Hitchhiker’s Luck

Today was the first time at tried hitchhiking in Cambodia.  My first ride was blissfully easy.  The gentleman who picked me up spoke pretty good English but unfortunately could only take me about a third of the way.

The second ride was a surprise.  I was walking along the road, which had absolutely no traffic on it, when to late I heard a car behind me.  Luckily the driver saw me sticking my thumb up in his rearview mirror.  When I ran up to the passenger window I noticed two older men in military dress uniform.  I was in luck.  They gave me a ride to as close as I could get to Preah Vihear.

From the town of Sa Aem I had no choice but to take a motorbike taxi to the ancient ruins of Preah Vihear.  It’s an interesting and beautiful place to visit because of its location.  It sits on the ridge of a mountain range that divides Cambodia and Thailand.  From the ruins you command a stunning view of both Cambodia and Thailand.

The interesting part is the political role the ruins play.  A few months back there was a gun battle between the two countries over who has the rights to the Preah Vihear ruins.  This has left the site strewn with Cambodian military.  In the same way it’s difficult at Angkor Wat to get a picture without any tourists in it, you can’t get a picture without military personal in your shot at Preah Vihear.

Back in the town I was able to hitch a ride to Tbaeng Meanchey where I had to spend the night.