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  • Matt and Amy's Adventure
  • Matt and Amy's Adventure

South East Asia

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Mui Ne Hills Bliss, Mui Ne, Day 2

    20 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    As we wake in this lovely room, it is very hard to draw ourselves away from bed. We reluctantly do though, but don't move far, and only head to one of the three swimming pools in this place. it's hard not to love. The music is good, the food is good, and it's got an all round chilled out vibe. It's a great place, and we're pretty gutted when we find out they are fully booked the next two nights. It means we have to head somewhere else, and that place will be the backpacker village.
    After a relaxing afternoon, we head for a walk on the night, but it soon starts to rain so we hide out in a bar, before going back to the hotel and taking advantage of the offer on Mexican food. It's a quiet day, but one much needed after all the walking in Da Lat    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Mui Ne Backpacker Village, Mui Be, Day 1

    21 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    So we get up and sadly move on. It's an eleven o clock checkout, and we are soon sat by another pool. It's not quite mui ne hills, but it'll definitely do. We have another relaxing day, sitting by the pool and doing a lot of nothing. After that we have a few beers on the night and then go back to the room. Another relaxing day, tomorrow we get back on it as we head to the sand dunes.Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Mui Ne Backpacker Village, Mui Ne, Day 2

    22 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Today we decide to see a bit of Mui Ne. After a slow morning dipping in the pool we head off on a tour taking plenty of stops. First of all is the fairy stream. We expected a nice walk along the stream but instead we were told we walk into it. It was a long walk, with the water so brown you couldn't see where you were stepping. Definitely not what we expected. After about twenty minutes of walking we didn't really reach anything notable, so turned around and headed back to the jeep.
    After that, we took a brief stop overlooking the fishing village, which was actually a lot better then expected. The amount of boats, big and small, occupying the bay was great to see.
    From there we headed to the sand dunes. The white dunes were Great, stretching really far and forming great patterns and hills. It was definitely worth the small fee paid for the tour. The red dunes on the other hand, were a bit of a disappointment.
    We arrived back as the sun was setting and, after a small rest, we headed out to watch arsenal vs Everton, ending up in a small bar drinking rice wine with the locals as arsenal scored five! Eventful day!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Ha Vy Hotel, HCMC, Day 1

    23 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    So it's time to move on to the big city. We're both excited to get involved in something more lovely, so when the bus comes at 1, we don't mind leaving. It's a sleeper which is actually comfortable and not rammed full which is a nice change.
    After around 4 hours we arrive in Ho Chi Minh and it's not as crazy as we expected. Either that or we are just used to it now. After checking into the hotel we head out for some food and a bit of an explore. Amy wants to go to a market and we arrive at Ben Thanh just as its shutting up. Tomorrow morning it is. After that we end up eating at a small portable kitchen on the roadside. It's good stuff, and the woman is friendly. After that we head back to the room, ready to relax tonight before jumping into the action of this city tomorrow.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Ha Vy Hotel, HCMC, Day 2

    24 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Time to explore ho chi minh city. We take the walk to the market after we get up and ready. It's a lot easier to find now we have already been once, and we are soon involved in the hustle and bustle that is so common in these places. We buy the trainers for Amy's cousins and some stuff for ourselves at crazy cheap prices, before leaving and getting a McDonalds (it tastes so good).
    After this we head to the war remnants museum. We've heard it's grim viewing, but it's a lot worse then we expected. The pictures hold no punches, showcasing everything from the torture equipment used to the dismembered bodies of some of the victims of this gruesome war. To think it was only around 50 years ago is truly shocking. It's a place I was very much looking forward to visiting, and a place I was very much ready to leave after walking around. The display of American guns and vehicles used in the war outside was the only thing I felt right taking photos off. An eye opening experience indeed.
    On the night we decided to sample the cities nightlife. And boy did we sample it, stumbling home in the early hours of the morning with dizzy heads and empty wallets. A day of many contrasting emotions.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Ha Vy Hotel, HCMC, Day 3

