Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAMBODIAN FIGHT CLUB
The whole world knows about muay Thai (Thai boxing) and the sport of kickboxing, but what is not
so well known is that this contact sport probably originated in Cambodia. Pradal serey (literally 'free
fighting') is Cambodia's very own version of kickboxing and it is possible to see some fights in Ph-
nom Penh. Popular Cambodian TV channel CTN hosts live bouts at 2pm on Friday, Saturday and
Sunday out at its main studio on National Hwy 5. It is about 4km north of the Japanese Bridge. Entry
is free and there is usually a rowdy local crowd surreptitiously betting on the fights. Most bouts are
ended by a violent elbow move and there is a lot more ducking and diving than with other kickboxing
genres.
An even older martial art is bokator, or labokatao, which some say dates back to the time of
Angkor. It translates as 'pounding a lion' and was originally conceived for battlefield confrontations.
Weapons include bamboo staffs and short sticks, as well as the krama (scarf) in certain situations. The
Pras Khan Chey Bokator School OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP ( 095455555, 0766690096;
www.bokatorcambodia.com ; 10 St 109 ; 8-10am & 6-8pm) in Phnom Penh offers lessons (US$5
per hour) or full brown-belt courses (US$1500). Call ahead to ensure you get an English-speaking in-
structor.
Fitness Centres & Swimming
The fanciest hotels listed in this chapter will let you use their gyms and pools for a stiff
fee, while Sofitel ( Click here ) and Imperial Garden ( Click here ) add tennis courts. A few
of the midrange pool-equipped boutique hotels will let you swim if you buy a few bucks'
worth of food or cocktails - try Teahouse ( Click here ) , Hotel Nine ( Click here ) and the
252 ( Click here ) . But keep in mind that the pools at these places are pretty small - more
for dipping and cooling off than for doing laps. Most other midrange boutiques charge
US$5 for pool rights.
Himawari Hotel
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 023-214555; 313 Sisowath Quay; admission weekday/weekend US$7/8) Has a larger pool fit for
laps.
SWIMMING
Long Beach Plaza Hotel
(
SWIMMING
023-998007; 3 St 289; US$1) A bargain for a lap-sized pool but far away from the centre.
GYM
Muscle Fitness
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
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