Page 10 - issue_9-vol_9-Mexican-Gastronomy

Considering the moderate number of visitors to Siha- A popular hotspot for
noukville, the town offers a surprising number and variety of Russian foreigners back
restaurants and bars. in the 1980s, this market
is a fantastic platform for
Fresh seafood, especially crab, prawns and ocean fish, has visitors to catch a glimpse
always been one of the town’s biggest draws, but there is of how things have
also a wide variety of places offering foreign cuisines - Aus- changed from its former
tralian, French, Indian, German, Sri Lankan, British, Italian, heyday as a Russian hide-
pizza places, a couple of western bakeries and even espresso out. Plus you can’t forget
coffee shops. the main point of visiting
any market: shopping!
And these days Sihanoukville offers a pretty good night life
as well with a wide variety of bars staying open well into the Be prepared to haggle your way through your shopping spree
wee hours, especially on Weather Station Hill, in the down- to reduce prices by more than 1 USD a piece, especially if you
town area, and the beach bars on Ochheuteal, ‘Serendipity’ purchase items in bulk. One sure-win trick we picked up? The
and Victory Beaches. shop owners might be strangers to you, but the best approach
you can take is to act like their best friend!
Phnom Penh – the Capital
The biggest city in Cambodia, also its wealthiest, Phnom Penh is Unlike Chatuchak market in Thailand that’s impossible to navi-
the cultural, commercial and political centre of the country and is gate, the Russian Market is structured in a simple square, mak-
home to almost two million of Cambodia’s population of over 15 ing it easy to understand. Regardless of which path you take,
million. Covering an area of 345sqk Phnom Penh is located in the always remember that there will be one that leads to the road.
south-central region of Cambodia, at the confluence of the Tonle No worries about getting lost here!
Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers. The city offers extensive cultural
and historical attractions, including temples, museums, the Royal Russian Market has everything from fabric, knockoffs, local
Palace and also has accommodation from simple guesthouses delights, and handicraft to preserved crocodiles (yes, actual
to five-star hotels. Phnom Penh also features excellent dining fa- crocodiles). Weird, but memorable. AND affordable.
cilities as well as a vibrant and varied nightlife. Also the largest
casino in Cambodia Naga World, a 5 star resort/hotel is located 3. Do Tai Chi with the locals on the riverfront - Cambo-
there where we were hosted in the brand new Phase 2 complex. dians start their day really early. At 06:00, half of Phnom
Penh was already in full swing. While it’s a stark contrast
While my visit to Phnom Penh was not long enough here to the way of life back home, it was refreshing to live like
are someone of the highlights we had time to do while a local. If you’re up for some Tai Chi by the river, don’t
visiting: miss the chance to drop by Riverfront Park. Whether you’ll
1. Explore the city on a tuktuk - There were barely any cabs be people watching or joining in the fun, it’s going to be a
on the road as most locals travel around unique experience.
either on foot, bicycles, tuktuks or motor-
cycles. The best way to navigate around 4. Go bar hopping - Phnom Penh is one of the places on
the city is on a tuktuk. It is small, quick earth with the best happy hour deals. Not only is it a daily af-
to weave through travel at peak hour and fair, it is also one city with
cheap. Tuktuks are as common as mo- the very best price offers.
torcycles in Phnom Penh - but 10 times Iconic in Cambodia, Ang-
safer. And at least there will be a roof over kor Beer is easily found
your heads if it rains! across the country, loved
by many. Light on the
Immerse yourself in the sights and palate, you’ll nonetheless
sounds and enjoy your ride. You’re in get a kick out of a whole
for a real treat. Tuktuks are available night of knocking pints
for hire anywhere along the roadside in back at the many 2 for 1
the city centre, and are a budget-friendly way to get to your offers found everywhere.
destination. Tuktuks do not run by the meter, so always
agree on a set price prior to the ride. 4. Explore Phnom Penh’s nightlife - If you’re bored af-
ter nightfall and in need for some ice cold beer, Phnom
2. Shop at the Russian Market - You can’t give the Russian Penh has it all. With a vibrant night scene, there are many
Market a miss. No two markets are the same in Phnom night spots for the party animal in you. Compared to
Penh. If you wondered why it’s called Russian Market, clubs in S.E. Asia, the ones in Phnom Penh are more chill
think of it this way: Russian Market is to Cambodia what and casual, while retaining a special level of energy on
Little India is to Singapore. the dance floors.

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