Cambodia

  • Cambodia

    Angkor

    June 10, 2014 - By 

    People only come to Siem Reap for one reason: the wats, known as the Angkor Archeological Complex. Tickets are expensive by SE Asian standards—a 1-day pass is $20, a 3-day pass is $40, and a 7-day pass is $70. We opted for the 3-day pass. We came during the low season, which has its pros and cons. The low season entails a fraction of the crowd typically swarming the temples during the high season, making it less likely to see or start a tourist brawl.  However the low season takes place during the miserably hot and dry months from March-May…

  • Cambodia

    Scambodia

    June 8, 2014 - By 

    There is no pleasant way to cross the border by land into Cambodia. I’ve heard and read so many bad stories of scams, so I figured purchasing slightly more expensive bus tickets from a Western-run business would guarantee a smooth journey. Nope. Here is the letter I wrote below to that company: Hello, A couple of friends and I purchased VIP minivan bus tickets from Adam’s Bar in Don Det to Siem Reap. We were told that the price was a bit higher ($40) because there would be WIFI and only 10 passengers per van, making it a more pleasurable journey. Unfortunately,…

  • Cambodia

    Poor Mr. Jefferson

    June 6, 2014 - By 

    Funny fact: In Cambodia the US Dollar reigns. Just the paper kind, though; in place of coins they use Cambodian Riel ($0.25 = 1,000 Riel). Jean received a $2 bill as change at a restaurant yesterday. Today I tried to spend it at another restaurant but was refused. They knew it was real, but they didn’t want to try and explain that to the next recipient. Poor Thomas Jefferson. No one wants you. Except in Vietnam. Apparently the $2 bill is trendy to keep in your wallet there.