Lumphat & crossing Tonle Srepok at Ratanakiri

Begin our journey from Steung Traeng to Sen Monorom in Mondolkiri.  In effort to reduce our travelling time of  8 hours by half, we decided to go through Lumphat in Ratanakiri where we have to make river crossing there.  We forgot that day was Sunday and ferry service not made available. After hard negotiation they agreed to make special crossing for us.  We crossed Tonle Srepot by ferry not by small boat as in the picture.

Dry season, where you can witness many bush fire along the road and of course dusty road

Next rest stop is Kaoh Nhek.

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Siem Pang, Cambodia

Siem Pang District is a district located in Stung Traeng Province, in north-east Cambodia. According to the 1998 census of Cambodia, it had a population of 13,517.  The Khmer Khe language is spoken in Siem Pang District.

From Stung Traeng, drive 50km north on NH7, turn right, and proceed another 52km on an unsealed road. There are no longer any public boats along the Tonlé Kong (SeKong) to/from Stung Traeng.

A prosperous town that stretches for about 6km along the Tonlé Kong, Siem Pang is a good place to observe rural life or just relax by the riverside in a remote outpost.

Siem Pang acts as the western gateway to Virachey National Park and is renowned for its rich wildlife.

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On the road to Siem Pang

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Pumpkin Flower

Pumpkin Flowers have a lovely sweet mild pumpkin flavour.   Pick them early in the morning when they are in full bloom.  Pick the male flowers, the female flowers have a tiny pumpkin at the base.  Leave the female to grow into a  pumpkin.

Pumpkin flowers are also delicious to cook. However, I have never eaten them but I know they are edible.

This vegetable, pumpkin boasts more than good looks. It’s also full of nutrition, dishing up vitamin C, beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium. One half cup of cooked pumpkin provides a day’s supply of vitamin A.

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