We arrived at Phnom Penh from Siem Reap in relative style (air-conditioned coach complete with WiFi) and would definitely recommend the Giant Ibis bus service over minibus any day. Here we visited the Tuol Slang Museum at S-21 (a former school turned prison) and the killing fields of the fairly recent genocide under Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime. It is hard not to be deeply moved and struck by the horror of this event especially wandering the partially exhumed mass graves at Chong Ek (teeth, bones and clothing still rise out of the ground in heavy rains). It also reminds how shockingly regular this type of tragedy is (we count at least 7 in the 20th century alone).
On a lighter note, we found a great micro brewery literally a block away from our hotel (see pictures here) and got to continue our tuk-tuk travels around the city. It’s great fun and a good way to utilize nature’s air-conditioning (i.e. wind) on a warm and muggy day.
The Giant Ibis in all its glory
A huge golden chicken (we don’t know why)
Our walk toward S-21
One of the S-21 buildings
Inside the converted school
Why settle for just international when you can be mega international?
Royal Palace
National Museum of Cambodia
Statue
Statue close up
Another statue
Flag at Choeung Ek killing fields memorial
From Cambodia we traveled to Ho Chi Minh City where we had some amazing food (dedicated Phò post to come) and experienced the chaos of this fascinating city with its millions of motorbikes, 24/7 street vendors and mega markets selling everything from coffee and tea to “Rolex” watches.
Motorbikes
Evening
Tea shop
Following HCMC, Hoi An was a huge contrast. A historic trading port and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the town was calm and amazingly peaceful by comparison (no motorbikes allowed in the old town). Here we visited a number of the historical buildings and museums, biked to the beach (a little harrowing with the local cars, trucks and scooters) and witnessed the beautiful town illuminated by candle and lamp light in the evenings.
Hoi An
Bridge leading to “Ancient Town”
Japanese covered bridge
In front of assembly hall/temple
Phuoc Kien
The room of well-wishing incense coils
Taking a bike ride
Water buffalos
Lady biking with mats
At the beach
At the beach with a beer
Lamps for sale
Hoi An at night
Donna and I were in Phnom Penh about a year ago and found it intriguing but sad. It was also chaotic. However, I’m amazed that you found a brew pub there. Well, I guess (when it comes to pubs anyway) you guys really do have special powers. We bicycled in Hue to the north of Hoi An and I imagine the experience was similar. Bicycling in Vietnam can be pretty intense, but was certainly fun and made us feel a part of things. How did you like the food in Hoi An? We loved it. Enjoy any good beer there?
Yeah, the food was great in Hoi An. We ate at 3 restaurants – STREETS Restaurant, Nu Eatery and Pho Xua. The first 2 were nicer places with amazing food and flavors. The last was a Pho place we went to for lunch. Great local food and it cost only USD 2-3 for a full meal and a drink. Sadly, we didn’t find any special beers there, but we did still have some nice cold Saigon/Tiger/Larue. Which were pretty good after a hot day.