Kompong Cham,
Cambodia
Monday, January 31, 2005
We decided to take the Mekong over 300km to Laos and try our luck at the border. We kept getting mixed info. about this border crossing between Cambodia and Laos. The Laos consulate told us it was closed to foreigners, but other travellers were telling us we could get through for the right price. In order to take the river up, we needed to start in Kompong Cham - so we took a local bus 7 hours back down through Cambodia. Unfortunately, only one boat leaves Kompong Cham daily at 7:30a.m. and we were stuck over night. We had dinner at the only ex-pat place in town called the Mekong Crossing and I nearly ran screaming from all the flies that were around. It was so gross. They were all over the floor and buzzing around our food - yuck. The food was o.k., but I'd rather try my luck at a local joint next time.
We stayed at a hotel mentioned in the Lonely Planet and we even played Frisbee, at L.P.'s suggestion, in the huge hallway. They had satellite and we watched Raiders of the Lost Arc, until the power went out.
It was a typical travel day.
