Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Snakes
To minimise the chances of being bitten by a snake, always wear boots, socks and long trousers when walk-
ing through undergrowth where snakes may be present.
Water
The number-one rule is
be careful of water and ice,
although both are usually factory produced, a legacy of
the French. If you don't know for certain that the water is safe, assume the worst. Reputable brands of
bottled water or soft drinks are usually fine, but you can't safely drink tap water. Only use water from con-
tainers with a serrated seal. Tea and coffee are generally fine, as they're made with boiled water.
Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine or
thnam boran
is very popular in rural Cambodia. There are
kru Khmer
(traditional
medicine men) in most districts of the country and some locals trust them more than modern doctors and
hospitals. Working with tree bark, roots, herbs and plants, they boil up brews to supposedly cure all ills.
However, when it comes to serious conditions like snake bites, their treatments can be counterproductive.