From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Speedboat – Part 1

We have to leave our hotel already at 7.00 in the morning, because our Speedboat to Siem Reap casts off at 7.30. The trip will last 7 hours.

But first, our Tuk-Tuk passes the places that we have seen the last few days. We see the last time the Royal Palace and drive along the Indian wedding, where the people celebrated already the day before. Finally, we reach the pier, where the speed boat is waiting.

Our boat rides along the Tonle Sap River, a tributary of the Mekong. About the Chroy Changvar II bridge people flock to work.

Along the river we see a number of floating houses that are inhabited by fishermen. On the shore we noticed a number of mosques. Before and after the Prek Pňov bridge we pass a floating city.

The architecture of the houses increasingly takes on the typical design, which will accompany us the next hours.

The houses are built on high stilts, so that one can can give good estimates of the high of the water in the rainy season. After that the surroundings is characterized by farming.

Smallholders who take care of their livestock, or children playing determine the urban life, that mingles with a green luxuriant vegetation. Many Buddhist temples and mosques adorn the landscape. 

When we reach the lowland plain of the Tonle Sap lake, the river divides itself up into more and more channels and branches. The fauna develops more bizarre forms and resembles in parts more a jungle.

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From time to time, a ferry crosses the river or we meet a river cruise ship. Numerous fishermen follow their trade on the river. We recognize that the people here do not only make their living from the river, but also live with the river. The ever-changing water levels require the readiness of the people to constantly adapt to new conditions.

Also for our coxswain it is not an no easy task to bring the speed boat to its destination.

Sandbanks shift permanently and to aground on one with high speed could end badly. We have made ourselves comfortable on the roof of the boat, so that we have a clear view and can enjoy the landscape.

When we pass a huge floating city, we know that we are near Krong Kampong Chhnang, and so about half of the route is still to come.

Please read on > From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Speedboat – Part 2

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