Destination Phnom Penh

In this final instalment, you will see the Cambodian countryside & the amazing sunset we experienced on our way back.

It was about 3pm when we left the Bayon. We just realised that in order for us to drive back safely, we have to do it before nite time. That means forgo-ing the other temple sites. We didnt even have time to stop to take photos of the Terrace of the Elephants & the Angkor Thom gates! What was totally uncool was the fact that we had to give Ta Phrom a miss - apparently it's the most atmospheric ruins in the Angkor region, a must-see. It has been described as a mega temple of towers, courtyards with many little narrow inter-connected corridors. All these were apparently swallowed by the jungle, with massive root formations growing onto/into/out of the ruins...how cool is that?

Siem Reap is a good 4-5 hour drive from Phnom Penh (about 300++ km), connected by National Highway No. 6 (NH6). Like most of the other national highways, the NH6 is a narrow 2-laned road, cutting through the great vast Cambodian countryside and the small towns / villages. The some parts of the highway is littered with potholes which translates into a very uncomfortable car ride. You have to contend with animals, children suddenly dashing across the highway or large transport vehicles hogging up the 2 lanes... We even came across 2 idiots trying to donuts in the middle of the road! With their motorbikes! Almost wished we bumped them off the road...


F1 car "Doing Donuts"

The only redeeming part of the journey is that I get to experience the Cambodian countryside (albeit from a speeding SUV) & the amazing sunset...


Map of Cambodia - The Red Line shows the route taken on NH6, from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (and vice versa). From Siem Reap we drove downwards, cutting thru Kampong Thom, head towards Kampong Cham before turning sharply to Phnom Penh... In order to complete the ride in 4 hours, a mandatory speed of 120km/h must be maintained...


3 or 4pm. Just left Siem Reap....the lush green wet rice fields are a stark contrast to my first drive to Siem Reap in February. Back then, the countryside was barren, dry and totally devoid of any greenery. Apparently during the dry seasons, the farmers practice Slash&Burn to keep the land fertile...


A small village just outside Siem Reap - Wooden houses on stilts, very old skool kampung feel.
2nd photo - Hugeass pig/boar drinking from the muddy pool, mmmmm...bacon....
3rd photo - Roadside kiosk


More endless countryside green!


Reckless Driving - at 120km/h on narrow road with kids walking on the side, dun worry, the driver is pretty experienced & alert...


Haunting tall sugar palm trees punctuate the serene countryside...


Overtaking Manoeuvre 1 - Irritating Bigass Truck Blocking The Whole Road Challenge


Sun beginning to set...


More Palm Trees dotting the lush landscape...


Overtaking Manoeuvre 2 - Cow Crossing Challenge


Red Temple or something


Overtaking Manoeuvre 3 - Slowass Tractor Blocking The Lane Challenge


Palm Trees & Sunset


Overtaking Manoeuvre 4 - Truck Transporting Huge Load Of Wood Challenge


Destination Phnom Penh!!!

On the whole, this Siem Reap trip was pretty kickass. Your 1st Angkor Wat experience can never be replicated. Madonna said it best when she sang, "Like a virgin, touch for the very 1st time...".

I'll definitely go back, most prob on work-related trips but I'm gonna make time for Ta Phrom & all the other temples I missed on this trip. For y'all Angkor virgins out there, I urge y'all to lose it....I can be ur guide.....hehehehe.....

Since we are on the topic of going back, I'm flying back S'pore tomorrow afternoon! Woo hoo!