2016 - Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City by Bicycle: Day 10 – Fri 25 Nov: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

No riding today

Boat ride: 244km

Walk: 5km; total: 20km

We were up at 5:30am this morning for a 7am start. Breakfast was brought forward to 6:15 so we could be ready for 7am. We left the hotel at 7:05am which was not too bad for 13 people to get organized, probably the first time in ages we've all been on time.

It took us 20 minutes to get to the port area and we were soon on the fast boat, and sailing by 7:35am. This boat is a lot flashier than the last one; it has soft, front facing seats, aircon, and was not too crowded so we both had three seats to ourselves which was really good for the 7hr journey.

We were met at the port by the drivers and other guides and bused to the Harmony Hotel which was probably only 1km away! When we opened the door to our original room, #401, our senses were assaulted by the stench of stale cigarette smoke. Wendy immediately returned to reception to get another room. The staff did not believe her and had to ring through to housekeeping to check. Finally got a new room and it is bigger, which is good as #401 was the size of a shoebox.

We met in the lobby at 3:45pm for a wander around Phnom Penh. Ended up at Wat Phnom; basically a small mound with a temple and pagoda on top. We wandered back through the night markets which were just being set up and made it back to the hotel in time to see the sunset from the 13th floor. A beer followed on the pool deck which was complete with an infinity pool.

We were given an allowance for dinner for the next two nights and chose PastaMania which was about 700m up the road. Most people had pasta with only a few having pizza. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the walk home was good to digest the meal.