Phnom Penh - day 1

After our long trip to Phnom Penh we then had 2 days to see as much as we could and as much as the kids would put up with. We met up with another family staying at our hotel with 2 boys similar ages to Lach & Finn, from Washington DC, so spent some time comparing notes and sharing war stories of life travelling with kids. They were on the road for a year and had already done Australia & are heading to Vietnam later.

We had been given a contact in Phnom Penh from a guy we've met in Hoi An who used to be based there with Intrepid Travel. It was a huge bonus to have a reputable contact lined up for transport and a guide while we were there and gave us a head start with our plans and the flexibility we needed with the kids.

 

 

Beautiful buildings of the National Museum

Wat Phnom which the city was built around originally - a small lump/hill in central Phnom Penh with a temple on top .

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda is one of the huge iconic sights in Phnom Penh and is lit up with spectacular lights at night. Some of it was not accessible as there are special preparations going on after their previous exiled King recently died. He is due for cremation in Feb after the entire population (of Cambodia) have had the chance to visit him and pay their respects if they wish. Below is some of the Silver Palace and surrounding Royal buildings

Buntanh our guide explaining it all

A minature of Angkor Wat with a moat around it that had huge fish and full sized turtles swimming around in it.

Pete & Finn admiring an incredible frieze mural that went on and on for 100's of meters depicting ancient Cambodian mythological history.

                      One of the resident monkeys at the Royal Palace

                                    Silver Pagoda lit up at night

                                     On the streets on Phnom Penh