Phnom Penh 2012

Phnom Penh 2012 with Khmer New Year experience by mr.hotsia

After I, mr.hotsia, have visited Phnom Penh, Cambodia three times. The first time was via Poipet through Siem Reap. The second time was by boat from Vietnam passing immigration before arriving in Phnom Penh. This third time, I chose to enter via Poipet during the Khmer New Year to experience the authentic Khmer New Year atmosphere and see how it differs from ours. This was the main purpose of this trip.

Khmer New Year is clearly different from Thailand. Here, people do not play water splashing for fun like in Thailand. It is a New Year festival focused on merit-making and religious ceremonies. Most people go to temples early in the morning, especially at Wat Phnom, the large temple in the heart of Phnom Penh. There are traditional games and celebrations in both the morning and afternoon. The city atmosphere is peaceful and respectful of traditions, with many shops closed and a long holiday for most workers.

However, what I, mr.hotsia, observed and want to share is about the streets during New Year. Some tuk-tuk or taxi drivers, even while working, might drink a little beer (I saw it only once), which can make travel feel less safe for tourists. Therefore, I do not recommend visiting Phnom Penh during Khmer New Year unless you are coming to visit Angkor Wat or other main tourist sites.

Food and dining in Phnom Penh with mr.hotsia

On this visit, I did not miss dining at my favorite Phnom Penh grilled beef restaurant that I have loved since previous trips. Although during Khmer New Year they have a long holiday and do not usually grill beef, I arrived on the last day before closing. The grilled beef was fragrant and tender as always. And the must-have is Acchor Beer served with the roasted beef, which I consider the ultimate delicious symbol of meals in Phnom Penh.

Besides that, I also stopped to greet a Thai vendor selling made-to-order food in front of a hotel.Angkor Mithona Guest HouseAlso known in Thai as “Angkor Mithona Guest House,” located opposite Wat Unalom, not far from the central market. Here, the vendor has a special dish called Pong Mon Ang, or Khmer-style grilled egg, which anyone who tries will be impressed. The simplicity of this local dish combined with its bold flavors left me impressed and I recommend trying it.

Accommodation and transportation in Phnom Penh

For travelers planning to stay in Phnom Penh, I, mr.hotsia, recommend staying in the area north of the Royal Palace. This neighborhood is very convenient because it is close to restaurants, temples, and the riverside market by the Tonle Sap River. Staying here makes it easy to stroll and enjoy the relaxing riverside atmosphere. The hotel I usually stay at isAngkor Mithona Guest Housewhich is opposite Wat Unalom. It is not far to walk to the Royal Palace or Wat Phnom. There are also affordable restaurants and vendors who can speak some Thai, making it very suitable for Thai tourists.

When arriving in Phnom Penh by bus from any province, the bus stops at the main bus station, known locally as BKS. I have previously written in an articlePhnom Penh Bus Stationthat tuk-tuk brokers will offer to take you to various accommodations. If you don’t want to be taken to unwanted guesthouses, you should tell them you are going to Wat Unalom, which is near the Royal Palace and by the Tonle Sap River. The tuk-tuk drivers will take you there. Some may not be interested if you don’t mention the temple name, but if you insist, they will take you as requested.

If you want assurance about accommodation, I recommend booking hotels in advance through trusted online sites like Agoda and choosing to stay in the area I recommend. This way, you get better prices and guaranteed accommodation. Standard room rates in Phnom Penh start at about 15 US dollars.

Lifestyle and atmosphere by the Tonle Sap River

Phnom Penh is located by the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap River, which connects to the large Tonle Sap Lake and flows down to the sea in Vietnam. This gives the riverside atmosphere a special charm. I, mr.hotsia, enjoy walking along the river near my accommodation because I can see the daily life of locals — villagers fetching water, vendors on boats, and ferries running regularly. It is a scene blending tranquility and liveliness perfectly.

If you are interested in learning more about history and culture, Phnom Penh also has important tourist sites such asThe Killing Fieldswhich is a painful historical site from the Khmer Rouge era, as well as the beautiful Royal Palace and Wat Phnom, the religious and cultural center of the city.

Traveling onward from Phnom Penh to Takeo Province and beyond

If you have free time and want to continue traveling from Phnom Penh, I have written in an articleBus from Phnom Penh to Takeo Provincethat Soray Tour company operates this route with four daily trips, taking about 2.5 hours. The buses have air conditioning, though sometimes it may not be very cold. This is suitable for travelers who want to see rural scenery and tourist towns in southern Cambodia such as Kampot and Sihanoukville. Additionally, you can use boats or taxis for more convenience according to your needs.

Summary of impressions from mr.hotsia

Visiting Phnom Penh in 2012 and experiencing the Khmer New Year allowed me, mr.hotsia, to see new perspectives of Cambodia’s capital different from previous visits. This includes the culture of merit-making during the Khmer New Year, delicious and lively local food, and the riverside lifestyle and community that remain simple yet charming.

For travelers who want to truly experience Phnom Penh, I recommend choosing accommodation near the Royal Palace and the Tonle Sap River for convenience and close contact with local life. Traveling onward to other provinces in Cambodia is also easy and more convenient with the continuously improving transportation system.

Finally, if anyone is interested in seeing the atmosphere or following mr.hotsia to explore food and fresh markets in Phnom Penh, I have recommended video clips such asEating Khmer Roasted Duck in Phnom PenhorDuck at Phnom Penh Morning Fresh Marketwhich will help you experience the city’s feeling even closer.