It's taken me a while to get round to this, but here goes my first try at a trip report.
I travelled from Bangkok to Phnom Penh on the 28th November, flight taking just under an hour. Then with taxi awaiting 2.5 hours to transfer into Phnom Penh, and the Home Chic Hotel.
On my arrival I noticed a tour list and booked the S21 and Killing fields for the next day.
The first night I got a Tuk Tuk to Toolbox. Had a few beers there and talked to several boys. Quite enjoyed the dancers on the stage, and was made very welcome. Most spoke some English and happy to talk. I returned to the hotel and slept.
Next morning I was surprised to see it was the male receptionist that was taking me on my tour, before doing his shift later! Great trip and in my book, a must see.
Later my new Tuk Tuk driver (who took me everywhere} took me, against his advice, to a restaurant, which I chose from Google. After a some what rubbish meal, he took me to Blue Chilli. Here I was made very welcome, by the boys, the owner and some customers! After far too many beers Vannack (Tuk driver) took me to Toolbox again. Interestingly, he asked if there were no nice ladies! I explained it was a gay bar, 'Oh' he replied, 'lady boy! I can take you to lady boy bar!' I refused and continued to Toolbox.
After I returned to the hotel, and had a beer with Vannack, before he left to go home to his wife and children.
The next day Vannack took me on a 2.5 hour journey to a derelict temple and a zoo! Jesus I was shaken to bits. In the evening, I took his advice and chose a rather good Indian on the water front. Very cheap, very tasty and huge. I noticed them put my left overs to one side. It looked to me as if they were going to re-use them, but no, they gave them to my Tuk driver! Cool! After, we tried to find POC, but couldn't, so returned to Blue Chilli. Stayed there and after 1 got Vannack to take me back, after having a beer again with him!
I was leaving the next day but just enough time for Vannack to take me to Central Market. I can't fault the man! Mind he made quite a bit out of me!
So on the whole a great taster trip, I hope to return and stay a little longer. I couldn't believe the difference to Thailand.
