Day 3: The Royal Palace

Weather Update: Sunny periods. Windy. High of 29°C.

Morning Stroll and Plans

This hostel has been great, and I’m considering ranking all of them from 1-10 for posterity. I left to walk the 2km along the river to the Golden Temple, only to find out it was closed during the day. I met a tourist guide named Vanna, who convinced me to take a tuk-tuk tour around the city for $30 US. He has family in Auckland owning two businesses but has not travelled to NZ. Although the tour didn’t meet my cultural expectations, the tuk-tuk ride around the city and the ferry ride across the large expanse of water were enjoyable.

Wat Phnom

Our first stop was Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple in Daun Penh, Phnom Penh. It’s a pagoda symbolizing the name of Phnom Penh and a historical site part of the Khmer national identity. Wat Phnom stands at a height of 46 meters (150 ft). The pagoda is named after Lady Penh, from the story of the discovery of the five statues: four Buddha statues and one Vishnu statue.

History

According to legend, in 1372, a wealthy old lady named "Penh" lived on a small hill near the bank of the confluence of the four rivers. One day, during a rainstorm, Penh went down to the port to take a bath and saw a floating Koki tree in the river. She called the village to fish it from the water. Inside the tree, there were four Buddha statues made of bronze and brass and one made of marble. Another statue was Vishnu holding a staff, a chain, a snail, and a lotus flower. Penh and the villagers built an artificial hill and a small wooden temple to house the statues. The monks named the hermitage "Wat Phnom," which it is known as today.

Mongkol Serey Temple (Golden Temple)

Also known as the Golden Temple and Mongkol Serei Kien Khleang Pagoda, it is located near the river, some 15km north of central Phnom Penh. The large grounds feature a large pagoda, often called the Golden Temple for its lavish use of gold paint. The original pagoda, over 50 years old, has been refurbished and also received a generous amount of gold coating.

The Riverside Shrines

The shrine on the northern side of the grounds features embossed Buddhist narratives on its walls and encloses a tree that emerges through its roof. There is also a small Chinese temple and a new shrine under construction, also enclosing a tree.

Monkey Temple with a "Few" Monkeys

The temple is located between the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River, over the Tonle Sap River via the Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge on Koh Pich Island. This area has several temples worth a look. One is the Monkey Temple, known informally by that name. There isn’t much there, but if you haven’t seen many monkeys, this is a chance to do so. More interesting is the nearby cemetery, which is like most Buddhist cemeteries.

Ferry Ride Across the Mekong River

A short trip from the island across the Mekong River to the mainland. Like most ferries, it's a nostalgic journey rather than anything particularly special. The ferry leaves the island, nestled amongst fishing boats that have been out in the river catching fish for the local community and restaurants. Looking down into the river, it's hard to imagine how the fish can navigate through the murky, muddy waters.

Experience

The ferry ride itself offers a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. The fishing boats, with their nets and gear, tell stories of early morning ventures and the rhythm of life by the river. The murky waters of the Mekong, though seemingly opaque, are teeming with life, a hidden world beneath the surface.

For those following my journey, I hope this update gives you a glimpse into the simple yet nostalgic ferry rides that form an integral part of daily life in this region.

Cheers to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to unfold! 🌏✨🚢🐟

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my travels! 🌞✨

Feel free to share your thoughts and tips on making this blog more engaging. Let’s keep this journey interesting together! 🚀📖

Additional Information: Fascinating Facts About the Mekong River

Historical Tidbits

Ancient Trade Route: The Mekong River has been a crucial trade route for centuries, linking China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Cultural Significance: The river is integral to the cultures and livelihoods of the people who live along its banks, influencing their traditions, cuisine, and daily life.

Unique Aspects

Biodiversity: The Mekong River is one of the world's most biodiverse regions, home to unique species such as the Mekong giant catfish and the Irrawaddy dolphin.

Floating Markets: Many floating markets can be found along the river, offering a unique shopping experience where goods are sold directly from boats.

Thank you for sharing your journey with me. Enjoy the rest of your travels and stay safe! 📸🌏🚢