Things I Love In Cambodia Part 1

We've been living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for a little over 2 years now. But I've never really featured the place and what is has to offer to locals and foreigners alike. So while it's late, it's never too late to start now. There are many things to write about but I've chosen those that directly have an impact on me or those that I love or like no matter how trivial they are. These are by no means the only good things here but they certainly shouldn't all be written in one long blog. A few at a time will do.

Nail Art

I've already done a blog on this here. But it remains the top favorite thing of mine. After 2 years, I am still fascinated by the skill of the manicurists. I've taken to looking for designs online to give them some challenge. Then they have the free reign to be creative. And for the price of $4, who wouldn't love it? They have nail art at almost every salon here but the best one for me is still at the ground floor of Sovannah Mall.

The Beach

I've reconciled with the fact that my freckles are here to stay and they will happily multiply no matter what I do or don't do. So we hit the beach whenever we can. While other countries can boast of far more beautiful beaches, I am quite content in Sihanoukville because I am very paranoid about a tsunami hitting while I am at the beach. But the sea in Sihanoukville doesn't open directly to any ocean so I feel more secure. Really, who wouldn't love this beach? It's beautiful, clean and peaceful.

                                                                 Independence Hotel beach 

                                                                  Sokha Beach Resort and Hotel


Fruits Galore!

Fresh fruits abound the wet markets and supermarkets all year round. I have to say they have the best mangoes here. I don't know what variety it is, but their green mangoes, looking much like our carabao mangoes in the Philippines, are crunchy and sweet. In the picture, the mangoes look half ripe but I can promise you, it is ripe and sweet and juicy but firm. 

Another favorite of the entire family is the jackfruit. We have to buy the whole fruit because a few kilos won't be enough for us. This saffron-colored variety is the one used for jackfruit chips from Thailand. Imagine eating the fresh fruit then! I wish I could send some off to the readers so they'll get what I mean because we don't have this variety in the Philippines.

While they are everywhere, the best prices would be at the wet markets that the locals go to. We get them at this market on St 271, near Intercontinental Hotel. A kilo of jackfruit at Psar Thmey with skin and seeds is $3 but it only about $1.50 at this other market. Everything else is a lot cheaper than at BKK and Psar Thmey. I would suggest though to send your helper because it is an open market, and therefore hot. 


That is my first dose for you for the things to love in Cambodia. I always say, in every place, you gain some, you lose some. I've lost the malls but I've gained everything above.


Sandee