We made it to Phnom Penh, finally! After a sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh that had more random stops than a toddler on a nature walk, we were wrecked. These buses look like a great idea reclined beds, aircon, sometimes even Wi-Fi but with sudden braking, questionable roads, and a few surprise βleg-stretchingβ stops at roadside stalls, meant it was an experience and a half.
The next day we grabbed a lie in after which we set off to ease into Cambodia with a bit of culture. Wat Phnom, the cityβs oldest and most important temple. Cheap to get in (less than a quid), peaceful from a distanceβ¦ but full of surprises up close.
The place has a real charm incense burning, golden statues, and that classic temple calm. Some people dancing in front of a Buddha statue like it was a rave. Drummers were playing music and we watched wide eyed. All while Ali was keeping dotty entertained.
Outside, a massive snake statue curls along the stairs itβs NΔga, a sacred mythical serpent in Khmer culture. These creatures are protectors of temples and a symbol of life and water. Looks impressive. Bit creepy when youβre already overtired, though.
To balance out the weird, we hit a play area at the bottom
Of the slope so the kids could let off steam. They were straight into it. After that, we headed to a nearby shopping centre near The Peak with a cinema, bowling alley, and a bit of everything. Lunch wasnβt cheap, but we were too hungry to care by then.
In the afternoon, we thought weβd try a bit of chill time and saw Lilo & Stitch in 3D. Audio was in English with Khmer subtitles perfect! Dotty didnβt keep the glasses on, obviously, she had a sleep and then was happy peaking at the screen and munching the odd bit of popcorn. Georgia loved it. As did ali, I found it moving somewhat but I am blaming being over tired on that!
After the film we grabbed some essentials from the shop just basic food to get us through our five day stay then back to the apartment.
