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Critical Analysis: Phnom Penh, Cambodia - whitemike - 03-13-2024
The capitals of Southeast and East Asia are characterized by their modernity and plenty of glittering attractions. Cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, and Beijing exemplify this. The secondary capital cities, such as Jakarta and Manila, boast a significant number of contemporary skyscrapers and have experienced substantial financial investment from China, the West, and other regions. This is evident in their population characteristics and infrastructure. Phnom Penh is situated at the lowest position within the third tier of capitals, just below other third tier cities such as Hanoi. Nevertheless, despite the absence of modernization, there are numerous reasons to recommend PP as a desirable destination to visit or relocate to.
Previously under French rule, Phnom Penh still bears certain remnants of colonial influence, resulting from centuries of conflicts with other civilizations in Southeast Asia. Despite the extensive destruction of the city during Pol Pot's genocide of the intellectual class in the 1970s, resulting in the death of over 1,000,000 Cambodians, particularly those living in urban areas, Phnom Penh still retains a distinct ambiance reminiscent of cities influenced by French colonialism. This is evident in the presence of two and three-story European-style buildings adorned with small balconies and wrought-iron gates. PP, in many aspects, resembles Hanoi, a city that shares a comparable colonial history, however the French had somewhat less inclination to sustain their influence in PP.
Simultaneously, the predominant non-Cambodian influence in Phnom Penh originates from China. The ethnic Chinese population in Cambodia, as well as in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries, has been established for several generations. Approximately half of the Cambodian population is believed to have some degree of Chinese ancestry, and the effect of this ethnic group is clearly evident in Phnom Penh. In fact, I would argue that the amount of Chinese influence in Phnom Penh is larger than what is experienced in Bangkok. It is important to remember this when visiting PP, and I will provide further elaboration later.
Firstly, I would like to emphasize that my main purpose for visiting PP was to explore their textiles sector, specifically focusing on silk. The silk produced in Cambodia is of remarkable quality given its affordability, making it a worthwhile option to explore, especially for purchasing gifts. Cambodia possesses a swiftly expanding and predominantly unregulated economy, which also enjoys substantial tax advantages from Europe and other regions for its exports due to its classification as a developing country. In my opinion, Cambodia presents several economic prospects, and despite the Chinese presence, the industry remains relatively unexplored.
Naturally, we are not here to discuss that topic.
Logistics
Upon arrival at PP airport, after a flight duration of two hours and fifteen minutes from Hong Kong, you will proceed directly to the immigration area. If you are from a visa-on-arrival country, like myself, you will need to stand in the queue on the left side. Make sure to have $20 in cash and a passport-sized photograph of yourself, which you should bring along. Submit those documents to the clerk together with your passport, and then walk to the queue directly in front of the desk to the left. Shortly thereafter, they will summon you by name and return your passport to you. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint, followed by the customs clearance, and you will have successfully entered.
Upon clearing customs, you will see a cluster of telecom carriers on your left, offering sim cards for sale. I personally utilized SMART, a telecommunications company I was already acquainted with from the Philippines. Although I cannot confirm if it is the same company, I encountered no difficulties with the SIM card or the data service. It is worth noting that a significant portion of Cambodia has modernized infrastructure, resulting in satisfactory internet speeds that, in my personal experience, surpassed those in the Philippines. I purchased a data plan for a duration of four days, costing $5, and an additional $3 for texting and calling. While this may seem excessive, the amount is trivial enough for me to not be concerned about the Delta.
Upon acquiring a SIM card, proceed down the designated path, making a left turn, where you will encounter tuktuk vendors and taxi cabs. They may attempt to extort additional money from you, but for a non-native individual, a fare of $7 to the riverbank and $6 to the Central Market area is rather reasonable (and perhaps twice as much as what natives would pay). If you encounter excessive criticism and wish to do so, it is quite simple to stroll into the street beyond the parking area situated in front of the hotel. Once you find yourself within a group of 20 tuktuk drivers, their bargaining process gets significantly smoother as they are aware of the presence of other competitors.
