Phnom Penh

On arrival to Phnom Penh we saw our first heavy downpour of rain since the first week, so naturally we dreaded getting off the bus in just flip flops and t-shirts. Lucky for us, the rain stopped just before we stopped. A Tuk Tuk picked us up and took us to Sunday Guesthouse, which seemed a little remote. However it was clean and that's all you need. 

For dinner we went to a Cambodian restaurant, where again we were the only Westerners. We ordered stir fried vegetables with oyster sauce and garlic, egg fried rice with beef and Angkor beer. 

Our first full day in Phnom Penh was Nathan's 22nd birthday and we had planned in plenty of sight-seeing. We woke up early and headed straight to the Killing Fields, where we learnt all about the Khmer Rouge and their leader Pol Pot. To say it was horrific was an understatement, nevertheless interesting.

Our Tuk Tuk then took us to the Tuol Sleng Prison which was used during the Khmer Rouge rein. The prison showed pictures of all the victims that died during this period and it was very eery.

 

We had planned on visiting the Royal Palace but because we didn't have the right clothing we weren't allowed in. So instead we walked in the park.

For dinner that evening, as it was Nath's birthday we went to a Lonely Planet recommendation, Cantina. It was Mexican and on the riverside. 

Day 2 in Phnom Penh, we woke up late and had breakfast at the hostel before heading to the Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Pong). It is the best market to visit in this area of Cambodia as many designer brands are made here so the factories give the products that have small faults to the market for a very cheap price. So I bought myself some converse for £6 and in England I would pay £35 for these. Quite the bargain!! 

After a quick lunch, we went to the Royal Palace for attempt 2! Luckily we got in, but we had to wear long tops and bottoms, which wasn't the nicest given the heat. 

Pre-dinner we planned to go on a river cruise to see the sunset and then have dinner however, there was a ridiculous amount of rain and many tuk tuks wouldn't take us. So we had a beer and the hostel and waited for it to stop.

When finally it stopped, we headed to the riverside and it was worth it because we managed to see a pretty nice sunset and also another dance class. 

And soon the sky ended up like this.

We both had Khmer dishes and agreed that these were one of our top meals so far. 

Next stop, Siem Reap...