Extreme poverty at Angkor Wat Cambodia…

I was lucky enough while I was working on Queen Mary 2 to be chosen as the escort to go on an overland tour from 15^th – 17^th February 2015. This tour included flying from Sihanoukville in Cambodia where we left the ship, to Siam Reap, visiting Angkor Wat. Then flying onto Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for a stay in the city and an excellent tour of the city before heading back to join the ship in Phu My in Vietnam.

I must also say that when Cunard arrange a tour like this the hotels, food and guides are the best that money can buy. I had with me 41 passengers from 8 different countries and they all had very high expectations. For most of them this was their first time visiting this part of Asia.

The extreme poverty that we saw in Cambodia, was highlighted by the guide during a visit to Wat Leu temple. There were stray dogs everywhere and they were so thin bones were sticking out everywhere. The local children were excited to have their photo taken and they thought it was great to see themselves on a camera screen. We saw the statue of the Holy Cow at which point I could not stop laughing as it made me think of the batman cartoons where they always said ‘Holy cow’ to everything. The children at the school in Bettrang showed off their singing skills and in return received some new pencils and books from the cruise ship guests. After a BBQ lunch at a nice hotel we went to the airport for out flight to Siam Reap and our very comfortable hotel The Sokha Angkor. Outside the gates people were starving and inside was the height of luxury. I had a spa pool bath and great views of the pool from my balcony as well as a massive king sized bed! I was so happy that night and the dinner and show were amazing.

The following morning, we set off to see the Angkor Thom complex. The site is spread over such a large area we had mini buses to visit the Bayon complex, Elephants terrace and Leper king areas. The structures and intricate rock carvings are so realistic and it’s hard to imagine the work that went into making them. Most of the group were happy and thought they had seen the best parts in the morning, but the best was yet to come.

The entrance to Angkor wat is one of the most photographed places of the ancient world and is iconic to people worldwide. The area has been made more famous since featuring in the movies, Indian Jones & the Temple of Doom and Tomb Raider. The three floors and many entrances of the temple built by King Suryavaman, feature carvings of snakes with multiple heads and many of the Hindu gods. I could have spent days there just looking at the walls which all had carvings on them. The jungle had taken over with trees growing up through the buildings, making the place feel like it had been forgotten in time. It had been such a rewarding but long day for everyone. That evening we flew to Ho Chi Minh City.

I must say I love this city, I am not a city person either. The areas of calm at the History museum, Thien Hau Pagoda and the puppet show were at contrast with the shopping streets at Dong Khoi and the lacquer ware factory. I really didn’t need anything but the snacks on offer were too tempting and I ended up with some sweet coconut treats. If you ever get the chance to visit Vietnam, make sure Ho Chi Minh is on the list of places you visit.  Arriving back at the port in Phu My we were met with glasses of champagne and my time ashore was over. I headed back to my small cabin with lots of great memories and shared experiences with like-minded people, even though they had paid for them and I was paid to go with them.

If you have any questions about a cruise itinerary or shore excursions in any part of the world feel free to ask.