Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Fabulous temples and cities like Angkor Wat were swallowed by jungle, and unknown to the outside world for centuries.  And the way there today begins at a small harbor which the locals claim in immune from typhoons flooding and earthquakes. The former seaside town of Kompong Som did not become the port of Sihanoukville until 1955.  When French Indochina broke up in 1954, Cambodia could no longer send it commerce down the Mekong, since the mouth of that river was now entirely inside Vietnam.  Prince Norodom Sihamouk opened a new commercial port here, named after himself, with the help of French engineers.  He also hoped to capitalize on the sunny weather (an average of 310 sunny days per year) since it usually rains only at night. Sihanoukville remains a pretty but small town where Buddhist temples are the main attractions.  The Independence Monument (1985) near the lower temple commemorates the end of the murderous regime of Pol Pot, who killed millions of his own people. Much of the city had to be rebuilt since that time, giving it a very modern look. Today, Buddhism is Cambodia’s principal religion and the capital is Phonom Penh.  The population is 14,000,000.

We hired a car, with a driver who spoke some English, to show us around.  We went to a Buddhist Temple where we spent time talking to one of the Monks and taking lots of pictures. In 2008 we hired a tuk tuk, which is a 4 passenger covered (with open sides)carriage with 2 bench seats pulled by a fellow on a small motorcycle. This time we went in style and drove around in an air conditioned SUV, really a luxury.  Since the last shuttle back to the ship was leaving at 3:00 we didn’t have much time.  We went to a beautiful hotel called the “Independent” and for $5. we were able to use their facilities.  They provided us with a changing room and towels and said we could use their private beach & pool.  The last time we were here we stayed on the beach, but this time we chose the pool.  Gary opened the bottle of wine we brought in our backpack and we went for a swim.  Afterwards, we had a great lunch of fried rice, prawns, chicken or fish in their main dining room.  The couple with us, David & Barbara, are originally from England but now live in Cypress most of the year.  They still have their home in England, but because of the weather, enjoy Cypress much more.  They are a lovely couple and we had a great day with them.