CAMBODIA
Travel Information |
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Shopping
There are a wide variety of items available for purchase
in Cambodia. The country was once well-known for its superior
silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving. After decades
of neglect, many of these arts are being revived. Visitors
can find silver items, jewelry, gems, colorful cloth for
sarong and hats (variegated silks), wood carving, paper
mach? masks, stone copies of ancient Khmer art, brass and
bronze figurines and oil paintings in the different markets
and shops on main avenues. The traditional clothing for
both men and women is the Krama, a long, narrow checked
silk or cotton cloth available in most markets and shops.
Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for
design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when
purchasing gold and gems. The export of antiques is subject
to approval of the Ministry of Culture. Bargaining is essential
for all souvenir shopping, it travelers are to obtain reasonable
prices. Reductions of up to 20 percent are possible.
Food
& Drinks
Cambodia food is closely related to the cuisines of neighboring
Thailand and Laos and, to a lesser extent, Vietnam, but
there are some distinct local dishes. The overall consensus
is that Khmer cooking is like Thai without spicy. Curries,
stir tried vegetable, rice, noodles and soups are staples
of the Khmer diet. Cambodia is well known in the region
for its Prahok, a strong, fermented fish paste used in a
variety of traditional dishes. Fresh serve bottled drinking
water and tap water should never be drunk. Similarly, salad
and fruit served at these establishments are safe. All Tours
are based on full board arrangements. For full-day excursions,
picnic lunch can be provided if no adequate restaurants
are available.
Phnom Penh is far and away the best place to try inexpensive
Khmer cuisine, though Siem Reap also has some good restaurants.
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to acquaint
yourself with Khmer cooking is to wander into the food stalls
found in markets all over the country and simply sample
each dish before deciding what to eat. In Phnom Penh you
also have the choice of excellent Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese,
French and Mediterranean cooking.
Rice is the principal staple in Cambodia and the Battambang
region is the country's rice bowl. Most Cambodian dishes
are cooked in a wok, known locally as a chhnang khteak.
Nonalcoholic Drinks
All the famous international brands of soft drinks are available
in Cambodia. Locally produced mineral water is available
at 500r to 700r per bottle.
Coffee is sold in most restaurants. It is either served
black or with generous dollops of condensed milk, which
makes it very sweet. Chinese-style tea is popular and in
many Khmer and Chinese restaurants a pot of it will automatically
appear as soon as you sit down.
You can find excellent fruit smoothies all over the country,
known locally as a tikalok. Just look out for a stall with
fruit and a blender and point to the flavors you want. Keep
an eye on the preparatory stages or you may end up with
heaps of sugar and a frothy eggg.
On a hot day you may be tempted by the stuff in Fanta bottles
on the side of the road. Think again, as it is actually
petrol (gas).
Alcoholic Drinks
The local bee is Angkor, which is produced by an Australian
joint venture in Sihanoukwille. Other brands include Heineken,
Tiger, San Miguel, Carlsberg, VB, Foster's and Grolsch.
Beer sells for around US$1 to US$1.50 a can in restaurants.
In Phnom Penh, foreign wines and spirits are sold at reasonable
prices. The local spirits are best avoided, though some
expats say that Sra Special, a local whisky-like concoction,
is not bad. At around 1000r a bottle it's a cheap route
to oblivion.
Entertainment
Cinemas
Since the encouragement from the Ministry of Fine Arts and
Culture strongly support to the Khmer films, most abandoned
cinemas have been re-open.
Recently, the Khmer films is very popular for Cambodian
people not only in city but also provinces. The Khmer movies
can be seen around the city at the main street - such as
Kirirom Cinema - Sihanouk blvd., Luxe Cinema - Norodom blvd.,
Vimean Tip - Monivong blvd...
Movie Houses
English language movies shown in private viewing rooms at
Movie Street Video Center, #116, Sihanouk blvd., The French
Cultural Center (Street 184) hosts French films at 6:30PM
every few days. The Russian Market (Toul Tom Pong) carries
the most recent movies CDs.
Nightclubs
Phnom Penh is the place for disco nightlife. There are several
clubs that see a good mix of locals and foreigners. Nightlife
in Phnom Penh tends to begin fairly late - an 11 pm start
is usual, after a leisurely meal and some drinks at a bar.
Drink prices can be steep, but you can always pop outside
and get a swift half from a street seller.
Outside Phnom Penh, nightlife is dominated by Khmer nightclubs.
These are basically 'hostess clubs' aimed at men, but it
is no problem for foreign women to enter. They have a live
band and are a good place to learn a bit about Khmer dancing.
Traditional Dance
Public performances of Khmer traditional dance are few and
far between. The places to find are at few hotel in Phnom
Penh and most local restaurants in Siem Reap. Check the
local English-language newspapers for news of upcoming events.
Pubs & Bars
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is best place for pubs and bars.
Elsewhere around Cambodia, drinking takes places at street
stalls, in restaurants and in nightclubs. |
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