The Journey from Vietnam to Cambodia is one I will not be forgetting any time soon and will not want to repeat either. Crossing the borders was pretty cool but the night coach was like nothing I have experienced previously, despite all the other forms of transport I have taken in Asia, this one sticks clearly in my mind. Getting onto the night coach I was thinking OK this looks fine, single bunk beds funky interior until I realised a single bunk bed was not just for one person but for anything up to four people. Entire families were all squished on one bed! I am lucky I quickly made friends with another backpacker so asked if she would mind sharing to save having to sleep next to a complete stranger. She was more than happy to do that, we even ended up staying at the same hostel after that, mainly because we didn't know where to go once the night bus stopped at 3am so just found the nearest 24 hour hostel that was open. Turned out to be Alice in wonderland themed and was probably one of the best kitted out hostels I have stayed at, it even had its own tattoo studio. If you're planning a trip to Siem Reap its definitely worth checking out, it has its own restaurant, swimming pool, Volley ball even Alice in wonderland sleeper pods if you want a bit more privacy. This place is the definition of fun. https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/White-Rabbit-Hostel-Siem-Reap/Siem-Reap/281218
This is why my trips are never organised, I book the flight and the first night somewhere then the rest is all unplanned, exciting randomness is how I like it. You miss out on so many amazing experiences if you have to stick to a schedule. I like to be free, see who I meet on my journey and what new opportunities appear, its a pretty exciting way to live.
I didn't get much sleep as you can imagine on that sleeper coach, but it was definitely a lot more pleasant than the bus journey to Sihanoukville currently known as 'Shitsville' due to the entire place being a giant construction site, if you are thinking of staying there any time soon, don't, you will be highly disappointed. I thought I would upgrade myself to a VIP bus so I can enjoy the cool breeze of air conditioning on my way to my next destination, considering being sat in small seats that are barely wide enough for my fat arse, touching arm to arm with the kind person next to you as you drip sweat onto each other is not very appealing. So I wasn't dreading my VIP bus ride, the seats seemed not too bad quite comfortable but it was only 10 minutes into the journey I noticed the air con wasn't working. so another uncomfortable bus journey I had to endure. Speeding along down the dirt track motorway, bump after bump, wondering when this hell ride will be over. I turned around after hearing the noise of speeding cars getting louder from behind my seat to realise the boot had opened and all our luggage was falling out all over the motorway. We all start yelling to the driver STOP, STOP our cases!!! I still to this day do not know how everyone got their luggage despite it being in the pitch black dark as well as the staff driving not getting injured at the same time trying to dodge speeding cars as they return our luggage off the motorway. Part of the craziness Asia has to offer, despite the uncomfortable journeys from place to place, there is something about Asia that keeps drawing me back.
Useful tip - If planning a trip to Cambodia ensure you have some American dollars with you or reil their local currency as its quite tricky finding an ATM , much more difficult than the other Asian countries I have traveled. I had already been informed about this so I was well stocked up and gladly as I met a few travelers who were struggling and couldn't find anywhere to change their currency or get cash out.
Of course I did the typical tourist attractions visiting Angkor Wat, sunrise or sunset tour. I chose sunrise as it rises behind the temple and shows some breathtaking colour's in the Sky as well as the reflection on the lake, depends if you're an early bird, each to their own I can imagine both are very beautiful. In this tour I spent the rest of the day visiting other temples, Also thought I was going to get attacked by a monkey as one seemed to take a liking to my skirt and was hanging off me during one point in the day. After my short stay in Siem Reap I made my way to Phnom Penh for a history lesson. A day visiting the genocide museum and the killing fields, learning about the Khmer Rouge sent shivers down my spine. Walking around I was balling my eyes out, its hard to believe how this can happen in humanity, treating another person that way, a very difficult day but its a part of history not many are taught but I feel should know about.
After that I was well and truly ready for a bit of relaxation, I fell in love with the next place Kampot a city on the Preaek Tuek Chhu River in southern Cambodia. I found a gorgeous water bungalow to stay in right on the river. I could literally see the water from my bed, such a special place. You can swim in the river at night and splash around and all the Bio-luminescent plankton lights up the water like stars in the sea. Kampot is a place where I felt really centered and at peace with myself, just a few minutes walk there is a massage place which performs Reiki and other healing therapies. Kampot has such a hippy happy vibe about it, the city is actually known for its pepper plantations and salt fields. You can have a walk around the town, have some fresh ice cream, drop into one of the amazing restaurants or shops and even try some of the variety of pepper grown as well as trying a happy pizza if you're into a bit of a bob Marley feel. Be warned the pizzas are very strong and the feeling can last over 24 hours. After this I checked into a yoga, meditation retreat https://www.yogabarnkampot.com/ if I could go anywhere in the world right now during this lockdown period it would be here. Daily yoga and meditation which changes everyday, such a warm, loving homely feel. They have rescue animals roaming around which brings a smile to your day. Meeting like minded, wonderful people from all over the world. A absolute gem I stumbled across last minute. Very reasonably priced and your stay includes fresh vegetarian friendly meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner and amazing British hosts. I loved the place so much I will be returning at some point in the near future.
I spent the end of my trip on Koh Rong Samloem where the top picture was taken, as you can see white sand and crystal clear waters, this is the perfect place to go if you want to escape life. With it being a small island there's no cars, motorbikes,roads or ATMs so make sure you are well prepared before your trip. Your daily activities can include Swimming, Sunbathing, relaxing on a bean bag or in a hammock, I stayed at a party hostel called Bodega beach club, where all the dorm rooms are named after Disney movies. If you like music, dancing and beer pong this is your place, it also comes with free paddle boards and kayaks to take out at your pleasure. The sea at night here also has the glowing plankton. During the end of my trip in Cambodia was just about when the Covid 19 outbreak was starting all over the world so I am glad I left at the time I did, I had heard mixed reviews about Cambodia and it is a place you should be careful if walking around especially at night but that is the same as any other country being a solo traveler. You must have your wits about you. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my trip there and will more than likely be back again.
