Blogs from Battambang, North, Cambodia, Asia - page 2

Of all the places I was going in Cambodia I was most interested in being in Battambang. Here was going to be a more untouristed side of Cambodia. Of course, as soon I arrived and disembarked from the bus there was a rush of tuk tuk drivers offering their services. One said he could take me to my hotel for $.50, but first he wanted to tell me about his tours. I didn’t really have any plans in Battambang anyway so I listened. He spoke very good English and I figured maybe he could actually give me some insight into the place. He told me about the numerous sights he could show me in one day, but I actually dislike cramming a whole day with sightseeing. We settled on him showing me everything to the south ... read more

Tuesday is a free day. After breakfast we take advantage of the Hotel's complimentary bicycles, which are in a surprisingly good condition. Our aim is to exit the City in a general Northerly direction and find some quiet rural pathways to absorb the peaceful and friendly environment. The weather seems to be following us, it is overcast and very humid (again). We set off, following the river, and as usual are impressed by the friendliness of the local people and children, if smiles were currency most Cambodians would be rich indeed. Paula comments that everywhere we travail, it feels like we are on a royal visit and likens the local reactions akin to a Charles and Camilla moment. Leo baulks at this suggestion, so she drops the idea like a hot cake! We cycle for about ... read more

The weather remains a problem, and again had overnight rain so, as much as we have enjoyed our little oasis in Otres Village we are hoping a change of district might improve the weather, which has limited our planned activities, once again. Our itinerary involves a return to PhNom Penh as a night stop, before moving on to Battambang a total distance of nearly 400 km so, that's about 9 hours by coach, therefore, a stop over is vital. Cambodia's highways run North- South as a rule, so travelers often have to double back to major cities to move around efficiently. As we enjoyed the atmosphere and restaurants of PP, this is no hardship. We say goodbye to our lovely hostess Domo, who really looked after us at Om Home, we board our coach that takes ... read more

After our very luxurious mini bus we arrived in Battambang to a flurry of desperate tuk tuk drivers holding up their signs in the window and begging for our custom. After gaining some breathing space and a startled British couple, we opted instead to walk the 1.5k to our hotel. We left the British couple (Shaun and Freya) to find their hostel 'Here Be Dragons' and said we'd drop by later for a drink. It was getting late so we decided to go for a walk and found an amazing park where there were aerobics classes, power walkers, joggers, foot shuttle cock, badminton, outdoor gym equipment and Jacks favourite - stoned path reflexology. This was the first time on our travels that we'd noticed any place solely dedicated to exercise with so many people keen to ... read more

url=https://www.google.co.th/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Cambodia/North/Battambang/blog-805675.html&ved=0ahUKEwjhr_Hem5nSAhVJQY8KHStZCYIQFggdMAE&usg=AFQjCNHx3dWm8_uPDreF748L8_pQEySxQALast time we came to Battambangit quickly became our favourite place in Cambodia. Getting there was fairly painless although extensive roadworks just outside the capital probably added a good half hour onto the journey. When the minibus dropped us off in the town centre it seemed as though time had stood still. As we explored further it was evident that many changes have taken place in the last three years or so. We stayed in the brand new Jasmine Hotel which is away from the centre and very quiet. We got off to a bad start when the promised collection from the minibus didn't happen, and then the air conditioning in our huge room with massive windows didn't work p... read more