Cambodia Review: Stay in Cambodia by Jean Damien
Key Points to Remember
Cambodia can be discovered in 10 to 15 days: Angkor Wat (3 days), Phnom Penh (2 days), Battambang (2 days), Sihanoukville coast and Koh Rong (3 days). Affordable budget (25-40€/day) for a country rich in history and pristine beaches.
We first met virtually through online games, then saw each other in real life, and we have been following each other’s travel adventures for a few years now!
  ; Find Jean Damien’s testimony below and those of other travelers here.
Cambodia Review: Introduction
  ; Can you introduce yourself to us?Jean-Damien, MBA International Management student at Laval University in Quebec. I am 27 years old and I am French, but I have been living in Canada (mainly in Quebec) for 6 years as part of my studies. I am passionate about travel; whenever I have time, I take the first flight to just about anywhere as long as my budget allows.
  ; It seems you have traveled a lot, tell us a bit about the long trips you have taken?I have traveled a lot since I was young with my parents in Europe, USA, Canada. I was missing Asia, so in 2009 I did a first university study stay in South Korea for 2 months. In 2010, I had the chance to go to India for 2 months for a business mission and personal travel. In 2011, back to India and Nepal for a business mission and personal travel. When you love it, you do it again! After that, I visited Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia for 2 months. Then I returned a second time to South Korea for my studies, but for 4 months this time. I also lived 2 months in China with my ex-girlfriend. Yes, women make you travel. I am going to Mexico for 3 months in May, June and July to finish my MBA.
  ; You have traveled a lot, what is your best memory and the country you preferred?Definitely, India will remain my most beautiful trip! I was lucky to go there for business, but also for pleasure for 2 years. The colors, the people, the culture, the smells, the landscapes are fabulous, I am in love and I dream of being able to live there one day.
Did you know?
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, covering 162 hectares. Built in the 12th century for King Suryavarman II, it was initially a Hindu temple before becoming Buddhist in the 15th century.
A beautiful country, very hot in March and April! Ideally, get out of the cities to discover the real Cambodia and the locals. An adorable, smiling, and friendly population.
My experience
My best sunrise: Angkor Wat at 5:30 in the morning, from the reflecting pool. 200 people lined up in silence, the silhouette of the towers slowly emerging in the orange light. It is one of the most powerful landscapes I have seen.
Definitely the school and playing with the children at school and sharing simple moments with them ! Playing soccer, tag, making paper airplanes ! In short, the simplicity of a child’s life !
  ;
Why did you choose Cambodia (I remind you it is one of the countries of my ancestors) ?
I had already been to Cambodia and really enjoyed the contact with the people. Cambodians are very kind by nature and very smiling, it makes you want to come back.
When I saw that a serious NGO (non-governmental organization) had a program in Siem Reap, I immediately wanted to do the program.
The advantages
- Angkor Wat unique in the world
- Very low cost of living
- Excellent Khmer cuisine
- Preserved beaches in the south
- Very welcoming population
The drawbacks
- Very painful recent history (Khmer Rouge)
- Roads sometimes in poor condition
- Visible begging
- Stifling heat in the dry season
- Logistics sometimes complicated
I think that at the school where I was, the children are used to seeing foreign teachers and the children seem to really appreciate that. Generally, on the street, Cambodians are very smiling and welcoming. Originally I was supposed to stay 2 weeks but I stayed a month, and I would have stayed longer if I didn’t have to go to Mexico for studies. Cambodians are the main reason for my decision to stay rather than go have a good time in Bali or the Philippines for example.
| Step | Duration | To see |
|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 3 days | Angkor Wat, temples |
| Phnom Penh | 2 days | Tuol Sleng Museum, royal palace |
| Battambang | 2 days | Bamboo train, Phare Ponleu circus |
| Koh Rong | 3 days | Deserted beaches, snorkeling |
| Kratie | 1 day | Freshwater dolphins |
  ;
What could you say to our traveling readers to make them want to go ?
Go for it ! You won’t change the world, but your action today can change the destiny of the children you teach ! Even if only one succeeds, well that’s a victory, because that one will one day give back in his country and someone will benefit and the cycle will continue. In short, small actions are needed to generate big changes and it starts with volunteering, I think.
The classic trap to avoid
Never pay children for photos, nor for candies. This fuels child labor and prevents them from going to school. If you want to help, support verified NGOs like Friends International or ChildSafe.
Follow the other part of the interview at :
travailler-et-voyager.fr/travail-a-letranger/mission-sociale-au-cambodge-192
Along the same lines, the article on Burma / Myanmar provides useful insight. Our feedback on Taiwan the opinion of also offers good leads, and the guide dedicated to the Asia tour nicely completes the picture.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to send him a message via Facebook : Jean-Damien Cangelosi or by email : jdamien@cangelosi.fr
How many days in Cambodia?
10 to 15 days for a complete circuit Siem Reap + Phnom Penh + beach.
Do you need a visa for Cambodia?
Yes, visa on arrival (30 USD) or e-visa online (36 USD). 30 days.
What is the best period?
November to February: dry weather, bearable temperatures. Avoid March-May (very hot).
