Much has already been written about the lack of respect shown by scantily-clad backpackers oblivious to the fact that ancient sites such as Angkor Wat are still places of worship. But sadly, wearing hot pants and halter-neck tops to working temples is not where embarrassing traveller behaviour ends, and inappropriate behaviour can have consequences more … read the full post

Following the death of the former King Norodom Sihanouk, an official week of mourning in Cambodia has been declared and will continue until October 23, 2012. Observance will have a minimal effect on most visitors, but if you care to acknowledge the passing of a historically significant figure, the Royal Palace has become a focal point … read the full post

When the news first broke that the former king of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk had died, many Cambodians were in the countryside provinces marking the Pchum Ben festival. As the word spread, Facebook statuses and profile pictures were updated. Many who had remained in the capital made their way to the Royal Palace to pay their … read the full post

The death of former King Norodom Sihanouk, aged 89, on October 15 during the Pchum Ben festival is being mourned by Cambodians. Increasingly frail, the King Father’s last visit to Cambodia from his home in China earlier in the year proved to be his last. His death has saddened but not surprised Cambodians, who are paying … read the full post

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

I live in quiet dismay at the latent school marm within me. She’s a desiccated, dictatorial old bag, and once even gave a friend of mine a sharp chop to the base of her spine to make her stand up straight. I’m not sure which of us was more surprised. Luckily, the school marm doesn’t … read the full post

Since the days of Jayavarman VII, the warrior king who reigned from 1181 to 1220, Buddhism has dominated Cambodian religious life. Jayavarman VII was the first king to make the transition and though one of his successors tried to reinstate Hinduism, the cult of Siva to whom so many of the Angkorian temples are dedicated, … read the full post

It seems so natural and harmless, and resistance feels so callous and cruel, to give to the kids that fill the streets of Siem Reap selling books, postcards, flowers and jewellery, or sometimes just begging for money.  They are poor, they’re clearly in need, and they’re so full of fun and banter that it’s impossible … read the full post