2012- We catch a bus in Ho Chi Min, our first and only time we have been in Cambodia. As we are about to cross the border our bus driver collected our Passports and $25.00 to get us our Visa. Sometimes we have to put rules for travel aside and go with TRUST!!!
Crossing into Cambodia was like stepping back in time. Cambodia has a difficult time to recover from its devastation. Poverty everywhere. Heartbreaking to see these little children begging for food.
Cab Driver – Tour Guide – Day 1
He took us to many sites and shared stories about his struggles as a child. He was a tiny young boy when his father was killed before his eyes. So Tragic !!
Royal Palace Compound
The palace is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. Built in the 1860’s, Royalty occupied it but when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge, Royalty had to leave.
Within the Palace compound sits the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda is named for its floor. As we enter …WOW!! The floor at the entrance is covered with 5000 silver tiles. and glittering gold and diamond statues everywhere. The Emerald Buddha made of Baccarat-crystal sitting atop an impressive gilded pedestal. One Golden Buddha weighs 90 KG with over 2000 diamonds. It is surprising not to see security on site.
We had Cambodia booked for last year until COVID hits and I hope to go next year instead. Though seeing the rich/poor divide I always find harrowing.
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Thanks stopping ..hoping we can get back to travelling soon.
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It has alot of treasures inside the Palace.
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It looks like a palace. LOL.
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Never gave this country much thought for a visit, thanks for the short tour
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Thanks Alice. Happy Sunday
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So that must have been in Phnom Penh?
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Opps typo.
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I’ve not visited Cambodia so it’s interesting to learn about it through your words and photos.
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Yes it was quite an adventure. Thanks for stopping by 😀
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The palace was a sight that escaped me due to lack of time and then bad luck. Nice piece!
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Thanks. When I read your site I went back through my files to find this.
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Hard to reconcile the silver and diamonds with hungry children. I think I would find that a difficult place to visit.
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It was a heartbreaking 💔 seeing children were so hungry .
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Reality….
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I was also shocked when we went to Phonm Penh. It is incredibly dirty and rubbish is just thrown onto the side walks. The people though are the friendliest I’ve ever met. It’s not a place I would visit again, sadly.
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I am on the same page.
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