By: Cristina Its hard to remember that it is mid-December, which used to mean snow, beanies, and holiday parties back in Washington, DC. Here, however, we've been lathered in sunscreen, digging our toes into sand so fine it literally squeaks underfoot, and relaxing to the gentle sound of the ocean's waves lapping up on the shore. Where are we you ask? Cambodia's southern coast, to be specific. We have spent our last few days on the coast in Sihanoukville, on Koh Rong Island, and bicycling around the river town of Kampot. Sihanoukville is a sizable city whose main traveller attractions are the beaches. There are several to choose from, and we opted to stay about half a mile from Serendipity Beach partly because our time was limited and it was convenient, partly because its the high season and lodging was limited at the more secluded, chilled-out Otres Beach. Serendipity beach is sprawling, with no shortage of seaside bars offering papasan chairs, shade, and ice-cold beers for $0.50. Needless to say, we had a great day of swimming and relaxing, topped off with a soft pastel sunset. (I must note, however, that Serendipity beach has quite the late-night party scene, and anyone participating should exercise caution and trust their instincts. Personally, I would not come here to party if I were traveling as a solo female.) Our second stop on our beach holiday was to Koh Rong island, which you may have seen recently on TV's Survivor. We stayed in Koh Toch village, near the speed ferry's dock, and again spent two lovely days in the sand, sun and sea. From here, we also took a cheap ($8 each) but super-fun boat trip to snorkel at an adjacent island, hangout on a | |
more remote beach, fish (well, not us, but others fished), and go swimming in starlight! Ok, not literal starlight, but the waters around Koh Rong are full of rare and beautiful bioluminescent plankton, whose pale blue glow gently surrounds you as if you were swimming in the Milky Way! Once back at Koh Toch, we had drinks with some folks from our boat ride, and bumped into another group of travellers that we met in Siem Reap! What a small world.
Last but certainly not least on our beach getaway is Kampot, which is technically on the river. But its a big river! We're just relaxing at our lovely guesthouse, Kampot Cabana, overlooking the water and palm trees, and gazing at the green mountain ridges carving out the skyline. We've ventured into town on our bicycles a couple of times, eaten more delicious food sprinkled with local pepper (which is fresh and oh, so flavorful) and are otherwise taking it easy, and planning the second half of our travels in Southeast Asia. We could get used to this!
Last but certainly not least on our beach getaway is Kampot, which is technically on the river. But its a big river! We're just relaxing at our lovely guesthouse, Kampot Cabana, overlooking the water and palm trees, and gazing at the green mountain ridges carving out the skyline. We've ventured into town on our bicycles a couple of times, eaten more delicious food sprinkled with local pepper (which is fresh and oh, so flavorful) and are otherwise taking it easy, and planning the second half of our travels in Southeast Asia. We could get used to this!