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

There’s no way to pretend that hot season isn’t off to a roaring start in Phnom Penh, with temperatures already far higher than I am ready to cope with. Luckily, though, there’s no dearth of places to spend an air-con afternoon. My new favourite is City Mall, that Western-style shopping mecca next to Olympic Stadium. … read the full post

Travelling around Cambodia can be… well, an adventure. Traffic laws are lax, drivers are brash (and by brash I mean reckless) and roads are poor. In 2011 there were 41 bus accidents in the country, and it’s looking like 2012 may beat that. In the past few weeks alone, several high-profile bus accidents have left … read the full post

I’m writing this now, but as it’s 983 degrees I’m as likely to think it’s a good idea to head for the gym as I am to host my own public disembowelment. On the other hand, I do know there are some people out there who are not as congenitally bone-idle as I am, so … read the full post

A couple of years ago the once dark and dingy Lane in Siem Reap looked like not much more than a decent prospect for a drugs score. Today it’s developing into a trendy little enclave, home to many an expat’s favourite hangout, with an atmosphere a world apart from tawdry Pub Street only a few … read the full post

A recent influx of guests has allowed me to hone the list of places I like to take visitors outside of the standard trips to the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng. Whether you’re only in town for a few days or are in Phnom Penh for longer, here are a few activities you might enjoy. … read the full post

If you’re set to be in Siem Reap over the next few weeks, there’s plenty to keep you busy, from special events through to regular offerings. Here’s a selection below. Special events * Shadow Puppet Theatre at the Angkor Hospital for Children on Thursday March 19, from 18:45 to 20:30. A really gorgeous display of … read the full post

If you want to get the best eats in Siem Reap, you’ve got to get out of town. It’s true there are some lovely restaurants in the heart of Siem Reap, and some truly excellent ones too (Il Forno, for one example). But if you’re looking for a real treat, then you’d better grab a … read the full post

If you’re looking for a new way to see Sihanoukville and get some exercise, the second weekend in March has a lot to offer in the way of a half marathon and bicycle race. Sihanoukville Bike Race and Ride On March 10 at 06:00, join cycling enthusiasts and adventure junkies on a ride down Cambodia’s … read the full post

For many people searing Asian temperatures are something of an appetite killer (would that I were one of them). Even after a day of meandering around temples or browsing markets, come dinnertime the ravening hunger that one might look forward to satisfying on a cold winter’s day just isn’t there, and the idea of sitting … read the full post