Gratitude Before Departure
August 30th marked the second day of riding with the university student who joined me. His family had prepared everything for us until morning—pumping air into our tires and helping us get ready. With deep gratitude, I said farewell to those who had supported us and aimed to reach Cambodia by the end of the day.
A Stop at the Bicycle Shop
On the way, he mentioned the weight on his back and wished for a rear rack. In Vietnam, bicycle shops are not common, so when we spotted one, we went in. Installing the rack would make his journey lighter, and once fitted, he smiled and told me his body already felt relieved.
We pressed forward, leaving Ho Chi Minh and heading toward Tay Ninh. The large gate there was our goal, and beyond it, only about 30 kilometers remained to the border.
Pushing Through the Heat
The late August heat was relentless. Staying hydrated was vital, and by the time we were within 10 kilometers of the crossing, our energy was nearly spent. We stopped one last time, stretched, and prepared for the final push.
Just before the border, an older man called out encouragement. His voice lifted our spirits, and at last, we arrived. For me, it was my first overland border crossing. I felt nervous, but seeing my companion’s sense of accomplishment was reassuring.
Entering Cambodia
At Vietnamese immigration, it was a simple passport check. Then we proceeded to the Cambodian side, filled out a form, and waited for approval. I still recall the cheerful young woman in line before us; her presence alone eased the long wait.
Finally, with visas in hand, we crossed the gate. On the other side, we met another cyclist who had come from Vietnam to ride through Cambodia. Meeting fellow travelers in Southeast Asia always feels like a rare gift.
Trouble at the Restaurant
Once inside Cambodia, we looked for water and stopped at a nearby restaurant. I ordered a Fanta, ready to wash away the exhaustion, when trouble struck. The restaurant only accepted Cambodian riel or US dollars, but the dollars I had were considered “too old” and rejected.
Suddenly, I found myself accused of dining without paying. Credit cards weren’t accepted either. To make matters worse, heavy rain poured outside, trapping us.
Finding a Way Forward
I spoke with the manager, trying to solve the problem. At last, they agreed to accept a mix of Vietnamese dong and my old US bills. As an added kindness, they allowed me to pitch my tent outside the restaurant for the night.
That evening, behind a makeshift barricade, I lay down to rest. Despite the challenges, the first day in Cambodia ended with relief and gratitude—I had crossed, endured, and kept moving forward.
