Cambodia's history

Not only is Cambodia beautiful in scenery but it also has a very rich history; it's almost a shame if you do not try fully understand what the Cambodians went through in the past 30 to 40 years. Their past is filled with anger, violence and despair and you can still see this in many of the older generations.

You are all most likely aware of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. The consequences of this regime are still being felt today. From this genocide many of the brightest people were killed to stop any uprising and because of this massive brain-drain, once the regime ended the country had to rebuild with under educated citizens.

Some of the soldiers involved in the Khmer Rouge were put to trial and sentenced, however, some people still believe that even though they were punished, it is the locals that are still being punished more for what they and their ancestors were put through.

It is quite a scary thought that this was still very recent. After learning more about their history while in the country, I found out that the faces of the regime were out there in meetings with the UN, however, what was actually happening to their countrymen were so well hidden that the rest world wasn't aware of the devastation that was happening at the same time.

The Cambodians will not let their people forget the suffering they endured as they believe it will make them stronger. They have turned former fields used for the massacres and prisons as memorial grounds and museums to educate the younger generation and visitors wishing to know more about their culture and what makes them who they are today.

Your hostel should help you get to both the places below. We paid between the three of us about US$10 roughly each for the tuktuk driver to get us here. Although, you can haggle with other tuktuk drivers instead for a better price.

1) Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial / Genocide Centre
There is a small entrance fee and you get given headphones and a recorder which will narrate what happened at each stop. They come in difference languages too, otherwise you could pay for a tour guide. You will need a good two hours at least here, depending on how quickly you want to walk through the grounds.

2) Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)

This high school was converted into a prison by the Khmer Rouge and used between 1975 to 1979. Here the prisoners were tortured and coerced to release names of associates, family members and friends who the Khmer Rouge thought were against them. In turn, they were then captured, tortured and killed. 

This is a chilling site as they still have many records of all the prisoners that went through this place. Headshots and disturbing images line some of the rooms and they have kept the cells the same since the last day this prison was used. Dried blood spots still stain the floors and in some areas there are still footprints of the last prisoner that was kept in that cell. 

Best of Cambodia

This is just a few highlights of my trip to Cambodia. Hopefully this will give you an idea on what to do, whether you're there for a quick visit or there for an extended period of time. Enjoy!

If you go to Cambodia, you MUST see the beauty of Angkor Wat. 

Don't forget to see the Bayon Temple in the Angkor Wat complex.

More of beautiful Angkor Wat.

Learn more about the history behind the people of Cambodia at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial Museum. 

You gotta try their happy pizzas!

Don't forget unwind and relax on Koh Rong Island....bliss...

Koh Rong. Party or relax. It's up to you!

Phnom Penh Night markets. An array of delicious food plus goodies to take home.

Enough said.

Relax by the Mekong River in Phnom Penh.

Want a place to meet locals and foreigners? Go to Pub Street in Siem Reap.

Dust off your haggling skills and get ready to bring home some bargains at the Russian Markets in Phnom Penh.

When in Cambodia, do as the Cambodians do! Drink Angkor beer!

You have to try a night on the sleeper bus. It's remarkably comfortable!

The best of NORTHERN THAILAND

Northern Thailand has been one of my favourite destinations so far... and this is why:

Before heading north, I'll just start with BANGKOK- the capital and the heart of Thailand. This city is full of hustle and bustle. Personally, as much as it has a lot of history and famous temples I would only stay here for 2 or 3 nights at the most.

There are many different hostels and hotels all around this area and nearby. The good thing about Thailand is that for a good 3 or 4 star hotel, the price is considerably cheap (about $40NZD per night for a decent place).

If you just want a place to lay your head and are not fussed about spending too much I would recommend either the Sawadee Khao Sann Inn or Sawadee Bangkok Inn. Both are around the corner from the infamous Khao Sann Road Markets, and offer dormitory rooms or private rooms. They are both clean with basic necessities and offer breakfast included as part of the nightly rate. You might also recognise Sawadee Bangkok Inn from the movie 'The Beach'. Or else for something a little further out, Lub D Bangkok Hostel comes highly recommend from friends who have stayed here. Great atmosphere and service.

Otherwise, for a slightly longer walk away (slightly longer meaning 5 minutes instead of 2) I did stay a night at the Royal Hotel. Open air swimming pool, two restaurants inside, storage for bags (cost about 10,000THB per day, per bag), taxi service and a travel desk.

