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Author - graham

Late Traveller and facilitator looking forward to sharing my travel journey as I backpack around South East Asia and maybe the world.

Siem Reap

February 2, 20193 min read

A definite must-visit City in all of Southeast Asia

Logical for visiting Angkor Wat and the number of other temples, but it has become a viable attraction on its own.

Night Market

Find a Hostel or Hotel close to the Angkor Wat Night Market, which is one of the best I have seen, a good starting point, and well situated for pretty much everything else.

You can stroll around the really large market in peace.

Good Food

Whilst the people will be happy to talk to you and show you many things to tempt you to buy, they are not as pushy as in Thailand, and it is a welcome relief.

In fact, apart from the Tuk Tuk drivers offering to take you somewhere

( and then once you explain where you are staying, they leave you alone) it is pretty laid back.

I spent most of my nights walking around, finding new and varied places to eat, and never got tired of the market.

There are girls from the massage places who have to try to get custom, and they can be quite demanding.

However, I just told them I am going to eat first, and they tend to leave you alone.

However, if you do venture down the well-travelled road and try a Cambodian massage, please be wary of one thing.

They are more interested in massaging bananas than your back 😂🙄

TIP OF THE POST

Cambodia operate a twin currency system, that of US $ and Cambodian Riel

“When getting money out of the ATM be wary to ask for multiples of 100’s if you choose dollars, which is easier and better used. Mainly because it is sooo hard to exchange a $100 bill. Opt for  $180-190 instead of $200 so at least you get some small bills”

There are many nice restaurants to sit and eat, and it is nothing like what you imagine a collection of bars to be like in Asia.

Seeing large groups of people and families happily eating together with no problem is a great way to feel comfortable and enjoy what is around you.

The food is very varied, and although I am still getting to know the authentic Khmer food here, it is not as spicy as Thailand.

If I am honest, I do miss that, but it has its own flavours too.

A fish or Chicken curry has a sweet texture and is beautifully prepared, and I guess it is a nice change from what I became used to in Thailand.

They do provide a lot of Thai dishes here, but remember they won’t taste the same as in Thailand.

January 2019

January 31, 20191 min read

New Year, New Start, New Country? Not Yet!

Enjoying New Year’s Eve on a Farm in Cambodia was one of the best I have experienced.

No Expensive bars or clubs to get into

No dress etiquette

No worries about getting home after a few drinks

All in all, a good place to party, a large group of locals, farmers and families all happily spending time together and enjoying karaoke and plenty of beer.

So still in Kampot, staying on the farm, working, and looking forward to seeing the harvest in about 6-8 weeks.

Also attending my first Cambodian Wedding; it will be interesting to see how it differs from Thailand.

TIP OF THE POST

Whilst large cities like Phnom Penn and Siem Reap are the obvious places to celebrate New Year, check out Kampot which although is a small town in the south of the country about 3-4 hours drive from the capital.

It has many western restaurants and bars that cater for all types of holiday makers and is a great place away from huge crowds to consider spending the end of one year and the start of the another.

December 2018

January 22, 20194 min read

So after a brief stopover in Pattaya, where I managed to get sunburnt and pick up the flu in a hostel in 4 days 😅

I flew to Cambodia which was a good flight but one I nearly missed.

I forgot the fundamental thing you learn when in Bangkok!

The Traffic 🤣

So after catching the Bus from Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi Airport ( which takes about 1.5 hours)

Arriving at 4,30 and then catching the Shuttle bus to Don Muang which takes about an hour.

On Time so far

Everything okay so far as my flight is at 8.10 so plenty of time

And that is where the trouble starts arriving at Suvarnabhumi was on time and whilst I had some time I decided to go print off my Visa (sent via email) to get into Cambodia.

As I had previously printed off a copy and put somewhere safe.

So safe in the fact that I spent 30 minutes in the morning trying to find it 🤣

Anyway having sorted at the airport thanks to the nice Tourist Police (only 10 baht for b/w) Thanks guys🤞

I jumped on the shuttle bus ( you have to show your ticket or flight info) and as we pulled out I stared in front of us and looked rather bewildered at the rows and rows of red tail lights.

Yep Thursday night rush hour in Bangkok or rather a slow hour because you really don’t move much

The driver of the bus just shrugged, pointed in front then got out and had a smoke.

Don Muang is bigger than you think

Anyway arriving at Don Muang at 7.27pm and rushed to the check-in desk at 7. 40 pm where they looked rather annoyed at me, took my bag and told me boarding was at 7.30 and I still had to get through customs and find my gate.

I am pretty sure the girl behind the counter said Good Luck under her breath but maybe it was my imagination.

Rushing through customs is normally not that easy as you have to remove your shoes, belt, watch and empty out your mobile devices and laptop so after filling up 4 trays and clogging the belt I then went through for security check.

After what seemed like ages I was cleared and gathered my possessions walking whilst trying to put your shoes on and fasten your belt is always fun.

The time now 7.50 pm flight leaves in 20 minutes

Success at the gate

Rushing to the gate I managed to be second to last to board thanks to the old lady who managed to lose her passport and had everyone helping her hold bags while she rummaged in them.