The duration of the voyage to Riverside is approximately 30 minutes, however it may take 5-7 minutes less to reach Central Market. I derived great pleasure from traversing Russian Federation Rd, a spacious thoroughfare adorned with pockets of greenery, while being surrounded by Cambodian individuals on motorcycles. On your way, you will come across several high-end automobile dealerships, which may initially be unexpected unless you have spent some time in PP and observed the abundance of Range Rovers. During my return journey to the airport, there was a rather mild windstorm that caused the dust on the road to be stirred up and blown into the tuktuk. There are limited options to address this issue, however one can either cover their mouth or opt for a legitimate taxi.
Regarding currency, it should be noted that reals and US dollars can be used interchangeably. The exchange rate between the Brazilian real and the US dollar is 4000 real to $1, and this conversion can be done in either direction. If you make a payment in US dollars and the amount of change is less than one dollar, you should anticipate receiving Brazilian reals as the currency for the change (e.g. 3000 reals for 75 cents, etc.).
Regarding taxis and tuk-tuks in general, for short distances, taxis will be more cost-effective if they utilize the meter. The University of Pretoria charges fees in increments of $1, while taxis do not follow this practice. For longer journeys, I believe that Tuks are more cost-effective if you are paying the appropriate fare. By spending a short duration in PP, you will acquire a perception of the expense. Approximately $2 should be the fee for a 10-minute period. The estimated duration is 15 minutes, with a potential cost of approximately $3. It is often advisable to directly give them the money after the ride, unless you feel the need to engage in negotiations beforehand or if you are unsure about the distance you will be traveling. Upon arrival, simply provide them with the exact sum of money. Typically, they will refrain from making any comments. The majority of individuals will be content to wait for you if you like them to do so. The extra cost should be minimal if you choose to have them wait for you while you are having lunch.
I resided in close proximity to the Central Market, a substantial and notable location of significance. I made a reservation for a hotel named LeBiz using my points hound account. By booking this hotel through the network of my preference, I earned 1100 frequent flyer points. If you write me a private message, I can provide you with my referral link, which would provide both of us additional bonus miles on top of your reservation. I incurred a cost of $48 per night for a duration of 4 nights. The room I stayed in was contemporary, equipped with a spacious waterfall shower that provided hot water. The room was clean and had satisfactory internet connectivity, although the internet was better in the lobby. Additionally, a simple breakfast was provided as part of the package. The personnel, who are Cambodian and not the foreign owner, are consistently friendly. Additionally, there are always tuk-tuks available outside, although they may attempt to charge you the higher foreigner fee. The Central Market, located just two blocks away, is not only a hub for commercial activities but also offers excellent options for BBQ fish and fresh fruit. Additionally, it houses numerous vendors offering a wide variety of items such as gems (both genuine and counterfeit), silk, and tourist souvenirs. Among the PP markets, Central attracts a larger number of international visitors due to its proximity to the riverbank, which is considered the epicenter for foreigners. Consequently, costs are elevated in Central for certain items, and there is a greater prevalence of English spoken. Additional markets, such as Olympic (located near the stadium) and ORussey (situated somewhat south of Central Market, around a 10-minute walk away), provide fewer English-speaking vendors and more affordable rates. These places are intriguing to explore and certainly have a more rough and raw atmosphere, particularly ORussey.
Riverside is located around five to seven minutes further west of Central Market at most. The area offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels and guest homes with prices ranging from $10 to several hundred dollars per night. Additionally, it is the closest area to the Palace, which is one of the main tourist attractions in PP. There are numerous bars, namely those catering to women and featuring female staff, as well as more costly restaurants in the area. However, I hope that Beyond can provide information on more affordable dining choices along the Riverside. In the vicinity of Central Market, I would like to draw attention to Samdoo, a commendable and reasonably priced Chinese eatery situated on Street 128. I dined at that establishment on three separate occasions within a span of four days.
