We then headed across the border to Cambodia and arrived in the capital Phnom Penh early evening. It was already noticeable how much better people's English was here the second we got off the bus and I also found it rather strange withdrawing U.S dollars at the cash machine. We found a cheap and cheerful hostel that worked out at $1.25 each, about 90p - most definately the cheapest yet! While in the capital we made a visit to a killing field site, where mass genocide took place during Pol Pot's regime. This along with the S21 prison, where they held victims before incarceration, made for a shocking yet valuable experience, bringing to life the reality of the savage genocide that took place in Cambodia a mere 30 years ago. We saw mass graves, small cells where 100's were crammed into, a tower full of victims' skulls, mug shots of 1000's of victims and also a tree which was used to beat children around.

On a much lighter note, we headed for Cambodia's party beach town Sihanoukville. We stayed here for a good few days, chilling by the beach by day, and partying at the beach bars by night. The only downside to this beach was that you were pestered by people every 5 minutes, mainly kids trying to sell you bracelets or get a massage. Some were actually pretty fun to talk to and I was amazed that 10 year olds could speak such good English. I promised one 10 year old a game of pool, low and behold I was to pay him $1 if he won. He was amazingly good for a 10 year old but luckily I beat him :) He told me his parents sent him to work when he wasn't at school to earn the family money. I just couldn't even contemplate any child in the UK going out to earn money for their family, let alone using another language to cheekily get people to buy stuff off of them. Certainly makes you appreciate what you have - as a 10 year old I don't imagine I would have been out of the company of an adult, let alone wondering the beach talking to strangers!

Our last stop in Cambodia was Siem Reap, most famously known for its Angkor Wat Temples - one of the 7 man-made wonders of the world. It was pretty disapointing to see scaffolding on parts of the temples (understandable being 1000's of years old) and lots of tourists (undoubtedly), however the architecture was incredible and still made for some spectacular pictures at sunset. Our last evening in Cambodia and also as a group of 4 since Hanoi, we headed out for a yummy meal with an extraveagent cook-yourself buffet of all kinds of meat including crocodile, kangaroo and ostrich! Certainly went a bit heavy, as was expected. Unfortunately we hadn't planned well, having booked our ride to visit 2 more of the temples at sunrise.

Despite getting 20 mins sleep and feeling pretty horrendous in the morning, it was worth it, ending the night drinking with the locals who let us have free fish massages - they eat the dead skin off of you! The group of 4 was down to 2 by 5am when the tuc-tuc arrived in the morning to take us. I certainly didn't want to miss out on these temples for a few extra hours sleep, however appealing bed did seem! The trip was definately worth while, seeing the renowned Angkor Tom and Tomb Raider temple, that was amazingly over run by the jungle, roots entangling themselves in the structures and trees growing on top of walls. James unfortunately forgot his ticket, so having made the effort to get up at 5 had to wait outside the gate while I saw the temples - ouch!

Despite a relatively brief trip in Cambodia, I thoroughly enjoyed it. With some buzzing nightlife, cheap accomodation and some unique tourist spots you couldn't want a lot more!