Many who have visited the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Museum in Cambodia's capital Phnom Pehn are left with many unanswered questions.
Cambodia in a nutshell
The tour through a part of Cambodia is reason for a short review. Let's start at the beginning; a visa is required for Cambodia and to clear up any misunderstandings, you can simply get that visa at the border or the airport. You fill out a form, then add a passport photo and pay $30.
Eating crab in Kep (Cambodia)
After the extensive information during the visit to the pepper plantation, the journey continues by tuk tuk through the interior. On the way we make a short stop at a so-called elephant cave. Have to gather my strength as I look at the many stairs that lead up. Even somewhat puffing, three young children hop upstairs with me with the greatest of ease.
Pepper and salt from Kampot
The emergence of pepper in the Kampot region dates back to the 13th century with the arrival of the Chinese who cultivated pepper. More recently, it was the French who further developed pepper production in Kampot at the beginning of the 20th century. The current annual production is currently 8000 tons. In particular, the knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation over many years ensures a high level of quality.
From Sihanoukville to Kampot
After enjoying the beach of Sihanoukville for a few days, the fantastic sunset and feasting on super fresh seafood with a view of the sea, the journey through Cambodia continues.
From Phnom Pehn to Sihanoukville
I pay 10 dollars for the almost six-hour minibus ride. How the Cambodian calculates remains a mystery to me. There are six passengers in the van, who each paid the same amount for the 220-kilometer ride. Two drivers man the van and take turns halfway through. You really don't have to be a math whiz, nor do you need a calculator to calculate the 'profit'.
Reader question: Is French still widely spoken in Cambodia?
I am going to Cambodia soon. This used to be a French protectorate or colony. Is there still a lot of French spoken there?
Kampong Plouk near Siem Reap
If you want to see one of the oldest and imaginative thousand-year-old temple complexes, then the trip goes to Siem Reap in Cambodia. You have to let your imagination run wild at the Angkor Wat complex and let it sink in how people were able to build something so unique in those days.
From Bangkok to Cambodia
There are many roads that lead to Rome and Cambodia, neighboring Thailand, is no exception. From Bangkok, among others, you can go from Mo Chit or from the Ekamai bus station to the border town of Aranyaprathet. But this is also possible from, for example, Pattaya or Chachoengsao, not to mention simple and fast by air.
Reader question: Information about nightlife in Cambodia
I would like some information about Cambodia, I have never been there myself, but after 10 years in Thailand I would like to visit the neighboring country.
Have some questions and hope to get a response.
S-21 the Tuol Sleng prison in Cambodia
During his journey through Cambodia, Yuundai visited one of the most horrific extermination camps from Pol Pot's time. A visit that would reverberate for a long time. A school that was used and turned into an extermination camp and equipped with many torture chambers.
On a study trip to Cambodia
“Are you going on a study trip again?” I still get teased from time to time. I myself am the reason for this question because many times I have answered certain questions from friends and acquaintances that I am not going on holiday but on a study trip. Promptly followed the question which study I followed, to which my answer was invariably: "The history of the Khmer and that is a long study." Of course I meant it as a joke, but anyway it's a more than interesting subject.
Thailand – Laos – Cambodia – RoundTrip 2017 (video)
Our reader Robbie Poelstra made a four-week tour through Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in May 2017 and filmed the highlights of his holiday.
We are a couple in our early 50's and want to spend the winter in Southeast Asia. Initially, our preference was for Thailand, but we dread the hassle of a visa. Now we are thinking about one of the neighboring countries. Is it easier to get a 4 month visa in Vietnam, Cambodia or Myanmar?
Reader question: Visa run to Cambodia
Does anyone know if you can also make a visa run to Cambodia at the Klong Kluea (Sa Kaeo) border market? And what you need in terms of visa, passport photos, etc.
Who has experience with having a Cambodian girlfriend come to the Netherlands for 3 months? I am a Dutchman, AOWer, 67 years old, unmarried and have a rented apartment. We've known each other for seven years. I myself spend the last few years 8 months a year in Cambodia/Thailand. She would like to visit the Netherlands one day.
Reader question: To Cambodia via Thailand, where to book?
If nothing comes in between, we will go to Thailand on January 4th. We stay in Jomtien. From there we want to make an excursion to Cambodia, including Phnom Penh, Angkor and the Pak Ou cave. Where is the best place to book? Via the Netherlands or in Thailand itself, in terms of price and transport?