Map showing travel destinations in Cambodia in 2012 and 2013
On Russian Federation Boulevard, the airport link in Phnom Penh
Video #1 - Air Asia flight from Bangkok, Phnom Penh to the south,
and then the runway.
Video #2 - Tuk Tuk ride from the Airport down
Russian Federation Boulevard, to the Salita Hotel, Phnom Penh
Russian Federation Boulevard, to the Salita Hotel, Phnom Penh
Video #3 - Room at the Salita Hotel, Phnom Penh
THROUGH THE WINDOW smudged land forms appeared, as the veil of cloud slipped slowly away. I was returning to Cambodia a year later. Chhonn, a friend i had visited last year, was now a new Dad and that alone was reason enough to return. I was after all in the region. The 2012 visit had included Phnom Penh followed by Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Kampong Thom and Battambang, all to the Northwest. This time i wanted to visit the South.
As the Airbus banked steeply, two broad rivers appeared below, first the Tonlé Sap and then the Mekong. Then the Air Asia jet straightened out and descended over Phnom Penh's northern outskirts. Given the city's arrested development only a few decades ago, it's fortunes had now changed profoundly. Below were more new buildings then ever. The flight dropped over the last rooftops before the runway. In no time at all we deplaned at the modest terminal. Immigration and Customs, with the usual protocol was next: visa payments, fingerprinting and an electronic mugshot.
As the Airbus banked steeply, two broad rivers appeared below, first the Tonlé Sap and then the Mekong. Then the Air Asia jet straightened out and descended over Phnom Penh's northern outskirts. Given the city's arrested development only a few decades ago, it's fortunes had now changed profoundly. Below were more new buildings then ever. The flight dropped over the last rooftops before the runway. In no time at all we deplaned at the modest terminal. Immigration and Customs, with the usual protocol was next: visa payments, fingerprinting and an electronic mugshot.
Outside, i passed the clamouring drivers clustered around the Arrivals entrance. Across the parking lot were some lone Tuk Tuks (auto rickshaws) out on the busy main road. Soon i going down Russian Federation boulevard into the city and heavy traffic before reaching the Salita Hotel. A half hour later i was in a comfortable room was just like the one i had spent five nights in last year. The Reception Manager, a young man named Dorn Keven, remembered me too, which made the arrival that much more pleasant. Now there was a whiff of familiarity to the place.
Makes mention of the iconic Remok taxis or Tuk Tuks
Getting around in Phnom Penh the capital of Cambodia
Salita Hotel website:
Welcome to Salita Hotel Phnom Penh
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