Day 39 Border to Banlung





 We were out of rather dirty and basic accommodation by 6am anticipating a quick and easy passage across the border. Things didn’t turn out that way. The border post was completely unmanned and like the reeea firma Marie Celeste- empty. Apparently it wasn’t open until 7am and that only for passport control- customs checks opened at 7.30. Once open we were near the front of the queue and quickly moved in to the Cambodian side. A form to fill in for our visa and a payment of 35 dollars each and we were duly dispatched on our way. The Cambodian side was like a shanty town, all wooden huts- though they did have biometric testing. Fortunately we had dollars with us as there was nowhere to exchange money. We took a photograph of the only structure that indicated we were in Cambodia, which we later sent to our friendly and accommodating bike shop in Hanoi.

We were on the road by 7;45 and began with some steep climbs. It was already hot and there were very little in the way of settlements. It was noticeable that we were in a much poorer country- the housing, vehicles and attire of the locals all looked pretty well worn and shabby. We did eventually manage to stop at a ATM at the first small town and get some money However, school boy error- we managed to take out £10 instead of £100 and we were charged a £4 fee!!!! We did also manage to buy a SIM card for the travel phone. Strangely it is much more expensive here than Vietnam and judging from the poverty, someone is creaming off somewhere.

The journey was predominantly uphill though gradual with 9 moderate climbs thrown in. We arrived at Bee Bees chalets at 12:15, extremely hot and sweaty. The accommodation is basically a hut and the shower cold, no air con. It is raised on stilts. The host speaks very good English and after she tried to sell us a 2 day jungle hike, which we refused she then assisted us to  organise a bus to the next big town 90 miles away. In this heat we don’t believe we could make this in one day.

Our end of afternoon advents to try again to get some money at the ATM- none were obliging- though we did manage to buy 4 beers, teabags and milk in a western style supermarket, the tea will last the tea guzzling grump until his return to Tetley. land.

Tonight we are eating with the family.

Comments

  1. BruceFebruary 14, 2024 at 5:03 AM

    Congratulations on your ride through Vietnam and successful crossing into Cambodia, all sounds fascinating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2024 at 5:47 AM

      Thanks Bruce. It has been great and was sorry to leave Vietnam

      Delete
  2. B&MFebruary 14, 2024 at 11:19 AM

    Onward and seemingly always upward to paraphrase Buz Lightyear. Looking forward to reading your impressions of Cambodia and the people you meet along the way.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dr FeelgoodFebruary 14, 2024 at 3:25 PM

    Well done team - what a journey through Vietnam.
    Glad you've got some tea bags Pete - your expression in the first photo would put Victor Meldrew to shame!! 😳😜

    ReplyDelete

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