I am going to Cambodia for 3 weeks soon and want to know where to stay, what to see and do etc and is the shopping good there. There are two of us going (both females 22 years old) there and just want to have fun and experience the lifestyle there.
2006-09-28 13:38:39 · 6 answers · asked by charise 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Other - Asia Pacific
Firstly be careful in Cambodia, watch your back, don't carry too much cash and be suspicious of anyone acting overly nice and pleasant to you, there is a high chance they are setting you up for a scam or worse.......
Food in Cambodia is cheap but your advised to go vegetarian for the duration of your stay, with the exception of seafood, and only then if its fresh (preferably alive) and inspected by you before cooking.
Take and use your own cutlery, don't drink anything with Ice, drink an ice cold bottled beer or canned soft drink instead.
Take a lot of small denomination US dollars (1's, 5's 10's) and try to get brand new or newish notes as they often refuse any worn notes you might have thinking they are forgery's and don't have the equipment to test them.
Beware of any restaurants, cafes or bars offering 'special pizza' or something similar, that's not oregano sprinkled liberally over it and tourists staggering about stoned are an easy target.
Do try and get up to Ankar wat for a visit, however, buy your food, water, film rolls before hand or you will pay 3 times the price at Ankar.
Don't go anywhere off the beaten path, the country is still littered with landmines and you will see hundreds of people missing limbs during your stay.
The southern beaches in Cambodia are beautiful, untouched and deserted, well recommended.
2006-09-28 14:26:58 · answer #1 · answered by stefjeff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would never recommend it for two young ( American?) women. Unless you are engaged in charity or relief work, 3 weeks is a long time for a country with a poor transportation infrastructure.
For a reality check I recommend reading "Off the Rails in Cambodia, Into the Dark Heart of Girls, Guns and Ganja. It was published a few years ago by Asia Books.
2006-09-28 21:00:57 · answer #2 · answered by J.J. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to get sick then go vegetarian. I've seen vegetarians arrive in Phenom Penhe and be on their back within 2 days. Vegetables are often fertilised with excrement and then not washed properly. Beer is better than water. Try to eat deep fried food or any food which has been been cooked with high heat. Do not think the posh hotels are any better than the sidewalk cafe. Sometimes they are just as bad. Look for restaurants which are full of people. The locals and expats who where to eat safely. Don't forget to go to your Embassy (consular) and register that you are in the country and tell them what your plans are. If something happens in an area that they know you are in then they will keep an eye out for you. Make sure you know what is in your baggage. Most countries in South east Asia have the death penalty or at least life imprisonment for any drugs. Even marijuana. Good luck.
2006-09-29 00:18:48 · answer #3 · answered by Glen R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cambodia is still the wild west... i love it and go regularly to phenom penh which is a beautiful city full of cool places and a happening nightlife,, dont be put off but be aware that there is a serious dark side of drugs, guns, theft, prostitution and most worryingly pedophilia... stay on your guard and dont wander off with people or stray too far from the beaten track and you'll be fine. Sinoukville in the south has some amazing beaches, and a cool social scene. Siem Reep (the town next to Ankor) is totaly set up for the backpacker and the more refined tourist alike, but again watch out, everywhere there are tourists, there are plenty of people who want your money and are prepared to do whatever they have to to get it. basic rules of carrying little money and only small denominations should always be followed. all hotels and guest houses have a safe deposit service, usualy free, dont flash you ipods and fancy cameras around either and dont leave anything of value in your hotel room, nomater how nice the owners seem to be. if anything happens, dont even bother calling the police as a cash bribe is all they will want. nothing bad has ever happened to me there, but i know so many people who have been ripped off of robbed at some point.... enjoy it, its a beautiful country with alot to offer,,, if it gets too much hop over the border to vietnam, a much more orderly although slightly less thrilling option... 6 hours and as many dollars will get you from phenom penh to saigon,, if you do, give me a shout, and ill be glad to show you around....
2006-09-28 22:04:18 · answer #4 · answered by nathan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure to buy a lobster dinner. You can get one for like a dollar. lol
2006-09-28 20:47:26 · answer #5 · answered by songbird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
watch out...cambodia is dangerous
2006-09-28 20:46:11 · answer #6 · answered by juju 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