Cambodian Culture
Jeff and I have been coming to Cambodia now for over 13 years, and even though parts of it can get exhausting, we still keep on coming back. For most people, particularly the expats who live here, it’s the cheap booze, but for me, it’s the cheap massages and seeing old friends. In one of my earlier posts, I wrote about Korea, and believe me, Cambodia is a lot different. There are both good and bad things about this country, and there are potential situations one must be very cautious about when traveling here but rest assured, as I will be going into that.
The Dark Side of Cambodia
Sadly, there is a dark side to Cambodia on several levels. First of all, there is a lot of alcoholism and drug use here. Foreigners even come here and deal drugs, which has become an increasing problem here. As far as alcohol goes, it’s very cheap, and excessive drinking seems to be the normal thing to do. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a drink or two, but it’s much more enjoyable if it’s done in moderation. Now, when it comes to drugs, I can’t say that’s enjoyable in moderation; that is something that is best to avoid altogether. Cambodia is a poor country, and kids have even resorted to sniffing glue as a way to get high. Theft is another problem that is becoming all too familiar, particularly in the big cities, although it still does occur even in some of the provinces. Motorbike Cowboys are thieves who drive closely to unsuspecting travelers in an effort to snatch their bag. Sometimes they work in pairs or groups. I have walked out on the infamous 172 Street, which is where we stay, and I carry my bag and keep it close to my body. Backpacks should always be worn in the front, no matter how silly one thinks it looks. It’s a better way to guard valuables, because nobody can come up from behind and cut the straps off the backpack. One of the biggest items that gets stolen is cell phones. All it takes for a person to get their phone stolen is leaving it unattended, even for a few seconds. If I go somewhere and have my phone or iPad with me, if I go to use the restroom, I take everything with me. I never trust others to watch my belongings, because if I do, I’m basically agreeing to watching my valuables disappear. When I’m out walking, my phone and other valuables are tightly tucked away and out of sight. Something else travelers must be aware of are shady tuk-tuk drivers. I’m not trying to dissuade anyone from taking a tuk-tuk, as it is an affordable way to get around. Jeff and I have built a solid rapport with many of the drivers in Phnom Penh, but some of the ones who drive late at night are definitely questionable—and not to be trusted. We’ve heard of instances where some drivers who were working with others and have taken a passenger late at night to somewhere isolated and robbed that person. In the worst-case scenario, others have not only gotten robbed but physically assaulted as well. The best way to avoid this from happening is to not take any transportation late at night. Staying closer to your hotel or guesthouse is much safer, especially late at night when the two-legged cockroaches are lingering about.
Cambodia is also notorious for some very common scams. The massage scam is one of the worst. These parlors are easy to spot, because there’s a red sign with white lettering and common misspelling that says $3 or $5 massage. Beware of this! These girls take you into a room and have somewhere for you to put your clothes. What these girls do is go through pockets or purses and swap out real dollar bills for fake ones. Some people have lost hundreds, even a few thousand dollars. They aren’t even licensed to give massages. Most of the time, they sit around playing on their phones or checking their makeup. This is a big scam operation, and we have seen it all over Phnom Penh. There are legitimate places to get massages, and they are going to cost more, but it’s a lot cheaper than going to these cheesy massage places. Trust me, you will end up paying a lot more than $5. I get my massages at Aroha Massage & Spa, which is located on 172 Street. The girls are nice and professional. I got a 90-minute foot massage for $14. Their prices have gone up a few dollars since last year, but that’s everywhere. When you walk into Aroha, someone brings you a cup of lemongrass tea, and you are given a menu so you can choose what type of massage you want. The highest price is around $100, but that’s for a complete spa package. They also do facials, manicures, pedicures, and body scrubs. If you really want to treat yourself to a luxurious (and legitimate) spa day, this is the place for you. Just stay away from the other places. No good comes out of it.
The infrastructure is a continuing problem in Cambodia. In the more modern areas of the city, it’s perfectly safe, but in the parts that are in desperate need of renovations, it can be dangerous if you don’t watch where you’re walking. There are a lot of uneven steps, open drains, holes that are sometimes hidden, loose bricks, and lots of tripping hazards. A lot of locals park their motorbikes where they happen to block the few safe areas there is to walk. If you’re out walking at night, it’s a good idea to bring a flashlight with you. I’m not exactly the most graceful person, so I really need to watch my step. As long as you exercise caution, you’ll be just fine. If nothing else, you will certainly become more agile in the long run. 😅
Now, this isn’t a darker side of Cambodia, however, it is very entertaining at times, to say the least. During the dry season here, it is also wedding season, so between the months of November through January, give or take a month or two, expect to see lots of weddings. A traditional ceremony is a big makeshift tent set up in the middle of the street. A company comes in and sets up tables and chairs, which the bride’s parents pay for. The women in the wedding party are decked out in sequins and overdone makeup. They layer on the makeup so heavily, it would almost take a hammer and chisel to remove it all. After the official ceremony is over, the heavy drinking and loud music begins, going on for several hours, or until the booze runs out. If you ever visit Cambodia, and want some free entertainment, check out a traditional Khmer wedding.
Even though parts of Cambodia can have a sketchy dark side, there is still a lot of beauty in it. Like any other country, it’s all what you make of it. If you seek out the good, then that is what you will find, and the same goes for the bad. If you don’t get involved in drugs, don’t go overboard with alcohol, your trip to Cambodia will be a pleasant experience filled with stories and lots of memories.
Thank you for reading!
