AsiaLIFE Cambodia April

042013 ISSUE76

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note from the editor AsiaLIFE Group

Ellie Dyer For the average person, art may not be the means to make millions of dollars Damien Hurst-style, but it can provide an outlet to soothe a cluttered mind.

Being creative — whether through sketching, painting, drama or craft — allows people to use a different part of the brain and escape the stresses of everyday life, even just for a few hours. With such benefits, it’s no wonder that many in Phnom Penh are striving to push their artistic endeavours forward.

This month’s cover feature, our last by writer Bridget Di Certo, who is moving to Taiwan, explores the community arts scene in Phnom Penh. It lifts the lid on where to get your creative juices flowing and take time out from the modern world.

But it’s not just art that encourages innovation. This month our writers have travelled to a Takhmao farm to investigate micro greens — a fascinating new movement in the culinary scene — and discovered how to create comic books with a message.

Further afield, I’ve ventured abroad to Gangnam in Seoul to find out the secret of South Korean superstar Psy’s famous ‘style’. We’ve also looked at the history of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic opera house.

On a serious note, we’ve tackled the issue of thalassaemia — a blood disorder that affects many young people in Cambodia and can cause severe weakness and reduced life expectancy. In severe cases, regular blood transfusions are needed to ensure enduring health.

In the Q&A feature, Ieng Auntouch, who chairs the Cambodian Thalassaemia Association, highlights the shortage of blood in Cambodia’s vital blood banks — a situation that our readers can help remedy.

As a father of two children with the condition, he knows how vital such resources are for thalassaemia patients, among others.

In a country where many foreigners are striving to do good deeds, giving blood in Cambodia is a simple measure that can save lives on a day-to-day basis. Visit the National Blood Transfusion Centre’s Facebook page to find out more.

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Group Editor-in-Chief / Director Cambodia: Mark Bibby Jackson mark@asialife.asia

Group Director Sales & Marketing / Director Vietnam: Jonny Edbrooke jonny@asialife.asia

Managing Editor Cambodia: Ellie Dyer ellie@asialife.asia

Director Thailand: Nattamon Limthanachai (Oh) oh@asialife.asia

Associate Editor: Bridget Di Certo bridget.dicerto@gmail.com

Group Creative Director: Johnny Murphy johnny@asialife.asia

Editor-at-Large Cambodia: Mai Lynn Miller Nguyen

Art Director Cambodia: Hilary Fastier

Siem Reap: Rhi Quinn

Photographers: Chatti Phal & Charles Fox

Sales Manager Cambodia: Sorn Chantha chantha@asialife.asia sornchantha@yahoo.com

Social Media and Marketing: Kate Burbidge kate@asialife.asia

Sales and Accounts: Seang Seyha 012 581 455

Distribution: Sam Ath Ouk 012 319 172

Accountant: Seang Satya For advertising enquiries call Chantha on 012 576 878.

Special thanks to: Jeremie Montessuis, Darren Gall, Gemma Jones, Paul Dodd, Mary Kozlovski, Conor Wall, David Preece, Daniel Riegler, Marissa Carruthers, Dr Christoph Bendick and Cambodia Restaurant Association - for their contribution to this issue.

042013 ISSUE76

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AsiaLIFE is a registered trademark.

No content may be reproduced in any form without prior authorisation of the owners. © 360º Media.

Next time you're in Vietnam, check out the latest issue of AsiaLIFE or download it from www.asialifemagazine.com

042013 ISSUE76

front

14 Picks of the Month 16 Openings

getaway

42 The Sights, Sounds and Smells of Seoul

18 Dispatches 20 Phnom Penh Calendar 22 Photo Essay

44 Under the Lens

food

46 Food Talk: Tell

26 Q&A: Ieng Auntouch

on the cover

storyboard

22 6 asialife Cambodia

40 Searching for Gangnam Style

47 Food Review: Sesame Noodle House

28 Art Attack

34 Return of the Glamazons

style & design

48 Behind the Design

back

55 Listings

50 Eye Spy

36 Traversing the Tatai

92 Phnom Penh Map

38 Dynamic Duo

102 Pub Quiz

36

40 44

Buddhist Bug Art

March 2013

Pasteur Institute Celebrates 60th Anniversary

To mark its 60th Anniversary on Mar. 11, Phnom Penh’s Institut Pasteur laid the foundation stone for a new centre for research into infectious diseases. The ceremony was attended

by Minister of Health Mam Bunheng, French ambassador Serge Mostura, and Professor Alice Dautry, director general of the Institute. Established in 1953, the centre has devoted the past 60 years to research, developing vaccines, improving public health, and the training and development of Cambodian healthcare personnel. The institute is also holding an exhibition at Sofitel hotel in Phnom Penh until June. A series of photographs, engravings, lithographs, sketches, paintings and sculptures will represent the history of its work.