    25 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We both wake up with hangovers (as expected) bur drag ourselves our of bed ready to do something.
    We start the day in search of a post office to send the shoes back to England. After following dodgy directions for an hour we get to our destination, only to find out it's closed. We end up back at the market and decided to now aim for the famous central post office.
    After eating it takes around half an hour to reach the next stop. The post office looks great, as if you've moved back in time. We manage to get the parcel sent, after someone tells off a local for pushing on front of us, which feels good. He view of the Notre Dame cathedral is also pretty good from directly outside. To send a parcel from here is definitely an experience in itself.
    After that we headed to the botanical gardens and zoo. The first animals we saw were the giraffes, which we got to feed. It was great fun to give them small bits of carrot and made the admission fee immediately worth it. After that though it goes downhill. The animals are mostly held in small cages without the right habitat they need (otters without water etc) so it all seems a bit sad. Some cages are good, but all in all it gets a bit depressing at times.
    So we leave the zoo and enter the history museum that stands looking very pretty at the zoo gates. We don't have long as it's nearly closing Time, but we soon work our way around. It's better then expected, with some great Cham sculptures on show and some great information about the history of Vietnam. There is also a mummified body on display which is pretty freaky.
    So after all that walking we are ready for an easy uber home. We get picked up, but after twenty minutes of riding are taken a completely different hotel (albeit with a very similar name). We sit in the back of the car offering to pay and get a new taxi but the driver doesn't understand a word. After fifteen minutes of sitting we set off again, this time in the right direction. We make it back after an hour, and the driver says it was ubers fault and not ours, so doesn't charge us anymore money. It was in the end a good experience, as witnessing the roundabouts at rush hour is something I won't forget in a while. How there isn't more accidents on these roads is beyond me.
    So a long day all in all, but a good one, and now it's time for a quiet night. Who said hangovers spoilt your day, ey?    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Ha Vy Hotel, HCMC, Day 4

    26 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    A lazy morning as we have a while to wait until we go on our half day tour to the Cu Chi tunnels. We are promised a small tour with a maximum of 8 people, but aren't surprised when 19 turn up.
    Trung, our guide, tries to talk the bus through the history of the war in very broken English and the things you can make out are very interesting. Despite two unbelievable rude Australians, who were clearly too cool for the tour they had chosen to go on, everyone listened and paid attention to Trungs first hand account of the horrible time.
    We first stop in a factory where victims of agent orange work. Here they use egg she'll to create wonderful works of art. They are really good, but unfortunately too fragile to carry around in our bags.
    After that we head to the tunnels. Our first stop is a small hiding hole, just big enough for one person to squeeze into, which acted as a hiding/surprising hole. The Vietnamese basically rigged this whole forest with holes, tunnels and booby traps to catch the Americans.
    The booby traps mentioned were brutal. Holes in the floor filled with spikes that would soon mess up anyone unfortunate enough to step on one. Add that the mines that we're planted around the place (it took fifteen years to get rid of them all!) And it was a pretty dangerous place all round. There was a tank on display that got blown up by a mine, which makes you wonder what it did to a human.
    There was a shooting range that was extremely loud and extremely expensive, and then we headed to the tunnels. They are long and very small, only eaving enough room to crouch down. At times it gets pretty spooky, especially when I'm laid on my back shuffling down, and it's a relief when I feel the fresh air again as we leave.
    After all that and with very sore legs from the crouching, we head back on the ninety minute drive to the hotel. We go out for an unbelievably good curry and go to sleep. We are ready for bed!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Ha Vy Hotel, HCMC, Day 5

