Tomb raider temple Ta Prohm
After a week-long excursion to Vietnam and the Mekong Delta we headed back from Chau Doc to Cambodia by boat. After a very journey we arrived in Kampong Thom, halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The town offered some more insights into provincial life in Cambodia, as well as served as a basis for an side trip to Sambor Prey Kuk, some pre-Angkorian ruins.
Cambodians love concrete monuments: Durian roundabout in Kampot
After our first impressions of the remote areas of Cambodia and Phnom Penh, we headed out towards the sea. Once again successfully but not most efficiently, we avoided the commissions of guesthouses and travel agencies and bought the bus ticket directly from a bus company. After a 6 hour bus ride we got off the bus in a completely different world. This world was sporting beaches and palm trees and had a feel of peace, calm and relaxation. And of course a much more touristy feel to it all.
Throne Hall of the Phnom Penh Palace
Following two wonderful days on Don Det and Don Khone islands time had come to say goodbye. To say goodbye to the wonderful landscape, to the country of Laos and also to say goodbye to a few people we had met along the way. While most tourists headed for Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in western Cambodia, we opted to slowly make our way along the Mekong river down to Phom Penh. Along the way we stopped in Kratie and Kampong Cham which proved to be two excellent choices.