Day 9 - Kok Ker to Siem Reap

This morning we headed off to see the ancient ruins of Koh Ker.  There were many sites along one road and our motorbike guides took us from one to another.  These temples are out of the usual tourist track so we only had to share them with a handful of people.  

This was such a peaceful place with all the various temple sites set in amongst the bush.  Like at Prasat Preah Vihear the day before we made sure not to wander off into the scrub as even though they say the area has been cleared of land mines, there is no absolute guarantee.  We were happy enough to wander around the well trod temple areas.

After exploring these ruins we collected our bags from the guest house and headed off on our last leg towards Siem Reap.  Along the way we stopped for some street food in a little rural village.  The food here was pre cooked and in metal pots from which you could choose.   It tasted amazing.  

We got separated at one stage and both bikes pulled over to wait for the other... Unfortunately at the same time so we obviously were waiting in vain for awhile however a mobile call later and we were away again! While we were waiting however Sapa found a sugar cane and lime juice stall.

Here are some scenes along the road.

Street stall selling sticky rice in bamboo.

We finally located each other at Siem Reap though the traffic was a little shock to the system.  We had gone from not a lot for most of our trip to heaps.  While they were waiting for us Tracey found a pipi stand and tried some... Unfortunately discovered they were raw when she was expecting them to be cooked.  Mind you they had been sitting out on silver trays in the sun for who knows how long so maybe they were slightly cooked.  She had a few and then ended up giving them back to the vendor (who tried to offer her a different seasoned variety in exchange) to save wasting them.

Our guides took us to a guest house were they would also spend the night.  They must get commission for bringing us here as they stayed in the same type of room as us on the same floor and I'm sure they didn't pay the $9US per night we paid.  The room was fine though so no problem.

Tracey and I took advantage of a hot shower which we hadn't had since leaving Phenom Penh, and then went in search of happy hour (and as there is no tax on alcohol here drinks are very strong and very cheap), then dinner at a restaurant that helps I under privilege people, and then topped the day off with a traditional Khmer massage that is not for the faint hearted as it involves pulling, twisting, standing on you and folding you into a pretzel.  It was great!!