Travelfish correspondent Stuart McDonald

Stuart previously lived in Thailand and Cambodia for around eight years between them, where he worked as an under-paid, under-skilled language teacher, an embassy staffer, a newspaper web-site developer and various other stuff. Before all those non-travel jobs he authored two travel guides, one to Vietnam and one to Thailand. He still spends a lot of time travelling and can sleep anywhere, anytime - even on the road to Bokor. His favourite read is The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton. He spends most of his time in Bali, Indonesia.
Website: http://www.travelfish.org

Posts by Stuart McDonald:

• Things to do in Kratie

  First published: 13 Oct 2012
  

  Say “Kratie!” to any Khmer (or any Khmer fisherman who happens to fish near Kratie) and they’ll probably say, “Dolphins!” Well, not really, but if you happened to come across an English-speaking Khmer fisherman who happened to fish in the waters north of Kratie they might say that, but as most fishermen you meet in … read the full post

• Where to stay in Kratie

  First published: 16 Sep 2012
  

  Kratie is the capital of the same-named province in northeast Cambodia, some six to seven hours north of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh by bus. Known for a couple of pods of dolphins to the north of town, it’s a low-key destination that is popular among travellers who either have the time or who are … read the full post

• Review: The Plantation, Phnom Penh

  First published: 15 May 2012
  

  I really want to start this review with a pun about wanting to put down my roots at the Plantation. I won’t though, as I’m sure it’s been used a hundred times already — I’m not sure how you could stay here and not want to put your roots down. The Plantation is lovely, and, … read the full post

• Some reasons why you shouldn’t give money to child beggars in Cambodia

  First published: 08 May 2012
  

  We stumbled across this short (one-minute long) video that explains oh so well some of the very simple reasons why you shouldn’t give money to child beggars in Cambodia (or anywhere for that matter). The video was produced by Friends International, who have been running a campaign to raise awareness of the issues faced by … read the full post

• Photo: By the Bassac River, Phnom Penh

  First published: 03 Feb 2012
  

  Many think Phnom Penh sits on the Mekong River, but it doesn’t. The murky brown water you see swirling in front of the riverside boulevard is in fact the Bassac River, which flows up to fill the Tonle Sap (the Mekong is the far river, on the other side of the island you can see). … read the full post

• Photo: Sugarcane anyone?

  First published: 14 Dec 2011
  

  One of the many great things about Southeast Asia is the fresh produce markets. They’re a fascinating (and photogenic) insight into how regular people just get on with their lives. Often though you don’t even need to head to the market — as this hand-operated sugarcane press snapped in Phnom Penh indicates. Set between a … read the full post

• Photo: Phsar Thmei

  First published: 29 Nov 2011
  

  Phnom Penh boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most interesting modern architecture — though it’s often forgotten about with the focus tending to be on much older Angkor Wat instead. Take a tour to see what’s left of Cambodia’s glorious 1930s to 60s-era pieces, or just wander around yourself. A good place to start is at … read the full post

• A tree house in Angkor Wat

  First published: 11 Jul 2011
  

  Dan Haneveer runs the popular travel blog Voyagner and he’s come out with a gem of a story this morning. Put off by the crowds and a misplaced Angkor pass, his enterprising tuk tuk driver led him off to what sounds like a fabulous spot to enjoy sunset — a tree house at Angkor Wat! … read the full post

• Win a RTW trip for two!

  First published: 03 Jun 2011
  

  So you’d need to have been living under a stone not to have heard about the Round The World competition we’re involved in here at Travelfish.org. It’s a bit of a competition with a difference. Yes, we’re giving away a round the world trip, but we’re not telling you where it goes – you have … read the full post

• Seatbelts for tuk tuks in Cambodia

  First published: 01 Apr 2011
  

  From the “Only in Cambodia file” the PhnomPenhPost reports on a surprising new law to hit the streets in Cambodia, seat belts for tuk tuks — and who are the cops going to target? tourists. The story quotes transport minister Tram In Tek as saying: “The public transport in Cambodia is quite primitive and the … read the full post