Sweltering in Sam Riep then off to Battambang (update own photos)

A shortened walk around Siem Reap

Our last full day in Siem Reap so a chance to have a look round the town. However, it was another hot day so Karen decided on a pool day and i set off for a city walk. After an hour walk to the first stop I shortened the route back to ensure I wasn't just a puddle of sweat.

The main destination was the Angkor National Museum. This builds upon what we saw at the temples and gives more information. I found it was too much detail in one go. It's the sort of museum you could revisit several times and to get the history in bite sized chunks. However the stories/legends of the Hindu and Buddhas were really interesting. Reading about battles and the interventions of Shiva. One hall contained a 1000 buddha statues. I think I spent an hour at the museum but on the way in they had taken my water bottle and after this time I needed a drink so I headed back to the entrance to reclaim it.

My next stops were quick photograph breaks for the Royal Palace and Royal Gardens. I walked back via the old French area with it's wide streets and colourful colonial buildings, very different to the tourist area of our hotel.

Heading to Battambang, a piece of cake.

Today, as we were having breakfast before catching the bus to Battambang the hotel manager came across and spoke to us. He then arranged a free tuktuk to the bus station about 3km away. When we checked out and paid by card he waived the usual card fee. He then asked Karen to leave a review on booking.com as he watched her put the details. The hotel has been great, lovely room, big pool and top staff so we would have reviewed highly but it does seem a thing in Cambodia that guides encourage you to leave reviews. As well as handshakes as we left he also came in for a hug, very friendly.

The bus to Battambang was nice and easy 4 hours and then as we were getting off thinking about sorting a tuktuk we saw one driver had a board with Karen's name on. The hotel had previously asked about our travelling details, we now realised it was to provide a complimentary tuktuk.

Guides and More Reviews

When we visited Angkor Wat we had different guides each day and they both asked we leave reviews which mentioned them by name. They said as there were so many guides a good review helps them get more work. We've also seen mention that a good review will ensure they get a bonus. So far in Cambodia when we've been asked for a review we would have given a good one anyway, but it has been interesting to hear how they are used. It also confirms how all the online reviews can be controlled. Which I guess isn't a surprise!