Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Aerobics
Every morning at the crack of dawn, and again at dusk, Cambodians gather in several
pockets throughout the city to participate in quirky and colourful aerobics sessions. This
quintessential Cambodian phenomenon sees a ring-leader, equipped with boom box and
microphone, whip protégés into shape with a mix of 1980s-Soviet-style calisthenics and
Thriller -inspired line-dancing moves. It's favoured by middle-aged Khmer women, but
you'll see both sexes and all ages participating, and tourists are more than welcome.
There are many places to join in the fun or just observe. Olympic Stadium is probably
the best spot because of the sheer volume of participants. Here several instructors compete
for clients and the upper level of the grandstand becomes a cacophony of competing boom
boxes.
The riverfront usually sees some action; the patch opposite Blue Pumpkin at the ter-
minus of St 144 is a good bet. Another popular place that usually sees several groups get-
ting their collective freaks on is Wat Botum Park along Sothearos Blvd.
WARNING: BAG SNATCHING
Bag snatching has become a real problem in Phnom Penh and foreigners are often targeted. Hot spots
include the riverfront and busy areas around popular markets, but there is no real pattern - the speed-
ing motorbike thieves, usually operating in pairs, can strike any time, any place. Countless expats and
tourists have been injured falling off their bikes in the process of being robbed, and in 2007 a young
French woman was killed after being dragged from a speeding moto (moto-taxi) into the path of a
vehicle. Try to wear close-fitting bags such as backpacks that don't dangle from the body temptingly.
Don't hang expensive cameras around the neck and keep things close to the body and out of sight,
particularly when walking along the road, crossing the road or travelling by remork-moto (tuk tuk) or
especially by moto . These guys are real pros and only need one chance.
Boat Cruises
Boat trips on the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers are very popular with visitors. Sunset
cruises are ideal, the burning sun sinking slowly behind the glistening spires of the Royal
Palace. A slew of cruising boats is available for hire on the riverfront about 500m north of
the tourist boat dock. Just rock up and arrange one on the spot for US$15 to US$20 an
hour, depending on negotiations and numbers. You can bring your own drinks or buy beer
and soft drinks on the boat.
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