A visit to Cambodia can easily be combined with a longer stay in Thailand. It is possible to fly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and return from Siem Reap allowing you to take a two or three day one way boat trip between the two main locations. The capital, Phnom Penh, is a very interesting city with several very easily reached sights all within a few minutes of each other. It is simple to negotiate with an English speaking taxi driver to cover them all at a very low price. This allows you to decide how long to spend at each point and avoid the irritating couple found on every group tour who want to stop where nobody else does and who are always last back to the bus. Be sure to include the Independence Monument, inaugurated in 1962, to celebrate the end of foreign rule. It now also serves as a memorial to Cambodia’s war dead.

The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda are situated together in beautifully laid out grounds and except for the royal residence area, are open to the public for a modest payment. Absolutely fascinating. Not to be missed! The National Museum is a distinctive red building standing near the palace and holds many interesting exhibits. There are several markets of which the Central Market and the Russian Market are the most interesting. All kinds of food, clothing, local products and souvenirs at minimal cost. The food and refreshment areas within the markets are somewhat “hygienically challenging” and best left for the locals. If you are hungry head down to the River Front where you will find a nice park-lined pedestrian area. Across the road are many pubs and restaurants serving a wide range of excellent food at very reasonable prices.

One of the “attractions” I missed out on was “The Killing Fields”. They are about 10 miles out of the city and are the areas which were used for mass executions and dumping of bodies during the Pol Pot terror reign. I still shiver when I think about my visit to the Concentration Camp at Dachau and did not push my taxi driver who was very reluctant to take me.

The highlight of my Cambodian visit was a 3 day cruise on a small boat carrying about 20 passengers from Phnom Penh to Siem Riep. Accommodation in a 2 bed cabin was basic but clean and comfortable. All meals, which were very satisfying and enjoyable, were included in the price. We made several stops to visit small isolated villages and of course the obligatory temple. It was a fascinating insight to the lives of the out-of-town people and away from the

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