Cambodia has been slightly subdued since the death of the beloved King Father Norodom Sihanouk in October 2012. The initial quiet intensity saw thousands of visitors burning candles outside the Royal Palace, rolling documentaries on television and a flurry of Facebook posts. Nearly three months later, mini-buses from the countryside, full of white and black … read the full post

Cambodia and Thailand have not always been the best of neighbours. In fact, they’ve often bad-mouthed each other to the rest of the local community, had arguments over quite where each of their gardens finish, and sometimes even had dust-ups in the street. Despite, or perhaps because of, much shared cultural history, feelings run deep. … read the full post

Showing plenty of foresight, Java Cafe and Gallery has been open since 2000, well ahead of the curve which has seen a new coffee shop open almost every week in Phnom Penh recently. Java is centrally located just two minutes’ walk from the Independence Monument, with views over Sihanouk Boulevard park. We love the mid-price tasty … read the full post

We walked into two-year-old The 252 in Phnom Penh by accident when we were trying to find Frangipani 60s, next door. The cute little semi-private cabanas with lime and purple accents around the pool were buzzing, people were sipping drinks at the bar, and the owner immediately came over to help me with my bags … read the full post

Located just to the north of Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Wat Phnom, The Sangkum is a fantastic new hotel addition to the Phnom Penh scene. The two-storey hotel, a former house renovated into a breezy 1950s/60s style, has 12 air-con rooms all individually kitted out with retro furniture, a tasteful restaurant and a small, welcoming pool; … read the full post

Located in the mostly residential Tonle Bassac area, The Willow offers just 16 air-con rooms in a building shaded by a series of tall trees — hence the name — and is a good option if you want to spend a little more than a backpacker for a touch of luxury, but still enjoy the … read the full post

Although the official Khmer new year doesn’t start in Cambodia until April, Cambodians and expats love a party and there’s plenty of celebrations planned for Western New Year. From gala dinners to largin’ it DJs with a few fireworks thrown in, you won’t forget your New Year’s Eve to welcome in 2013 in Phnom Penh. … read the full post

Despite its English-language name, the one thing you can’t buy at Phnom Penh’s Phsar Toul Tom Poung is a Russian. But for almost everything else, this warren of stalls has it covered. The market became popular with foreigners in the 1980s when most of its visitors were Soviets, hence the name. Since then, it’s become a … read the full post

It’s a surprise to find a quiet, low-rise area in the heart of rapidly developing Phnom Penh, but those in the know head for Tonle Bassac whenever they hit the city. Minutes from Independence Monument and a short ride from the Royal Palace and riverside, this small area has all you need for a relaxing stay. … read the full post

If fish amok is not your idea of a traditional Christmas dinner, there are other alternatives in Phnom Penh over the holiday season. Although turkeys are not indigenous to Cambodia, several restaurants are offering a festive spread to ensure your tastebuds know it’s Christmas. Top it off with some carols and candles, and you’ll be … read the full post