If you’re lucky enough to have a few days to spare in Phnom Penh, there’s plenty of opportunity to learn a new skill or try out something different. Thanks to a growing expat community, courses and taster sessions held in English are plentiful. So pull out your dancing shoes, learn what all those buttons are … read the full post

You’re never far from a beer in Cambodia — the market is dominated by the jingoistically named Angkor, for sale alongside beers called Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Banker, Anchor (pronounced An-chor to distinguish it from Ang-kor) and Klang — strong by name, strong by alcoholic content. But if you’re bored of Asian lager and have a hankering … read the full post

A few blocks and a world away from sweaty and crowded Phsar Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) food court, Aquarius Dessert Cafe revels in cutesy pastel colours, fancy furniture and effective air-con. On a quiet Phnom Penh side street, not far from the Flicks movie house, step into one of the new breed of Cambodian … read the full post

If you’re looking for a top-end place close to Phnom Penh’s riverside and are keener on views and facilities — such as a rooftop pool — more so than character, Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel may fit the bill. This is the newest in the Khmer-owned chain of otherwise much smaller hotels in the Cambodian capital … read the full post

Bursting out in a blast of modernist white from a sandwich of more traditional-looking Phnom Penh riverfront properties, The Quay Hotel is surprisingly easy to miss as you walk past. Set slap-bang in the middle of riverside‘s bars and restaurants, this boutique hotel is well placed for sightseeing, close by the Royal Palace and a … read the full post

For the third time in four months, preparations are underway to bring in a new year in Cambodia. International New Year is an excuse to party with the rest of the world and Chinese New Year has been adopted as an unofficial holiday. But Khmer New Year still stands apart as one of the major … read the full post

Some forms of transport are inextricably linked with a particular place. Think yellow school buses in the United States, or a London black cab. Introduced to Phnom Penh streets in 1936, three-wheeler cyclos are recognisably Cambodian. They are still the vehicle of choice for women returning from the market with piles of groceries and older … read the full post

If there are two things dear to the heart of Phnom Penhites, it’s eating and shopping. Not always in that order but, if possible, at the same time. Which goes a long way to explaining the popularity of the weekend Night Market on Phnom Penh’s riverside. Throw in some loud music and a chance to … read the full post

If you’re after spotlessly clean lodgings in Phnom Penh’s BKK1 area, locally-owned, midrange Hilary’s Boutique Hotel offers 15 well-appointed rooms with floors you could eat your breakfast off, plus a pool, on-site restaurant and friendly service. Owned and run by tour guide Veng and his family, Hilary’s is tucked away behind a high white wall … read the full post

One of the joys of Southeast Asia is when the familiar jumps out at you from an unexpected source. Riding around Phnom Penh, I’ve realised how many celebrities are (unwittingly) lending their endorsement to hair and beauty salons, tailors and restaurants. Once noticed, it’s difficult not to get slightly obsessed about collecting examples. A consequence … read the full post