There are few exotic attractions in the only local town called Sihanoukville; however, some tiny firms propose to go to the islands to see turtles and dolphins. So, we came.
Two hours on board of a frail, creaking, wood antique “speed-boat” which jumped on the waves up and down.
Some of «sea dogs» felt sick.
When we asked where the dolphins are, the team gave us quite a logic answer: “There is no guarantees. It depends on themselves.” So we decided to don’t ask about turtles.
Then they dropped us off on the littered island with impoverished fishing village as an attraction…
…and gave the lunch which was brought with them (rice and some kind of a national soup were really delicious).
And finally the highlight of the show: snorkeling and diving behind the nearby cape. Plenty of sea urchins on the rocks, a few fish and crabs… Only those who have never been under the sea could be impressed!
After the lunch they suggested to choose: the second round of snorkeling in another location (as if it is even cooler than it was just now), or relaxation on the island in the hammock between the palms near the roaring compressor endlessly pumping the scuba tanks for the next divers. 🙂
Also they promised an incredible sand beach. I guess, this one…
We stayed on the island to enjoy the sound of compressor. Indeed, my mask—Red Sea snorkeling veteran—burst out laughing after the second proposal to admire the local “beautiful” underwater life.
After the second try, divers came back in pensive mood.
Then, we had two hours of the way back to Sihanoukville; however, with smaller pitching, and finally our “breathtaking” excursion came to an end.
Conclusion: If you have ever been on the Red Sea, or on the Maldives, you have nothing to do underwater in Cambodia, at least in Sihanoukville. It’s a lost time, although almost for free.
Unburden your suitcase. Do not take your snorkeling mask to Cambodia!
More from Cambodia:
Banteay Srey: Genuine Cambodian Woman
Ta Keo: Talking with the Temple
Temple and its Killer
Haha probably yes, but I wanted to hear different opinions. At least thank you for responding.
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Ok thank you Victor for responding.
Unfortunately, my birthday is in September as well, and want to have a fancy meal in Siem Reap. Some friends recommended the following restaurants; Tonle Sap, Tonle Mekong and the Tonle Chaktomuk. Do you know them by any chance? And if not in which one have you been?
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We just ate at random, and I can not remember the names of every restaurant. However, I am sure you can follow your friends’ recommendations.
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Unfortunately I am not kidding. Everyone likes something else, so I want more sides of the stories. I love to hear about other peoples holidays. I will read your stories as well, but there popped up a questions about restaurants into my head. I will celebrate my birthday in September when we are in Siem Reap. Could you recommend some hotels that are more fancy?
Thank you.
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It seems me, all the restaurants in Siem Reap were very good. Try. Don’t be afraid.
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I am going to Cambodia on September this year. Besides Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are also listed to be visited. But still I have a question about a hotel you might have seen during your visit in Siem Reap. I booked the following hotel: Tara Angkor Hotel. You know if it is a good hotel? I heard good stories about it. What are the best attractions to visit in Siem Reap and in the surrounding?
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I don’t know. We have lived in Prince Angkor Hotel. It was perfect.
What to see around Seam Reap?! Are you kidding? 🙂 This is one of the most interesting place in the world for the fans of history and ruins!
Read some of my stories, please:
Banteay Srey – Genuine Woman of Cambodia
Ta Keo: Talking with Temple
Cambodia: Temple and its Killer
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Haven’t been to Sihanoukville yet, but it’s not so far from where I’m living!! I won’t do the excursions to the islands though. 🙂
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Ha-ha
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nice capturings! Im heading to this stopover this month. Just cant wait!!!
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Good luck! I am waiting for your story.
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Oh no, what a disappointment…
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But also an interesting story.
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Certainly looks like fun, Victor. Alas, I’ve not yet made it to Cambodia.
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If you still want it, Doug, think again 🙂
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Stunning photos Victor. Love the boat – talk about your rustic mode of transport.