The Riverside lacks picturesque qualities, with the river itself being muddy, dull, and heavily polluted, reminiscent of similar conditions observed in India. Thailand is not considered a significant source of transportation, whether as a secondary or major option. Riverside exhibits a significantly higher prevalence of individuals soliciting alms and street-dwelling minors compared to other regions. Certain streets in PP have a similar atmosphere to the rest of the city, while others resemble Nana in Bangkok. To the south of Riverside, the region becomes less popular among tourists and adopts a more relaxed atmosphere, mostly attracting local residents and offering more affordable costs. In the long run, it may be more advantageous to reside in a location other than North Riverside, which mostly caters to foreigners. This is particularly true for individuals with limited financial resources.
Why you came…
The girls of Phnom Penh exhibit a diverse range of physical appearances, ranging from slender to slightly curvaceous, with infrequent individuals who are overweight. Additionally, their appearances vary from those like Thai or Southeast Asian features to those resembling Chinese features. Last night, the female I spent time with had a physical appearance that closely resembled that of a Latina, but with a lighter complexion. In reality, she was an attractive individual, ranking around 8 or 9 on a scale of attractiveness. However, I refrained from pursuing any further interaction since I couldn't ascertain her intentions regarding financial compensation. Her proficiency in the English language was poor, and both BB and I were aware that these females typically worked at a KTV establishment and were currently off-duty. This girl bore a striking resemblance to Jessica Alba, although not quite reaching the same degree of attractiveness, she possessed a highly appealing facial appearance and figure.
The girls themselves typically exhibit a blend of traits derived from both Northern Vietnam and Thailand. In general, they exhibit a welcoming demeanor towards outsiders, similar to Thais. However, they tend to be more reserved and conservative, like to Vietnamese girls. Additionally, I have observed that they bear a resemblance to Vietnamese girls, although my experience in Thailand is limited to a few specific locations. It is possible to find a Cambodian girl for a casual sexual encounter during a brief visit, but if you are looking for a brief exploration of the city, you are more likely to come across a part-time bar lady or someone similar who is available for a short-term arrangement. BB possesses a strong command of the Khmer language and likely has superior skills compared to many of us. Consequently, he is able to adapt well to the local atmosphere and is more efficient in concluding tasks or achieving goals. Nevertheless, in any developing country, the distinction between being employed and unemployed is indistinct. Those with experience in such countries would own that they are not completely certain about all aspects of their achievements. To claim otherwise would be self-deception.
During our four-night stay, we visited various restaurants, bars, and clubs in the area. These included a Bia Hoy, which is similar to a Vietnam street beer establishment, as well as a roadside venue. We also went to clubs, one of which hosted a fashion show, and another located at the Naga World casino. Additionally, we visited Darlin Darlin, a club that primarily attracts professionals but also some tourists and possibly those seeking romantic encounters. We also went to the well-known hooker bars Pontoon and Heart of Darkness, although the latter has undergone some changes and now attracts a more diverse crowd. One night at Heart of Darkness seemed to be predominantly attended by gay individuals, while the atmosphere at the other night resembled that of Pontoon. The Pontoon establishment consists of two rooms and attracts a diverse crowd of international visitors, including both female and male individuals, such as backpackers or individuals seeking to spend money. I acquired my distinctive feature from a shoreline characterized by a floating structure, specifically a Pontoon. The origin of my heritage can be traced to a person who is of mixed descent, with one parent being of Singaporean nationality and the other parent being of Cambodian nationality. If BB is willing, he can recount the story behind why these girls were "intimidated" by him.The image displayed is an angel.gif. Regardless, this individual appeared to have physical features resembling those of a Japanese person, characterized by a petite stature and a well-toned physique.
