go to cambodia

I’ve been to Cambodia 5 times. My first trip was while UNTAC was still there. They controlled Phnom Penh, but the countryside was a bit shakey(In the distance at night, you could hear guns), so we didn’t get out of the city, which was beginning to come back to life after years of Pol Pot’s destructive brutal regime. We visited Toel Slang, a school made into torture chambers for anyone with an education. We went to the Killing Fields and saw the monument to man’s inhumanity to man and it’s tower of human skulls. Foreign money is coming into the city and more shops and restaurants, roads and schools are appearing. During my next 3 trips, I flew up to Siam Reap to see Angkor. Angkor Wat and the Bayon were without question, my favorites of all the temples. You can wander for hours in awe. They are just such amazing sights to see. On my fifth trip, we decided to take the riverboat to Siam Reap. This trip up the Tonle Sap river and across the Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages, was only supposed to be 3 hours, but due to mishap after mishap, it took 10 hours. We arrived at Angkor after dark and saw it as the blind would, by touch, but after stubbing our toes numerous times, and fear of falling in the moat, we gave up and returned to Siam Reap for a fantastic dinner at the Bayon Restaurant. Unfortunately, due to years of fighting and each side planting mines, there are many people with one or no legs who will beg for money wherever tourists go. In Phnom Penh, visit the Cambodiana Hotel, The Foreign Crrespondants Club and the Russian Market. Definately see Angkor, but don’t take the boat unless you have a lot of time.

Magpaka-Lara Croft sa Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat has blown me away. Words is not enough to express how I fell in love with this city.

For those who are into photography, this is a haven for you. Although after 5 days of going around the temples, you might get templed out.

Don’t forget to check the fishing village. Bring some candies, pens, notebooks, small bills, any small stuff for the kids.

If you need someone to drive you around, contact Lee (mobile +85512773173). He was our local chaperone/taxi/tour guide during our 6-day stay. Good rate, safe driver, very kind, speaks english well too.. just don’t forget to feed him.

Can’t wait to go back there.

This is why I’ve devoted my life to Cambodia. Been studying the language for 5 years now and am getting my masters in SE Asian studies! It is one of the most amazing, exciting and friendly places on earth. Just be prepared to rough it a little and definitely be respectful and polite. If anyone needs advice just write and I’m more than willing to help

What wonderful, positive people, especially considering the horrors of their very recent history. Most Cambodians have been effected by and are still living with the consequences of that very cruel time, but I have never felt so warmly welcomed anywhere.
Everywhere I travelled people of all ages were making the most of what they have. Puts things in perspective.

I would love to return when I can afford it to help out in the day centres for street children.

I miss you Cambodia, and can’t wait to go back.

Cambodia, bordered by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, has a fabulous heritage, warm friendly people and an untamed wild landscape. The beautiful and extensive temple ruins at Angkor, now a UNESCO Heritage site, represent the glorious Khmer civilization and one of the most spectacular historical sites in Asia.

angelina jolie, being my role model has inspired me to go help countrys, not only cambodia.

the fascinating history of angkor. the warm & friendly people. it was a great experience for me.