Backpacking
to Cambodia is a definite adventure that you cannot miss. Cambodia has
its own pace to life and gives the backpacker an opportunity to get into
photographer’s mode with its abundance of beautiful nature, culture,
and way of life. The cost of adventure for a backpacker is cheaper in
Cambodia as compared to other parts of Asia. Being in Cambodia is great
fun with visit to the historic Angkor Wat, Yoga and Meditation retreats in Siem Reap, enjoying hippie living in Kampot,
Dolphin watching, night markets, Cambodian food, Bamboo trains, and
finally visit to Phnom Penh, and Cambodian Islands. Cambodia as a
country offers a lot to the fun loving backpacker with cheap food,
accommodation and adventure that is stress free and reliable. Phnom Penh
as a city must be on your list of places to visit.
Phnom
Penh is one of the difficult Asian cities to adjust to since it is
extremely congested and hot. Its dusty streets reflecting the part of
Asia that is trying to recover from a difficult past. For a backpacker
who is new to this part of the world, Phnom Penh definitely provides a
huge challenge. However, in this challenge lies the beauty associated
with this place. You can witness saffron robed monks, children playing
in front of elegant colonial buildings having French architecture, and
colorful market stalls all around that sell almost everything from
fruits to worn out Levis jeans. The best thing to do here is to hit the
food markets either during the day or night. For a backpacker who
enjoys the hustle bustle of daily life, this place definitely provides
that through its markets. At the central night market, you can catch on
to some of the good and inexpensive food that Cambodia has to offer.
Phnom Penh is one place in Southeast Asia where you can enjoy the food
sitting on a blanket in the market. This typically presents a picnic
like atmosphere while you interact with the locals and have fun with
your traveler friends.
There are a lot of marveling city attractions, and some of which are a must watch. The Royal Palace
with its classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding, is a striking
structure near the riverfront. Visitors are allowed to visit the throne
hall, a cluster of buildings surrounding it and the astonishing Silver
Pagoda complex. Wat Ounalom
is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism. The main attraction here is a
stupa containing an eyebrow hair of Buddha with an inscription in Pali
(an ancient Indian language) over the entrance. The Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes is
a depressing site to visit but still a famous tourist spot. Khmer Rouge
leaders were meticulous in keeping records of their barbarism. Each
prisoner who passed through S-21 was photographed, sometimes before and
after torture. You can view the photographs on the wall and some
instruments of torture. 35km south of Phnom Pehn, peaceful Tonle Bati is
set on the banks of the Bati River in a well-tended grove of coconut
and mango trees, where you can swim and picnic as well as seeing the two
small but appealing temples. A perfect, relaxing getaway after some
serious sightseeing. If your backpacking stay allows you to stick around
Phnom Penh for a while, then you can find charming cafes, French
colonial buildings, beautiful tree lined boulevards, and at night
buzzing pubs to enjoy the night life. Also visit the Killing fields and S21 prison which is very much an important part of Cambodian history.
In
terms of accommodation, there are numerous guest houses and hostels
that provide cheap accommodation as you try and enjoy the buzz and
atmosphere of this place. If you are on a tight budget, then plan a stay
in the hostels to help cut down costs. The most well-known area in
Phnom Penh for backpackers is Golden Street located on Street 278 and
very close to the Independence monument. This area is filled with budget
hostels and guesthouses, pubs, tours and activities that is extremely
appealing to backpackers. If you want to stay a little away from this
area, then look at budget hostels and guest houses near to riverside.
Mid-range accommodations are located in the central part of Phnom Penh
in the BKK1 district. This area provides maximum comfort accommodation
with an active bar scene for the backpackers. The Boeung Kak Lake area is filled with rooms overlooking the lake having basic facilities.
Serendipity
is synonymous to backpacking travel. The satisfaction and happiness
associated with backpacking cannot be explained, only felt. Cambodia
provides million such opportunities where you will create the most
memorable moments of your life. So stop planning and get your backpack
on. “Let your Memory be your Travel bag.”
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