#1 Phnom Penh

As most of you do not know, I was actually in Cambodia for close to two weeks. Why Cambodia? I have never been to the country before and I signed up for the most talked about charity race in Asia, the Angkor Wat Half Marathon. So there I was :)

Starting my holiday post is not easy. Too many things to blog about the dusty yet beautiful country so I have decided to post about the trip in a few parts.

This being the first part. My first day in Cambodia.

I flew in from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia via Malaysia Airlines (because it was cheaper).

Together with Karr, at the Phnom Penh International Airport we met up with my two other friends who flew in from Siem Reap.

Getting a transport at the airport was not difficult. There was a counter selling tuk-tuk (USD7) and taxi tickets (USD9). After looking at the size of our bags I went with the taxi although the guy at the counter said we could all fit into a tuk-tuk (seriously he must be crazy looking at how we are slightly overweight too, did he forget to notice that)

We went straight to our guesthouse. True to the directions given by the owner in the email. We eventually found it. It was really situated in a tight narrow road.

The guesthouse, You Khin House was chosen by me after finding and reading it through TripAdvisor.

The house had wooden doors and you have to knock it before someone comes to your aid.

One step into it and I thought what a beautiful place this is. A pool, three-storey house, a kitchen, a little bar, a huge dining area where there were art pieces hung on it with a few guitars which I supposed was for the guests to use.

my first glance into the house

Only on the day when I was checking out that I found out that the guesthouse was an NGO owned and ran project. The volunteer who assisted me at the payment counter said proceeds from the guesthouse will go to the children at the school next door.

He then lead me through a door under a tree to which led me to the compound of the school. Volunteers he said come from all over the world to teach different subjects from language to sports. In return their accommodation will be provided by the owner of the home.

the pool where the kids hangout once a week and have swimming lessons

the spiral staircase leading to our rooms

Our rooms were on the second and third floor. There was a pool table, television set and a lounging area on the second floor too.

the lounge area outside the rooms on the second floor

signage to remind you not to smoke when kids are around

 

the secret door to the school next door

 

the school

the entrance to You Khin House

We met up with Raeksmeay for dinner that night at yet a another NGO run restaurant in aid of youth on the streets, called Romdeng which had some of the best curries we have ever tasted throughout our trip. The smell of its Khmer Curry and the Amok Fish is to die for.

 

we sat outside near the pool as the restaurant was packed on the day of visit.

Do remember to stop by Romdeng or take down the address as most tuk-tuk drivers do not know where the restaurant is. Streets in Cambodia are messy and these drivers rely on landmarks to get around. It is best if you ask a Cambodian to translate the place to your driver otherwise grab the address, it will save you time and the hassle.

I only spent a night at the guesthouse. In my next post on Cambodia, I will be hanging out at a different spot, far away from Phnom Penh.

(this is NOT an advertorial post)
#You Khin House is an NGO-run Seametrey Organisation. Room rates : Double=USD35;Triple=USD45 inclusive of a simple breakfast. We loved the Ginger Marmalade Jam which we had for breakfast. Yums. Address: 13A, street 830 Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh,Cambodia. Details call: Muoy You +855 (0) 11 71 90 33

#Romdeng Restaurant is run by former street children. # 74 Street 174, Phnom Penh
For bookings: Tel +855 (0) 92 219 565. Open 7 days a week from 11am to 9pm.