Cambodia
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They deal mostly in US dollars.
We didn't change to their local currency either, but did receive change when we ate something from the roadside stall
Going Siem Reap I presume? -
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh - just a couple of days in each place. It will be a fully conducted tour with most meals provided, so we only have to pay for a meal on the the first and the final day.
Any particular tips or things to be aware of? I’m travelling with husband and 2 teenage girls, so no small kids to worry about. -
Don't bother changing to Riel, USD is the defacto currency in Cambodia. Given that the lowest denomination is USD 1, you will receive some change in Riel if the item is less than that (but most shops will 'conveniently' round it up to the next nearest dollar). THB is also accepted freely (at unfavourable exchange rates). You may have difficulty changing your SGD to USD in Cambodia, so best to do so before you depart (if you really need to change money, head to a goldsmith or jeweller shop).
Your guided tour will probably stick to the safe regions, so there's not much to worry about. Most meals in a decent/good restaurant will cost between USD5 to USD10 per pax, while local restaurants will cost less than USD5 each. Given that you only have 1 or 2 meals to worry about, my guess is in PNH, you will be having it a the riverside, and in REP, one of the decent restaurants around town. Food is generally great, but you may want to stay clear of the 'magic mushrooms' dishes -
Drinking water I guess?
I recall taxis were hard to grab, so I hired a private car to fetch me after my dinner & drinks.
Great Khmer or Indochine cuisines along River Mekong. Visit the diplomat district or Raffles Hotel for \"cleaner makan\".
http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurants-g293940-Phnom_Penh.html
Change USD. No one wants Riel.
What to buy? I bought diff types of coffee powder (Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian - 500g each).
I didn't buy any handicrafts...but you can find loads of exotic curios/souvenirs at the Russian Market. I bought several CDs (French cafe jazz and pop songs) though. Central Market sells mainly fake watches and food I recall?
http://www.visit-mekong.com/cambodia/phnom-penh/shopping.htm
Also bought several books on Khmer Rouge, Angkor Wat and bios of King Norodom Sihanouk and Pol Pot. -
If you have weak digestive system, try to avoid the locally packed drinking water, including those in the hotel and restaurants. Only drink imported drinking water. Many years ago when I was on business trip in Phnom Penh, I got diarrhoea after drinking the water bottle placed in the hotel room. Have a great trip!
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alng:
If you have weak digestive system, try to avoid the locally packed drinking water, including those in the hotel and restaurants. Only drink imported drinking water. Many years ago when I was on business trip in Phnom Penh, I got diarrhoea after drinking the water bottle placed in the hotel room. Have a great trip!
Oh dear! This is not good news - I travel with an IBS sufferer! Thanks for the tip! -
Hi, will be holidaying in Siem Reap & Phnom penh for 7 days from 17 December onwards. Any place to buy exotic jade or stone carving …arts object etc… any antique shops in Russia market or any where???
please share any info. :rahrah: :grphug: :celebrate:
Thanks -
Just got back from Cambodia last night. Can’t help you with shopping as we are not shoppers! We bought a sum total of 2 magnets in our 5-day trip, other than food and drinks. We did visit the Russian and Central Markets in PP, but my impression is that they are very touristy. They also have sections that are very “real”, i.e. wet market stuff, clothing and household stuff for real living. I’m not sure you can trust the carvings and jewellery sold there. I suppose you should ask the tour guide when you are there?
By the way, we drank the bottled water provided in the hotels and bought from shops near the hotels, and we were fine. The cooked food in the hotels and at restaurants was also fine. I travel with an IBS sufferer with a very sensitive stomach, so if we ‘pass’ the food and drink, it really is fine! -
We were there last year in November (Siem Reap) and I agree, definitely USD's the way to go!
There's actually pretty strong cafe culture in both SR and PP. In SR, Pub Street is an interesting place for a dinner, and if you have time check out the old market (there's a wet market and also a dry good section where you can buy souvenir, such as Krama scarves, traditionally hand loomed). In PP, check out Street 240 for dining and shopping. (BTw, I did find the Krama scarves nice and warming for temps at 5C - 8C).
An interesting article I came across on visiting PP's killing field - if you are intending to visit, with the teens - http://kidsonboard.net/blog/travel-mome ... ing-fields.
A local dish I loved was Amok, a type of Cambodian curry, with rice.
Enjoy the trip!!
Best, Celeste