10 Things We Learned in Cambodia - KK/LL
1. Tuk -tuks are a decent way to get around. Not the smoothest ride to be sure, but riding a motorized tuk tuk is cheap, readily available and gets the job done. It’s a little bit exhilarating, too. This coming from two people who said we’d never ride on a motorcycle. Haha. It’s basically riding on a cart behind a motorcycle, so.... (Full disclosure: We did have one that appeared to be running out of steam on the way to the airport. We thought it might turn into a Flintstones situation requiring some foot action, but other than that one situation — which did ultimately get us there — all the tuk tuks safely and punctually transported us everywhere we needed to go in Cambodia.
2. There are some AMAZING things in Siem Reap. The temples of Angkor Wat should seriously be on everyone’s bucket list. There are really no words adequate to describe them, and there is nothing close in the rest of the world! They are truly unique and awe-inspiring. Leave days to explore them because the temple complex is massive.
3. There are also some key rules to be observed in the temples of Angkor. Knees and shoulders are supposed to be covered at all times. Guests aren’t supposed to photograph the monks without asking them first (though that’s almost impossible to adhere to entirely because there are monks everywhere at the temples!) If you do want an up close picture, though, you should be willing to offer a donation for the privilege - your contribution helps support their work.
4. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh mosquitos aren’t supposed to be high risk for malaria. But, if you stray from those areas, for example if you visit one of the islands off the coast of Cambodia as we did, you will need to take malaria precautions. We took prescription meds as well as stayed covered in high level DEET repellent
5. The US dollar is used as much or more than the Cambodian riel as currency. Everywhere. We really didn’t need riels, even in the marketplace or rural areas including Koh Rong Island. That said, change is often given in both so one had better know the currency exchange rate or risk the potential of getting short changed.
6. “Happy Cookies” doesn’t mean cookies with a smiley face on them. Though the cookies *could* presumably have a smiley face on them, the unsuspecting should be aware that “happy cookies” are publicly advertised on Cambodian island establishments that also have signs saying “We ❤️ Mary Jane” and “We sell pre-rolls.” We also saw a sign on one island bar that read: “Funny, Functional Alcoholic staff wanted.” #hmmmmm 🤔
7. Swimming with bioluminescent plankton is about the coolest thing in the world. Seriously! There are few places in the world that you can see these amazing creatures. Going out in a little boat in the *pitch dark* and then seeing the water light up with thousands of bright little twinkly lights as soon as the water is stirred is ***MAGICAL!!!***
8. The humidity at the beach feels like 150%! Is that possible? 😂#dontbotherfixingyourhair #wewerenteventhereduringtheirhottestseason 😳
9. Drinking fresh coconut water from a fresh coconut tastes nothing like the stuff that comes in a can. It is safe to drink (if straight out of the coconut), has antibacterial properties, and it feels like a natural ‘super shot’ of vitamins.
10. Cons: - Nothing is ever on time in Cambodia. Adjust expectations accordingly. In particular, none of our flights arrived or departed according to schedule. - If you walk through the jungle on Koh Rong Island you could encounter a King Cobra. (Therefore, we did not walk through the jungle)
Pros: - You can get a 60-minute quality massage for $12 at your very nice, reputable hotel. - Laundry is also ridiculously cheap, but done very professionally.