    27 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Our final day in Ho Chi Minh starts slowly. Staying in a room with no windows is seriously hard when you plan to get up before midday. Thankfully today we don't have much left to do, so we take it slow. We could do with a day to sort stuff out, so it's kinda good.
    We firstly get our next trips to Mekong delta and phu quoc island booked and have some dinner (the pho was awful!) After that we head to the independence palace, or the museum of chairs as Amy calls it. She hates it, I find it kind of interesting, but not as good as I thought. After that we walk back and Amy goes for a massage, while I have an hour in a power cut sat in the dark.
    We then go out for a nice meal at a pretty swanky rooftop bar as it's a year since we got together, before sharing a few pretty terrible cocktails. After going back and making sure were ready for am 8am bus tomorrow, we go to sleep, already dreading that early alarm!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Mekong Delta Tour, Day 1

    28 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    It's tour time, and we drag ourselves out of bed pretty early to make our way for the bus, in what is going to be the start of a long few days. The bus is crowded, mostly locals as it's a weekend, and it doesn't make the two hour ride any easier when the Swiss guy in front of me decides to lean his chair back so he can have a sleep. As long as he is comfy it doesn't matter about anyone else obviously.
    The bus stops halfway at a small factory which makes small artwork from egg shells. It is a factory made to provide victims of agent orange with work, and the product of their work is really great. We get to watch them crushing up the egg shell and delicately applying it to their pictures, before seeing the process of colouring and drawing. The shopping area showcases the talent they have, with hundreds of pieces they have made.
    After that we make our way to a pretty impressive pagoda, with three giant Buddha statues. The fifteen minutes allowed to us is a bit short but it's a good stop.
    After that we headed on a boat on the river, to unicorn island. We were given some tea (honey, orange, water and bee pollen??) Which was very sweet and got a taste of some honey which was even sweeter. I also got a chance to hold a snake which was enjoyable until it started to wrap round me.
    After that we ate some locally grown fruit and listened to some local singing (and a bizarre rendition of 'if you're happy and you know it') before taking a small boat ride down a very cramped river. It was a nice ride, but would have been nicer without the nagging for tips.
    After the small boat ride we took a ride on a horse drawn carriage back to the big boat. It was a fast ride, but the state of the obviously overworked and starved horses took a bit of the fun away from it.
    Next up was dinner on a different island, before we had an hour to explore. An hour seemed a long time, until we saw the crocodile enclosure. We spent most of the time watching them being fed, and I even did a little bit myself. It was then time to get back on the boat and head back to the bus.
    We managed to sit on the back away from the annoying Swiss bloke, but then more people got on, making the 4 hour journey to our hotel (would have been shorter but a crash on the road ahead delayed us) rather tedious.
    We arrive at a surprisingly nice hotel though and turn down the offer of a trip to town, instead opting for a pizza hut and the premier league on tele. A good end to a good day.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Mekong Delta Tour, Day 2

    29 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Waking up at half five is never good. Waking up at half five knowing you are sleeping on a bus tonight is even worse. We drag ourselves down for a free breakfast though which always helps, before leaving on the bus at 6.40 heading for the floating market. It is really cool to see, with many boats sailing up and attaching themselves to us, offering everything from coconuts to beer. We don't hang around long though, as we are whisked off to a coconut factory.
    It's cool to see the way they make sweets out of the coconut, but not great for someone who doesn't like the taste. The whisky isn't bad though.
    Next up is a rice paper/noodle factory, which is better then it sounds. We get to have a go making It, and the rice noodle pizza they make is genuinely really tasty. After that we go to a small island with many fruit trees growing. An hour on the island is too long and me and Amy spend most of the time seeing who can hold their breath for the longest, but we are soon back on the bus.
    Back to the hotel we go for dinner, before getting back on the bus. It's a four hour journey back to HCMC and we were told we won't be back until 8pm, so we're a bit annoyed when we leave at midday (especially as our sleeper bus doesn't leave until 10).
    We arrive just after 4 and burn a bit of time trying to get my phone fixed and eating food, but it's still a long wait. As the time comes though, our minibus to the station is late, so late we don't get there until ten minutes after the departure time. This is down to the roads being busy, and the driver casually letting locals on with their shopping and deliveries. Luckily the bus is still there, and we board it exhausted, hoping that we are so tired we won't mind the curvy and bumpy roads on the eight hour trip to Ha Tiem.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Thuong Thinh, Phu Quoc, Day 1

