After a full breakfast by the pool, we headed out to explore Phnom Penh. Our hotel is within walking distance of most of the main attractions.
The architecture and artwork is very similar to Thailand. Our first stop was to the National Museum. We booked a guide. The museum was small but interesting and in beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
The historical religions are a mix between Hindu and Buddhism.
We next walked to Wat Ounalom. Wat means temple.The temple complex is very similar to Thai temples. Very exotic, very beautiful.
After walking down 13 street with all its markets, we stopped at Lemongrass for a delicious Thai and Khmer lunch.
It was very hot and muggy so we made our way back to a hotel, stopping at another temple along the way.
We noticed hundreds of electricity lines clumped together above many street intersections.
Where in Vietnam traffic drives around you when you cross the road, here they just seem to keep driving. We still haven’t taken the plunge to cross the busy road to the promenade running along the Mekong River.
Once at the hotel, Cora and I went down for naps and John took a dip in the pool which was deliberately cooled.
Refreshed, we made our way to the Royal Palace. I am glad we booked a guide because it helped us to understand more however a few times I did not understand her accent. The palace was gorgeous. So much to photograph with its royal buildings and silver (floor) pagoda.
John wanted to go for drinks at the Terrace Bar at the FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) on the riverfront. He ordered a G&T of course. This was the place from where the press reported a lot of their stories in the 70s. I cannot help but notice that the majority of clientele are from the British Commonwealth.
Our evening’s entertainment was the Traditional Dance Show by the Cambodian Living Art’s organization which was at the museum.
Exhausted from the busy day and heat, we went straight back to the hotel.