So we've made it to Vietnam! The last couple of days, despite being a whole heap of fun in Phnom Penh were marred by the stress and anxiety of trying to get our Vietnam visas. We had thought that it would be a fairly simple procedure but upon filling out the forms and handing over the cash we were told that due to a special "ceremony" we would only be permitted to stay 17 days (until the 10th) in Vietnam, but would have to pay the same one month fee. Feeling that something was amiss we tried several travel agents and were told a whole heap of different stories and offered a whole heap of outrageous prices. Thankfully we found one lady, who after a number of phone calls to and fro was able to confirm ... read more

From Sihanoukville we travelled inland to Kampot, a small riverside town that serves as a base for exploring the nearby Bokor National Park. We didnt think that highly of Kampot but our trip to Bokor made it all worth while. We set off on the back of a 4WD up the Bokor mountain and into the jungle. Walking through the trees was crazy - it was more a mad bush bashing session than a quiet walk and we emerge covered in scratches and with holes in our clothes. We also managed to see some crazy birds and spiders that I certainly wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley - they were bigger than my outsretched palm! shudder Not such a fan of the bugs. We rested by a set of falls, which despite the lack ... read more

The last few days have been relatively uneventful from my perspective as my vista has alternated between that of the bathroom or the TV (thank god for cable!). I've been cursed by the infamous Cambodia-Belly (you may have heard of its Indian Cousin) which decided to inflict its worst on me whilst journeying here from Siem Reap. Needless to say it was one hell of a bus ride and the riverfront of Phnom Penh is now a different shade of highlighter green - nice. Corb on the other hand has had several interesting adventures while out fossicking for food and bringing me treats such as chocolate lamingtons from the Kiwi Bakery (gotta love that man!). One such episode occured in a completely deserted department store where he was the only customer. On his way out a ... read more

The last few days have been a mishmash of adventure and the waiting game. Starting early some days ago (I think I've lost track) we left Laos (sob sob) and crossed the Friendship Bridge back into Thailand. Everything was much easier than imagined and fittingly we drove past the Lao Beer Brewery on the way. Before you could try and say Nakhon Rachasima (Korat) we were on a hot horrible bus from hell and had arrived in Thailand's second largest city. With a monument in the city centre that constantly has worshippers paying respect day and night, Korat really is a true living Thai city. It ahd a supermarket :) And we also had REAL pad thai that was absolutely delicious :) Another early start, several hours arguing with bank tellers and a number of actual ... read more

The Bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng was great. Well the bus itself was kinda average but the scenery was fantastic - huge limestone karsts rising out of the mist and into the clouds above. We wove our way high into the hills, the villages of the lowlands slipping away into the distance, before we sped down the other side only to begin the climb again. It was absolutely mind-blowing. The soundtrack? A compilation of Corb's Led Zep faves including Misty Mountain Hop, and Kashmir. Perfect. Arriving in Vang Vieng we grabbed a super cheap but nonetheless comfy room just off the main room. The town itself is pretty small - mainly packed with guesthouses, bars, restaurants and travel agents - and jam packed with tourists. We spent a great few days here and wouldn't ... read more