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| The waterfall in Phnom Kulen National Park. Although we didn't, swimming is allowed and several people were enjoying the cool water. |
Our five days in Cambodia has come to an end. It really must be true that "time flies when you're having fun", because our time went by very quickly.
Before flying to Laos we had one more day to see more that Cambodia has to offer. We also got to celebrate a national holiday, the Cambodian Independence Day. It was on November 9, 1953 that Cambodia declared their independence from France. We had left Phnom Penh behind, which is where the Independence Monument is located. It is also there that they celebrate their independence with a huge fireworks and lighted boat display along the river in the evening. In the Siem Reap area the celebration during the day consisted mainly of families picnicking and enjoying time with one another. This was especially true at Kulen Mountain, a huge national park which was about an hour and a half drive from our hotel.
We did a short hike to a very nice waterfall, visited a huge reclining Buddha and walked along a river that in the ninth century was considered sacred by the Hindu's. They constructed thousands of sandstone statues in the riverbed to honor the god Shiva. Time has worn most of them down to the foundation but the water was low enough and clear enough that several could still be seen looking up at us. In a random act of kindness a large Indian family was picnicking along the river. When we walked past they invited us to join them for lunch. We told them we appreciated their offer very much but that we would have to pass for now. They smiled and cheerfully went back to enjoying their holiday picnic.
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| Panoramic of the waterfall |
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| The face of the reclining Buddha |
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| Prayers being offered up to Buddha |
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| These red bananas grow in the national park. They're a little sweeter than regular bananas. By the time we got back to Siem Reap the four of us (me, Beth, Bern and our driver) had pretty well wiped them out. |
We flew from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang, Laos late yesterday. I'm sure the celebration of Independence Day from the French picked up and continued well into the night. The French may be gone but they did leave at least one gift behind, the baguette!
If you're going to visit Cambodia you're going to have a great time! Here's a few tips that you may find helpful.
1. You won't need to exchange your money here. US dollars are accepted everywhere and prices are usually listed in both Cambodian and US. If you do plan to use US dollars make sure to bring small denominations like ones, fives, tens and a few twenties. Also make sure they are in good shape. They may not accept older bills or bills that are partially torn.
2. We didn't use one, but ATM's were everywhere in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Credit cards are accepted in many but not all major stores and restaurants.
3. Getting around where we were is very easy. Tuk-tuks are all over the place in the two cities we enjoyed. They are inexpensive, fun and the driver will usually wait for you at no additional cost even if it's going to be a few hours.
4. Food and drinks are inexpensive and tasty. With a little common sense you can enjoy some great Cambodian dishes. Pizza and burgers are easy to find if you need a taste of home (we do every few days). Beth has really developed a fondness for the fresh lime juice (limeade). I've enjoyed it as well but have to have a coke every now and then. If you're a beer drinker you'll think you've died and gone to beer heaven. It's served cold and it's cheap. I was so proud of my sixty one cent beer on Pub Street in Siem Reap that I took a picture of the receipt. As we walked around I realized I had grossly overpaid. Most places were advertising it for fifty cents.
5. Our hotel experience in both Phnom Penh (Double Leaf Boutique) and Siem Reap (Pavilion d' Orient) were excellent. We had great service, clean, comfortable rooms and plenty of hot water. Both would be classified in the three and a half to four star range and they set us back around fifty dollars per night.
6. There are tour companies and travel agencies readily available. You can plan in advance or easily plan as you go.
7. Be advised it can be pretty hot. The temperature was like a Florida summer day, but it is starting to cool off some. The hottest months of the year are March, April and May. The best time to visit is November-February (prices might be a little higher, but probably not much).
If Southeast Asia is on your radar screen make sure to spend a bit of time in Cambodia if at all possible. You'll be glad you did!
