Cambodia Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Museum and The Killing Fields

On Wednesday 29th April we left our hotel in the early hours of the afternoon and set off to Tuol Sleng Museum. 

This incredible, yet heartbreaking place, was once originally a school, but under the Khmer Rouges reign, this once happy place was turned into a horrific prison. It was here they enslaved and tortured anyone who opposed Pol Pots 'perfect' government.

When you walk into this eerie place you can see, from the layout, how it used to be a school and the transitions they made to turn it into a terrifying place.

Around the prison site there are different levels and blocks.

In these areas there are various victims stories, background information, photos and torture items. 

Walking around you experience so many mixed emotions learning the Cambodians past.

It's definitely a place to experience first hand, as we can't even begin to explain how many emotions hit you at once.

We have very few photos of our trip as there were many signs in and around every building specifically stating not to take photos inside the cells, so please respect this. Many people were however not treating this place with the respect it deserves.

One of the survivors was there selling his book which goes in to great detail of his experiences whilst in cell 22.

Just reading the blurb we were intrigued by his story and bought a copy. This lovely gentleman gave us the option to have a photo taken but as a sign of respect we refused politely as we don't see why this man who had been through such tragedy should be used as a tourist attraction. 

After meeting this incredible man, Mr Chum Mey, and thanking him massively for his book we jumped back in our tuk tuk.

We then headed towards Choeung Ek which is the mass grave site better known as "The Killing Fields".

As you walk around the orchard in a systematic order you select the relevant audio numbers that you need.

The audio guide explained at each point what building was originally there and the terrifying tortures that's took place in this field. 

The guide educates you on the Khmer Rouges outrageous plan to create the 'perfect' government and the extreme torturing ways they went about it.

We can honestly say we didn't know that much about the revolution when we arrived, however after visiting and reading for ourselves what went on, our eyes were well and truly opened.

The memorial is a beautiful building and the grounds have a sense of tranquillity and peace surrounding them.

The burial sites have been decorated with visitors bracelets, which have been left as a token of respect, this adds a new perspective to the site.

We are glad we went, not only so we could pay our respects but also to learn. 

It honestly hit us a lot harder than we ever thought possible learning about Cambodias not so distant past.

Top Tips 

▪️Cover up, no knees, no shoulder and girls no wraps or shalls. 

▪️Entry Fees - $6pp for the Killing Fields/$3pp for the Museum 

▪️Very Important! Please be Respectful! We can't stress this enough. If it says no photos, they mean no photos! Be quiet when it says to be. And as horrible as it may sound, please take care when walking around, especially at the killing fields. Bones and clothes of victims are still emerging to the surface due to weathering, but the staff there will collect and move them, you do not touch! 

We realise this is quite a serious post for us, but we feel that this is something that is a huge part of Cambodias history and needs to be read about. Especially as the amount of lives that were lost in such a devastating and inhumane way from something that only ended in 1979. 

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

Our Top 5 Bars in Siem Reap

Here are our Top 5 Bars to go to in Siem Reap. 

If you are looking for great food, brilliant cocktails and a chilled out atmosphere, these are the places to head to. 

Also they are all extremely affordable...Happy Days! 

Island Bar

Top Tips

▪️Located at Entrance A by the Night Market, this friendly welcoming bar is a must when hitting the markets for a bargain.

▪️As you are so close to the market you may find the odd seller will try their luck and sell you something by the bar, so keep an eye out. 

▪️Try the Chili Chicken and Satay Sticks. We had these on our first visit and now they have turned in to part of our staple order. 

      

      

      

The Yellow Sub

Top Tips 

▪️Now we stumbled upon this 4 story bar by accident, which we think is a great way to find these hidden gems. It's located between Street 7 and 8, the alleyway is called The Lane. Big sign, can't miss it. 

▪️Check out every floor. The memorabilia they have on The Beatles is very impressive. There is also a pool table room, a table tennis room and the roof terrace, well, it's beautiful. 

▪️This is clearly the 'young' hang out after 10pm so make sure you get there early to make good use of the games and the $1 beer! 

      

      

      

The Old Wooden House 

Top Tips

▪️Again, a hidden gem. It's between street 7 and 8, down the alley called Doug Hem Street. 

▪️You have to try the Bed Hammocks, they are incredible, however if you are the only ones downstairs the service can be a little slow, but who cares when you are on your own floating bed. 

▪️They do cocktail making classes...enough said. 

     

   

      

      

The Red Piano

Top Tips

▪️You can find this bar on the corner of Pub Street just before you get onto Street 8. 

▪️This is the bar Angelina Jolie came to when she was in Cambodia filming Tomb Raider. So what did they do? Yes that's right, they created the Tomb Raider Cocktail. It's a must try. Also every 10th one sold in the whole bar the lucky order gets theirs for free. Suze managed to get one free only on her second cocktail. It's clearly the popular choice. 

▪️Try the Pork Spring Rolls...so so tasty!! 

      

      

      

BeatNik Bar

Top Tips

▪️You'll find this amazing place on the corner of Street 11 

▪️Best Mojitos we've tried since being here. They are nearly as good as Cottons in Camden London, and if you weren't aware, the Mojitos there are incredible!! 

