VIETNAM/CAMBODIA - 2025 (23 & 24 May'25)
Friday 23 May'26 - Mekong River Cruise/ SIem Reap (Cambodia)
Today, at 0830, we boarded a bus in Peam Chi Kang for a 5-hour bus trip to Seim Reap, yet another old capital of Cambodia. The crew lined the boat ramp as we drove off, waving us a fond farewell. They had been fantastic… Apart from the kitchen staff providing us with “lunch boxes” for the journey, along the way, we had a couple of stops to visit the “happy room”, as nominated by our various guides throughout the whole trip, before arriving at our accommodation, Somadevi Angkor Hotel (#1-3), just after1330. Very nice!
After checking in and some free time, at 1530 we were back on a bus to firstly go to the Ankgor Archaeological Admin building to get our tickets, which included a photo. The tickets were inclusive of the tour. We then headed to the first of a number of temples we will visit over the next few days, Preah Ko. On the way, it was explained to us that Angkor means the equivalent of castle, in Khmer, the official language of Cambodia. In times gone by, just like a castle in Europe, the King, his family & entourage, along with the favoured people, lived inside the Wat (temple) with commoners around the outside. When they were under attack, everybody crowded into the Ankgor to fight off the invaders. Also, why there is so many is that each King built a new Ankgor for themselves. It was only in the 1600’s that the 1st lot of ruins were found & restoration/protection of the sites started in the early 1980’s due to the UN Peacekeepers arriving. It is amazing to think that, Preak Ko was built in 857 & was only inhabited for 20 years. The carvings are amazing and apparently, all done in position. Interestingly, the buildings were designated only for men or women, dependent upon the figures on the doors. We were then off to Bakong Temple, built in 877 & used for 22 years. Luckily, that was all the touring for the day, so a dip in the pool before dinner and then a muchneeded sleep. The temperature and humidity are very draining…
Saturday 24 May'26 - Siem Reap (Cambodia)
This morning saw us head off to Angkor Thom. This “city” was built 1176-77 & was used for a period of 24 years. The entrance was impressive. The 1st structure we saw was the Bayon Temple and I must say that I am extremely impressed with the workmanship & engineering skills of the time.
We then headed to the Ta Prohm Temple, which some of you may recognise as the settings for the film, “Tomb Raiders” but alas, Lara Croft was nowhere in sight. On the path we passed a local band, I dubbed as Cammie & the Bodians. They are all, unfortunately, victims of the MANY land mines that were left after the American (Vietnam) war, as this area was part of the Ho Chi Minh trail that the Vietcong used to move between the north & south, as well the Khmer Rouge during their insurgency. The overall site is proof of what happens when people no longer care about the infrastructure and mother nature takes control (bit like Canberra really!!!) & I found it totally fascinating. Then off to another great lunch before heading back to the hotel for some down time. Given the day was again, hot & humid, I needed to rehydrate. Tonight was free time, so we headed down to the much vaunted Pub Street with a few others, some 5 minutes walk from the hotel for dinner & a few bevies, before heading back to the hotel for a very welcome sleep.
