The area around Siem Reap is prime cycling country. It’s flat, picturesque, and — if you are lucky — quiet.  However, accident rates on Cambodia’s roads are staggeringly high, and while most of your cycling will probably be on the quieter back-roads, you will have to tackle one or more of Siem Reap’s busier “arterial … read the full post

It’s been an historical weekend in Phnom Penh, as the King Father, former King Norodom Sihanouk, was finally laid to rest. Many of the rumoured 2 million mourners stayed at home and got a better view on the TV, but the streets were still full of Cambodians and a few Westerners dressed in sombre black … read the full post

On the first day of the former King Sihanouk’s funeral weekend, a procession of 2,000 people led the King Father’s coffin on a six kilometre-route around Phnom Penh. The streets were lined with mourners in black and white, who watched as the cortege made its way from the Royal Palace, via Wat Phnom and the … read the full post

There are lots of ways to explore the waters and islands off Sihanoukville. Two of the most popular ways are by longtail boat to Koh Russei (Bamboo Island) and by ferry to Koh Rong. If you’re well-heeled or can get a large enough group together, you can hire a private sailboat for the day — … read the full post

Streetwise visitors to Siem Reap should know that giving money to begging children is tantamount to giving money directly to the adults who force them to work the streets in the first place. So when a child, or even an adult, approaches you on Pub Street and asks you to buy milk for their baby … read the full post

If you’re travelling around Asia for a while, the time comes when fish sauce, rice and curries lose their novelty, and your mouth starts craving new taste sensations. Fortunately, Phnom Penh has a world of cuisine available at reasonable prices, so there’s no need to tame your tongue. Near the Post Office Square at the … read the full post

Finding budget accommodation in Siem Reap that might make you want to stay in with a good book rather than go out visiting the awesome temples of Angkor is a bit of a tall order. But the friendly staff, spacious rooms from just $8, and the convivial atmosphere of its communal lounge and restaurant all … read the full post

There’s nothing I find more satisfying than showing off my chosen city of Phnom Penh to friends from the old country. I get to see my favourite haunts with fresh eyes and revisit the differences which have become commonplace. And I get to answer questions like, “What is a classic Phnom Penh night out?” So, … read the full post

We’re busy traversing the world via Siem Reap’s food… we’ve covered half of it, so now we’re moving on: It is a dazzling reverse-curse that Siem Reap’s Indian restaurants are all fantastic and so it feels terribly wrong having to choose among them. If you’re in need of some air-con relief then The Indian is … read the full post

On the northern end of riverside, a two-minute stroll from the historical Post Office area of Phnom Penh, Pillar Hotel provides comfort and great panoramas from 11 generously sized rooms. The only drawback is the stairs workout on your way up — the price you pay for a good view! Within easy walking distance of … read the full post