To Battambang

To Battambang Originally uploaded by theshoez

We awoke at the crack of dawn (5am) to catch the 'speed boat' to Battambang. The Lonely Planet promised us 'arguably the most scenic boat ride' in the whole of Cambodia. Buoyed by such heady claims we happy took in only 4 hours of sleep and parted with $18 in order to get in on the action. The day started well, our pick-up was an hour late and there was a light drizzle but at least we got the only 4 seats in the 'bus' which picked everyone up. The other passangers seated in the open-topped boot, much to our amusement. Once aboard the rickety fishing boat with tiny wooden seating and massive exposed diesel engine at the back we started to worry. The rain, noise and fumes were horrendous with the promise of 7 hours on this vessel starting to look a little daunting. After a pretty uninteresting, wet, first 3 hours we stopped for lunch at a floating service station. Things started to pick up scenicly. We were soon navigating down tight waterways and through dense pond weed. All in all a fun and humours journey, one we will remember and no doubt would complete again in better weather.