Phnom Penh, Cambodia – City Tour - Mekong Delta River Cruise – Day 5

March 25

Welcome to Cambodia! Life along the Mekong in Cambodia were a bit of a contrast from Vietnam as we cruised upstream towards the nation’s capital of Phnom Penh. It was calmer with less cargo traffic and fish farms. They do more subsistence farming in Cambodia. We also learned that our crew on the boat were all Cambodian and they all bow to greet. Vietnamese people do not do that. That was hard to get used to at first, but after 4 days on the boat we adjusted and returned the gesture.

At 10:30 this morning we had a face to face with the Cambodian immigration officers in the lounge. It was a quick and easy process. Later, we arrived at the border of Cambodia and then continued up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh.

We spent the morning watching life along the water and watching the Fruit Carvings & Tropical Fruits Demonstration. Unfortunately, the city of Phnom Penh was coming into view and stole the show. We did have some nice fruit plates to enjoy as the chef continued to carve the watermelon.

another river boat in port - they left before we got in

Today, we docked at Phnom Penh port. So, no more sampans to get to shore, however there were some steep stairs to climb to get up to street level. After lunch we went out to walk about the local area until our tour started later in the afternoon. We didn’t walk far as there really weren’t sidewalks and if there were they were blocked with cars forcing us to walk in the street. (heavy chaotic traffic)

Mekong Princess in port and part of the steep stairs to get to ground level

cyclo driver taking a nap

there was a school across from the port

starting our walk

back at the port

Cambodian flag

these cyclos were lined up waiting for our tour to start

going back to the boat to get ready for the tour

Our Cyclo drivers were waiting for us to take us on a city tour of Phnom Penh. These Cyclos were a bit different in that the driver had to lower the seat in front for us to get in.

We rode along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, where we walked through the grounds and perfectly manicured gardens. We visited Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. We then went into the second section of the complex where we walked amongst enormous stupas and spirit houses, on the way to the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Photos were not allowed in most areas. 

Tom & Cathy

Nin

Eric on the left and Nin pointing

off we go!

Krud beer signs were everywhere, and will become a theme during our visit to Cambodia

arrival at the Royal Palace

Tom & Cathy on the left

We then had a short break before our Cyclos took us to the National Museum. It’s a beautiful terracotta structure with lush gardens and houses the world’s largest pre-Angkorian and Angkorian holdings in Cambodia, over 14,000 items.  The National Museum ended the morning tour with a comprehensive look at many of the artifacts excavated around the Angkor Archeological Area in Siem Reap, as well as other areas around the former Khmer Empire. 

the gardens at the National Museum

National Museum

Nin explaining the sculpture

Nin was impressed with this one's "6-pack"

back in the cyclos

my cyclo driver

stopped by the lounge for a cold one

Before dinner we had a lecture on Cambodia’s Geography and Life along the Mekong River by our Cambodian guide Nin.

The boat docked in Phnom Penh overnight. After dinner we called a Grab to take us to the Night Market.

views from the port

arrival at the night market

seating area for the food courts

the colorful bridge at the port

Tomorrow, we visit Choeung Ek (the killing fields), the small museum, the Memorial Stupa and Tuol Sleng (known as S-21).

For larger photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tisT4FEmbezy8s4H9