    30 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    The sleeper bus journey isn't too bad as we are both absolutely shattered as we climb on. Despite being 8 hours without a toilet, we manage to make it to Ha Tiem port without any accidents.
    We arrive at 5am and have a 3 hour wait until our ferry comes, which is annoying, but we spend the time reading and eating pho, so it isn't too long before we are sat on the bizarre ferry. It looks more like a plane inside, with comfy seats and a tele showing a love show that one local in particular finds very amusing. After about ninety minutes we arrive on Phi Quoc and clamber into the back of a minibus, for the short journey to our hotel.
    We arrive tired, weary, ready for the comfort of a private room, so you can imagine our delight when our room is ready early. We get in around 10am, after being on the move since 5am the previous day, and crash out for four hours sleep.
    After that we don't feel up to doing much so we take a small walk to explore before getting much needed haircuts.
    As night draws in we sit at Rory's bar on the beach, watching the beautiful sunset and sipping a few cold beers. It's a lovely end to a hectic few days. We then have some food and a few more beers before going to bed, ready for a long and much needed sleep!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Thuong Thinh, Phu Quoc, Day 2

    31 октября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    We have a slow morning today, making the most of the chance to have a lie in (god knows how we are going to go back to actual jobs) before heading to the beach. We manage to get some sunbeds, and settle down for a relaxing day.
    The beach is lovely, white sand and clear water. If you forget about the jellyfish floating about, it is lovely. As it gets to mid afternoon, the clouds come in though, and as rain starts to drop, we head back to the hotel. We chill out for a bit, before going out for tea (2 for 1 pizza!) And then have a quiet night. A slow day, but a much needed one!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Thuong Thinh, Phu Quoc, Day 3

    1 ноября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    We get up early and head for the bus stop to take us to the safari today. We make it to the safari at quarter to ten, just in time for an impressive bird/monkey show.
    We then walk around the zoo for most of the day. It's a good zoo, better then saigon, and we get to feed elephants. There are also monkeys that just jump in and out of cages when they feel like it which makes it pretty fun/scary. Added to that there are tigers/lions/bears and plenty more.
    We then take the safari which is great. There are lions and rhinos running about in the closest thing ive ever seen to a natural environment, and a hell of a lot of girafes and zebras and more. A great day, but after five hours of wandering we decide to go back and relax.
    A quiet night now as we have to move on to a different hotel in the morning. We go out for a nice meal and then grab a few beers and chill out in the room watching harry potter.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    House No.1, Phu Quoc, Day 1

    2 ноября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    So it's time to move on. We move as late as possible after a nice lie in and then turn up to a locked hostel. After waiting a while for the woman next door to call the staff and let us in, we are finally shown to a nice room.
    After getting settled we then go out and buy me a new phone, walking through a rather strange market selling dogs heads and more on the way. After that we plan on a slighlty boozy night, and have a few beers in the room before taking in the night market for some pancakes and sausages.
    We then plan to eat properly somewhere, but are dragged into our hostel for a few drinking games, which turns into a lot of drinking games. I then get a chance to play a guitar as the vietnamese staff sing karaoke. We play all sorts of songs you wouldn't expect, ranging from the cranberries to robbie williams.
    It's about midnight by the time i go to bed, and i find amy hugging the toilet. I manage to drag her to bed, but the bin in the room is slowly filling up. It's gonna be a fun day tomorrow.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    House No.1, Phu Quoc, Day 2