We did manage to take off on time and after a rather good flight for me, we landed in Siem Reap, Cambodia at 9.07.

The plus side to this was my bag was the first one off the plane so I had gone through immigration before most had collected bags

However, I don’t recommend cutting it that close.

TIP OF THE POST

Some times looking for accommodation can be a mixture of cost, availability and location and these do drive us to choose places we may not enjoy or like once we get there, however I have learnt that paying attention to reviews and feedback is also key. I stopped in a hostel in Pattaya which presented itself as a good hostel (all amenities ) great location and good price, however being ill whilst there meant I felt worse and was happy to pay extra to get out, even if that meant having to travel further to reach local amenities.

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Kampot Pepper! Never heard of it?

January 18, 20192 min read

Kampot Pepper

Kampot pepper is renowned worldwide, featured in top restaurants and used by some of the best chefs. Its resurgence came after nearly 30 years of non-production because the Khmer Rouge forced farmers to focus on growing rice and vegetables instead of pepper.

In the late 1990s, as the world began to recognise the devastation caused by the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia started to regain a sense of normalcy. Elections were held, and farmers felt safe enough to return to their homelands. However, it took many more years before they could actually start farming again.

Born again

With support from foreign investment by French and Belgian expatriates who established farms, the region began to cultivate a market for Kampot pepper once again. The farming activity increased significantly after Kampot pepper received its Protected Geographical Indication award in 2010. Once the market for Kampot pepper was established, local Cambodian farmers began gradually investing in and growing pepper again.

Today, there are over 400 farms in Kampot Province, primarily small farms run by hardworking Cambodian farmers, producing over 100 tonnes annually. However, this accounts for less than 1% of the total pepper grown in Cambodia each year.

My experience

If you visit Cambodia, I highly recommend stopping by Kampot. In town, there’s a charming little establishment called the “Kampot Pepper Shop,” where you can taste the distinct flavour of Kampot pepper. They can also direct you to a lovely family-run farm called BoTree.

At BoTree, enthusiastic volunteers will guide you and share their passion for pepper. They offer an engaging “taste of pepper” tour that will help you understand why it is considered one of the best peppers in the world!

 

 

 

 

 

Workaway – The Pepper Farm

January 14, 20191 min read

Workaway is an excellent opportunity for people to volunteer while travelling and learn new skills and practices from individuals in other countries.

My first, and yet it seems so perfect.

I have been immersed in pepper, from learning its origins to growing it and meeting new friends along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a few hours’ work per day, we are fed and provided with beds on the farm alongside the farm workers.

If you have a skill ( and let’s face it, we all have something to offer), you can help in many ways, from farms, homestays, and educational programs to hostels and building projects.

For more information check out the website www.workaway.info 

If you own a farm or have a project you would like to have volunteers helping you, then equally go to the website and sign up as a host

TIP OF THE POST

Red Peppercorns (approx 20-30) soaked in a litre of Gin for 2 weeks, then soaked in another  litre of Gin for 3 weeks and mixed together and you have what the cambodian’s say “A Party”

 

 

 

Pattaya

December 24, 20183 min read

Who says places filled with tourists can’t still be beautiful? While Pattaya has a reputation for its nightlife, including sex workers, streets lined with bars and clubs, and many ladyboys, there is much more to discover if you look beyond Walking Street.

One lesser-known gem is Sai Kaew Beach, which you can access by passing through the Thai Naval Training Centre. Once you arrive, you’ll find a charming beach that, although it can get busy, often has space for you to sunbathe or relax in the shade. Just be cautious of the monkeys, as they tend to rummage through your bags when you’re not looking to check if your food is appealing!

Away from the nightlife scene, further down Jomtien Beach, there are some hidden treasures. One beach bar comes alive at sunset when the beach becomes deserted. It attracts mostly Thai locals, but you’ll always feel welcome, and the food is absolutely delicious.

Perhaps it’s because you’re seated at tables right on the beach, gazing out at the sea; maybe it’s the vibrant music from the bar, the beautiful surroundings, the company you share, or the refreshing cocktails they serve that make the experience so enjoyable. It’s truly a treat, especially since this bar is the only one along an expansive stretch of beach that goes on for miles.

TIP OF THE POST

Sai Kaew Beach is about 20 km south of Pattaya and if you have a car it is well worth the trip out there.

Be aware though go early as foreigners are not allowed on the beach after 6pm as its reserved for locals

Beware of the monkeys, though, as they have a tendency to go through your bags when you’re not looking to find whether your food tastes acceptable 🙂

Away from the bars and clubs,  further down Jomtien beach has a few golden nuggets

There is a bar on the beach that becomes alive (literally) as the sun sets and the beach becomes deserted

Mainly Thai people go there, but you will always be made to feel welcome, and the food is mouthwatering

Maybe because you are sat on tables on the beach looking into the sea.

Or the vibrant sounds of the music coming from the bar,

Or maybe it’s just the surroundings, the company you’re with or the cocktails they serve, but it is a real treat as it is the only one along a beach stretching for miles.