I was in no rush to leave Siem Reap having had a late night playing pool and drinking more than usual.
So a lazy start, packing slowly and ditching a heap more clothes that I won’t use. Starbucks for great coffee with a ham and cheese croissant. That done I loaded up the bike, said goodbye to the lovely staff at Angkor City Boutique Hotel.
The road looked dull on the map and it was. Just straight for 80km at which point, I had added a more interesting section.
Despite the lack of anything interesting, it was still a long time in the saddle in very hot conditions. The wind was like a hairdryer blowing hot air in my face, I still wear bike boots and kevlar jeans. As well as long sleeve top to protect me from the sun. I have a scarf that stops my neck getting burnt. At each stop, I try to get my drink with ice, once consumed I scoop a handful of ice and wrap it in the scarf to try and have some cool water running down my back. Today however despite reaching back to feel the ice still in the scarf, I think it was evaporating before it got to my neck.
Battambang, pronounced Bat-em-bong, resembled a scene from a western.
Once in the hotel, sorry, Royal Hotel, I hit the aircon and went for a shower. I spoke to the hotel tuktuk driver and arranged a day out tomorrow. Later I found there’s a Pub Street here. It’s nothing like Siem Reap but better prices and fantastic food.
Earth, Wind and Tyres 