    3 ноября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Well last nights drinking is definitely still being felt this morning. Pretty much the whole day is spent in the room listening to amy retching into plastic bags. On the one venture out, we go to the veggie restaurant next door and amy has some chips, leavig me plenty of food to eat. We then treat ourselves to a strawberry crepe (for me) and a nutella and banana ice cream roll (for Amy) from the night market. After that, it is time for an early night, hoping tomorrow will be a more energetic day!Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    House No.1, Phu Quoc, Day 3

    4 ноября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    After a day of rest yesterday, we are up early feelig ready to go this morning. The plan is to take a nice ride around the south of the island, taking in the sights along the way.
    We arrive back near the first hotel and have some breakfast whilst hunting for some bicycles. They are hars to find, but we eventually get some, before heading off on the hopefully scenic ride.
    We soon realise the ride isn't quite what we thought. First off, it's around 15 miles each way, and secondly, it's along the side of a main road.
    We arrive at sao beach after over an hour of pedalling. The beach is nice, but maybe slightly underwhelming in contrast to the many great reviews we had heard. We have some food staring out at the clear sea, before getting back on the bikes and starting the journey back.
    It's a different route this time, and it's definitelymore enjoyable. There are a few viewpoints and sights we intend to go to on the way, but we either miss them or they are at the top of steep hills that our stuck-in-high-gear bikes can't handle. It is a much nicer ride though and we get some nice views of the hills and countryside of the island.
    We arrive back in duong dong wih tired legs, and jump into a taxi back to the hotel. We eat again in the veggie restaurant before going back to the room. We're both knackered, so stay in bed as an incredibly loud bar crawl passes by downstairs. Tomorrow is my birhday, and also the final full day we have of our travels in vietnam!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    House No.1, Phu Quoc, Day 4

    5 ноября 2017 г., Вьетнам ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    It's my birhday! Amy wakes me up with a cake adorned with a 2 and a 6 candle that is delicious and some great presents! She also says i can choose what to do all day (which is good news as arsenal are playing later).
    For some reason, i have had the film mean machine in my head since yesterday, so we watch that in bed eating m and ms before heading out to book our travel to cambodia and eat some crab soup.
    After that we chill in the room and get sorted for tomorrow, before heading out to the beach for he sunset. It really is worth visiting the island just for the sunset on the beach. Havig a few beers watching it go down is great, even when some grey clouds come over threatening to spoil it!
    After that we go out for a bite to eat in a restaurant that bizarrely has happy birthday painted in big letters on a wall above a table. We feel we can't not sit there, and are glad we did as the food is good and the staff very friendly. They even bring me free birthday desserts of warm coconut and a weird creme caramel drenched in cold coffee thing. The taste isn't great, but the thought is very nice.
    After that we go to a beer to watch arsenal lose. I swear they always lose on my birthday so it's not a real surprise. We then go back to the hostel, where the staff have all remembered and wished me happy birthday which is nice. They bring out some complimentary shots and sing happy birhday before we play a tune on the guitar while some people sing. It's a great end to a great birthday, and a great emd to a great trip. Tomorrow we are up early for our trip to cambodia. Time to see what else South East Asia has to offer!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Dathika bungalow, Kep, Day 1

