stung treng

laos and cambodia

2025-04-03

I leave 4000 islands early in the morning.

0630

I wake up, pack, and get ready to cross into Cambodia.

0800

I go for breakfast, an iced cappuccino and some food, and the hostel drops us at the pier.

0900

I realise our boat pickup is actually at a different spot. While figuring it out, I find a Laotian janosa stall and have one stuffed with pork, pumpkin, herbs, and a mango samosa.

1030

A buggy takes us to the bus.

midday

At the border, the bus host warns us about some “questioning.” An officer asks random questions and demands proof of cash, saying we need $500 to proceed.

We have about $509 in total, explain ourselves, and then wait around for half an hour. Good thing we do not end up paying any penalty.

after

Back on the bus, only our bags get drilled for documents. If it were not for our host Jovan, I do not think we would have made it out of Laos without paying a bribe.

1130

We get moving again, eat a good plate of fried rice and tofu with coffee, clear immigration, and continue onward through Cambodia.

#draft