▪️It's just a chilled, fun, laid back atmosphere.

If you want to just have a drink, no worries. 

If you want to have dinner, no worries. 

Or if you are like us and love a good drinking game with such classics as Jenga, again, no worries. 

They do it all. 

▪️There is a very sweet little girl called Linda who walks around the area selling bracelets her mums made for a little extra pocket money. 

She's a very intelligent girl who loves school. 

Please don't ignore her.

9 times out of 10 she just wants to play your game with you and have a chat. But if you can spare the money for one of her bracelets then please do. 

You see a lot of kids begging, but very few talk to you just because they want to learn. She's a good kid, give her your time.

      

      

      

      

                                                               Linda and Beardy 

We hope you have found this guide helpful. Let us know if you have been to any of these awesome places, or are planning a visit. We'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Cambodia - Angkor Wat

The morning we decided to head to Angkor Wat, let's just say, could have started a little better.

The night before Siem Reap was hit by a crazy storm, we are talking torrential rain, thunder and lightening. So much so 14 power lines were bought down near our hotel. 

Yep you've guessed it, we lost power and running water. 

Now in a normal situation you'd just get on with it, light some candles and wait it out. However, when you are in the middle of nowhere, with no air conditioning, no hot or cold running water and sat in pure darkness, well...it's not great.

So getting back to that morning, as the rain had cleared we thought let's head to Angkor Wat. It shouldn't be too busy due to the weather the night before and we couldn't just stay in twiddling our thumbs waiting for the power to come back on. 

As we headed out it started to spit just a little, but that's never stopped us before, so we powered on through in our little Tuk Tuk...until...the heavens opened!! 

Our poor driver was getting soaked, we were trapped in what felt like a green house due to the side rain flaps being put down, and the fact non of us could see the road was a little bit terrifying (check out our instagrams to see some videos @suzeandthebeard @beardyandsuze). We had no choice, we had to head back to the sauna that was our room. 

About half an hour later the sun was out, the blue skies were back and still no power, so what did we do? Why not take a look. 

Top Tips

▪️When you arrive at Angkor Wat you must be covered. Long shorts gents and a T-Shirt, ladies cover those shoulders and knees. 

▪️If you're not great with heights consider this your warning! The stairs that take you to the top of the temple may not look high but they are very steep. Beardy pretty much had to push me up there as the first time, when beardy went first, I got half way and freaked out. Let's just say Beardy's puzzled face when he got to the top to find me shaking my head at the bottom was pretty funny. So glad he got me up there though, deep breaths, take it slow and don't look down. It's worth it all just for the view! 

▪️Don't be dissapointed to find a lot of scaffolding. At first we felt a little glum as the pictures that promote this amazing temple are incredible, however they aren't all what they seem. It's a very old place and clearly needs a bit of support, but honestly it doesn't take away from its beauty. 

▪️In certain areas there will be Monks walking around, so be respectful. If shoes are off or a blessing is taking place get those toes out people.

We did enjoy it, however in all honesty, it wasn't our favourite place in Siem Reap.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

Cambodia - Ta Prohm

When we arrived at Ta Prohm we were bombarded with locals surrounding our Tuk Tuk offering shirts, fridge magnets and all other sorts of bits and bobs. Now for two people who don't own a fridge, not really an ideal thing. However the lovely lady who offered us water, as we clearly looked over heated, well she was a god send. 

After hydrating up and arranging a meeting spot with our Tuk Tuk dude we made our way through an archway and down a very jungle like road with the sounds of wildlife echoing around us.

Down this road there is a sign which shows the temple before and after they started to reconstruct it. Luckily they are doing it in such a way that they haven't interfered with natures grasp on the building, and getting it back to its former glory.

After tackling some dodgy steps and trying to get ahead of the mini tours you suddenly turn a corner, and there it is! Your eyes are immediately cast upon this ancient tree towering from this temple. 

It truly is a sight to behold. It looks like you are walking onto a film set. The way this incredible force of nature has manoeuvred itself to sit perfectly atop this temple is just mind blowing. 

This isn't one of the largest of the Angkor sites, so for most people its a very popular checkpoint to partake in on route to Bayon. 

However after many a cheap cocktail the night before, we held off from going until later in the day, which for us, wasn't a bad thing. Going that little bit later meant we missed all the crowds. Woop Woop! 

This meant we got to take some amazing pictures and got to get so close to the beautiful architecture of these buildings. 

Top Tips 

▪️Water!! Guys we can't stress this enough! 

▪️Arrange to go around 3/3.30, this way you miss all the crowds and before the sunset followers rock up. 

▪️See if your Tuk Tuk driver will wait. This normally works well for both parties. Most of the Tuk Tuks there are already spoken for, so trying to find a free one might be quite tricky. Also it's quite a way back to the centre so it's easier for your driver to wait and get a bit more on your fare than trying to get someone else. When we say a little, we mean a little. Our guy waited an Hour and a half and took us back to the Night Market all for just the extra of $2! Happy days! 

▪️Be strong, say no. Now these sellers were very young and very persistent on trying to get us to buy their goods. As cute as they were you must say no. There is a sign that clearly says don't buy off children as they then feel encouraged not to attend school! As they feel they make more money from selling than getting an education.