February 8, 2015: Arrival to Phnom Pen

After about 32 to 36 hours of total travel, we arrive at Phnom Pehn around noon, just a little weary eyed and jet lagged. Greeted on arrival by Vy (or gracious host) and Betty. Betty arrived a day ahead (without luggage) and took in few sites (Royal Palace, national museum, Olympic stadium, Wat Bo, killing fields and genocide museum before meeting us on Sunday).

Next was a relatively short (4hrs) ride to Kep. Road travel in Cambodia is an experience where speed limits are not much of a factor and where one of your most important vehicle features is the the horn.

Our home in Kep for next two weeks will be the Spring Valley Resort.

Don Brimacombe
DWC Volunteer Team Leader
Cambodia: February 2015

Saturday, Nov 15: Hello Cambodia!

Our party of five arrived scattered throughout the day and each of us was greeted by a tuk-tuk at the airport that took us on a winding ride through the streets of Phnom Penh to our hotel for the night. I must say this was quite an authentic introduction to the ‘big city’ and everyone was thrilled to take in the sights, sounds, and smells as we veered through traffic in the typical Cambodian manner. Sandra and Cathy arrived in the afternoon and were able to explore a bit, while Scott, Todd, and Sarah arrived at the hotel just before midnight; just enough time to kick back and reward ourselves with a cold beverage before bed as we looked out at the Tonle Sap River.

Sarah Armstrong 

DWC Team Leader 

Cambodia, November 2014

Saturday, Nov 15: First to arrive in Phnom Penh!

Arrived in Phnom Penh and was met by the hired tuk tuk driver at the airport. What transpired in the next 45 minutes was a mixture of fear, chaos and exhilaration!

Though there are designated lanes, they seem to be there simply as a guideline - there is definitely more motorcycles on the road than anything else so any little space that can fit a moto will be filled. And every once and a while, someone will decide to go the wrong way just because they can! And amazingly no one seems to get riled up over the ones going the wrong way. Full families of four passed by on their moto, apparently seven is the limit before the police will take any notice!

Amazingly all seem to happily coexist and I have a feeling that there are far few accidents than we see back home. In any case, it was a wonderful introduction to Cambodia. As some of the group was arriving late at night, we were to spend the night in Phnom Penh. 

After meeting my roomie for the next few weeks, we decided the hit the streets! We watched a Cambodian dance show complete with masks and shadow puppets - it was interesting to watch but likely more relevant had we understood the story! Afterwards we stopped for dinner to a noodle soup house where they had a burner on the table. You ordered the ingredients you wanted in the soup, and then they would bring them to the table where you would add them into the broth to cook! The spring onions were delicious but the "beef" was some sort of elastic tripe which proved more difficult than not to eat - but it was an experience and I think I'm going to like Cambodia - the people are friendly and quick to smile despite having crazy driving skills!!

Cathy Colborne 

DWC Participant

Cambodia, November 2014