Phnom Penh Cambodia FIRST Impressions (you MIGHT be surprised!)

We heard that Phnom Penh is an up-and-coming place so we wanted to check it out for ourselves following our visit to Siem Reap.

The sun was setting as we arrived at the old airport so our drive into town went from dusk to dark. The traffic was heavy and our Grab driver took us through back alleys and unsavory parts of town trying to make better time.

Unfortunately, it was not the best route to make a good first impression, and we were seriously questioning our decision to stay more than a day in Phnom Penh.

However, we decided to stay and give it an honest try before throwing in the towel, and we're so glad we did. By day three, we felt right at home and thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

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0:00 Intro
0:14 Phnom Penh Overview
0:36 Grab Hustlers at the Old Airport
1:22 Culture Shock on Arrival
1:56 Where We Stayed
2:26 The New Techo Takhmao International Airport
2:46 Phnom Penh First Impressions
4:25 New Years Eve in Phnom Penh
7:02 More About Phnom Penh
8:20 Walkability in Phnom Penh
9:07 Affordability of Phnom Penh
10:32 Grocery Shopping in Phnom Penh
11:08 Weather & Best Time to Visit
11:46 S-21 Genocide Museum
13:22 Victory Over Genocide Day
13:34 Why We're Glad We Stayed

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We are not responsible or liable for your use of the information contained in our videos, articles or linked from our web pages. We do our best to provide timely and accurate information. However, news, laws, guidelines, rules, regulations, etc. are often open to interpretation, change frequently, and sometimes we make mistakes. You must do your own research and consult professionals who are familiar with your unique situation before making any travel or moving plans.

#ameliaandjp

[MMPlaneSpotting-suns]

Moved to Phnom Penh last year from the US and work as an English language teacher. There are dozens upon dozens of private schools that offer English language programs, so it's no wonder a large amount of young people have a working knowledge of English. Glad you enjoyed your stay.

[jimizuma]

I'm here in PP right now. Love it! I live in N.Thailand and find this city much cheaper and user friendly than Bangkok. Great food choices too!

[Slappy_J]

Going to Siem Reap this summer for the first time! Next time I visit, I'll be going to PP. Thinking of retiring in Cambodia. :)

[acordlg]

Spent 20 years in Asia working and now back in the US. Quite honestly, I miss it. These videos make me homesick haha. My last stay was Cambodia for an extended period and just like all of Southeast Asia the place was awesome only surpassed by the people. Of all the countries I feel Cambodia was the most affordable for everything. My only concern if I were to retire there is medical care. While there all expats I met with any significant health issues jumped on a flight for Bangkok which in my my estimation is right up there with Malaysia for health care. While living in Kuala Lumpur I was hospitalized for 2 weeks and needed some serious surgery with no insurance. Private room, excellent staff of nurses and doctors, a fairly serious surgery which in the US would have been around 50k or more, my 2 week stay with everything was $2, 000 USD. I was shocked. Just found your YouTube channel and love it.

[vmoses]

Really interesting. It seems like so many developing countries are really progressing fast and trying to ensure a better life for their citizens. In the States way too many people don't understand that the gap in living standards is fast closing and that developed countries can't rest on their laurels.

[libbybowles]

I visited Cambodia in 2014 and I'm planning on going back this winter with my husband. The whole experience there encapsulated why I love to travel. The warmth of the people, the ancient history, the food and culture. I had a bicycle in Siam Reap which was loads of fun. But one thing that I found fascinating and so moving especially upon reflection, was how open and earnest the people were about talking about the genocide. Not in a preachy or histrionic way at all. Always just to share a very recent and shocking historic fact. The importance of not forgetting or whitewashing a horrific history is such and admirable trait of the Cambodians. It challenged me to sit with my emotions regarding things I can barely imagine and called upon my empathy without reservation and reminded me of the danger in forgetting our history. I experienced real humanity in Cambodia and will always appreciate my experiences there.

[guybeauregard]

Thanks for this video. I've been to Phnom Penh twice, both times in the 2010s before the COVID emergency. There were far fewer high rises and the city for me was much more laid back than the experience you described. Clearly it is changing. I hope the best for the people there--Cambodians are amazing and resilient. Cheers, Guy

[TRAVELiving-NJLA]

My husband and I are full-time travelers and definitely want to visit Phnom Penh as well! It’s on our list to visit sooner rather than later 😄 Thank you for sharing your insights 👍🏼

[peggytravels]

I have visited Phnom Penh several times starting back in 2007. My husband was stationed with the American Embassy there 1972 for a year.

[onebeerleadsanother]

Thanks for this. I'm in Ho Chi Minh City in a few weeks and was on the fence about a quick trip to Cambodia. This convinced me to go.

[travelaroundlife]

Currently in PP now. This is my 3rd time to Cambodia. You really need to set aside your first world view. It's a beautiful country with their culture, food, and the people are kind. I will probably retire here. Glad you enjoyed it.

[dttttt]

Regarding Khmer Rouge, I'd recommend reading The Lost Executioner. I picked it up somewhere in Siem Reap for reading material on the flight home. There's probably food smeared on some pages because I didn't want to stop reading, juggled the book and the food tray! Literally flipped to the last pages as we landed. It is chilling because it makes you wonder who is walking among us every day. Also the book describes the beginning actions of tyranny, from people who were there and escaped in time.

[MrBuzzerj]

You guys are awesome. Happy travels and take us along!

[writerjohnmcnally]

I love Phnom Penh. I’m considering retiring there. I can’t wait to get back.

[rwmorrison]

Thank you for your video. Cambodia has moved up my list of places to visit when I retire.

[seven]

In Cambodia, honking your horn can attract attention, as it is considered rude. You should only honk in case of an emergency.

[danielj]

Had a great time there, Kampat and Siem Reap <3

[TheDeadbone]

Those TukTuks really get around: we took one while visiting Sintra, Portugal. Running up and down the mountainsides, it was the most thrilling ride we have ever experienced. Disney has nothing in comparison :)

[ericsmith]

I never get tired of hearing Amelia and JP's heavy midwestern accent. It's so cute.

[prandall]

Always look forward to your videos and your honest observations.