Day 6: Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

Currently, Cambodia elects officials under a democratic process, however they also have a royal family in place, which resides mainly in Phnom Penh.  The king serves primarily as a figurehead, with little actual power.  Today we went to see the Royal Palace and grounds where King Norodom Sihamoni lives.  

We passed this friend on the way to the Palace.  (Check out his sandals!)

A Cannonball tree, considered sacred among Hindus.

The Royal Palace was built in the 1800's and is composed of large grounds with many buildings all serving unique functions.  There is a dance hall, a practice hall, a banquet hall and the royal treasury to name a few.  The most famous building is the Silver Pagoda, which was well-preserved from the Khmer Rouge.  The floor is covered with 5000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each.  There are countless buddhas inside, but the most noticeable is the beautiful one covered in 9584 diamonds, the largest of which is 25 carats.  Unfortunately, we weren't permitted to take photos inside the buildings.

The Throne Hall

Our guide, Ken, really wanted me to try on the traditional Cambodian dress.  This is one long piece of material that he made into pants.

A color for every day of the week.

Our guide, Ken

After visiting the Royal Palace we ate breakfast and then hopped into a car which Tony had been nice enough to arrange.  We drove 3-4 hours to the border of Cambodia and Vietnam and then had to get out and walk across the border.  There was another car awaiting us on the other side.

Leaving Cambodia

Entering Vietnam

After a few hours we were back in Ho Chi Minh.  We walked around the city, got dinner and enjoyed drinks and fabulous views atop the Sheraton Saigon.

Statue of General Tran Nguyen on horseback

View from the rooftop of the Sheraton Saigon