Cambodia August 2013
TRAILS OF INDOCHINA - The best of the best!
In late August I spent 10 wonderful days discovering Cambodia on a work trip.
A Visa can be obtained upon arrival in Cambodia for USD30 + a passport size photo is required.
I flew with Vietnam Airlines from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh and then onto Siem Reap. Four days were spent in Siem Reap staying the stunning Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor Hotel. Four days/three nights were spent sailing on the stylish ship called the "Jayavarman" to Phnom Penh. Four days were spent in Phnom Penh at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
SIEM REAP: Visiting Siem Reap in northern Cambodia is like going back in time. Cambodia is a very poor country. I am sure the pushbike I rode back in the 70's has ended up here! However, the locals are gorgeous & happy people always offering huge smiles!
Siem Reap is the base for visiting the majority of temples. It is an interesting small city with lots of dirt roads.. The city has some wonderful local artists such as "Theame's House" for paintings/sculptures etc and "Eric" for haute texture, original pieces etc. Angkor Arts & Crafts is worth a visit as you see the local artists sculpt/create the old-fashioned way/using very basic tools.
Of course, one can’t visit this part of the world without viewing the numerous temples nearby, Angkor Wat being the most famous and stunning of them all! The best time to view is at 5.55am to watch the sunrise over the temple. You can obtain a day pass upon arrival for USD20 to visit the world heritage site. (A photo is taken for your ID)
There is nightlife in Siem Reap which is to be found around the 'Pub Street" area. Aviator Palace, The Palmboo Restaurant & Miss Wong’s bar are 3 recommended places to visit.
Tuk Tuks is the mode of transport as there is no public transport system. We hired a tuk tuk driver for 10 hours @ USD20 and the driver cried with happiness at the end of the long day when we tipped him extra!! Ladies, keep your hand bag over your head/shoulder so it cant be snatched. You must be aware of your belongings at all times like in other parts of the world. Did I feel safe? Absolutely, and at all times!.
Don’t forget to barter at the markets starting at 40% of the asking price then slowly increase until both parties are happy. The locals are poor and paid a pittance so for an extra dollar or two let them have the upper hand = random act of kindness!
PHNOM PENH in southern Cambodia is much larger, faster and busier than Siem Reap but again, a very poor area. There are new buildings going up however, I could count the number of high rises on one hand.
When in Phnom Penh one must visit The Foreign Correspondence Club for a yummy meal/cold beer and lots of photos/history of Cambodia's violent/sad past.
One can participate in a day tour to the killing fields/school however, it is a VERY sad day learning about what the locals experienced under the Khmer rouge & Pol Pot regime. A truly moving experience which has been life changing for me.
I loved "Art Street" in Phnom Penh and found lots of interesting/quirky boutiques in this area which were all very reasonably priced. "Riverside 240" is another interesting boutique area of Phnom Penh.
Dine at Rahu, Metro, Riverside Cafe or Mallis for wonderful food.
Shop at the Central market & the Russian market. The Central market is rather crowded so I personally preferred the Russian market. A great place to purchase quality goods & souvenirs
My trip to Cambodia was a life changing experience in so many ways.
I loved the entire experience and can’t wait to return!