Author Topic: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report  (Read 5408 times)

Offline Suave

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Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« on: October 09, 2013, 12:37:20 PM »
Let me start by saying; STAY THE HELL OUT OF THIS G-D FORSAKEN COUNTRY.

Seriously, Not even sure why I am here. This place is full of sleazy older European men(can't find a more suitable word) looking for a little "fun".

I got the sudden urge to leave as soon as I landed. This city is dirty, crime ridden, the driving is worse than India. Very few traffic lights, all intersections are free-for-alls, stupid road laws (driving a moped with the lights on during daylight hours will get you fined by police).

Alas, here are some quick tips;

Airport (PNH)
You can get an e-visa in advance or get one here at the airport for $20 - having a passport photo handy will help speed things up. The lines can get long during peak seasons. (I was lucky and waited about 6 minutes but it can be more than an hour too)

Pick up a sim-card as you leave the airport, I got a "Smart" sim for $1 + $5 for 2GB 3g internet + $4 calling credit (5c a minute to US) Make sure they activate it on the spot in your phone. Test to make sure the Internet works.

Taxis to town are $9 for a semi-decent car and $7 for a tuk-tuk (which is what I chose so I can get a feel for the city)

Accommodations
There are MANY cheap guesthouses, dorm beds start at $3 a night. Most guesthouses are on the "riverside" which is an area known for schmutzy night life etc.
I stayed in the Safari Hotel which is not too bad - paid $20 a night (Free WIFI on all floors, good AC, decent staff)

Transportation
You can get around on the cheap by using tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis (they are all over and will bother you constantly)
I rented a Moped for $7 per day (Honda Click 110)

Things to do/see
Killing fields - worth a trip if you are into it. Google it.
ATV trips - go into any of the numerous agencies and book (at least 30 minutes prior to departure times)
Nagaworld Casino - Made $300 in blackjack here :-)
River Cruises - Go to the port area, many boats leaving all hours of the day (not worth it IMHO unless you want to burn time)
Royal Palace - Cool architecture.
Wat Phnom - Cool architecture - meh.

Food
You can find some kosher food in the larger supermarkets. Mostly OUD cookies etc.
The chabad house has a restaurant $5 for a light meal.
Non-kosher food is very cheap - oh shucks.

Chabad
The chabad house is located not far from the riverside - Minyanim on Shabbos & Chagim (sometimes rosh chodesh too)
The shliach is a nice fellow and knows his way around.  Chabad Cambodia 

Currency
You don't even need to change your US dollars as virtually everyone accepts it. You make get change in Cambodian Riel (4100 = $1USD)

Get out
Seriously, GET OUT - a Jewish boy has nothing to look for here. Go to Siem Reap & see the ancient temples of Ankor Wat, go chill on the backpacker rich beaches of Sihanoukville down south or just leave this country all together.

Links
WikiTravel
Lonely Planet

PS: I saw a motorcycle shlepping a trailer rigged to be a makeshift bus with about 30 people on it. I also saw a family of 5 on a moped.
I saw 12 year old school kids driving motorcycles.

I bribed the Guard $1 at the Anti-Corruption Unit to let me into the building - Just for the novelty.
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Offline mendoul

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2013, 01:48:06 PM »
very cool report!!
i was there last year for 3 months on shlichus that was not that bad, i had a lot of fun
is true the place is not for a id but it depends where and when
mendy

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2013, 02:17:28 PM »
Great trip report.
Honest & Refreshing!!!

Offline ual902

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2013, 07:52:10 PM »
I met some Jewish boys from brooklyn looking for alternative shiduchim in PNH LOL I'm not joking..

Offline PlatinumGuy

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2013, 08:41:46 PM »
H"y
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline Ergel

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #5 on: October 12, 2013, 08:48:43 PM »
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Racer7400

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #6 on: October 12, 2013, 08:57:44 PM »
Nice TR!

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2013, 11:14:51 PM »
I bribed the Guard $1 at the Anti-Corruption Unit to let me into the building - Just for the novelty.

You just made my week.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline moish

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Re: Phnom Penh - Mini Trip Report
« Reply #8 on: February 12, 2014, 09:26:18 AM »
i take it you didnt go to the shooting range?