If you limited on time and want to see temples there is one that is a must see and that is the Wat Pho Temple. This is home to the infamous reclining buddha. It is 46 metres long and 15 metres high and was designed to illustrate the passing of the buddha into nirvana. The feet and the eyes are engraved with  mother-of-pearl and the decorations at the feet are to represent 108 auspicious characteristics of a true buddha.

*Khao Sann Road -  Test out your bargaining skills or enjoy some tasty street food, or pop into one of the local restaurants for a cold Singha beer.

*Chao Phraya River - Here you can feed catfish, see the river houses on stilts and even see some floating markets.

Khao Sann Road Market

Chao Phraya River 

Wat Pho Temple

The feet of the Reclining Buddha

At Wat Pho Temple

1) SUKHOTHAI
This is easily one of my favourite places in the world so far, and in Thailand. This was known as Sukhothai Kingdom, which existed from 1238 to 1438. This is Old Sukhothai, which is where I stayed and ventured around. About 12km outside of this is New Sukhothai.

The old capital (Old Sukothai) is now in ruins and has been labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park. It has so much character and history. Such a beautiful place to get lost in. I was lucky enough to arrive when the lotus flowers were blooming in the river, as well.

The best way to get around the park is if you hire a bicycle. 

One of my favorite temples in the park.

A seated Buddha

Phra Achana in Wat Si Chum Chapel

The hand of the buddha above. You can buy gold painted paper to stick onto the buddhas hand as an offering after a prayer.

A local cooling down in the river after a days work.

Le Charme Sukothai Resort. 

Local transport. 

2) THE ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER - LAMPANG
There are many different elephant conservation centres in Thailand, however, some don't have the best resources or staff to properly manage and run a massive operation like this. Also, a lot of ethics and animal welfare come into play as well especially from tourists unconsciously keeping an eye out on how the animals are treated in places like this.

When I came here I was very impressed by how the centre was managed and built. You could tell the staff really did care for the elephants well-being and were not just used as a showcase for tourists that visit. The animals were almost given free reign at certain points of the day, were also well fed, had large enclosures and adequate health care facilities. If there is a centre I would recommend for people to keep coming and feeding money into to help sustain, it would be this one.

Not only can you witness these magnificent animals at play and in their almost natural habitat, but you can also volunteer here for a period of time to become a 'mahout' (elephant trainer/caregiver). Depending on the length of time you decide to do this you can get very close and personal with your elephant and while there I met a couple volunteers who had been back twice to which their same elephant remembered them.

For more information about this place: http://www.thailandelephant.org/en/

I went here en-route to Chiang Mai.

The nursery

Paintings done by some of the elephants themselves. These are sold off and money goes towards the center

Mahouts giving their elephants a bath / a time to cool off.

3) CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI
Chiang Mai is my second favourite place in Northern Thailand. The city is surrounded by hillsides and although is still a busy city, it feels less stressful than Bangkok. The night markets here are infamous and while I think Khao Sann has better selection of clothes, here you can find more handicrafts and souvenirs.

While in Chiang Mai, don't forget to try your hand at a traditional Thai cooking class. Delicious value for money.

Chiang Rai (about an hour or two out from Chiang Mai) also holds one of the most interesting temples I've seen so far. It's not the typical temple you see in Thailand but the designer made it with a 'heaven and hell' theme in mind, something that is usually not seen in Buddhist thinking. A definite must-see if you are up this way.

The temple is called Wat Rong Khun (White Temple of Northern Thailand), an unconventional Buddhist and Hindu Temple. Construction began in 1997 and is supposed to end by 2070.

Night markets at Chiang Mai.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep- 309 steps up to the temple.

Cooking class- traditional Chicken and cashew nut stirfry.

Monks at the white temple.

4) THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
From Chiang Mai you can head towards the Golden Triangle, which is where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. Historically this area is known for the trading and growing of Opium. From the Thailand side, Chiang Rai province, they have an Opium museum if you wanted to know more about this history.

From here, I was able to get across to a part of Laos via long boat. Here we spent a couple hours meeting locals and shopping around the local markets.

Entering Laos

Some snakes and reptiles soaked in very strong Vodka like alcohol.