Going Against the Stats – Lovin’ Cambodia
Filed Under: If you refer to the statistics on Cambodia – poverty is widespread, as is AIDS, the country is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge (and has yet to put anyone on trial for war crimes), corruption is institutionalized and entrenched, health care is lacking, there are still an estimated 6 million unexploded land mines, indentured sex workers are common (children too), and the list could go on – it seems like a pretty hellish place. Yet, why is it that for many of the travelers we talked to, they (and we) put Cambodia at the top of the list of favorite countries visited?
Perhaps it’s because the people are real. They don’t hide. We found it easy to make connections with them in most places. The smiles, especially in more more remote areas, were warm and genuine. We were just as much of a novelty to them as they were to us. There is a healthy dose of curiosity on both sides. The country feels like it’s trying to turn itself around. There’s a hopeful determination and positive attitude in the midst of poverty and in spite of its recent violent history.
Of course, the rose-colored glasses come off from time to time. In touristy areas like Siem Reap, many locals are caught up in the swirl of tourism dollars and are as happy to connect to you as they’d be to connect to your wallet. We learned that the hotel where we were staying in Battambang had a motorbike mafia – none of the other drivers in town would get close to us once we told them the name of our hotel. They said they’d get beat up. We changed hotels. The stories we heard about corruption in government and police were also depressing.
That said, when we think back to Cambodia, we think of the warmth of the people. As the country develops, we hope it doesn’t lose this infectious spirit.
September 11th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Which hotel in Battanbang does the motorbike mafia operate out of? I want to be sure NOT to accidently give them my business in any way when I’m there next month. Thanks for a most delightful and informative blog!! I love it.
September 12th, 2010 at 4:30 am
@Ann: The hotel in Battambang with the motorbike mafia was Royal. Keep in mind that this was three years ago so perhaps things have changed. I think it’s great that you’re looking to avoid establishments like that. More information about the ride on the back of the motorbike can be found here: http://www.uncorneredmarket.com/2007/03/battambang-on-a-motorbike/
September 5th, 2012 at 11:28 am
Sorry to be so late to comment this old page on your blog, but like you i love this country. It’s true, it’s growing so fast, but “it doesn’t lose this infectious spirit” yet and i think it will never, because this infectious spirit comes from Khmer people, they’ve got this kindness too deep inside.
I live here since one year and a half now, and i will do my best to stay as long as i can in Cambodia.
September 7th, 2012 at 3:24 am
@Chris: Glad to hear that you are as upbeat about Cambodia as you are. We understand. All the best for your time, as long as it is, in Cambodia.