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Cambodia Warnings or Dangers
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Cambodia Warnings or Dangers


Cosy trip - Cambodia
Cosy trip
by jolou
Cambodia travel tips posted by real travelers and Cambodia locals.
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Steep climb for Sunset
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  • Homanded
  • By Homanded on July 24, 2005
  • Cambodia Page by Homanded
  • Taking in the Sunset - Cambodia
    Taking in the Sunset
    by Homanded
    The popular "Sunset Hill" which everyone eludes to though beautiful is a very steep climb, made doubly difficult by the roots, rocks and human obstacles lining the way.
    This is where we were first introduced to the begging in Cambodia. They congregate here along it's steep path. Just about everywhere you stop to catch your breath, you're swarmed by people wanting money or selling trinkets.
    Be aware that, once on top, you never ACTUALLY get to see a sunset. The guards will kick you out before the sun sets due to the perilous climb back down which you would have to do in the dark.
    An easier option may be the Elephants to the hilltop. All in all, we enjoyed our time there but, there are so many nicer places in Angkor...

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    Intimidating Police in Temples
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  • Homanded
  • By Homanded on July 24, 2005
  • Cambodia Page by Homanded
  • At some temples you may encounter a Police officer flashing a badge in your face.
    It happens quite suddenly, our initial reaction was that he was trying to stop us for a violation of some sort....
    The police officer then stuck his hand out and asked for "dollar". We realized he was begging and walked around him but he was quite persistent.
    WALK AWAY, ignore him. Another tourist we ran into later actually was scared enough by the cop to opt walking through the outside of the temple on his way back to the main entrance.

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    Touts at the Thai border
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  • SirRichard
  • By SirRichard on September 16, 2003
  • Cambodia Page by SirRichard
  • The border hassle - Cambodia
    The border hassle
    by SirRichard
    In Poipet, the first village you enter in Cambodia from Thailand, you will be hussled and pushed by local touts, members of the local transport mafia, asking you to go to their cars.

    IGNORE THEM!
    Act as if they didn't exist at all. Try to talk directly to the driver. He will have to pay a comission to them anyway, but at least you will be the one that choses. Don't pay a single coin to those touts, just pay to the driver and, as a rule:

    DON'T PAY TILL YOU GET TO YOUR DESTINATION

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    Beggars in Phnom Penh
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  • bkoon
  • By bkoon on February 15, 2004
  • Cambodia Page by bkoon
  • At the Sisowath Quay where most hotels are situated, there were many young beggars along the quay side. Sometimes they could make your irritable. It seemed to me that they were from some syndicate or something of that sort.

    Once, when walking along the river side, a group of them, pushed a wheelchaired kid and a stretcher with a kid, following me, blocking my way, etc. I pity them, not because they were poor and need to resort to begging, but the society had moved so fast that they could not live like the kids in the rural parts of Cambodia. What would they have become when they grow older? I wonder.

    I hope the Cambodia government and seriously look into helping this group of Cambodia kids.

    P/S: I was seated outside a restuarnt on the pathway in the evening and these young beggars were asking for food and gifts as I was eating. It became so annoying that I need to get the restaurant people to chase them away so that I could have my meal peacefully.

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    Prostitution
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  • Homanded
  • By Homanded on July 24, 2005
  • Cambodia Page by Homanded
  • Prostitution is very common throughout Asia, specially targeted are the single men who will readily be approached by TukTuk drivers, Taxi drivers or, the girls themselves.
    When walking down the street, don't be surprised when the Tuk Tuk drivers call out to you and yell: "Haloooo, Mr....want girl?"
    They will have a "notebook" - often with pictures and a convinient cellphone with which to make a date for you. Please gentlemen, the Cambodian people do not need this kind of exploitation. Also, disease is rampant throughout Asia. Be responsible and respectful. Smile, say 'NO THANK YOU" and walk on by.

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    Camera, Purse Snatching, and Avian Flu
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  • ellsasha
  • Updated By ellsasha on March 18, 2006
  • Cambodia Page by ellsasha
  • Chickens Just Arrived at the Market - Cambodia
    Chickens Just Arrived at the
    Market
    by ellsasha
    I speak only for Siem Reap, and unfortunately there are now many instances of camera snatching from cyclists who are still on the roads at dusk and after dark. Also tourists in the local market and the “Old Market” in Siem Reap are vulnerable to both camera and purse snatching. I was advised by my driver to wear a vest when visiting the markets and keep “valuables” in pockets rather than carry them in sight of everyone; while a vest was uncomfortable in the heat it presented less temptation to the few unscrupulous individuals in the markets. Another thing to be wary of in the local market, is that it is very easy to step on live chickens which are for sale there. With reported cases of bird flu (although collection of data in Cambodia is difficult) infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces so “tread cautiously.”

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    Land Mines, not Gold Mine
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  • muddybok
  • By muddybok on January 20, 2004
  • Cambodia Page by muddybok
  • Don't rush into this mine!!! - Cambodia
    Don't rush into this mine!!!
    by muddybok
    There are millions of active land mines in Cambodia. Thanks to Khmer Rouge & Cambodia's government for planting them during the civil war period.

    Limit your activities to regular tourist tracks & trails only. You transport guy will be your best bet for safe tour in Cambodia.

    P/s: Can somebody do me a big favor of getting one of those "Beware Land Mines" red plastic souvenir warning sign from War Museum. Will be useful for my store room. (to keep ppl out).

    May be I should consider a "Warning!! Landslide" sign in the room too. Will get one from the freeway.

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    Irregular staircases !!!
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  • muddybok
  • By muddybok on March 1, 2004
  • Cambodia Page by muddybok
  • Stairs! - Cambodia
    Stairs!
    by muddybok
    Please be extra careful when you're climbing staircases of temple mountain such as Ta Keo, Phnom Bakheng, Phimeanakas & Angkor Wat.

    The staircases are either irregularly built or too much wear & tear after all these years. Especially dangerous if your hands are not free to hold on railing or your hand is occupied with camera & drinking water.

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    Steep Crumbly Steps or Staircase
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  • peitsing
  • By peitsing on January 6, 2006
  • Cambodia Page by peitsing
  • Cambodia Warnings or Dangers
    by peitsing
    Ensure that shoes with good and proper grips are worn when going about the temples in the angkor valley...

    The steps are usually very steep as it was the belief that mortals should not be able to reach the gods so easily, and after centuries, most are crumbling or in dire need of repair...

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    Siem Reap Airport
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  • ellsasha
  • By ellsasha on March 18, 2006
  • Cambodia Page by ellsasha
  • My first impression on arriving at the airport at Siem Reap was very negative. The people at the visa issue desks were austere and intimidating; however, I managed to stay composed despite one of immigration officers literally throwing my “landing card” back across the desk at me because I had accidentally presented it to him with my passport and visa application. Being treated so badly, I actually felt afraid and felt that I had made a mistake in coming to Cambodia. But once outside the airport I stepped into a world of beauty and intrigue, where the people were welcoming, warm, and kind.

    Don’t show irritation at the airport when you arrive, stay cool and simply get through the immigration process.

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