair! The woman was so sweet and helpful. Her daughter scooted around the place on the adorable pink motorized bike, like a kids motorbike. She totally ruled that place. I think her parents were trying to potty train her, but she was quite resistant- many times I saw her squatting in the bushes near the pool. HA! |
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