My first couple of days in Cambodia have been incredible!
I honestly had no idea what to expect but Cambodia pins needed to be added to the map so I made the trip. I was already in Vietnam so I could get to Cambodia with a ferry and bus ride and the visa process was seamless. Why not, right?
I have never put Cambodia in the same category as Thailand, the Philippines, or Vietnam due to their not having the same quality of beaches. The beach is just something that drives me to travel so it is up there on the list when choosing a place to visit almost every time. It is not like I go swimming but walking the beach. Boardwalk or Malecon depending on where you are is something that makes the destination perfect for me.
The night market had its twist from other Asian countries too.
When you are up against Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines night markets, the standard is set very high. It was not near the same quality of assortment of goods or different food.
It was still neat to see how Cambodia rolled out the cards and tents just like other Countries. The one thing, I recommend is their homeland dish of Amok chicken with rice.
“Amok is a traditional Cambodian dish and is considered the national dish of Cambodia. It is often described as a light and fluffy curry made with steamed fish or chicken, cooked in coconut milk and a blend of spices, typically served in a banana leaf. The most famous version is Fish Amok, which uses local freshwater fish as its protein source. The dish is a cornerstone of Cambodian cuisine and is celebrated for its unique flavors and cultural significance. If you’re interested in making it, there are many recipes available that detail the preparation process”.
It reminded me of chicken tika or curry chicken but so much better. Maybe because I was having it in Cambodia from a custom bamboo leaf bowl, but it was amazing!
One of the biggest disappointments for me is the massage shops. They just feel shady, and I have not felt comfortable walking into any of the shops I have encountered day or night.
This has never been an issue in any part of Asia for me. I could tell the difference between a legit massage, or a shady shop based on the staff out front. I can promise you that if I am getting cat calls, the place is not legit. LOL
It is too bad as the prices are also great here too!