Quick Trip Through Cambodia

Cambodia was the second place on my South East Asia travels. We stayed two weeks- first week we worked with VBC, a charity organisation which helps build homes for less fortunate families. This was based in Siem Reap which meant that we had a week of afternoons in Siem Reap and then two days in Kampot and one days in Phom Penh. I feel two weeks was plenty of time in the country to see the tourist attractions and culture to explore, however there are definitely other places around Cambodia I would have loved to explore. 

Siem Reap

I wouldn’t say that there was too much to do in Siem Reap and I often filled my days with cafes to make up for the afternoons I had off from the charity work. Unfortunately the country has struggled due to their overcoming difficulties after the war and now with COVID. Siem Reap highly relies on tourism so it’s been hard for the area and I found that the activities that were recommended online were suffering and sometimes even closed down. However, there was still plenty to do and would highly recommend going if you are in Cambodia because the area still has much to offer.

• Old market and Pub street 

A classic tourist attraction but one that you must go to in order to experience Siem Reap. Pub street is a lovely street with all types of restaurants and bars, including rooftop clubs. The restaurants are worth going to once but also just around the corner is a food market next to the Old Market, selling street food for $1. The Old Market is a market selling all types of souvenirs for tourists and is open all day and night so it’s perfect to go after a meal out on Pub Street. 

• Phare Circus

This is a popular activity to do in Siem Reap so I had to try it out and can say that I highly enjoyed the show. The circus performers all came from underprivileged backgrounds and the company helped train them into the arts so they could use their skill to create a career. The show told a story using different methods such as painting, dancing and acrobats. As well as the show there is also a market where you are able to buy handmade Cambodia gifts and food. 

• Made in Cambodia market 

On a side street of the city, there is a small market filled with handmade authentic items, mainly made from Cambodian women. From belts made of bottle caps to tote bags made from recycled cement bags- there is a gift that anyone can enjoy and appreciate. 

• Theam gallery 

Theam gallery is a Cambodian artists, Theam Lim’s home, which was converted into a guesthouse and gallery. His work explores his childhood in Cambodia and the aftermath of the war, focusing on its effects on the country and its people. Theam’s paintings have a photographic feel which allows expression to live behind the eyes of the people he paints. The gallery is a beautiful place with an impressive story to tell through art making it an important project to see.

• Angkor Wat 

A main attraction for Siem Reap is Angkor Wat and it’s temples, however, the attraction is understandable. The place is so big that some tourists spend up to five days exploring the many temples and ruins it has to offer. I spent two days exploring the area; the first day I little over five hours visiting some of the most recognisable temples Angkor Wat has to offer and the second day we woke up at 4:30 to watch the sunrise over the main three temples which was breathtakingly beautiful and such a peaceful start to an early day. 

• Angkor Fitness classes 

An unusual addition to this list and unexpected, however, an activity that I highly enjoyed during my stay. Angkor Fitness is in the centre of town and has one of the biggest gyms I have been to with a wide selection of machines to choose from. During my stay I managed to fit in an aerobics step workout class which happens every Wednesday at 5:30. I had never done one of these classes before but gave it a go and really enjoyed it (and came out really sweaty and red- a good sign). For a full day in the gym it’s $5- including all classes and access to the showers and steam rooms. 

• Volunteer Building Cambodia project (VBC) 

Out of all these recommendations I wound recommend this charity project the most. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget- being able to help provide a new and safe home for a family that doesn’t have the same advantages and opportunities as myself. It opened my eyes and I was able to see the bubble of privilege that I have been able to fortunately live in. The project is only a week long and you get to not only experience the process of building a house but also experience a Buddhist water blessing at the end of the project which helps you learn more about Cambodian culture. 

Kampot

In Kampot we had a little less time with only 2 full days and three nights so we made the most of our time by taking tuktuk tours to get to see everything around the area. I would say this was just enough time to see everything I had been recommended but I also understand it’s completely depended on location and I was on one side of the river, and that there is probably more to do on the other side as well during the evenings or afternoons. 

• Lion Mouth Caves 

As part of the first tour we went first to the caves where many people choose to absail or climb, however with the tour you are only taken around and through the tunnels. These specific tunnels where ones that hid some families during the time of the Khmer Rouge and had a few Buddhist paintings secretly placed on the wall in a time where religion was illegal to practice which helps you to understand more about their history. 

• La Plantation Pepper Farm 

The second part of the tour was the pepper farm- La Plantation. The company focuses on bringing opportunities to the local people of Kampot with traditional methods of growing and producing pepper. At the farm you are able to learn about these processes with a free tour and then experience the different flavours of peppers with a free pepper tasting. At the end of the tour there is also an opportunity to buy the peppercorns that you liked most. 

• Bokor Mountain tour 

Our second tour the following day took us up into the mountains where we wondered around abandoned homes and hotels which had been built during the time of the French but had then since been abandoned due to the Khmer Rouge. It was such a interesting place to visit with a sense of uncomfort, especially when the clouds would cover parts of the mountain like mist making it feel like a thriller movie. 

• Spice Girl market food 

To finish off the morning tour I would high recommend getting dropped off in town. Quite close to the Durian Roundabout is a food market stalls. One of the stalls is called Spice Girl- a women who makes all the curries from scratch. I had to obviously order the Khmer curry! 

Phom Penh

I only had one full day in Phom Penh so I had to make the most of it by doing the most famous destinations about the Cambodian war. I would have loved to have stayed in the city for longer because their seemed to be a lot more to do, however I feel I was able to see the two most important parts which makes up for the lack of time. 

• Genocide museum 

The day started with the Genocide Museum where I was able to learn more about what happened during the time of the Khmer Rouge, but more due to the nature of the trip we specifically looked at the torcher of victims in their prisons. Although this was extremely difficult to see and listen to it was extremely necessary and important to understand Cambodia and it’s past. Plus you can meet some of the survivors of the prison where they share their stories with autographed biographies. 

• Killing fields 

The Killing fields were next on part of the trip. The mueseum was helpful to teach you of the crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge and the Killing fields are more of a place for respect and a further grasp of the murders. Both places I would highly recommend as they explained the history of the country and made you understand how much it has changed since. 

• David’s Homemade Noodles 

On a different note, that might to make up for the hard day we went to a well known restaurant which made fresh noodles in front of you as you ate. As well as the noodle soups, the dumplings were another thing to rave about. If you have time it’s a must eat spot! 

Love, Aria 

XO