And on to Cambodia (Phnom Penh) 20th October

Left Saigon at about 07:15, but as usual it took about an hour and a half to grt clear of this sprawling chaotic city.  Arrived at the Cambodian border at approx 11:00 and getting through was the easiest border so far, with the coach company applying for and getting all our Visas (cost $25).  There were money changers at the border, but not many and most of us had used up all out Vietnamese Dong before we left Saigon.

Glen, Megan, Terry & Peggy on the way to the Hostel

Not long after getting into Cambodia we stopped for an early lunch and then resumed our journey to Phnom Penh where we arrived just after 13:00 and checked into the Encounters hostel.




The journey included a short ferry crossing (where we could not leave the coach) and we immediastely knew we had entered a poorer country than Vietnam (similar to Laos).  We could also see flooding of the low lying land by the Mekong in the rice fields. 

Walked towards the river in the afternoon as far as the Royal Palace viewing the Wat Ounalom on the way.  On the way back a monsoon storm suddenly broke out and everyone took shelter under the nearest cover.

I also saw an elephant in the middle of the road on my way back to the hotel.