Where the streets have two names

No hiccups as we shuffled through Pochentong Airport, Phnom Penh. The service was efficient and queues orderly. Although there are no direct flights from the Australia, Phnom Penh is only 55 minutes by air from that much more frequented of tourist destinations, Bangkok.

Visa formalities for Cambodia are very simple. In contrast to neighbouring Vietnam and Laos, there is no need to waste half a day at an embassy before you head off. Simply pay US$20 and fill out some forms on arrival at Phnom Penh’s Pochentong International airport and hey presto, you’re in! Not even a photo is required. There is a spud-sized camera on each desk at Immigration. Staff there key details from your passport into computers, and grab a headshot while you wait.

There is a bustle for attention – a pinning for missed relatives and desperate clamour for flag-fare – a scene that seems mandatory worldwide outside all arrival gates. We push our way to one of three adjacent taxi desk, grab a voucher, and are then swiftly escorted to a cab.

With a mere $US7 we are at our first port of call in Cambodia, the Riverside Hotel at the corner of Preas Sisowath and Baksei Chamkrong streets (alternatively known as streets No. 1 and No. 94).

The method of christening each street with a name and number is a real boon for travellers. It makes navigation a breeze.