Our transfer by airconditioned coach from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

I had booked this bustransfer before starting out on this vacation, since it tends to be fully booked if you leave it too close to the date of intended travel. Departure is from a central bus depot in Phnom Penh to a busstation in the outskirts of Siem Reap.

Upon our departure all passengers were issued with a lunchbox, containing 2 pastries and a small bottle of water. The seats were comfortable enough and leg space fitted the bulk of the average Western tourist.
There was one drawback: the entertainment on the tv screen featured at first hours of Western music with elevator-type music (Cambodian renditions of Let It Be, etc) while Asian beauties frolicked laughingly (but without sound of their own) in crashing waves of the sea, staring in the distance from a boat, etc.
But it got worse, a lot worse.
Because then we had hours of Cambodian popular (?) music while people in a studio were filmed dancing of sorts (sometimes only turning their hands at their wrists, all the while smiling their beautific, enlightened smiles).
Think Top of the Pops 1960s, young people with geriatric movements. And quite the most abhorent music.
Bring your headphones and your own music!
The drive took a little over six hours, with one 30 minute stop half way, at a very local restaurant of sorts. The bathroom was ok.

Most of the road was in good condition and we suffered no hardship.
Below you'll see some of the sights I saw while speeding past.

Soon we were to witness the rural area around Phnom Penh.

Houses on stilts. With an advertisement aimed at whom?

For rent. You'll have to cross that rickety bridge, though.

Drying what exactly..?

If you'd expected a jungle here: that is long gone. Most likely the logging rights made someone rich quickly.

The highway had a good black top, but side streets were mainly dirt roads.

An endearing sight: a mother hugging her child. Lucky shot and very pleased with it.

A child sharing her views enthusiastically; she drinks from a plastic bag with a straw, you see that a lot.

Just another glimpse from a bus passing.

There was a traffic jam and we left the highway for a dusty dirt road. Don't know why, perhaps a collision happened or a lorry had lost its load. We were in for a few bumpy miles.

We passed through a very arid countryside, devoid of people and animals.

We passed through this gate, back onto highway NH6.
There was a steward on board who at times volunteered information on Cambodia, our arrival in Siem Reap, but not a word about the reason for this detour.
Nagging curiosity.

Passing through a village with some greenery. Their main industry is obvious.

Someone has to get on with his work!