Backpacking Southern Cambodia 27/41: Pad Krapow vs Lok Lak - Listening to Stories of Past and Present Travel

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 27/41: Pad Krapow vs Lok Lak - Listening to Stories of Past and Present Travel

When talking about traveling in Cambodia, many might only think of famous tourist destinations like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. But for me, mr.hotsia, traveling in southern Cambodia has a unique charm unlike anywhere else. This time, I want to take everyone to experience eating, traveling, and listening to stories about the lifestyle of Khmer people in the past and present through simple yet extraordinary dishes like “Pad Krapow” and “Lok Lak” that I encountered on this trip.

My journey began in Ta Kaew Province, a border area adjacent to Vietnam. Although this province is not well known among foreign tourists, for me, Ta Kaew was a surprisingly impressive stop. I took a bus from Phnom Penh operated by Soraya company, which took about two and a half hours. The air-conditioned bus here might not be as cold as those back home, but it helped ease the heat somewhat. Upon arriving in the small, peaceful town of Ta Kaew, I chose to stay at Houy Meyly Guest House, a new hotel in the town center. Just stepping out from the market, I was greeted by the genuine simple and friendly lifestyle of the locals.Traveling in Ta Kaew ProvinceIt was a great starting point for this trip.

During the trip, I had the chance to chat with locals at the morning market, where fresh and local products were sold in a friendly atmosphere, similar to the morning market in Stung that I visited in northern Cambodia.Stung Morning MarketThere, I enjoyed the variety of fresh goods, the warmth of the vendors, and the local language sounds that made me feel more connected to the lifestyle.

Back to the dish that impressed me the most: the “Pad Krapow” here. Although it looks like a simple dish, its taste is clearly different from the Pad Krapow back home. The holy basil is not very spicy but has the fragrant aroma of Khmer spices, using fresh meat stir-fried with chili and garlic until fragrant. Eating it with hot steamed rice is one of the things that made me feel that southern Khmer cuisine has a unique charm not to be overlooked.

Additionally, I tried Lok Lak, another interesting local dish. Lok Lak is a simple grilled meat or fish dish enjoyed by the roadside in Kampot Province, where I had the chance to visit and capture many fresh seafood images.Seafood at Kampot Morning MarketandFresh oyster seafood at Kampot MarketThis reminded me of simple food that doesn’t require much seasoning but is delicious and full of local ingredient flavors. Southern Khmer Lok Lak is grilled over charcoal until perfectly cooked, with a smoky aroma and spices blended with a slightly salty and sweet dipping sauce that is distinctive.

While eating Lok Lak, I talked with locals about stories of travel in the past and present. Here, travel is still simple and slow, unlike when I first started traveling many years ago. Changes in lifestyle and increased tourism have made markets and food menus more diverse and open, but the traditional atmosphere remains, making me feel connected and fascinated by southern Khmer culture.

For travelers interested in experiencing this atmosphere, stopping by to try breakfast like grilled beef rice porridge in Svay Rieng Province is another good option.Grilled Beef Rice Porridge in Svay Rieng ProvinceI sat eating among locals while practicing a little local language, making it a perfect memory to complete this trip.

In summary, this southern Cambodia backpacking trip allowed me, mr.hotsia, to learn and experience the traditional lifestyle and changes in southern Cambodia through simple dishes like Pad Krapow and Lok Lak, as well as natural travel connections between Ta Kaew and Kampot provinces. For anyone wanting to travel deeply, off the main routes, and truly experience local life, I recommend opening your heart and following this path. You won’t be disappointed.

Follow the full travel and food video stories on my YouTube channel.Backpacking Southern Cambodia 27/41: Pad Krapow vs Lok LakSee you again on the next trip.