DAY 2: Southeast Asia: Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong

Note: Siem Riep, Cambodia, is 11 hours ahead of us in CST USA so we lost nearly a half a day in our travels.

Day Two began in the quiet, pre-dawn hours, at least for Chris. He woke around 2:30 a.m. and listened to music until about four before heading down to the pool area to read. The peaceful early-morning air didn’t last long for him, though; the mosquitoes quickly made themselves known, sending him back upstairs for a sweatshirt and long pants before he returned to his book.

I slept until a little after five and woke to the soft light. Espresso coffee felt essential, followed by a quick shower. Technology briefly betrayed us when my phone wouldn’t make calls, but eventually Chris saw my text and came back up to the room. Once we figured out how to make a second cup of coffee, all was right with the world. Fueled and awake, we headed down for an early breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel was complimentary and wonderful and we dined al fresco. Eggs cooked to order, a buffet of fresh fruit, juices, meats, breads, and truly good coffee made it an easy place to linger. Afterward, we checked with the front desk and decided on a two-hour local rickshaw tour. Rickshaws in the area are pulled by a motorbike and they are limited to 150cc (mostly Honda Dreams). Our driver, San, was kind, knowledgeable, and eager to share his city with us.

We toured through town and stopped at a monastery filled with shrines and graves. As the bells rang near 11 a.m., stray dogs gathered, drawn by the sound and the knowledge that food would follow. We passed through busy neighborhoods and paused near a local primary school where children were at recess, laughing and shouting as they ran across the grounds much like in our community. Nearby stood an ancient temple dating back to the 10th century, still standing strong, with original stone animals guarding the entrance. Frangipani, Banyan and Silk Cotton trees dotted the landscape.

The ride took us through neighborhoods and a local flower market which was near a pagoda where worshippers bought flowers, fruit and birds. Locals purchase birds and then release them in honor of deceased relatives according to Buddisht tradition. There were thousands of fruit bats asleep in the park's tall trees. We toured one of the king's palace grounds, and visited a silk makers' workshop where they hand-dyed and fashioned silk scarves. And later we toured the countryside, where rice fields stretched toward the horizon alongside lotus fields. The pink and white lotus, a common Cambodian symbol which represents purity, enlightenment and resilence in the Khmer culture and Buddism, floated gracefully across the water. We wrapped up the tour feeling grateful for the chance to see daily life up close, and seeing how the Lotus and rice grows in the watery fields.

Lunch was simple and shared, a cheeseburger from a nearby stand, followed by coffee and a slice of tuxedo cake at a local café. Delicious. Back at the hotel, we rested briefly before splitting up for the afternoon. Chris borrowed a bicycle and set off exploring, logging an impressive ten miles dodging through the busy city streets. I treated myself to a 90-minute massage at the hotel, peaceful, restorative, and an incredible value.

Later, we reunited at the pool. Sunlight filtered through the trees, the water was comfortably warm, and it felt luxurious to slow down. I swam a few laps while Chris enjoyed cooling off nearby.

At 6 p.m., we met our Emerald tour group for the first time. Our small group includes travelers from Tanzania, Scotland, England, Australia, and the U.S., a reminder of how travel brings together people from all over the world. The majority of the travelers were from Austrialia. The orientation lasted just over an hour, and despite an espresso beforehand, exhaustion was setting in.

The tour director, Buth, who would remain us for the next several days, recommended a nearby restaurant, so we gave it a try. Located on the second floor overlooking the river, it was quiet but lovely. Dinner was chicken kebabs with vegetables, French fries, and salad. Chris ordered a virgin sunrise. Afterward, we took a short walk and couldn’t resist stopping at a cake stand, ordering a brownie and a donut (hoping this one would beat yesterday’s).

Now back at the hotel, we’re ready for bed, full, tired, and content.

Along the way, we’re beginning to piece together the layers of history here: Siem Reap means “Thai Defeated.” Angkor Wat translates to “City of the Pagoda.” Hinduism dominated this region until the 12th century, then Buddhism took root. Angkor Thom once stood as a vast and powerful city. We will visit it soon. These stories echo everywhere, quietly shaping the place around us. We’re also reminded of Cambodia’s more recent history, stories like "First They Killed My Father" lingering in our minds as we continue to learn, listen, and walk among the locals.

DAY 2 PHOTOS