    6 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Hello Cambodia! It's time to move on today, and the bus to take us to the ferry is late as per usual in Vietnam. It get's us there in time though, and before we know it, the ferry has taken us back to Ha Tien.
    A guy is waiting for us and packs eight of us into a minibus. We drive to a small shop to sort out our visas, and me and amy are first in queue so hand over our money ($37 we are told but the exchange rate she gives means it's more like 40). Then the rest of the bus decide it's a rip off and decided to pay on the border (it is a lot slower and a lot more hassle but costs around $3 less).
    We get through quickly and then have to wait for them on the other side before our journey to Kep. It takes around an hour probably to get over the border, then around another hour to get to Kep. As we open the minibus, a swarm of tuk-tuk drivers descends and we end up jumping in the back of one for the 2 mile trip to our hotel. It's a fun and breezy ride.
    When we get to the hotel, we check into a room before sitting in the bar with three workers. One, a 46 year old french guy is the main man behind the bar, and the others, a 24 year old cambodian woman and a 44 year old american are a couple. They are good fun, despite the woman being pretty psyhotic at times towards her boyfriend (the american). The chef is away, and Amy is giving a free go at the kitchen which is full of cheese and eggs, so we end up tucking into a cheesey omelette baguette which tastes amazing after hardly eating all day. It's pretty entertaining wathid the staff, and Amy has two puppies and two kittens to play with, so he night goes pretty quickly.
    It's been a long day, and after a few beers we feel tired, so go to our small bungalow to sleep. It's a lovely place, despite the odd scratching sounds in the roof that leave me awake for a few hours, waiting for a rat to land on my head!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Dathika Bungalows, Kep, Day 2

    7 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    It's a bright and early start. After spending a while trying to get a frog out of the room that we wasn't sure was safe to touch, we had breakfast (butter!) before heading off on a walk to the national park.
    It's a hot day as summer is setting in in Cambodia, and even just the walk to the park is hard. It's here we have our first taste of Cambodian money and the way it works. Pay in dollars, get real as change, or dollars. It will take some getting used to I assume.
    Anyway, we take the 6km hike around the park, taking in the beautiful views of the land and sea on the way. Add to that the monekys that swing freely on the trees and it is very enjoyable. The path is actually a proper path, and after what we've heard about some of the bugs out here (killer centipedes) we are glad we aren't climbing through the jungle.
    The pah around the park finishes on a deserted road. It is so quiet and peaceful compared to the South of Vietnam and it really does fill you with some tranquility after all the chaos. We walk down the road to the pier, walking past some of the famous abandoned mansions and statues on the way, the best of which is the giant crab standing offshore.
    We then eat, paying in real, before realising we only have 1 dollar left and the walk is around 2 miles uphill.
    We start off back after Amy has a dip in the sea as more monkeys casually stroll past and begin the walk back. On the way we walk past the crab market, which is as smelly and chaotic as expected, before a tuk tuk driver agrees to drive us home for a dollar.
    We get in, shower, relax for a bit, before going to eat. There is no food and the american (Charles) gives us a tuk tuk to drive down to the market for food. I choose too but soon regret it. The steering wheel barely works, as do the brakes. As we get to the market i realise the handbrake doesn't work either, so we decide it's best to go back (we didn't know automatica have a p gear for parking that locks the wheels).
    Charles then gets in a pretty heated agument wih his girlfriend and offers to drive us to the market and wait while we pick up food. An offer we accept happily. We go grab some and then go back to the hotel and eat, before having some more beers and going to sleep. Tomorrow it is time for Kep's small neighbour, Kampot.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Monkey Republic, Kampot, Day 1

    8 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    So it's the last day of our short trip to Kep, and we awake to a blazing row between Charles and Rachia (I think that's the right name). We were meant to be getting a bus at ten but we cancel during breakfast and end up taking a ride with a tuk tuk driver. It's a much funner and comfortable way to travel, compared to being rammed into the back of a minibus. The ride is only 20km so we soon get there after travelling through small villages.
    We arrive to the hotel and check in to our room/sauna (again no air conditioning). We would like to chill in the room for a bit but we need to escape the heat, so go for a small walk to a bank to get some money and then grab some dinner. After that we rent s couple of bikes and decide to explore Kampot. It's a lovely, peaceful town (i am told it is technically a big village) built alongisde a long river.
    It is this river that we decided to take a cruise on tonight. We board a rather rickety looking boat along with four other couples and set off at around 5pm. The first hour is spelt looking at the beatuiful hills as the sun drifts behind them. It is truly an amazing sight and the quiet surroundings make it all the better. It is crazy how quick the bright sun descends and soon it is pitch black, with noting but the hotels and the distant lightning lighting up our way.
    We are told there are a lot of fireflys around this area, but are running out of hope of finding one when our boat takes a sudden stop, nearly smashing into a tree. We walk to the end of the boat and finally see the small lights buzzing around. There are so many it resembles a chrismtas tree all lit up and sparkling. After that we head back, have a curry, and retire to the warm bedroom hoping to try and sleep. A power cut turning the fans up doesn't help, neither does the thunderous rain outside that is hammering the roof. We somehow manage it though, but it's going to be a sweaty night!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Monkey Republic, Kampot, Day 2

