The bridge construction team are up early this morning to get us shore access for todays
adventure.
Just after 8.30am, we once again head ashore, up the steep river bank
A cool breeze is a welcome change from yesterdays sweltering heat. This is just as well, because this morning our excursion takes us up to Wat Hanchey, located on a hill about the river, with 310 steps to climb to get there unless alternative routes are taken.
A surprising number of our group opt to get a lift up on a motor bike, but Carole, Mike and I decide to walk up a slightly easier, but still steep alternative route with the bothers in our group who needed exercise like us.
Joy opts for the motor bike
In the meantime, the walkers do it the hard way
once we reached the top, the group were gathered back together and we were given a brief history of Wat Hanchey and the surrounding temples and monastery. It is a large complex, and has special significance for the Khmer people, as the original temple of Wat Hanchey was built in the pre Angkorian period of the 7th century. It was damaged by bombing in the period of Khmer Rouge rule and a modern temple built beside it after the end of that period is now the active temple.
The 7th century pre - Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey
The new temple built after the Khmer Rouge rule came to an end
Inside the modern temple, the walls and ceiling are covered with paintings
There is a large monastery as part of the complex where young monks are trained.
The bell next to the monk is made from an unexploded bomb or shell
After exploring the temples were are given some free time to wander around the extensive complex before heading back down the hill to the ship.
View of the river from the Temple
Having had a good look around, we head back to the ship, via the direct route down the hill, the 319 steps.
Once back at the ship, and the welcome air conditioning, there is only a short break before some monks and a priest come aboard to offer a Buddhist blessing. We are now only a few days away from Cambodian New Year celebrations and it is becoming apparent now wherever we go that preparations are under way.
Monks delivering their blessing
It is still raining lightly when we hop on the bus for our afternoon excursion which will take us through Kampong Cham, to Wat Nakor , a monastery that was built in the 12th century. Kampong Cham is a big place and has a large muslim population. it occupies a strategic location on the Mekong and is the main centre for river trade between Vietnam and Cambodia. This has been further enhanced by the construction of a bridge crossing in 2001, donated by the Japanese.
Fraternity bridge across the Mekong allowing easier road access to Vietnam
Entrance to Wat Nokor is through an ancient stone gate that is barely wide enough for the bus to squeeze through. Once inside we are in front of the badly damaged ruins of the 12th century temple, once again the work of the Khmer Rouge, who damaged many of the historic sites during their rule.
We had a walk around the rest of the complex which includes some more recent buildings, but the rain has been pretty steady and most people are happy to be back on the bus.
It is obviously a safe haven fir pigs
On the way back to the ship, our last visit is to see an amazing bamboo bridge which links an island in the middle of the river with the mainland. The island is home to 3,000 people and supplies most of the fresh fruit and vegetables to Kampong Cham.
It can carry trucks with a laden weight up to 1.5 tonnes and is a very busy thoroughfare.
We have to clear the way for a 4wd
And next he has to pass some motor cyclists coming the other way
The whole structure is held together with fencing wire
Each year it has to be dismantled before the river floods, this is normally done in June, and has to be rebuilt in the dry season. It is maintained by a private company who bid for the contract.
Topping up at the service station
We now head back to the ship for a few drinks , a farewell party and dinner.
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