Vietnam and Cambodia Part VIII - Phomn Penh

Linda and I went into Siem Riep for the last time, leaving Penny trying to recover at the hotel before our drive to Phomn Penh.  It took us 5 1/2 hours by mini van and was a hair raising ride.  It only cost us $8 each but I think I might take the bus next time. 

We stayed at the Billabong hotel on 158 street.  It would have been a good value for money hotel but the air conditioner did not work well in our room.  As it was 37 degrees with high humidity, I found the air con to be a must.  Night time was not much cooler. 

The next day, we were a little late to see the Royal Palace as it closed at 1 pm so we browsed in street 178 (art gallery street) and visited the National Museum.  A quick hop to the Russian market and then lunch back at the hotel and then we attempted to visit the Royal Palace again.  We were warned that it was going to rain and there would be a lot of Vietnamese tourists.  Both of these were correct - well add the thunder and lightening.  It did not deter us.

Inside the Russian market which seemed to sell everything

Pineapple carving

Waiting for the rain to stop

I turned the middle of this roof above into the pattern below

panel paintings

Silver pagoda

We met up with Nick (a cousin of a friend of mine in Taunton) in the evening for a drink.  He gave us lots of useful tips for the next day's sightseeing and introduced us to a good tuk tuk driver who drove us back to the hotel and met us the next day.  Unfortunately, I caught the tummy bug this time and stayed in hotel while Penny and Linda saw the sights.  They went to the S 21 prison and learnt more about the killing fields.  Nick had suggested that one needed to do something 'joyful' after such visits or you could end up very depressed.  Penny and Linda visited the Blue Pumpkin for coffee and cakes.  Apparently an excellent cafe with the best cakes of the trip.  I am sure the coffee was excellent too.   I only managed to find about 3 good cups of coffee this trip.  However, I came home with some souvenir coffee from both Vietnam and Cambodia to enjoy.

So to the airport for the flight home.  A smaller plane which was full so no lying out on the seats to sleep.  Not a bad flight, though, considering.