Cambodia: 4×4 off-road adventure in Ratanakiri

Before we set off on our trip in Ratanakiri, we didn’t really plan for off-road rides. However, while we were there, we thought that off-roading was such a great way to tour especially in Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri as it really takes you to those hidden beautiful spots, and since we have this attitude of “hell yeah, let’s go!” so, off we went.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

So, after our off-road adventure in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy trails, I thought, I would share our beautiful experience and some of the things I learnt.

Our off-road ride was actually both an awesome and a scary adventure, especially when our car

• was tilted 30 degrees and still running through muddy roads,
• was moving sideways,
• was swaying while gliding through the mud,
• was a few centimeters away from big deep holes,
• when our car got stuck in the mud.

It was indeed a bit of an adventure and a great four wheel drive!

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

We went past plantations after plantations. We drove past hills and more hills. We went through the jungle. We visited different waterfalls and some far-flung villages.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

On the first day of our off-road rides, we didn’t get stuck. On the second day, after the heavy rains, we got stuck in the mud, but our driver was able to unstuck our car from mud after about 20 minutes. Then, we rested somewhere in the middle of nowhere. It was quite frustrating but at the same time fun.

Off-roading. Relaxing in the middle of nowhere after we got stuck in the mud.

The second time we got stuck, it took so long for our driver to unstuck our car and the brake was broken, so we had to walk and took the car at the bottom of the hill.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

Three things I’ve learnt about this trip are:

• Thoroughly check the car before going off-roading.
• Drive slowly and carefully to avoid skidding on a muddy road.
• Stay calm and focused. Don’t panic especially when you get stuck in the mud.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

Off-roading in Ratanakiri’s mountains on muddy roads.

We love spending some time off the beaten tracks. We loved the adventure, and we loved the breathtaking scenery. Undeniably, it was the best and the most amazing off-roading experience we’ve ever had.

 

Cambodia: Discovering Street Art in Boeung Kak in Phnom Penh

Boeung Kak Lake, also known as Lakeside in Phnom Penh, was a backpacker’s haven. We went there once in July 2010, spent a couple of minutes – chillin’ in one of the bars in front of the lake while enjoying the lake breeze. At that time we hadn’t heard about the street art there until very recently.

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

Since our son loves visual art, we decided to explore Street 93 in Boeung Kak so that he could see and experience how street art looks like.

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

The Street 93 in Boeung Kak is a small, colorful alley. As we walked through it, we saw murals and paintings on the walls. A lot of the street art were in front of people’s home – some were even hiding behind the parked tuktuk or clothesline. I heard that some locals and tourists alike come and paint there to bring life back into the area.

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

Once there, I noticed that Boeung Kak Lake’s vibe was different when compared in 2010 – it’s quite calmer and quieter now. After the lake was completely drained and filled in, some homes have been cleared out and hordes of gypsy travelers are no longer there. Likewise, while wandering around the area, we spotted small children playing in the streets, some locals cooking their food, etc.

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

It was nice to see the street art, although it rained while we were there. I enjoyed the street art but not the place – it’s still kind of dodgy.

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

I realized that street art is interesting, creative, unlimited, vibrant, eye-catching and diverse. I think the murals and the paintings in the street remind people to feel alive and make them happy. It also inspires, motivates, allows people think, and makes peoples’ ordinary day a lot more interesting.

Street art in Phnom Penh

Street art in Phnom Penh

Little Lilly travel tips:

• How to get there: Take Monivong Blvd. Turn left when you reach the traffic light near Phnom Penh Hotel. Keep going until you reach the mosque. Then turn left as soon as you see the bright murals on the walls it means you’re on the right street.
• It’s free. There is no entrance fee to walk through the art district.