CAMBODIA ISLAND HOPPING & ARRIVING IN VIETNAM: CAMBODIA WITH GECKOS ADVENTURE PART III
This is it, the final part of our Ultimate Cambodia trip with Geckos Adventure. If you haven't already, make sure you go and read part 1 and part 2 before you continue on.
Part 3 will recap days 9, 10, 11 and the final day where we went island hopping and entered a new country - Vietnam!
Day 9: A Big Personal Milestone For Us!
Today was the day that we finally hit 10,000 subscribers on our YouTube channel which is an insane milestone we couldn't imagine hitting. So thank you everyone who supports us and if you are new here - make sure you go hit that subscribe button.
We had to celebrate which meant that an island boat trip could not come at a better time. The majority of our #GeckosSquad jumped on board the wooden boat which was controlled by two tractor motors. I will give it to the Cambodians, they are resourceful.
We headed off into the blissful blue waters that surrounded the local Cambodian islands. Snorkels [check] an esky full of beer [check] and an incredible bunch of friends [check] meant that this day would be fun no matter what.
We soon pulled up to a secluded island with the smell of a BBQ cooking in the distance. We had just arrived in paradise and a volleyball set up in front of hammocks and deck chairs meant you could take this day at what ever pace you wanted.
This was by far the funnest day of the entire trip and having it quite late in the trip meant everyone was so comfortable with each other that during that night's dinner phones were open and Facebook requests were being sent out.
Included Activities: None
Optional Activities: Sihanoukville - Island Boat Trip & Snorkelling ($20USD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlipsT2yTNE
Day 10: Last Day in Cambodia
We were sad to say our goodbyes to the beach and also sad to realise that this was our last day in Cambodia. We all slowly made our way into the bus (some tired or hungover from the previous day) before heading back to the capital, Phnom Penh.
It was nice to arrive to a familiar hostel that we resided in just a week before. After 10 days of constant change, a bit of similarity is welcoming.
To try something different we decided to head out on a Tuk Tuk tour that crossed the Mekong river to see a local family who make their livelihood from silk weaving. I have never had a greater appreciation for silk garments after seeing the care and time that goes into making them. A bit different and one tour we normally wouldn't do but I am better for it and glad I did it.
Our last night in Cambodia ended with a sunset cruise along the river Mekong as we reminisced and looked back on our unforgettable time in this beautiful country.
Included Activities: None
Optional Activities: Phnom Penh - Mekong Sunset Urban Adventures - USD$6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGNSqhwkzOQ
Day 11: Arriving in Vietnam & Saying Our Goodbyes
I hope you are fully relaxed from the last two days because this is the final full-on travel day of the trip. 7 hours (yep you read that right) in the bus to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.
At least the country border crossing was a bit more organised than our last!
Upon arrival there may not be too much sunlight left so we recommend you grab a coffee from Phuk Long (yep you read that right too) and head to the Ben Thanh markets to pick up those travel gifts you promised friends and family but totally forgot about.
Just a word of warning, there are a LOT of people who live in Ho Chi Minh which means look twice, maybe three times, before crossing the road or you will get run over! Also hang onto your belongings, we were warned several times that bag snatchers will zoom right past you on their scooter.
This was it, the official end of the tour and our last dinner with everyone. We will happily admit that we were sad that our tour was coming to an end and also sad to say our goodbyes to everyone. Some were extending their trip into Vietnam which meant this only signalled half way, but for most this was the end.
We ate great food and drank cheap drinks while saying our goodbyes to our excellent tour leader Hai and all the members of the #GeckosSquad.
I think everyone went to bed a little sad that night.
Included Activities: None
Optional Activities: None
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVHNNaqg8M0
Day 12: Feeling Very Claustrophobic at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Okay so I am not one to get boat sickness or be afraid of heights. I am even one to admit that I don't think I have ever felt claustrophobic before... well that was until we went into the Cu Chi tunnels.
If you aren't extending your trip we highly suggest you either stay one more night or book a very late flight that day. This way you get to actually see atleast a little of Ho Chi Minh city.
We highly recommend you do the Cu Chi tunnel experience, which was memorable - but maybe not for the best reasons. Here you can go inside and through the tunnels that were used during the Vietnam war.
Like I said, I am not one to feel claustrophobic but boy did I feel it here. That was a bucket list item I didn't think I was going to check off, but I am glad I did and even though it was uncomfortable - it's still an experience I recommend you do.
Included Activities: None
Optional Activities: Cu Chi Tunnels Experience
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujurgpz3Rlc
You can book the Ultimate Cambodia trip for $1075 per person for 12 days through Bangkok, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City.
Thanks to Geckos Adventure for inviting Flying The Nest to experience the Ultimate Cambodia Trip, and also thanks to Urban Adventures for the Mekong Sunset tour, however as always all opinions are our own.
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