On the edge of Eurasia. From Novosibirsk to Malaysia on SUVs. Part VIII. Cambodia. Our machines are arrested. VA...
PART 8. CAMBODIA.
TRAP AT THE BORDER. VALERIE COMES TO THE RESCUE. THE SEASIDE TOWN OF SIHANOUKVILLE. THE ANGKOR WAT.
Part I. Kazakhstan
Part II.Uzbekistan
Part III.Tajikistan
Part IV.Kyrgyzstan
Part V/1. China
Part V/2. China
Part V/3. China
Part VI. Laos
Part VII. Vietnam
Crossing the Vietnamese border post, we start the paperwork for the Cambodian checkpoint. Everything goes fairly smoothly: we write visa glued in their passport, put a stamp on the border. It remains only to customs control. The customs officer happily welcomed us.Seeing our Russian passports begins to remember what he studied in the Soviet Union and little else remembers the Russian language. "The Russian Federation", very pleased with himself happily, the syllables he says, taking a look at our certificate of registration of the car. "Yes, Yes," not less happily confirm I already stretch out a hand to pick up the documents. Just at this very moment, everything went not as expected.
The customs officer takes a hand with documents and asks us to wait. In a few minutes there is another, probably higher, and for a long time debating with "our" customs surely something explaining it. Having finished his explanation, the elder turned to us in understandable English suggests that the transit of foreign vehicles through the territory of Cambodia is prohibited. First, I perceive it as a common petty extortion when you put "problem", and then for a certain amount then "solve". However, half an hour later I find out that there is a problem, and she solved so quickly. We really need to issue a special permit to travel in Cambodia. Since we do not have it, to fully enter the country we can't. But that's not all, back in Vietnam, we also can not go, because Vietnamese today permit has expired, and the new is at least a week. So we're stuck...
I remember perfectly that at the time of trip planning, I knew that travel to Cambodia is simple and does not require additional registration. Call Vladimir, in his report says that the car was left in Cambodia. Vladimir surprised me, at least, as his memory many crossing the border on a car with the Altai rooms. No one will ever no documents asked. Agree on the fact that Vladimir would try to communicate with people in Cambodia and to understand who and how we can help.
I just remember the story of the Baltic States, which tried to enter from China into Vietnam and got caught in a similar trap. Their car is on the border is not the first year. Customs officers are to meet us, and we leave our machines on-site customs office, under guard. Take a taxi and go to the capital of Cambodia: Phnom Penh. The street was dark, today we just could not decide. On the ferry crossing the Mekong at midnight and arrive in the main town.
In the morning, find yourself in the mail several letters. Vladimir worked very, very quickly. I have three phones of people who potentially can help us. The first corresponds to the Russian Consul, but this is not his area of responsibility and he guides me to one of the employees, "who can help". A second call to Valery, which according to Mr "lives in Cambodia and knows a lot of things". Valerie agrees to help us and said that during the day look for our hotel. After walking for literally 40 minutes around the neighborhood, I was surprised to discover in the lobby of the hotel-English speaking people (this is Valerie) and his friend Cambodian. As it turns out, the Cambodian whose name is real, one of the Vice-Minister of internal Affairs. Real says that the situation is quite solvable, you just need to do some paper work. We understand that like us are lucky ;-)
Within a couple of hours we write a lengthy letter with a request to the government of Cambodia to allow us, beautiful and intelligent tourists to drive through this beautiful country. It is a pity that the letter we write on Friday, the bureaucrats are the same everywhere, few people can find on the spot after lunch on the last working day of the week. But the case is started and we begin to explore Phnom Penh.
One of the most striking impressions is the Royal Palace.
Such Southeast classic. Many tourists, shiny gold national patterns.
In principle, a sufficiently peaceful environment. The city itself is on the us produces quite a good impression.
Not fussy, with lots Tutukov periodically by military patrols. The Russians have a special attitude. For tourists of all nationalities in the Khmer language there is a word like "lumps", for Russians it is a single term: "twist". Very good, they remember our support during the Soviet era and in the post-perestroika period.
In the center of the city in the muddy Mekong bathe children.
