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

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Megan Brake

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

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Kat Koepnick

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

Posted on May 27, 2017 by Jen Green

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.

Continue reading →

The best gay bars in Phnom Penh

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Lina Goldberg

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

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Kat Koepnick

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”

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Lina Goldberg

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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The best pizza in Battambang

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Megan Brake

Despite its small size and relatively quiet atmosphere, Battambang has a surprising amount of foreign food options. From Indian to American, French to Spanish, visitors and Khmer alike can get their fix of cuisines from around the world. Oddly enough, the food with the most variety in Battambang is pizza.

Because I adore pizza, I’ve made it my mission to check out all the options in Battambang and find my favorite. The results of my arduous search include more than a few nights stuffed with pizza, and a definite choice for the number one best pizza in Battambang.

Battambang pizza

The best pizza in Battambang? Gets my vote!

Continue reading →

Review: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap PSD Xpress bus

Posted on April 21, 2017 by Lina Goldberg

As of December 19, 2017 PSD will no longer be offering service between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. 

Now that the road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is fully paved and the trip takes only six hours, there’s no better time to get a glimpse of the Cambodian countryside through a bus window. PSD Xpress is a new company running full-size buses twice a day. If you’re trying to decide which company to take for the bus ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, I’ve got a report from a recent trip (I’m actually writing this review on the bus right now).

PSD Xpress Cambodia

PSD Xpress is the latest luxury bus plying the Phnom Penh to Siem Reap route.

PSD Xpress is aimed at the tourist market, positioning themselves alongside Giant Ibis and Mekong Express. But how do they compare? Continue reading →