Initially, she displayed a strong sense of aloofness, particularly considering her occupation as a bargirl, due to the aforementioned problem with my drinking buddy. Regardless, when I conversed with her using my inadequate Chinese language skills, she became more receptive, and then I exaggerated my words in a manner typical of Chinese culture. From that moment onwards, it became effortless, akin to down a slope. In addition, I am confident that my hotel offers a superior sleeping experience compared to wherever she resided in PP. I ultimately accompanied her and two other individuals who sought sanctuary at the BB to a Chinese restaurant that was conveniently located near the PP tower. The establishment had excellent seafood. Subsequently, I escorted the aforementioned girl, who was the sole individual, to my residence.
On the initial evening, we attended a live performance by a band in a club called Code Red, which consisted predominantly of Cambodian musicians. The talent levels were impressive, but it was unlikely that all the tables would be set up and ready to use on the same night. Additionally, I was quite fatigued from the journey. As previously said, last night we visited a club that catered more towards Cambodian ladies that have an interest in foreigners (unlike the first night). However, I was unable to join until around 2AM due to a work call with the United States. We encountered the KTV girls at that location and then relocated to Heart with them, as the establishment was essentially becoming vacant. There were some interracial couples in that location, and I agree with BB's statement that it appears to be the optimal area to find a non-professional. Prior to engaging with the KTV ladies, I interacted with another female individual at that location. However, she exhibited characteristics reminiscent of a transgender woman and possessed a prominent jawline. I requested assurance from BB, and he concurred that it was a somewhat ambiguous situation - which served as sufficient justification. There is a possibility that I left one there, but I will deliberately avoid any prospective meeting of that kind.
Costs
Basic existence incurs minimal expenses. Transportation is highly affordable. Guesthouses of satisfactory quality, equipped with internet access, are available for $10 a night without requiring a long-term rental commitment. Increasing that amount would result in a relocation to a more desired and potentially more refined location.
The prices of food vary, with a cheap meal costing between $1 and $2. The BBQ meal consisting of shrimp/squid, steamed rice, and raw vegetables was approximately $6 to $7. The restaurant called Samdoo had a similar price range, possibly slightly higher. The Japanese restaurant we dined at charged around $25 per person, but it offered fine dining and included a bottle of wine. Additionally, there is a remarkable bar located on the rooftop of the Phnom Penh skyscraper called Eclipse Sky Bar. It is an exceptional venue for a romantic outing, offering satisfactory cuisine at an estimated cost of 15-20 units of currency before beverages (about 5-6 units per drink). Although I am aware that Riverside has some upscale French restaurants, I did not have the opportunity to visit them.
Language
A significant number of Cambodians possess varying degrees of proficiency in the English language, ranging from moderate to exceptional, whereas a considerable portion of the population lacks this skill. The language proficiency appears to be significantly higher in the vicinity of Riverside, which is not surprising, and is also higher among younger individuals. Furthermore, I observed that a significant number of individuals conversed in Mandarin, especially in the marketplaces, with a higher prevalence among middle-aged and elderly individuals. I have not come across many young Cambodians who speak Chinese, although there are a handful. Occasionally, the Chinese language proved to be more efficient for communication and negotiation. It appears that in the markets, as well as other elements of the city, absolutely everything is up to negotiation.
In general, I found PP to be an exceedingly enjoyable city to visit, and a suitable destination for someone with a restricted yet flexible budget. While I don't plan on residing there permanently, the residents are amicable and far less ethnocentric compared to their Thai counterparts. Additionally, prices for various goods and services are lower than in the core regions of Bangkok, traffic is not problematic, and overall logistics are satisfactory. It is a commendable option for expatriates who enjoy living on the edge.
RE: Critical Analysis: Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Sukebin - 06-20-2024
Visa on arrival fee was $30 and no photograph required. I arrived in PP 2 weeks ago.
RE: Critical Analysis: Phnom Penh, Cambodia - PAG - 06-20-2024
(06-20-2024, 01:37 PM)Sukebin Wrote: Visa on arrival fee was $30 and no photograph required. I arrived in PP 2 weeks ago.
My review is more up-to-date
https://culturewhiz.org/trip-reports/phnom-penh-cambodia-red-light-city