Day Thirty One: Beach Time

Day Thirty One February 21st, 2009
Phenm Phen to Sianoukville

A four or five hour bus journey brought us to the beach town and port of Sihanoukville. The town was developed in the 50's as a major port for Cambodia. Much of the town is dedicated to tourism with lines of cheap hotels and restaurants. We stayed very near the beach (50m) in a very nice set of bungalows. The beaches and the water were beautiful. The water had to be the warmest salt water that I have ever swam in. The only problem with the beaches is that they are swarming with kids trying to sell you bracelets, postcards and any assortment of fruit and massages. At times they were a welcome distraction and most of them are quite adorable.

After a dinner at the end of the beach we walked to busiest club on the beach for a few drinks. The ocean was at high tide so it seemed as though the water would wash the bar away. The surrounding trees created a unique enclosure over the front area of the bar. The combination of the trees and some locals throwing fire made for some dramatic light effects with shadows and flames dancing on the water.