We arrived in Phnom Penh safely after our 4 hour speedboat ride along the Mekong. The time passed quickly with only minor inconveniences – depositing US$100 at the immigration to Cambodia. On top of that our guide had to pay a $8 bribe to the officials in order for them not to go through our suitcases ($2 per suitcase). In Phnom Penh, we’re very satisfied with the city. A mix of French and Asian architecture, a mix of currencies – well not really, as the USD is the only trading currency even though they have the riel, tied at 4000:1. They have western-style restaurants and acceptance of credit cards at all establishments.
Our tourist activities included heading to their National Musuem where our guide explained the transition from Hinduism to Buddhism from 8th C to 12th C to modern day. The museum also houses relics from 3000 year-old excavations in which they have found prehistoric remains and villages. From there we visited the Wat Phnom Penh and the Independence Monument in the centre of town. Of course, we saw the exterior of the palace but will be visiting in the morning. Finally, in the evening we watch a no-holds-barred video of Pol Pot, the leader of Cambodia’s experiment with Communism and the Khmer Rouge.
Our tourist activities included heading to their National Musuem where our guide explained the transition from Hinduism to Buddhism from 8th C to 12th C to modern day. The museum also houses relics from 3000 year-old excavations in which they have found prehistoric remains and villages. From there we visited the Wat Phnom Penh and the Independence Monument in the centre of town. Of course, we saw the exterior of the palace but will be visiting in the morning. Finally, in the evening we watch a no-holds-barred video of Pol Pot, the leader of Cambodia’s experiment with Communism and the Khmer Rouge.
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