Sometimes in Cambodia traces of the French colonial past. Somewhere it slips in architecture, but often in street names. Cambodia is stunningly cheap. It is not as popular as neighboring Thailand, this touristy (especially Russian), so much is not spoiled. Our 5 star hotel in the center, with huge rooms, pool and other pleasures of life, is ... $ 45 for a double room! Sometimes that's the price of Parking or just Breakfast in Europe. Here there are many night stay for two people. Incredible!
Valera is a very interesting person and a pleasant conversationalist. Tells the story of how I got here. Previously, he lived in Magadan, then, going to Fiji from Japan, he stayed here for a few days. Liked. This is the third year living here. The nice thing is that Valerie is helping us just as friends, helping out us in a difficult situation. Lunch in a Japanese restaurant successful, sake is poured in.
Since we need to wait for Monday (our earlier paper, no one will consider), we decide not to sit in the capital, and to go to the coast, to Sihanoukville. In the yard the rainy season, but despite the pouring rain, the sea is very warm and bathing in the rain is a pleasure.
And, of course, the joy of life in the form of massage, which we often take for two hours. It costs just a few dollars. Feel just oligarch ;-) Two lovely relaxed days.
Funny warning in the hotel.
We meet a couple from Moscow. Guys proud that I came to Cambodia from neighboring Thailand. They were threatened with all sorts of horrors, and they in spite of everything, sat down and the two of us took the bus. We tell your story about Cambodia
On Tuesday received the long-awaited resolution. It looks beautiful, is written in Khmer, adorned with numerous seals and signatures.
Guess that it the document is about, only on the second page, which lists the members of our group and the details of cars. We are ready to move on. Because the point in the evening, we decide to move to the border now, to spend the night there and in the morning to pick up the car. The fact that the border with Vietnam in this place is the gaming zone. Several hotels, each of which is relatively large (by local standards) gambling halls. On the weekends here come the inhabitants of neighbouring Vietnam to leave your extra money. It is not funny sounds, part of the hotels owned by the Russians.
In the morning we get our cars back and move forward! Finally we cross the turbulent Mekong in daylight.
Of course you are shooting.
Before ferry local Bazaar with culinary delights (grilled snakes, cockroaches fries, dried locusts). Many children beggars, they just hang on the coast, demanding money.
Ferry organized surprisingly well. I counted at least 4 ferries, which with great speed to cross the Mekong.
10 minutes and we are on the other side of the river.
Restocking Valera in Phnom Penh. We are very grateful to him for the help and I think still have a chance to see. Two months later, after returning home, we see Valerie in the news. He will be arrested under the hot hand with our fugitive tycoon Polonsky, but then released.
And today we need to get to the very remarkable places: Angkor Wat. "Angkor" is a giant Hindu temple complex, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Is one of the largest ever built places of worship, and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Since the 15th century stood completely deserted. Again was "discovered" by Europeans in 1860.
At Angkor, it is already possible to hear Russian speech. Drivers Tutukov even call rates are in Thai baht and not Cambodian reals. From Thailand, there are Russian tourists to view the ancient Kingdom. How this place is important for Cambodians can be judged by the flag.
FLAG
It depicts the tower of this temple complex.
8 Cambodia-29
The place is extremely interesting. It really is a lost city in the jungle. Impressed with the stairs built by unrealistically steep angle, so steep that to climb it is not an easy task.
The walls are decorated with patterns.
The most spectacular sight is the roots of trees, obvivshem buildings.
Since the complex has been abandoned for many hundreds of years, tropical vegetation, would be deployed in full force. So full that the roots sometimes literally swallowed design, creating incredible pictures. Such a riot of nature, literally devouring historical artifacts, we have not seen...
Many structures still exist only in the form of numbered pieces and will be United into a single unit later.
Tropical vegetation of impressive size.
Our attempt to feed the "cute monkeys" turn into the attack of two-legged creatures.
In search of prey in the form of fruits, they unceremoniously jump on us.
But after receiving the coveted piece of fruit, they are again converted into mils.
Such little men.
