Days 28, 29, 30 & 31.

10th, 11th, 12th & 13th December

Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand.

Sunday. We were booked on the first ferry off the island today. Our transfer to the ferry pier was, once again in the little boat from the resort. Getting off the boat up onto the pier was a bit of a challenge but we made it.

It was already very hot and the ferry was full when we departed at 9.30am. This time the ferry went direct to the mainland and took about 30mins. The sides of this speed boat were closed in, which prevented sea breezes from cooling us. By the time we arrived in Sihanoukville port we were ready to slide off the seats!

We had to wait for our transfer driver but we were very pleased to get in the Aircon of the taxi.

Today was a big travel day. We had a flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap and then another to Bangkok.

The waiting around wasn’t that bad actually and we emerged into the old airport – DMK in Bangkok, met our driver and headed for our hotel in Sukhumvit area.

What we didn’t factor in was that we had arrived at peak traffic time. The journey was slow and laborious. Too be honest I think this was the most congestion were had experienced on our trip so far.

Our hotel was in a great spot for shopping, not our bag but great if that’s what takes your fancy. Thank goodness we had a small but adequate pool and a sky bar .

Arriving later than expected, we walked up and down a part of Sukhumvit road, found a road called Soi Cowboy (naughty street), which was very strange but an experience nonetheless and after laughing at the many Instagrammers, we then settled down in our skybar for a cocktail before bed.

---

Monday.

After breakfast we took a walk up the shopping street, essentially looking for an extra bag to bring our pressies home in. Strangely, the bags on offer aren’t cheap like most things.

While looking we found a little Japanese restaurant that sold ice cream. We hadn’t had one since Phnom Penh and this was the only one we could find on Sukhumvit. I’m sure if you wanted to trek through one of the many shopping malls you would find one, but Gareth and I aren’t into shopping at the best of times .

We found a couple of places to sit and watch the world of Bangkok whizz by. And whizzing by they were. The traffic is manic here. The roads are always busy, plus you have the local train running on an elevated track adding to the noise. There is also an elevated walkway, which can take you from hotels to mall’s up and down this busy road, also connecting the trains. The best thing about it is that you rise above the traffic and the fumes.

One thing about coming out this way is how smiley the people are. The only grump ones we have encountered are in some of the lounges in the airports. In the main, these people are lovely, accommodating, warm and welcoming. You can see why some travellers return year after year.

We spent the afternoon in the rooftop pool .

In the evening we got a tuk tuk to Patpong market. We had visited 5 years ago and found it vibrant and busy. This time it was muted, some shops and restaurants were closed and some of the stalls never opened. The restaurant where we had enjoyed a great meal on our last trip was now a pool hall .

We found an Irish bar at one end of the street, had a couple of beers and enjoyed the live entertainment, just a local guy and his guitar making for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Once again, the locals say that they haven’t yet recovered from COVID .

---

Tuesday.

Just round the corner on the main road were a couple of tourist shops where we found a few bargains and finishes to our holiday shopping. We stopped at our new favourite little bar for an iced coffee and then went back to the hotel, spending a couple of hours hiding from the sun and swimming in the pool. It is fiercely hot here.

Tonight we decided to try the other main night market called Khao San Road. It’s near the river and the royal palace.

We made a mistake and talked a tuk tuk driver into taking us. He wanted a lot of money and though we bargained and got the price down, it took so long in the evening traffic that we paid him what he originally quoted. Bless him.

It took about 40 minutes, much of which was sat stationary at main junctions. I’m not kidding you. If you really want to experience a traffic jam, sit on Sukhumvit at 6pm .

Finally we were nearly there. It was lovely driving past all of the lights strung on trees and monuments around the Royal Pavilion, giving a really good Christmas feel to the area.

Khaosan Road night market was just as we remembered it. It was a bit quiet when we arrived but it was the beginning of the evening. We had a quick beer then walked right through to the end, declining invitations for drinks, food and massage from the various establishments.

At the bottom of the road is a fab bar/restaurant with a live DJ playing great chilled music, the perfect compliment to the lovely food we had – a green mango salad, red Thai chicken curry and stir fried vegetables with prawns. We finished our dinner with a frozen blue Hawaii and a Pina Colada .

Walking back through the market we bought a couple of shirts and some more gifts before having a foot massage while drinking a bottle of Chang beer each . This particular parlour had lounging chairs in the street and the ladies were great. It’s hard to believe that you can have a half hour brilliant foot massage for less than £3.50!

Khaosan market has everything. I don’t agree with it but here you can eat bbq’d snake, scorpion and even alligator .

We chose to return to the hotel in an air-conditioned taxi , what wimps we have been in the heat .

After a night cap of tea and coffee, we packed our bags in preparation for the morning .

---