When we stepped off the airplane in Cambodia, the air was thick and about 20 degrees warmer than Vietnam – a welcomed surprise. We had a tuk tuk driver awaiting our arrival holding a sign with our names on it (I enjoyed this minor detail because it’s not everyday you have a driver holding a sign with your name on it). The key difference was the type of transportation – a tuk tuk is no limo. Regardless, traveling in a tuk tuk was a fun experience! The vehicle is a small, three wheeled motorbike with an attached cabin – which is big enough for 4 small people.

Similar to Vietnam, tuk tuk drivers were everywhere. It seemed there were always more tuk tuk drivers than willing passengers and they had a way of convincing tourists to pay more than they normally would for the same distance. After our situation in Vietnam, we made sure to ask the driver how much he was planning to charge us before we got in.

We decided to travel by bike when touring Angkor Wat. Jeremy and Rob both wore Colorado t-shirts that day and a stranger asked us where we bought our shirts, hoping he could score a cheap Colorado shirt in Cambodia.

Fun Facts about Cambodia:
– 1 USD = 4,013 Cambodian Riel (However USD was accepted everywhere).
– “Tuk” means “cheap” in Thai.
– Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world.
– The city was built in the 12th century, initially a Hindu temple dedicated to the God Vishnu.
– In the late 13th century, it was changed to a Buddhist temple.
– The Cambodian government estimates over 600,000 foreign tourists visit Angkor Wat each year.

– Things were dirt cheap in Cambodia. Beers were USD $0.50 at the bars.
– The main attraction on the streets of Cambodia were foot massages. Two groups of kids were trying to win our business and in the end, the 19 year olds pictured below won. They offered us a free beer with a 30 minute foot massage for USD $3 (vs. no beer at the venue next door).
– Everyday, we indulged in a 60-minute Thai massage (on top of our daily 30 minute foot massage).

– While we were having dinner one evening, the entire street went pitch black. Restaurant owners nonchalantly grabbed candles and lit them around the restaurant, on tables, and on the streets. The lights were out for about 15 minutes. We learned later this is relatively common in Cambodia.
– 4×4 tour we met local kids who didn’t know a word of English, except the words to Ghangnam Style.

– Our hotel was $20 per night. In fact, for three nights, two rooms, free brekkie for three days (for all three of us), three 60 minute welcome massages, free transport to the airport and a free drink upon arrival – we paid USD $120.