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Exactly, Anita.
Thank you.
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Sometimes when we travel, we roll the dice and crap out! 🙂 Thanks for this very honest and funny post about a less-than-perfect travel experience!
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Thank you, Susie.
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Hey Victor, hope you dont mind, i have nominated you to participate in travel photo contest:)
More info here: travellingcorner.com/capture-the-colour-five-colours-contest/
Hoep you yoin the contest, i bet you can find many great photos to participate;
all the best Nina
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Thank you, Nina. I’ll think about it.
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The boat is massive compared to the one we took from Da Nang to a small island in the South China Sea. We used buckets to keep it afloat but had a great BBQ on the island.
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You are lucky too 🙂
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Yes! 🙂
It was a great experience.
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Travel brochures really got it wrong on this location. I had a pen pal from Cambodia a long while ago, and he sent me photos of the place which were so intriguing. The statuary and architecture were really interesting and detailed. The natural spots lush and beautiful. I guess you needed a better landing spot. The rocky beach was just like in my recent Maine vacation. I did like it better than sand though.
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I have many Cambodian landing photos. Some of them you can find in this blog.
You are right about architecture, Donna.
For example this temple…
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The undersea world may not have impressed, but you still took some beautiful photos on land. Thanks for sharing your humorous take on an oversold outing.
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Thank you, Sat Nav and Cider, your pictures are amazing. You have “an eye” for sure.
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Thanks for the very kind compliment. I appreciate it and am happy that you think so.
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Always a thrilling experience riding something squeaking or crossing a path that’s old. I usually brave it up when it comes to those.
I have a good number of friends that are from Cambodia, and I have been wondering what it’s like over there. Thanks for the pics.
You really have that hat! Hehe.
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Now, it’s your turn to go to Cambodia.
Thank you.
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Ah boat excursions in South East Asia, they are never quite as good as they are promised to be. We went on one of the “luxury” boats at Halong Bay in Vietnam, and it certainly was nice except that our cabin was over run with cockroaches. After finding one crawling above my head on the pillow we didn’t sleep much that night. It’s much funnier in hindsight than it was at the time, but I think it is always those kind of travel experiences that make for the best and most memorable stories 🙂
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Of course. Now it is funny to look buck on this trip. We had the same experience with one trip in Thailand. They make money from nothing. 🙂
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You are lucky there was no sudden trip to a factory outlet of some sort on the island to just complete the “perfect” trip! 🙂
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Exactly. 🙂 I think it will be in the future when the country rise a little.
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I was there 10 years ago before it became more and more like Thailand. Not sure I would like to see what it has become today
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Ha! Great photos as ever Victor, glad you survived the trip, you risk your life obviously to bring us these great experiences!
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Ha-ha-ha. A difficult fate of bloggers 🙂
Thank you.
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Reminds me of some of my experiences in India. In that part of the world, you really need to take everything people say with a grain of salt, especially if it’s something that you end up paying money for 🙂
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To say simpler, don’t believe them.
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Ha! ohmygoodness this trip wasn’t at all like the brochure was it? I laugh because I have been on many similar excursions. I think that people on vacation are counted on to be in a happy frame of mind no-matter-what!
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Brochure told about dolphins and turtles, if you will be lucky. A guide always can says: Sorry, bad luck.
Of course, “no money back.” 🙂
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Victor, my heart sank to the bottom of my boots when I read this post. Thank God for your wonderful, dry sense of humour! What a terrible anti-climax for all those that took the ‘Breath taking’ trip. Great photos as always. My favourite was the limpet on the rock!! 🙂
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Thank you, Lottie.
The sense of humouris the only thing that save you in such a situation. And those limpets were one of the best samples of the local underwater life 🙂
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One look at the condition of that boat told me I would never set foot on it. It obviously hasn’t been looked after. Could spring a plank any time!
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The same with us, but it was too late for retreat. 🙂
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