Day 14: Phnom Penh by Night – River Strolls, Sunset (Sort of), and Chicken BBQ Cravings

Back in Phnom Penh, with the journey from Angkor behind us and my stomach settling down, we were ready for a gentle evening out. Lizz had considerably more bounce in her step than I did. I was mostly pleased to have both legs still taking instructions.

A Riverside Plan That Became a Boat Trip

A Grab tuk-tuk took us towards the riverside and the Phnom Penh Night Market. We had hardly begun looking around when a sunset-cruise offer changed the programme. After days of walking, sitting on a boat sounded like a reasonable form of sightseeing.

The boat did not leave immediately. We waited about an hour for it to fill, so the advertised sunset element became a little uncertain. That was how this particular trip worked, rather than evidence that a whole country keeps its own timetable. We were happy enough to sit and let the evening unfold.

The sunset was more of a quiet fade into dusk than a spectacular display. After dark, though, the city lights reflected across the water and gave the cruise a different appeal. We saw the riverside from the Tonle Sap and crossed the Mekong—the first time either of us had crossed that river. That moment mattered more than the missing dramatic sunset.

From the water, the skyline and the busy riverbank formed one long moving view. We did not need to compare it with Bangkok or anywhere else to enjoy it. Phnom Penh was giving us its own evening, even if the sunset had declined the invitation.

The Chicken BBQ Mission: An Incomplete Success

Back near the night market, dinner had become the priority. We had been hoping for chicken barbecue, but ended up with chicken, rice soup and chicken pad Thai instead. We ate well; the barbecue part of the mission remained unfulfilled. Travel plans are flexible, particularly once you are hungry.

We kept the evening reasonably short, with more Phnom Penh sightseeing planned for the next day. The Royal Palace was next on our list, although that plan would also need some adjustment.

An evening on the river, dinner and a welcome return of appetite: that was quite enough for Day Fourteen.