    9 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    An early rise today as we plan to head up to Bokor National Park. We have been told it is far away, so we rent a moped and set off (slowly). After around 45 minutes of driving we decide toe at and follow a rather faded sign to a restaurant called Greenhouse. It doesn't look great as we head down a dirt road, but we get a very pleasant surprise as we arrive at a riverside spot that serves delicious food. Poached eggs done to perfection.
    After asking the waiter the way to the park and realising we're going the wrong way, we head back the way we came, and, after another 45 minute drive, we arrive at the gates to the park. As soon as we pull off the road and onto the deserted park the tenseness of rising bikes out here leaves and it becomes great fun. The roads bend around the mountain, sharp corners mixed with long, looping ones, and the views are simply insane. We head up and up, the weather getting cooler and cooler, and after around an hour of very fun riding, we reach the main sight seeing points.
    There is an old anandoned station that would have given a great view down if it wasn't surrounded by cloud. The same with a church that had a supposedly great viewpoint that was aswell covered in cloud. The cloud gave a different kind of view, as we looled down at an eery abyss, hearing nothing but the singing of thousands of birds. The buildings themselves were good to see. They were spooky reminders of what used to be here.
    On the way back down we passed by a waterfall that didn't offer great views really as you could only stand to the side of it. Amy then decided she wanted to practise driving on the roads, so she took control and handled the bike much better then i can. She ended up driving all the way back, the last view we passed was a seriesof loads of rocks that had many other stones placed on top of them. It was very blair witch.
    We rode back down the lovely hills, taking in the stunning views once more, before getting back to the hotel.
    We ate another curry, before going back to the room, hoping to get some more sleep, and for no more powercuts.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Dive Shop, Sihanoukville, Day 1

    10 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    It's time to move on today, and we leave the boiling hot room behind and get packed onto an almost hotter minibus that is completely packed. The ride to Sihanoukville isn't too long fortunately, but we still have nowhere to stay and no ferry ticket to koh rong.
    We stop off for a burger in Sihanoukville and try and book a place to stay in Koh Rong, but everywhere seems booked up. As we are eating, the heavens open with the kind of rainfall that puts England to shame.
    We finally decide it's not worth going over to the island yet, so agree to spend a night in Sihanoukville. After walking for around ten minutes in the rain, we follow a sign offering a room at the Dive Shop. Incredibly, it's not too expensive and air conditioned! I immediately fall asleep, catching up on the sleep i missed out on because it was too hot in Kampot.
    It's almost dark by the time we wake, and we head out for some food. Sihanoukville didn't look great during the day, but it definitely comes alive at night. After eating some good Mexican food, we wander down to the beach and enjoy some cold beers. It's a nice night, but we feel we have seen enough of this place already. Roll on Koh Rong tomorrow.    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Happy Elephant, Koh Rong, Day 1