Further we plan Thailand. You need to get to the border. The border is chaos. Between the two crossing points built a gambling city. Just around the anthill. So crossed the border, I have not seen. I have the feeling that you can just wait until the guard turns away and quietly go to the other side, pretending as it should be. Catch surprised looks on myself: it is the Russians going to Cambodia from Thailand. We're just considering, someone Poteet, someone comes and asks.
The border is open till 22-00. But we don't want to admit to tai. The fact that you need to apply for mandatory insurance (CTP). Without her entry into the territory of the Kingdom of Thailand is prohibited. And sell insurance only up to 19-00. On the clock 20-15. The employee of customs tenderly invites us to spend the night at the border, it is our highly volatile reaction. Her fall a few votes with explanations, exhortations, the vivid gestures and facial expressions. The basic idea of "we have to pass today! Not tomorrow!". The girl trembled... On the phone by contacting an insurance agent, she draws us policy. It should be noted how friendly the people in this part of Asia. After registration of the policy, the customs officials themselves (themselves!) execute for us the documents, offering to sign them. Also it is quite friendly dialogue. Thais interested to know more about us, a rare case of Russian cars.
Finally closer to 10 o'clock in the evening we cross the border of the two kingdoms. We are in Thailand.
To be continued...
On the bike there cut? Yes, it's brutal. We who went on the minibus for 10 people for 1900 baht. Only left at 6 in the morning and returned in the evening. Of course if it's easier, but there still should be yourself, then organized tour
The road, like, good. Took the bike for a day and drove or transfer. Of course it is better to Laos to visit and make immediately for 3 months.
Maybe. He did not owl, I prefer to do long-term visas. But those who went there, cursed it, for what was worth ) In the first place because of the road course. But it's cheap )
This is the most organized Russian "tourists"! They know exactly why they came, what are the docks to prepare and where to go. So that's where you're wrong)
I think the chaos on the border, because of the large number of Russians who go on the visa run. Well, actually at that time went. He did not go, but heard a lot about it
Just handsome! Special respect Yu! The poet was right- " there are women in Russian villages..."
As always the video is just great! These 30 minutes pass as 1 . Waiting for the continuation)
Well done!With a huge passion for watching Your puteshestviem, Handsome!Only forward!
in the case, hard to say what kind ))) because none of this law not previously heard
Do with departure to Poipet lucky... no Photos from there? colorful place )...And actually for me the fear of God so... stuck .when there is ALREADY released, and THERE is shut ... In Africa we had a light option, ... you don't want((( ... Good that you have had opportunities to solve this problem so quickly
Alex hi., As always, all exciting and very interesting, continue in the same spirit, to read all records with the BJ, good luck in future travels. )))
))) cry it once, it was necessary to resolve the issue. Although at first it was very frustrating, it seemed like we butted seriously.
Well done!That's true, in some situations, I think I'd just stand there crying and you are desperate, find the exits!Heroes, one word))))
beautiful places and fascinating journey it turned out, I liked it as shot and edited videos, and where do without incident. A bonus to full travel. After such photos and videos, I wanted to visit such places.
On some shots it is visible that the 80-ka butt fits into the bandwidth of my tractor probably will not fit. But such trips involve, the oil and filters need to take with me? (I'm too lazy now to search the net information that is taken in the expedition)))
Such a lot of moments you can remember about Pol Pot a lot, I read, in "civilized" Europe and USA and also more recently is happening... Write as we saw it.
"It should be noted how friendly the people in this part of Asia." is debatable, of course, the question. Remember the destruction of 3 million people in Cambodia in a very short time.
yaaayyyy! I read once the vacation to remember!
about cheap country all true. I am sitting in a t-shirt which was brought from Cambodia.
and the massage... remember how we had a downpour and I to pass the time I went to the salon. in the end, the shower was maybe 5 hours. during this time, and for$ 15 I got a manicure, pedicure, drink iced tea is very similar to a Mojito, and 2 and a half hour massage only.
super! I am very glad that in the neighbouring city there are brave people.
thank you for the pleasant read!
do not stop there
Yes, he is ) his way raked again with Polonsky. Threatening to send me back to Ukraine (?), because they Polonsky tried to discourage the police.
well, now just came.
ago about your trip =)
across the Mekong for several months, the bridge works, the road from Vietnam by the hour saves less.
and the familiar faces in the photo ;)
kamerzan
Our machines are in three weeks came from Malaysia to Vladivostok in containers at the end of September. And then it began...
but the word "Imbeciles" I have nothing in mind there, when I talked to them. My car was inspected 5(!) times, was constantly making inquiries, said, offered to pay a fee. They were all looking for something. Had to hire a customs broker. In the end, Navarro was released in December (!) and 80ku in January (!). Our machines have stood all these ridiculous procedures there almost three months. that cost us a lot of money...
