04.12 - Day 324 - Phnom Penh, KHM

Wednesday 4th December - Phnom Penh (Day 324)

No early bike rides today: energy to be saved for the promised water park. It’s actually 50 mins away so a remorque rather than a tuk tuk affords more space. 

Urban sprawl left behind the Garden City Water Park is amongst fields (and close to a safari park), the driver spotting an opportunity to tie us into a return journey later in the afternoon. 

The New Zealand family from Siem Reap had waxed lyrical about this place and especially how they had it to themselves. The rides open in a staggered fashion across the morning and we’re disappointed when we have to queue for our first ride behind 8 people. 

However, that is then the only queue all day - the one school group of Americans leave by lunchtime at which point there can be no more than 20 people in the entire park - and we’re 4 of that. 

Everyone has a blast, the rides that Sienna and Seb are initially not keen to go on become favourites. The downside to no queues is the huge amount of stairs we must have climbed. 

When we break from rides in the giant lagoon with waves, there are 6 bored lifeguards finally pleased to have someone to watch. 

We (well Sienna and I) try the Flow Rider a surfing challenge with helpful and patient support from the staff member. Sienna has two quickfire tumbles (at which point the force of the water shoots you up and over the lip), gamely going on a 3rd time very successfully. 

We take a bite to eat here before diving back into the rides and lazy river. 

I think we’re the last ones out of the water at 5pm, all thoroughly satisfied and a little tired. Sure enough our remorque driver is waiting for us and back in the apartment it’s takeaway noodle soup before collapsing into bed.