| | Apr 24, 2006 - Sihanoukville, Cambodia - Recharging our Batteries | (click to enlarge)
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 | Carl and Lina at breakfast - Malibu Bungalows
| | Serendipity Beach
| | Lunch on Serendipity Beach
| | Malibu Bungalows
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 | Enjoying a delicious dinner cooked by Lina
| | Monks on the beach
| | On our balcony
| | A grungy bus stop enroute back to Phnom Penh
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| Sihanoukville, Cambodia - Recharging our Batteries
For almost 2 weeks straight we have been on the go, changing hotels almost daily and busy exploring and both Vietnam and Cambodia with vigour. Friends and family from back home commonly ask us, 'Aren't you sick of travelling?' or 'Are you not tired out of living out of your bag all the time?' For over 7 months now the answer has been 'No' but for the first time, I think we were both, and especially me, feeling run down and tired. Typically, we try to stay in one place for a minimum of two but preferably 3 nights so we are not always on the go. However, in a rush to see all of Vietnam before our Visa's expired, those rules were lost in the wind as we cruised along the Ho Chi Minh Trail on our motorcycle tour and the days that followed it.
So, what better way to recharge then a few days on the beach! Less than a five-hour bus journey from Phnom Penh we arrived in Sihanoukville a growing beach destination located on the Gulf of Thailand. We booked into the Malibu Bungalows that turned out to be a perfect retreat for us. Located between two of the main beaches on a quiet patch of sand, Lena the Cambodian/American owner has built a tranquil paradise for her guests. Our bungalow was designed in a traditional Khmer style with a balcony overlooking the ocean. A walk down the steps through her lush gardens and flowering orchids lands us on a small beach for peaceful afternoons of swimming and reading.
Lena spoiled us rotten with her delicious meals including a gastronomic delight one night with her 'Royal Style' dinner she cooked for us while entertaining dinner guests of her own. Eric excitedly praised her, "This was by far the best meal I have had on our whole trip!"
Although we did not get out to explore much of Sihanoukville or the surrounding islands we enjoyed our peace and tranquility at the Malibu Bungalows to recharge our batteries for our last two weeks of travel in South-East Asia before moving on to our much anticipated stay in Sydney Australia.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR SIHANOUKVILLE
1. If you are looking for just a beach holiday I personally feel the beaches of Thailand and Malaysia are nicer and have more to offer than Sihanoukville. However, Angkor is something unique to Cambodia and Sihanoukville would be a great add-on after spending several days in the humid jungle exploring the temples.
2. If you are looking to do a 2 week vacation in Cambodia a good split of time would be to spend your first week in Siem Reap exploring the Temples of Angkor and your second week split between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville ending with a few days on the beach to relax before heading back home.
3. There are many beaches in Sihanoukville most of which are largely undeveloped as tourism in the area is just beginning to grow. If you hire a moto (motorcycle) or a taxi for the day, you can venture out to explore different beaches that are more off the beaten track.
4. Popular day trips in the area include a trip to Kbal Chhay Waterfalls, day trips to the uninhabited islands off the coast and Ream National Park for its forests, wildlife and untouched beaches. As mentioned above, we chose to relax on the beach and did not get out to explore any of these sights ourselves.
5. If you are looking for a peaceful hotel, avoid the busy Serendipity Beach that is a growing beachside party destination for budget travellers.
www.carlhenderson.ca
www.imagestoframe.com
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