It is not entirely clear so the car in Russia was — WHAT DUTIES ?
Interesting. With foreigners to negotiate out easier and faster than to get in his own country home.
How much is the shipment of the machine in the container to Vlad?
Our machines are in three weeks came from Malaysia to Vladivostok in containers at the end of September. And then it began...
but the word "Imbeciles" I have nothing in mind there, when I talked to them. My car was inspected 5(!) times, was constantly making inquiries, said, offered to pay a fee. They were all looking for something. Had to hire a customs broker. In the end, Navarro was released in December (!) and 80ku in January (!). Our machines have stood all these ridiculous procedures there almost three months. that cost us a lot of money...
Thanks for the story and photos!
Well done!
PS
I offer my wife in the summer to lake Baikal by car to slip through, she says, Far. )))))
Read all the journey from beginning to end, as if he you visited. Colorful and interesting are all described. With great interest I will wait the following descriptions! Everything is great! You rock!
VA real adventurers! Normal these Heroes who always go around))! Loved it! I waited impatiently, watched and read every issue with great pleasure! Thank you!
Read and re-visited in Cambodia))) Are the familiar pictures))))
ANKOR, Sihanoukville, Stump...I Love this country)
heyfik
Interesting. And beautiful. Read everything. Liked the last phrase: "Thais interested to know more about us, a rare case of Russian cars." That's just Russian cars I saw. Sad.
Did not see where? in the photo, or in life?
We wanted nine pritaranil, and ride it. Just no leaves. And she to break down every other day the parts are for a Vase there is not sell at every step
Interesting. And beautiful. Read everything. Liked the last phrase: "Thais interested to know more about us, a rare case of Russian cars." That's just Russian cars I saw. Sad.
I do not know. He once went to Magadan. Yes there and remained. He still has a friend there, he's the father of my wife's sisters. They are together in Magadan was. Now fermierul. When Valery arrives, and be sure to visit him comes. By the way, there in Cambodia still Valerin nephew now lives, his name is Arthur. He and Valery did not come to You?
Holy shit!O_O Valery was my countryman! He is from Ukraine, the city of Bobrynets, Kirovograd region. Valery Novikov. His sister works with me, she is Deputy mayor of our city... Blimey, didn't expect it here see... Last fall, he came to our city to visit her mother.
well I thought with our expenses, total T. S.... But in General, the world crossed a huge number of cars, including auto travelers.In Africa, for example, can be sent from Europe via NMT Lines... stop as the bus... from Dakar to Mombasa...but there seems Ro-Ro//// return the same pasta... but it is time and money...Yes, it is, by the way, gets rid of our sea customs (exit — entry by land), but add questions in the Schengen area
But it was cheaper than:
1. Shipping container Railways from Vladivostok to NSK
2. Payment of 4 month of inactivity to one custom Vlad
And cheaper than item 1 and item 2 separately.
kamerzan
We spent more than 1 million, the Exact amount not even considered ) for she was unevenly scattered at all.
of these, probably half of the shipping from Malaysia to Russia...(
We spent more than 1 million, the Exact amount not even considered ) for she was unevenly scattered at all.
Elegant expedition! It is incredible to take on and conquer so many countries, what the organization is excellent. It is very dangerous at the same time exciting. Sorry, very curious what the budget was laid in such a huge project?))
Not so poorly swept!
In China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Cambodia family went 5 years. Everywhere themselves without the tour-agencies(savages), but sometimes the guides in place(Angkor).
Thanks for the movie, if I visited there again.
Now tightened Baikal. Let's go for the second time this year (island ol'khon, Barguzin valley passed)
on the southern coast of the great sea.
Good luck in realization of new projects! Waiting for new episodes to come!