Top Ten Things I Recommend to Students Going to Cambodia



Top Ten Things I Recommend to Students Going to Cambodia – Whitney Baker 2007

1. Purchase the Lonely Planet guidebook and read about Cambodia before you go. Cambodia has a remarkable history and being aware of their past will put many things into perspective for when you arrive. Especially read about the Khmer Rouge.

2. It is not imperative that you learn Khmer. English is written everywhere and most people in Phnom Penh can speak enough English to communicate with you. Take a Khmer phrasebook for the markets and rural villages.

3. Research what the weather will be like while you are there and pack accordingly. It is very wet in the rainy season and very hot in dry season.

4. Of course bring all the essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, digital camera, OTC meds, USB storage drive, burnable CDs, lab top (NAMRU2 will provide you one for work but I liked keeping one in my apartment). You can buy $2 DVDs and CDs at the markets.

5. NEVER ride on the back of a “moto” (motorbike). They are way too dangerous. Instead, ride in a “tuk-tuk” (carriage drawn by moto).

6. If you have the opportunity, travel to Siem Reap to visit the temples. Many tour packages can be found and purchased online.

7. You can find cheap yet wearable clothing at the markets, so there’s no need to over pack.

8. Run in the Hash at least once.

9. The NAMRU2 drivers are a great source of information. They will tell you anything you want to know. They won’t talk much unless you talk to them first.

10. Massages are cheap and GOOD. It’s a little bit of trial and error, but there are many great places to try.

Cambodia Top Ten – Kristin Wyant, June 2007

 

1. Enjoy yourself and smile!  People here are remarkably friendly, and you are representing the United States and the University of Iowa.  Most people you meet will in no way have the opportunity to visit either place.

2. Travel while you are here.  Tickets to Thailand/Vietnam, etc. are cheap, so take advantage!  There are also very worthy places within the borders of Cambodia (beaches of Kep, temples of Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville, the Killing Fields, Silver Pagoda, etc.)

3. Take pictures!

4. Learn Khmer basics. Locals will really appreciate it, and will be happy to expand your knowledge. ( )

a. Please (soam) “sum”

b. Thank you (âwkun) “ah koon”

c. Sorry (som toH) “sum toe”

d. Check please (soam keut luy) “sum cut loy”

e. Hello (soo-uhs'duh-ee) “so suh die” or (chumree-uhp soo-uh) “choom re-up soo”

f. Goodbye (chumree-uhp lee-uh) “choom-re-up-lia”

g. How are you (casual) (soksapbâ-ee) “sucks-a-bye”

h. I am fine (kh*nyom soksapbâ-ee) “kuh-nyom sucks-a-bye” 

i. Yes if you’re a girl “cha”

j. Yes if you’re a boy (bat) “bah”

5. Try ethnic food.  Many things here taste really great.  You risk getting sick, but that is likely, even if you only eat Western food.  Don't eat at street vendors, unless you're brave! Try all of the exotic fruits. They are delicious (though durian does not have the most pleasant scent).

6. The markets (Central and Russian) can be entirely overwhelming. Go a little at a time, and you will eventually find that you have an abundance of gifts and souvenirs. You can buy everything from clothes, silks and shoes, to stationary and truck engines (should you decide to build a truck while you are here?)

7. Start a blog () for all of your friends and family to read.

8. Volunteer on weekends (orphanages, after-school, environmental, educational, public health, legal and human rights, among many other programs).

9. Prepare yourself for the weather. It will be between 80 (when it’s chilly) and 105 degrees every day. It is very humid. From April to November, it rains every day, without exception.

10. Learn about the rich culture and history of Cambodia, such as the Khmer Rouge, which involved the genocide of ~1.5 million people, or the ever-pressing relationships/conflicts with border nations (Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam).

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