This whole week we're highlighting our time in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, complete with recommendations on what to do. Today, however, the focus is on what not to do, as we spied some big tourist no-nos while in town, ones to avoid while on a trip to Cambodia's capital.
Here's our top 5 tips on what not to do while exploring Phnom Penh:
5. DON'T expect a resort town.
This is not your typical SE Asian destination like Phuket or Bali. It's truly "developing world," with much of the population living without electricity or running water and bringing in just dollars a day for income. Your hotel will have all the comforts of home, but just don't expect shopping centers and nightclubs.
This is not your typical SE Asian destination like Phuket or Bali. It's truly "developing world," with much of the population living without electricity or running water and bringing in just dollars a day for income. Your hotel will have all the comforts of home, but just don't expect shopping centers and nightclubs.
4. DON'T worry about exchanging money.
The US dollar is widely accepted as currency and goes a long way. While we wouldn't recommend exchanging dollars for riel, we do recommend to take small notes, as finding someone to break a $20 bill for a $.50 bottle of water is hard to come by. Also, expect to get your change in both dollars and local currency, so know your math.
The US dollar is widely accepted as currency and goes a long way. While we wouldn't recommend exchanging dollars for riel, we do recommend to take small notes, as finding someone to break a $20 bill for a $.50 bottle of water is hard to come by. Also, expect to get your change in both dollars and local currency, so know your math.
3. DON'T wear your Sunday best.
Between the excessive heat, humidity, and few paved roads and sidewalks, you will get dirty. Accept it and embrace it and don't freak out. We are not saying your shouldn't be concerned with how you look, but leave the couture packed since it's likely to be ruined. The same things should go for wearing flip-flops; don't wear them to any market. With freshly slaughtered meat and other food being sold, it could get a little gross.
Between the excessive heat, humidity, and few paved roads and sidewalks, you will get dirty. Accept it and embrace it and don't freak out. We are not saying your shouldn't be concerned with how you look, but leave the couture packed since it's likely to be ruined. The same things should go for wearing flip-flops; don't wear them to any market. With freshly slaughtered meat and other food being sold, it could get a little gross.
2. DON'T drink the water or use the crushed ice.
It's hot, very hot, but resist the urge to quench your thirst with a street vendor's tea or crushed ice drink. The locals can stomach the water, but foreigners aren't used to it. Stick to the bottled water that your hotel most likely provides and make sure it still has the safety seal. The only ice that is acceptable to use are the round cubes with the holes, like the machines make; filtered water is used for those.
1. DON'T hire a tuk-tuk until you agree on a price.
Before pulling away from the curb to any destination, ensure you mutually agree on the price. Typically, this will be around $2 for a one-way trip within the city. Many of the must-sees are in the city, but to eliminate an awkward moment on the other end, set the price. When you get a good driver, ask for their card and try to use them for other trips since you may get better rates with frequency of use.
Before pulling away from the curb to any destination, ensure you mutually agree on the price. Typically, this will be around $2 for a one-way trip within the city. Many of the must-sees are in the city, but to eliminate an awkward moment on the other end, set the price. When you get a good driver, ask for their card and try to use them for other trips since you may get better rates with frequency of use.
Phnom Penh is a magical place to visit and we can't wait to go
back, but just make sure you heed these warnings to ensure your trip is
enjoyable and nothing stands in your way of experiencing everything the
city has to offer.
[Photo: Rayme Gorniak/Jaunted]
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