438 replies to this topic

[dixon cox]

I wake up early at around 05:00 on our last day in Sihanoukville at the New Sea View Villa and go upstairs to the lounge for the free Wi-Fi. Nobody is about and it's quiet, peaceful and cool as I sip on my little tin of Nescafe Latte and browse the internet. Even the security doors are still locked and closed downstairs with no sign of the security guy, maybe he's still asleep outside. Like most places in Cambodia the premises are sealed for security purposes overnight. The doors opened around 06:30 as people began to stir.

I checked on Madam but she's still in the land of nod, so I go for a last walk down to Serendipity while it's still cool.

Although according to the maps I've seen this beach is called Ochheuteal Beach but I think they prefer to call it Serendipity Beach where the majority of the populous congregate. Perhaps they think it sounds nicer, so I'll go with the flow.

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[soulboy]

Denis Waterman very good

Did he have a minder?

[dixon cox]

Strolling down the beach I cut inland and wandered back up Ochheuteal Street to complete a loop, stopping of at a minimart on the way to get a Zenya or two, it was beginning to warm up now.

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[dixon cox]

Despite an unsettled start I liked Sihanoukville. With it's relatively easy access from Phnom Penh makes it a nice getaway for a break for several days, but I'd probably only do 3 or 4 days at a go next time.

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[dixon cox]

Back to the room and shower to cool down then out to the reception desk to settle the bill. I am informed there is $92 to pay, which added to the $10 deposit I've paid already equates to $17 per night for 6 nights, no worries. I hand over a $100 bill which is scrutinised at the desk then taken away for 3rd party approval from someone else, a few minutes later I have my $8 change, no problem.

Breakfast again at Cafe Mango where I only eat light with an omelette plus a ham & cheese toastie for her. Then it's off to Phsar Leu market to pick up some fresh crab for her mum.

The Mekong bus pick-up is at 13:40 from the NSVV, so we have some time to spare.

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[dixon cox]

We're all packed and ready to go as we wait in the bar at the NSVW at the alotted time and share a mango shake and a coffee between us. The smaller Mekong Express pick-up bus arrives bang on time and we're the first aboard. It makes numerous stops at hotels and guesthouses and fills up to just over capacity before arriving back at the same bus station as when we arrived.

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[dixon cox]

On arrival at the main bus station there was 10 minutes or so until we needed to climb aboard, an opportunity for a piss, a snout and to top-up on snacks and drinks before the 4 to 5 hour ride.

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[dixon cox]

Mekong Express supplied a bottle of water and snack on-board free of charge, plus a cold towel upon boarding. Lots of horn-honking en-route, but that's just the Asian way to warn lesser vehicles lower down the food chain.

It can become boring on a bus after a while, so here's a clip out of the window which helped pass the time.

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[dixon cox]

Mekong Express turned out to be much better than the Paramount bus service we'd used on the way down, but very slow once we entered Phnom Penh City itself due to the rush hour traffic, but that wasn't their fault.

We disembarked at the corner of Street 106 and Riverside, battled through the throngs of moto and tuk-tuk drivers and chose a quiet driver to take us back to the Circuit Hotel.

At the Circuit we checked into a balcony room again and they carried a safe from another empty room into ours as it was missing. A ride to BBWorld later for some fried chicken and chips, it was nice to be back in Phnom Penh again and as it happened Miss Tiffany 2011 was on TV tonight.

More bus window footage along route #4.

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[dixon cox]

First morning back in Phnom Penh and I'm up nice and early and head down to the Circuit Hotel's restaurant alone to claim the one free daily breakfast while madam sleeps on.

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[dixon cox]

Denis Waterman very good

Thanks soulboy, I must admit that tickled me too

[dixon cox]

The 2 or 3 hour morning strolls around the city became a bit of regular event for me providing exercise for both body and senses, one of the best times of the day in my opinion. Plenty of time in the early afternoon when it's hot outside to have a nap indoors.

Strolling around the vicinity of Street 51, there is never a dull moment in Phnom Penh.

Some recommended hotels in the Street 51 area:
The Circuit Hotel (Street 154/51)
NaNa Hotel (Street 154/51)
Flamingos Hotel (Street 172/51)

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