Working in travel means that I have travelled far and wide in search of “the perfect holiday”! From the spectacular waters of Fiji, the stunning beaches of Thailand, the picture perfect landmarks of Europe, I’ve tried so much, but for me Cambodia is somewhere I keep finding myself returning.
Kirri Rom National Park
Cambodia isn’t everybody’s first choice of holiday especially as it doesn’t conjure images of relaxation or luxury, but for me you can get whatever you need in the ‘bodes’!
The first time I travelled to Cambodia I went with a group of workmates to build a house as part of a charity project just outside of Siem Reap. Aside from the enriching experience of changing the lives of the families who received the fruits of our labour, Cambodia changed my life in so many ways. Nothing will ever beat the first experience of Angkor Wat and the many nearby temples. Sunrise and sunset over the temples is a vision that is hard to top. Bayon is my favourite temple with it’s many faces. It is mind-boggling to think that these amazing structures were built without any sort of machinery or power tools. The intricate carvings mixed with the tangled roots of the jungle which tried to engulf the temples make for a breathtaking combination.
Bamboo Island
Likewise my first experience in “pub street” was pretty unforgettable with the “Angkor What?” buckets and the practice of writing on walls and dancing on the tables being the norm, it’s an entertaining experience! I moved to Cambodia in 2009 for a few months to teach English. Living in Phnom Penh provided a whole new experience and some more travel highlights.
Local Kids
Like any big asian city, Phnom Penh is a chaos of people, motorbikes, markets and tuk tuks but from the moment you get there until the moment you leave something will surprise and delight you every day.
Cambodia has endured much hardship in recent times, it is hard to comprehend just how recently the atrocities of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge drove a nation into the ground. As a tourist I spent a lot of time visiting monuments, museums and historical places learning about the history. It didn’t make for the happiest memories going to places like The Killing Fields or Toul Sleng (the prison) but it is all part of the experience of Cambodia. As Sam Waterson’s character says in the movie The Killing Fields, “Cambodia was a country he had learned to love and pity”. Visiting these places and learning about the history is all a part of the experience of Cambodia.
The faces of the Khmer Rouge victims
Phnom Penh has such a diverse range of things to do and on my most recent trip in November I discovered a lovely oasis in the city, a lovely boutique hotel “Villa Langka” – just heavenly and for only $50 a night! The pool, the bar, the friendly staff and the central location means it has everything you need. There are some great cheap places to eat from western run places like The Empire and the notorious FCC on the riverfront to the many local eateries and markets, the cuisine is cheap and varied. My first (and last) experience of eating Tarantula is also one not to be forgotten…. crickets are a much tastier local delicacy and come more highly recommended!
The markets in Phnom Penh have everything you need and more. There is the hot and sweaty Russian Market (Toul Tum Poung) with it’s DVDs, T-Shirts, paintings, statues and knick knacks that you expect in any asian market, the locals ‘Old Market” with fresh(?!) food and homewares and the luxurious Central Market which has a large clean indoor set-up that makes for a nice change! No matter which market you go to the bargaining is fierce and competitive and you’re sure to find something you’ll like.
Driving my own Tuk Tuk
For beach lovers there is the the lovely white beaches of Sihanoukville or if you’re looking to get away from the market sellers and the buckets on the beach there is the remote and simple Bamboo Island. Cheap accommodation, spectacular beaches and even a casino await you at the coast. Whilst I love nothing more than getting a manicure and pedicure on the beach the constant calls of “hey lady you like, you buy” do get tiresome, so taking a longboat out to Bamboo Island made for a welcome change. Small bamboo huts on the beach and many a hammock in a coconut tree dot the island, one central and basic restaurant and bar and electricity between 6pm and 10pm – what more do you need?!
Serendipity Beach Sihanoukville
Above all else I love Cambodia for it’s people. From the young children to the older generation, friendly smiles are everywhere. I would urge everyone to go there just once, you’re sure to have a great time!
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