Cambodia Day 14 Phnom Penh (late morning and afternoon) - National Museum, Killing Fields, Orphanage and Mekong River

Our Tour Guide's mishandled race around the sights of Phnom Penh continued. Our next stop was at the National Museum.

From the museum it was off to the Killing Fields; about a half an hour drive to the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

Killing Fields memorial

At this point it was around midday and we had raced through the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Killing Fields during the morning.

We were now driven to the Sunrise Orphanage; about an hour's drive outside of Phnom Penh. Sunrise was founded by the Australian Geraldine Cox and has been widely reported on back home. We assumed that our manic morning of touring was essential to meet the appointed time for the Orphanage visit in the afternoon.

However it was clear on arrival at the Orphanage that we were not expected. Not at that time anyway. Apart from a gatekeeper who opened the gates for us there was not another soul on the grounds.

It turns out we had arrive nearly two hours earlier than the Orphanage expected. Staff and the children were enjoying their midday nap, avoiding the main heat of the day.

We did not wish to disturb the children and so we departed the Orphanage without seeing the presentation and store they usually provide for visitors.

Returning to the city earlier than planned gave us an opportunity to visit the Central Market.

A tiny section of the huge market

Finally, to fill in the gap now opened late in the day, a short sunset cruise along the Mekong Rover.

The Royal Palace seen from the Mekong

Contrast of luxury hotel and river community on the Mekong

Mekong River cruise vessels

Phnom Penh sunset