Woah, hot, busy, frustrating-but-turned-out-good few days!

Firstly the journey from Saigon to Phonm Penh (PP), visa cost an extra $5 (obviously!) but did mean guide sorted everything out for us and we just had to jump on and off bus few times! Once in PP decided to walk to hostels - bad idea! Was REALLY hot and unfortunately all the ones we chose were full! A friendly tuk tuk driver suggested an alternative and negotiated price we have spent couple of days in pretty good place in good location.

Decided to try and sort out Laos visas yesterday by going to embassy - however these are $10 more than expected!! Delayed making a decision by going to the Tuol Sleng genocide museum where Khmer Rouge prisoners were held and tortured, pretty grim place and really gives you different perspective on country, you know that pretty much anyone you see over 30 will have a story of horror to tell. Unfortunately our grim feelings re the museum, were compounded by not being able to find any cheap places to eat! PP def seems to be aiming for upmarket travellers, not us mere backpackers! This meant the daily budget was dwindling fast, compounded by the Royal Palace admission literally doubling from $3 to $6 each, and we considered changing plans completely and going straight to Thailand.

However a cheap morning spent people watching in the markets and finding some cheap eateries made us feel much better, had a really good day. Greg wasn't bothered about seeing the palace so I (Steph) went on own, it was stunning so v glad. So we have now ordered Laos visas and are off to Siem Reap to see the famous temples of Angkor - however the increased visa price means we're just going to do the temples in one day and see the main sights - it's still $20 for the day! 5am start on Friday for us! Should be good though and we're looking forward to it :-)

Love to everyone as always

S&G xxxxxxxxx