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WELCOME TO CAMBODIA

The Kingdom Of Wonder

By CHRIS OWEN

August 21^st, 2016

Stopping in Sihanoukville, Cambodia for the day continued our Seabourn 14-night Taste Of Asia itinerary, on the way to Thailand. An interesting stop on the Seabourn Food And Wine Cruise, we were greeted by a warm and friendly pack of Tuk Tuk drivers, eager to have our business for the day.

MR KIM HONG

On a private tour of the deep water southwestern Cambodian port known for its beaches and tropical islands, we explored the peninsula which extends into the Gulf of Thailand. An easy walk-off port with complimentary shuttle service to town provided, Sihanoukville began and ended with a local destination focus that had its share of surprises.

TUK TUK TOUR

Like other places we had visited on this itinerary, streets were crowded and dominated by motorcycles. Still, a tuk tuk tour to all the hotspots ($20) provided a quick and efficient way to see the place and capture the images I needed for this story.

THE MALL OF Cambodia

Stopping at a variety of monuments and attractions, it was interesting to see the parallels that run through daily life here, echoed at other stops we had made along the way. Different here, name brand prescription medications require no doctor’s order. Good news for someone looking to stock up/save on their favorite prescription. Not so good news communicating the name of the product if it is generic. Allegra-D, for example, not on the radar here.

on the street in cambodia

Interesting little tidbit of information about Cambodia: Pretty much any restaurant or bar with the word “Happy” attached to it means there is a special seasoning used on or in menu items.

interesting cambodia fact

Half of Cambodia’s current population is younger than 15 years old

cambodia jungle

Cambodia has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Between the years 1990 and 2005, the country has lost 25,000 square kilometers of forest.

planning a trip to cambodia

“Cambodia is a country still trying to find its way. Development hasn’t been great, as corrupt officials have hindered growth by selling off most of the country to investors. But in all my visits here, I always fall more madly in love with the place and can’t recommend it enough to everyone I meet. It always surprises you.”- Nomadic Matt’s Cambodia Travel Guide

multiple sources

“It‘s not by chance that Cambodia has become highly popular among eclectic travelers of all sensibilities, whether they‘re seeking lush jungles spotted with dusty temple ruins, idyllic beaches with an air of luxury, artsy boutique hotels, exciting nouvelle cuisine, or ethical shopping, among numerous other vibrant options. Its rich—some may say loaded—history has peeled away to reveal the admirably dynamic, positive, and creative ability of its people to pull through and launch into new beginnings, bringing Cambodia to the world stage as a destination that stands on its unique cultural identity.’- Fodor’s Cambodia Travel Guide

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monkeys

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happy cambodia

After more than a week of fine cuisine on board the Seabourn Food And Wine Cruise, I was ready for a burger and found the Happy Burger establishment to be a good choice. Surprisingly, that was one of the best burgers I ever enjoyed, anywhere. So good was that burger that I ordered a second. They really weren’t all that big and boy did they taste good.