View of the Cambodian Countryside from a Bus

Lots of brahma cows in Cambodia

For our journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, we really wanted to take the speed boat all the way down the Tonle Sap River, but since we are still on the tail end of the rainy season, the water levels dictate whether or not these boats can operate or not.  They couldn't guarantee that we would be able to ride the boat if the river was too flooded so we opted for the bus.  

What would 'normally' take 2 hours via a paved 4-lane interstate took more than 7 hours driving down a partially paved, mostly dirt, National Highway pocked full of potholes and standing water.  The road is shared by a myriad of other cars, trucks, and buses while mopeds and bicycles weave in and out of traffic on either side.  

Part "paved", mostly dirt, National Highway 6!

Whatever our bus driver gets paid doesn't seem enough compensation for his efforts in trying not to kill anyone during this white-knuckled driving for 7 hours straight.  In fact, the Siem Reap to Phnom Pehn route is notorious for accidents where travel guides warn about the cheaper bus operators driving recklessly, causing many injuries to passengers.  

So, we decided to pony up and pay $13/pp instead of the $5/pp to ride with a reputable, safe bus company.  Mekong Express seems to be the main luxury limousine bus running around Cambodia, but we went with a new kid on the block, Giant Ibis Transport, arranged by our hotel.  Indeed, the bus company was very professional and the ride was very comfortable (except for all the pot holes) with leather seats, lots of leg room, and wifi onboard (when it worked).  The driver was able to avoid a wreck with a cyclist who had a death wish, but did slightly hit another cyclist (no injuries) who also had a death wish.  They really should look both ways before deciding to bolt out in front of a giant bus...

We enjoyed the countryside view from the comfort of the bus.  We saw lots of bamboo huts on stilts with flooded front "yards", ponds full of gorgeous pink and white lotus flowers, rice fields, wats, lots of Brahma cows (the white cows) grazing, and many many varieties of fruit trees.  

There were many times we just wanted the bus to drop us off so we can explore the countryside via foot for a more close up view.  We'll have to save that for the next time we return to this lovely country, because right now, we're headed into the capital city of Cambodia - Phnom Penh!  

Primary school. 

Crossing the Tonle Sap River, headed into Phnom Penh.