    11 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We are sad to leave the air conditioned room in the morning, but we do have a ferry to catch. After packing our stuff and heading out again, we get to the pier in time to check on to our journey and enjoy a cuppa before going.
    The ferry is rather bumpy to begin with but it soon steadies as we head off in the direction of the island. It takes around 45 minutes, and we are soon pulling up at one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The beaches look white and clean, and an incredibly inviting white sea. It truly is an amazing place and we already want to stay forever.
    After checking into our hotel and enjoying a breakfast burrito at the White Rose bar (tasty!) We head off to the beach. To say I like a beach shows it's good as they're not often my favourite places. It's not overcrowded and the sea stretches as far as the eye can see.
    After dipping in and out to cool off (summers are hot in Cambodia surprisingly) we go for an explore. As we go, We stumble upon more beaches that look equally nice. It will take us a while to get bored of this place.
    We are planning on having a few drinks, but after booking onto a tour for tomorrow, we decide to have a chilled out night so we're not feeling rough. What a place to he staying!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Happy Elephant, Koh Rong, Day 2

    12 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    It's boat tour day! It mercifully doesn't start until midday, so we have a chilled out morning. Thank God as the tour is a long one!
    We start out on the boat with a free beer each, before taking in two snorkelling spots around the islands that surround Koh Rong. While the fish and coral may not be as impressive as Nha Trang, at least there is no jellyfish. It is still good to see all the fish, but the sea urchins look pretty terrifying on the rocks.
    After around 90 minutes we head to Koh Rong Samloem. It is Koh Rong's small neighbour, and after eating a nice dinner, we head off for a small explore of the sleepy island. It's very chilled out and untouched, with only a few roads lined with hostels on the beach. After a small walk we head to the Dragonfly Bar to look at the amazing view.
    We then get back on that boat and have more free beer and whisky, before landing on a secluded beach that only has one bar! A game of volleyball that is sometimes very competitive but always very fun takes place, and I join in to my teams disadvantage as Amy reads her book near the water.
    The next stop is another beach where we have a bonfire and get a free cocktail, before we get on the boat again for some swimming with plankton.
    It is an experience you have to see to believe, as hundreds of plankton light up around you in the pitch black water. The darkness of the water makes it rather scary, as me and Amy sometimes shout for each other as we drift apart, but it all adds to what is a truly remarkable sight. It's like wading through stars in the sky that disperse as you push your hands through them. A great end to a great tour.
    We head back with more free beer to the pier where we begun, and grab some dinner before getting some much needed relaxation. Reuben and Olga from several hotels we have been at arrive today and we plan to get boozy in a new hotel with them tomorrow, so for now, it's time for bed!    Читать далее

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  • Matt and Amy's AdventureSouth East AsiaПутешественник

    Bong's Guesthouse, Koh Rong, Day 1

    13 ноября 2017 г., Камбоджа ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    So it's time to leave the smelly, damp room that we have grown to dislike quite a lot, and move onto the beachfront. Bong's Guesthouse is our next stop, and we soon get up and put our still wet clothes that we have tried to dry for days in a damp room in our bags, and set off for the short journey. We get there and meet Reuben and Olga who we met in Dalat/Mui Ne/Ho Chi Minh, and a Swiss man called Sandro.
    After yesterday we are after a much more relaxed day today, so after enjoying a free coffee at the guesthouse we head out for a short stroll. After around ten minutes walking we stumble across a small, empty beach, that is perfect for an hour chilling out. This island is truly amazing at surprising you with random, amazing spots.
    We chill there for a bit before we head back to the hostel and check in. The room is very open but okay for the price we are paying. We then chill out in the hostel, making the most of the nice weather.
    As night draws in, we fancy a few beers, so, along with Reuben, Olga and Sandro, we grab something to eat and head back to the hostel, making the most of all day happy hour. We then head out to a quiet bar/restaurant where we have a few more Klang's, before heading back. As them three opt to go for a walk, me and Amy sit on the beach having a night cap whilst listening to the waves. It's times like this you think you could stay here for weeks.
    As we get back to the hostel, hoping for some sleep, we realise just how thin the ceilings and walls are in this place. There is a party going on downstairs until around 2 AM, and the guests don't stop leaving until around 5. This isn't great when we can hear every music beat and conversation like it was coming from the other side of our room. It's a long night, and we have another one to go yet.    Читать далее

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