So the last couple of days I have been out on a "mini vacation" to Cambodia's south coast. We made stops at the cities of Kompong Som (Sihanoukville), Kep, and Kampot. This entry attempts to recapture our highlights.

So eight of us (yes, really) got crammed into a five-seater Toyota Corolla. I knew this was not going to be a "comfortable" ride, but I could not pass the opportunity. Besides, to be "Khmer", you must do "Khmer things" such as over packing in a vehicle like sardines!

Our first pit stop came around noon in sleepy Kep. During the hey day of French colonial rule, this was a place where French administrators and well-off locals made weekend trips. We stopped by the shore and had our first meal.

Among other things, the south coast is famous for its wide abundance of seafood. I watched locals snag crabs using traditional cages. There were street vendors under shaded bungalow selling everything fresh from crabs, squids, fishes, octopus, and more. It was quite a spectacle! Mmm, I am not much for seafood, but I am salivating just thinking about it again. We played in the beach for a little before continuing on with the trail.

Next stop, Kampot. The city of around 40,000 is legendary for its locally cultivated peppers. Again, under French rule, no restaurant table was absent of Kampot peppers. I did not get to try them though. I noticed a lot of development underway.

But in Kampot we stopped at a tourist spot called Teuk Meas (golden water). There, we rented inner tubes that had a thick rope tied on one end to a tree branch and played in the cool, crystal clear waters. I cannot swim so I had my limitations.

At first impression, Kompong Som was nothing like I expected. From all the readings and knowledge of the town being the hub of Cambodia's tourism development, I did not see all the "signs." No building cranes, not many foreigners around, and at first, the city felt very quiet.

Boy was I wrong.

Once we got further in town our eyes got struck to the beauty of Sokha Beach Resort, the "first international class beach resort in Cambodia." This multi million hotel lived up to its name. We breezed through the guarded entrance, but there's no way we were going to stay here.

Further into the town, the signs of development came at full force. Tons of villas were being constructed, so many shops propping up, and central Sihanoukville was bustling with vendors, foreigners, and locals. With only 150,000 in population, one cannot imagine how crowded it will become.

We settled for two rooms each at $10 in the Singapore Hotel. Cheap in my standards, but an eerie feeling came to me about the neighborhood where the hotel was at. (Message me in private if you care to know more)

We woke up a little later than usual (730 am, instead of 6) to start our second day of sight-seeing. We went to the central market. There I picked up a knock-off Casio watch for $10. I purchased a few books and the rest of the family purchased lunch as we prepared to go to Ocheteal Beach.

Ocheteal was buzzing when we arrived around 11am for lunch. The bungalows were filled with families enjoying their meals and the lovely blue waters. The breeze was nice too. The kids went in the water, swam, inner tubed, and even rode this hot dog looking floater that was tied to a boat. But guess what though? As perfect as the conditions were for being out in the beach, I experienced my first sun-burn ever. Ever. It has healed up now, so no worries, but yeah. Only in Cambodia.

Lunch wrapped up and we left to our last destination: Kbal Chhay. Of all the beaches and waterfalls we saw, Kbal Chhay was my favorite and most memorable. There, more foreigners flock to snap awe-inspiring shots of the waves and rocks. I tried to play the role of a "typical tourist" as I step foot out of the congested Corolla, but my eagerness nearly cost my life (yeah, that sounds kinda dramatic, doesnt it?).

I felt I found the "perfect" spot for a photo. I asked Savroth to snap a picture of me. I rushed down in my new Bob Marley flip flops and just as I was about to plant my foot, I slipped and fell right in the rushing waters below! It must have been at least 5 feet in height. At first, things look grim because of the sharp rocks nearby and me being a poor swimmer, I anticipated the worst. But to my amazement (and others), I only came out with three minor cuts all on my leg. I was bleeding, but kinda thankful that nothing serious happened. My bag that had extra dry clothes and books was wet!

We left around 330 pm back home to Phnom Penh in the smooth nicely paved road, the best in all of Cambodia.

I took tons of pictures during the trip in a disposable camera but have yet to develop them. Of course, I will share once I have access.