Cambodia
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
by tanyamau (Cambodia | General Catch-all)Siem Reap (Angkor Wat): The best way to go to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh is to ride the boat up the Mekong. But, it’s long and hot, so if you would rather do it the quicker, but expensive way, take a plane. Driver in Siem Reap - John arranged it for us, as Seiha had driven him and visiting family members before....Seiha is a nice young man in his 20's. He wrote me an email last year, and I know he has a different job now, but perhaps he might have a friend that may be able to drive you around...A few years ago, we paid him $50 for two people for two days of driving to and from guesthouse and to the temples. Lodging: The Red Piano Guesthouse (where Angelina Jolie and crew stayed) Many guesthouses surrounding the area * Eat at funky cool restaurant down the street that has crocodiles under the floor, different funky levels, internet, funky signs outside the restaurant….really cool. • Visit the Crocodile Farm ($2) • Ride the Angkor Balloon (hot air balloon ride) – located 1 km on the west side of the Angkor Wat entrance, get a bird’s eye view of the temples • If you can wake up early enough, visit Angkor Wat at Sunrise • Climb up and visit the famous temple at sunset • Ride bicycles around the Angkor Wat temple area • Visit the Bayon (54 faces temple) • Visit Ta Prohm (roots and trees in the ruins…where “Tomb Raider
Great Restaurant, Phnom Penh
by lamped (Cambodia | Food, Drink and Nightlife)I seem to always write recommending food, but anyway here is another: In Phnom Penh there is a great restaurant called Friends. It has nothing to do with the TV sitcom but is a non profit restaurant which is staffed by street kids who are training to become chefs and waiters. Food is top class and the service is even better, check out the website here, also while in Phnom Penh you must go to the Russian Market for great shopping, best buy is GAP clothing.
Cambodia: A land of Bittersweet memories
by justin (Cambodia | General Catch-all)I see you guys are in Thailand, so I guess you are going to heading to Cambodia in the near future. You should love it. Someone decribed Cambodia as like "being on drugs all the time, which is sort of true.
Here are a few interesting thing about Cambodian culture:
You are in a poor town. You go to the market. There among the meat and herbs you see a silver merchants. Cambodian's don't use banks. Instead they buy silver etc. and trade up everytime they have more money saved. Once they have enough for a big ticket item, a moto, an ox etc. The sell their silver.
The current Prime minister was a general in the Khmer Rouge. Auto genocide a weird thing. When you visit the killing fields you will see what I mean; hire a guide. They all have personal stories. The trail of ex-leaders of the khmer rouge just started before xmas 2005. A little late huh? Hopefullythe killing fields hasn't changed too much, I believe it was sold to a japenese company. Short sighted Cambodian government policy again.
Hashish is a common ingredient in Khmer cooking.
Corruption is rife, but can you blame them? A cop tried to sell me his badge. Others tried to fine me when on motos. There are lots of stories. Tall to any you meet from NGO's working there.
Visit the musical doctor in Siem reap, he runs the very good hospital there. Ask around. I think he performs on wednesday?
Cambodians are VERY superstitious.
There are quite alot of Khmer bloggers!! http://www.cambodiablogger.com/
http://www.technorati.com/search/cambodia
Anyway before you go read this website to get the up-to-date lowdown on border crossings www.talesofasia.com. And try to stay in 100% Khmer owned accomadation.
I'll be back in Asia in 3 days, great :-)
Go nÉirí an bhothar leat.
You Gotta Go...
by Casey Kaufman (Cambodia | Sight Seeing)You guys are gonna be all over SE Asia and skipping Cambodia would be a big mistake. You MUST go to Siem Reap to see the Temples of Angkor. Cambodia is a great country and the people are very friendly. Travel there is definitely rough...the roads are terrible, it is really dusty, and you will sweat a lot. Along with this, it sort of feels dangerous to be there, given the country's history...but that makes it more fun. I didn't go to Myanmar, but it seems like it would be the same way. In order to really appreciate it, you must book a 2 or 3 day tour of the temples. You can hire moto drivers through your hostel, or guesthouse, as they are called, to drive you around and explain the ruins. The complex is huge and it is hard to comprehend it all, muchless take enough pictures. The town of Siem Reap is nice and there are a bars and restaurants to entertain at night. There is even a local pizza restaurant that uses special herbs and spices...I think it is called Happy Pizza. Other musts include the landmine museum and the tribute sites to those who lost their lives under the rule of Pol Pot. You will see a lot of people who have lost limbs due to landmines begging for money, and it is hard to tell them no. I found other places throughout Cambodia to be interesting as well, but you have to see the Temples of Angkor.
