You and the night and the music: Dancing in Kampot

Kampot’s nightlife differs from the other major Cambodian cities due to its smaller size and the laid-back nature of the town. Visitors generally care more about chilling out along the riverside or chatting with people in the numerous bars, rather than getting their party on. Those looking for drug-fueled jungle parties should head to Sihanoukville or one of the islands. But don’t worry, Kampot has its own style of dance party.

Kampot at night

When night falls on Kampot it’s time to put on your dancing shoes!

The expats here are known as Kampotheads for good reason, and the ever-growing number of watering holes should indicate exactly the kind of trouble you can find in this mellow city. The town grows more lively on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights with weekly parties to satisfy everyone’s urge to shimmy. Although you may find yourself in the middle of an impromptu dance party almost anywhere in town, if you want a guaranteed evening of shaking your booty, be sure to head to one of the places listed below for one of Kampot’s weekly dance parties! Continue reading

Review: Larryta Express, Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Larryta Express has been around for a couple of years now, but have never really taken off with foreigners because — seriously — their logo is hard to read. I’ve actually had someone ask me if I’ve taken the “squiggly van” before.  The answer is yes! I took a Larryta Express mini-bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap last week and have the full report.

Larryta Express Phnom Penh

It’s not just a squiggle, it’s Larryta Express!

Larryta Express have a fleet of new vans, and have more daily departures than any other company I know about, going from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap nine times a day, and the same from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Because they have so many departures, it’s easy to get a ticket even on the same day. Continue reading

How to make a visa run: Crossing the border at Cham Yeam International Checkpoint

There may come a day when you need to make a quick visa run to Thailand. And while Poipet is a nightmare few expats want to relive, crossing the border at Cham Yeam is a much more relaxed experience. Prepare to deal with a bit of hassle and to be dramatically overcharged for your visa, but don’t fear the wild scams traditionally found up in Poipet.

Cambodia Thailand border Koh Kong

Crossing the Cambodia-Thailand border at Koh Kong doesn’t have to be a hassle.

As of 2017, here is what you can expect if you plan to be crossing the border at Cham Yeam International Checkpoint outside of Koh Kong, Cambodia to Hat Lek, Thailand. Continue reading

Go for a swim! Kampot’s best swimming pools

Travelers who get the heebie-jeebies just thinking about swimming in nature need not fear when heading to Kampot. The Teuk Chhou River calls daily for bathers to seek refuge from the unrelenting Cambodian sun in its cool water, but some prefer not to answer the invitation. Whether fear of mud, animals, or some other unknown terror keeps you out of the river, simply head over to one of Kampot’s swimming pools open to visitors for a relaxing cool down in the water.

Villa Vedici Kampot

Go for a dip in Kampot at Villa Vedici.

Kampot’s best swimming pools

The number swimming pools in Kampot is baffling considering the proximity of the river, but that does not stop visitors from taking advantage of these convenient places to escape the heat. The list below does not include every pool found in Kampot since some allow only their guests access. The following pools are open to visitors looking to take a clean, chlorofied dip. Continue reading

The cheapest ATMs in Phnom Penh

Not everyone decides to open a local bank account when they move to Cambodia. Should you? We help you break down the cost of taking money out of ATMs, so you can decide for yourself.

Phnom Penh ATMs

Which one will you choose?

Luckily, there are plenty of ATMs to choose from in Phnom Penh, so you can access your foreign bank accounts and buy all of the cheap beers you can drink.

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The best gay bars in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh has a happening gay scene that’s very inclusive. No matter how you identify, a night out at one of Phnom Penh’s gay and queer bars is a recipe for fun. Drag and cabaret shows are all the rage in Cambodia, and you’ll find them at many of the gay bars on the weekends. Some of the acts may leave you scratching your head in confusion, but others feature accomplished performers in outrageous gear. There are also a few gay-oriented clubs in town as well. Our favorites are below.

Space Hair Salon

Space Hair Salon is known for their flamboyant uniform and fancy dress parties.

Space Hair Salon and Bar is more than just the sum of its parts, it’s a unique combination of cool Cambodian hair salon and gay bar that attracts a mixed crowd of gays, straights, women, and adorable dogs (seriously). Owned by a Spanish-Cambodian couple, Space Bar is known for their relaxed vibe, handsome waiters, themed parties, and strict policy of no money-boys. You can also get your hair done while enjoying a drink and the tunes, which are a mix of fun dance tunes, Cambodian pop, and gay standards. Continue reading

Eating vegan and vegetarian in Kampot

Herbivores visiting Kampot will find it a food-lover’s paradise. The sleepy city by the river embraces the veggie lifestyle with three vegetarian-only restaurants and most eateries offering enticing plant-based options. Vegans need not fear; Kampot has you covered too with plenty of purely plant dishes that let you enjoy your stay without worry. The following are my tips for the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Kampot. In addition, you can find general tips and menu cards in our all-Cambodia guide to eating vegetarian and vegan.

vegetarian vegan Kampot

Vegetarians and vegans visiting Kampot have nothing to fear when it comes to dining.


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Photo exhibition: “Cambodia Reawakening: One year after the Khmer Rouge”

In 1980, one year after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, American photographer John Burgess arrived in Phnom Penh, where he began a journey across Cambodia to document the country’s recovery process. Burgess, who worked as a journalist for the Washington Post and TIME, traveled by car from Phnom Penh to Battambang and Siem Reap, and around the Tonle Sap, capturing amazing images along the way.

This month his photographs from that time will be on display in Siem Reap at Footprints Cafe from May 3rd to May 17th. See below for more details.

Cambodia vintage photo

The Phnom Penh-Battambang train was running, with every square centimeter filled. (Captions by John Burgess)

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