Many visitors come to Phnom Penh with the intention of staying for a month or three for volunteer work, fellowships or other programmes that require a medium-to-long-term stay. Others come for a short visit and fall in love and decide to stick around for a while. Because the Cambodia visa situation is very permissive, it’s … read the full post

If you’re only in Siem Reap for a few short and no doubt busy days, it might be difficult to get out and see some of the beautiful Khmer countryside.  Indeed, even if you’re here for a little longer, there’s enough to fill your time, what with temples, cooking classes, and massages, that can conspire … read the full post

As the name suggests, Garden of Desire is a place in which to set your heart free. It is also a window into the mind of Ly Piseth, the designer who came back to Cambodia in 2007 in order to restore his own soul. Along the way, he has tapped into a creative seam that … read the full post

It seems fatuous to say it, largely because it is fatuous to say it, but the best advice for health care in Siem Reap is don’t get sick in the first place. Don’t go gnawing on irregular shaped pieces of ice that look like they’ve been chipped or shaved off a very large block, approach … read the full post

There’s something so attractive about pub quizzes: here’s an opportunity to enjoy a few beers with friends adjoined to the very exciting possibility of being able to show off your arcane knowledge of ’80s pop music or South American butterfly genera.  The competitive edge adds a certain frisson to the evening while everyone knows that … read the full post

One of the great pleasures of enduring the weather in Cambodia — those 35 degree afternoons one after the other — is sitting down in the shade with an enormous, sickly-sweet iced coffee. Here’s how they roast coffee in Phnom Penh: until it’s black, and usually with a big scoop of rendered pork fat or … read the full post

At the physical heart of Cambodia, an immense body of water is the soul of the nation.  The great Tonle Sap lake not only sustains Cambodian stomachs, with its harvest accounting for more than 50% of Cambodia’s protein intake, it is also a source of immense national pride. Its uniqueness lies in events that take … read the full post

For less than the price you’d pay for a pint while watching a Premier League game at a pub back home, you can see a professional football match in Phnom Penh. The season is in full swing right now and with Cambodia hosting Asian Football Confederation President’s Cup games this weekend, there are a lot … read the full post

Dim sum is the Chinese version of tapas — small plates of steamed dumplings and other tasty treats that were originally meant to be accompaniments to drinking tea and are perfect for sharing with a group. Whether you’re just learning about dim sum or are an aficionado, there are many options for dim sum in … read the full post

Every other Monday Phnom Penh’s expat population gather together to share their obsessive hobbies, interesting career choices and celebrate all things nerdy. The events are held at venues around the city and each have six or seven speakers who cover topics ranging from yoga to Khmer handicrafts to obscure English words. The format is called … read the full post