Phnom Phen

Cambodia's Capital city medium sized and a good challenge for the aspiring touring biker.

Accommodation is not as cheap as it once was in the late 90s early 00s but bargains are still out there. Places to stay by the main river command a premium price.

Bring plenty of US dollars or exchange for them at a good rate here, unless you like the local rial currency. That said the rial is good for small buys and items under a dollar or two.

Trafficwise think of the chaos of Bangkok but a bit slower and more erratic.

One shining beacon for bikers sick of the poor roads elsewhere is that Phnom Phen at least has a decent tarmac road system. Even this is not thorough, in places the all-too-familiar clay road appears in poorer parts of the city.

After nightfall riding a motorbike is, according to the offical travel guides, not recommended. However we say get on your bike and get out there. Keep your helmet on and your head wired for anything out to harm you and you'll be alright 9 times out of 10. Don't get wasted and ride though, as you chances of accident and mishap jump through the roof.

Internet access is woefully poor compared to Thailand, but it is slowly getting better.

Propertywise, unless you are Mr Moneyman and don't mind risking tens of thousands of dollars OTRC advises you rent everything, save your bike.

Kiddy fiddling is a big problem in Cambodia. Gary Glitter, aka Paul Gadd and his cronies used to stomp about this neck of the woods when he was up to no good. In fact, until he was banged up in Vietnam many with the foreigners with money and a sick mind for kids were considered untouchable.
As a westerner with money in your pocket you'll have all sorts of lurid and dodgy temptations dangled in front of you. This being one of them. If this sort of thing is being pushed at you tell them to get lost and walk away. If you see others hassling youngsters do what you need to do. Be it photographing them and name and shaming them or a more direct approach.

It is possible that in the future Cambodia will loose its 'degen' status if more people keep an eye open for it.