Battambang

It's really nice to be in Battambang. It's a small relaxed town in a green neighborhood. Up to now, Cambodia can totally keep up with the wonderful coffee culture - nice cozy coffee shops are always nearby. Makes it really homey for us.

Also a beautiful temple is always nearby.

Again we rent a motorbike to make a whole day of adventure... Just the scenery around is already nice and has a lot to discover.

Our first stop is at the Bamboo Train (Norry) - Cambodias improvised rail vehicles. Cambodia has a rail network, consisting of two lines originally constructed during the time when the country was part of French Indochina. Due to neglect and damage from civil war during the latter half of the 20th century, the railways were in a dilapidated state and most services had been suspended by 2009. Proposals to repair or replace the line from Phnom Penh to Battambang and the Thailand border are being discussed. Why not entertain tourists and make some money inbetween..!? :-) Big time fun!!!

We present: the train! 

Installing a motor ;)

The rails...

And off we go....

It's really funny! And we go with full speed!
At the end of the trip the train is just beeing left up and tourned around.

And here we go back after a short stop at the "station". As there is only one rail, one train has to clear rails and wait until it can go on again... We are lucky and just can go through!

Next stop: Banan Hill Temple, built in the 11th century...

The temple is constructed on top of a hill overlooking the Sangkar river and there’s a 358-step climb to the top - so here we go...

And here the top with the remaining temple. We have the temple to ourselves :-)

We walk the stairs back down and pause for a nice lunchbreak...
The Cambodians are great chillers: you can choose a hut with hammocks and just order food  and drinks and totally hang out!

Our hut. After lunch we almost hang out for two hours in the hammocks - perfect!!

Do you recognize our little "guest"?

After this great stopover we head on to our next stop: Wat Phnom Sapeau. This temple is located on the top of a mountain and has great views. What's even better: you can drive up with your scooter ;-)

Hungry? Try some fried insects! A delicates sold at the monastery.

We had some lovely days in Battambang. Here we are at the bus station and we're now going on to Siem Reap. A dream comes true - very excited!