Travelogue
The Russian Market - 20 September 2011
The Russian Market or Psar Toul Tom Poung (Psar is market in Khmer) is popular among tourists, expatriates and the local Cambodians. Don’t come if you’re expecting an air-conditioned surround with all the bells and whistles. It’s basic, hot like a sauna, and when it rains in Phnom Penh the floor floods. Moto riders delivering goods take their bikes straight in through the narrow access ways. The entrances are guarded by private security guards bearing AK-47s, who are not keen to have their photo taken. Rumour has it the name derives form the era of the Cold War, and the market sold a proliferation of Eastern Bloc items, others say a variation on the origin of the name was the weaponry available there, including the iconic Russian assault rifle, the Kalishnikov. Once upon a time, Cambodia was awash with weapons. Most are now barely seen, but the vast majority are out there, presumably hidden away. The market is a rabbit warren of tight, narrow aisles, lined with stalls selling everything from fake watches to engine parts and pirated software and DVDs, and from artwork to t-shirts and sandals. I bought a coffee plunger and cutlery. Once, before heading to colder climes, I purchased a Carhartt jacket, which survived a Korean winter, for just $15. It’s not Sainsbury’s so if you want sanitised, stay at home. The Russian Market is located a fair distance from other tourist sites n Phnom Penh, but local tuk-tuk drivers and motos will drop you off and
Sexy Beast - The Pub Bar Street 174 Phnom Penh - 12 September 2011
Near the Walkabout Bar, located off Street 51 is The Pub. The sign outside says “Great Food, Cheap Beer”. Draught beer is $1 on account of it being the low season. In fact, I was the only customer. The Khmer woman behind the bar poured my brew as I studied the décor; white washed walls, high ceiling and dark stained timber, a step up from the
Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh - 29 August 2011
Hotel Le Royal is located hotel is located at 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, a wide boulevard near Sangkat Wat Phnom, from which the city derives its name. Formerly, the street was known as the Avenue Joffre, and sat in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s certainly one of the capital’s smartest addresses, adjacent the former National Library
Bokor Mountain - The Eeriest Place on Earth - 18 August 2011
The ruins of the French hill station at Bokor Mountain have been called “the eeriest place on Earth” by one travel writer. Semi-deserted, shrouded in mist, open to the wind from all directions, chilly, and ravaged by time and the residue of warfare with the walls pockmarked by bullet holes, and the landscape contaminated by unexploded ordnance –
Kampot - You Can Pay Later - 12 August 2011
The sleepy provincial capital of Kampot is located at the base of the Elephant Mountains and a few kilometres up the estuary on the banks of the Prek Kamping Bay River. With its smaller coastal neighbour, Kep, and the larger tourist town, Sihanoukville, this former haunt of the French colonial elite makes up what is sometimes referred to as the
Phnom Penh - A Trip To The Dentist - 31 July 2011
Please note that since this article was written the Chhuon Meng Thmey Dental Clinic, and the dentist referred to, Dr Sok Chenh Chhean, are no longer recommended by the writer. I don’t much like going to the dentist, let’s face it who does? They cause you grief and cost you money, and if you need major work doing, then they can cost you
Phnom Penh - The Empire Strikes Back - 19 July 2011
After several visits I can see Phnom Penh is changing; its buildings, attitudes, cars and infrastructure. Some things haven’t changed; transport, the people, politics, the disparities in wealth, and the poverty. Taxis from Phnom Penh International Airport charge out at a standard US$10 for the ride into the city. Cambodia still runs on
The Plain of Bagan - 12 July 2011
Entry to the ancient site at Bagan for foreigners costs US$10, also payable as €10 or 9000 Burmese kyats, regardless of the length of your stay. If you’re travelling by bus you get hauled off on the outskirts of town to pay at a small booth on a dusty road. Better value then than Angkor in Cambodia which charges out at US$20 per day and
The Road to Bagan - 5 July 2011
When the agent at Seven Diamonds travel booked my bus ticket I distinctly heard the English word “foreigner” mentioned. I paid 1000 kyat more than at my hotel for the ticket to Bagan but the hotel charged 2000 kyat to take you to the bus station whereas Seven Diamonds’ fee included the pick-up. The agent told me the bus took five hours, though
