Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 1
Flight: Sydney – to Kuching
27 May 10:20PM-28 May 3:55AM (Malaysian Airlines Flight : MH142)
Flight: Kuching to Kuala Lumpur
4:55 AM-6:40 AM ( Malaysian Airlines Flight : MH142)
Flight: KLA to Phnom Phen
9:30 AM-10:20 AM (Malaysian Airlines – MH 0754)
Hotel: Julianne Hotel, Phnom Phen
16 Juliana 152 Road, Sangkat Vealvong, Khan 7 Makara
We arrived, at Sydney airport, thanks to David’s Mum & Dad. Went through customs without a problem, it was very straight forward and not what I was expecting. I thought there would be a lot more security & checks.
Brendan loved the plane; we all had our own TV on the back of the chairs. He watched Racing Stripes, again!
At midnight, we told him, he had to go to sleep. The seats were just large enough to sit in, Brendan lay down between David & me, head on my legs, which in the end became very uncomfortable, and for David with Brendan’s feet on his lap, which of course meant he was kicked all night. Needless to say not much sleep was had!
At about 3:30am, Australian time, we were woken up as we had to land at Kuching Airport, Sarawak, Malaysia. We could disembark, and stretch our legs, go to the toilet etc. Didn’t get to see anything, though, except a dingy smoke filled airport terminal, but for Brendan, this was his first new country and it was very hot! Unfortunately they wouldn’t let us back on the plane, until it was ready for take off.
Left Kuching, 1 ½ hrs later, with still no more sleep, had more food, then tried to sleep again; although the flight was only 1 ¼ hrs.
Arrived, in Kuala Lumpur. What a great airport! Huge!
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We had a look around & found we had to go by the KLIA Automated People Mover, better known as the Aero Train, a three-car driverless train that runs on elevated rail and under the taxiways to our next gate (H2). Brendan loved the ride.
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After a delay at the airport, arrived Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 1hr late. As soon as you stepped off the plane, you could feel the heat. Yummy! Went through immigration & Customs, very easily, & the workers, who all had cute military style uniforms, seemed really nice, very smooth.
We were met by our driver (Taxi) who took us to the hotel. My God! What an experience, there are hardly any road rules, bikes everywhere! And even though there are lanes marked, it didn’t matter, you just weaved in & out – it certainly was an experience & an eye opener.
From the air you could see the Mekong River, with houses littered at the edges, very impressive, but, once on the ground, Phnom Penh is very 3rd world, 5 people to a bike wasn’t uncommon.
We got to the hotel, Angkoriana Hotel, which was Ok; rooms were small, but clean, with 2 x ¾ beds – David & I to share, with Brendan in his own. The swimming pool area was really nice and Brendan is eager to try it out! The water was nice & warm and we stayed playing around for about 1 ½ hrs, then cleaned up & went for a walk outside the hotel. Yes it was very 3rd world, certainly different. People everywhere – asking if you want to take a tour on their motorbikes. Quite dirty & old, holes in the road etc we did cross a few streets but didn’t take a main crossing (looked a bit scary with all the bikes weaving in & out). Felt very uncomfortable, but kept saying hello to everyone – they kept staring, though seemed friendly enough. We came back to the hotel, as Brendan & I weren’t very comfortable, though David wanted to explore more, and had a long sleep.
We are just about to venture down to the restaurant, and have dinner, then sleep again, as our tour starts at 8am. I’m sure to sleep well!
Exchange Rates
as at Monday, June 6, 2005, according to Onanda.com http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
Cambodian
1 Australian Dollar = 3,233.18 Cambodian Riel
1 Cambodian Riel (KHR) = 0.0003093 Australian Dollar (AUD)
Vietnamese
1 Australian Dollar = 12,568.2 Vietnamese Dong
1 Vietnamese Dong (VND) = 0.00007957 Australian Dollar (AUD)
American
1 Australian Dollar = 0.75598 US Dollar
1 US Dollar (USD) = 1.32279 Australian Dollar (AUD)
Malaysian
1 Australian Dollar = 2.87371 Malaysian Ringgit
1 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) = 0.34798 Australian Dollar (AUD)
Pre-Travel Bookings:
Cambodia
Royal Exclusive Travel
www.royalexclusive.com
Vietnam
TNK Travel
www.tbktravelvietnam.com