Film Festival Arrives

Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, has added Southeast Asia to its international event locations.

Tropfest SEA is both a film competition and a film

Pasteur Institute

festival, open to all citizens and residents in Southeast Asia. The festival premieres in Penang, Malaysia, from Aug. 30 to Sep. 1, with a film symposium, a music festival, and a free film screening and film festival.

The competition winner receives a five-day industry immersion trip in Los Angeles and a $10,000 cash award.

The deadline for submissions is Jul. 15. Films have no budget or format restrictions.

For more information and further updates, visit tropfest.com/sea or www. facebook.com/tropfestsea.

Half Marathon Success

Mar. 10 saw more than 1,400 participants from 23 countries gather for the start of the second Sihanoukville half marathon. The winner of the men’s and women’s races were Joerg Heiner (1:14:35) and Beate Krecklow (1:29:51) respectively.

Both were tourists from Germany who passed their prizes on to the second and third place runners in their races. Buntang Hem, Viro Ma, Veronique Messina and Clementine Tanguine shared the prize of two free entries into the Phuket half

marathon, two flights to Phuket, two pedometers, two six-month gym memberships, two sports bags and two subscriptions to a running magazine. Proceeds from the race go towards improving life for disadvantaged people and environments across the Kingdom.

Colonial Mansions Rebranded

Property company Hongkong Land has rebranded the Colonial Mansions site in central Phnom Penh as Central Mansions, following a refurbishment. Chief Executive of Hongkong Land Y K Pang attended a ceremony marking the move, saying that “the Cambodian property market offers significant opportunities

Pharmacy & Beauty store Services - International cosmetic brands - Largest selection of medicines with original brand products - Professional advice - Central locations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

www.ucarepharma.com

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Cyclo Diaries

which will attract long-term institutional capital and international occupiers."

Once complete, Central Mansions, located near the US embassy, is set to include 101 serviced apartments and five luxury penthouses.

Cyclo Diaries Returns

Meta House will host a second screening of Cyclo Diaries

by Marty Sharples and Tony Norton on Apr. 9 at 8pm. The humorous documentary details a month-long journey by two expatriate Australians riding a cyclo from Hanoi to Saigon.

The cyclo, traditionally used to transport people and goods in urban environments, is soon revealed as inappropriate for a trip on Vietnam’s mountainous roads. The 1,760km trip along Vietnam's infamous Highway 1 — often regarded as the most dangerous highway in the world — broke the world record for distance travelled on a rickshaw and raised more than $20,000 for KOTO, a Hanoi-based organisation providing vocational and personal support to disadvantaged children in Vietnam.

PPAWS Pet of the Month

Waz, short for Water, was found in a water park. A man named Aaron took him to Agrovet and rang PPAWS asking for help in caring for the little kitten.

Waz had been in the pool and was found cold and covered in sand and ants. One eye was swollen and the other badly clouded over. After a few days on antibiotics, Agrovet had to operate to remove the right eye as it became clear that Waz was in a lot of pain and unable to eat or be in the light. Waz is still a shy little kitten, but he is discovering how to play and gauge distances with just one eye. If you think you could offer Waz a loving and secure forever home, then please contact Nicky on 017293654 or email nicola.scales@gmail.com.

Waz after the operation

March 2013

CBC Charity Cup

The Credit Bureau Cambodia Charity Cup 2013 will take place at the Beeline Arena on Apr. 6. The football event will be contested by 10 teams with all proceeds going towards getting a Cambodian team to this year’s Homeless World Cup in Poznan, Poland. Last year’s winners PP Celtic have not entered a team this year, so there will be a new champion.

The teams competing this year are AsiaLIFE, Ezecom, Emaxx, Wing, KPMG, Mad Monkey, Coffee-Cambodia, Paddy Rice, Laughing Lizards and Metro.

Prizes on the day will include the H2O Media Fair Play Award and the Emaxx Most Valuable

Player Award. The first game kicks off at 9am with a final scheduled for later in the day at 3pm. A barbecue will run from 11am, with lunch available for participants and guests. The event is open to the general public and entry is free. All enquiries should be directed to jimmy@hfcaustralia.org.

New Exhibition at Romeet

‘Digestion’, a new art installation and performance exhibition by Srey Bandaul, opened at Romeet Gallery on Mar. 26 and runs until Apr. 26.

In this exhibition, the artist looks inward, seeing the body as a metaphorical site of tension.

Creating intestinal forms from everyday fabrics, such as the krama and sarong, the artist has decorated the surfaces using charcoal to connect the pieces with his earlier drawing work — a discipline he first studied growing up in a Thai refugee camp. The artist has exhibited widely throughout Cambodia and internationally and has recently returned from a residency in the US. Romeet Gallery, 34E Street 178. Tel: 092 953 567, www.romeet.com.

Cambodian Arts Festival Hits New York New York City will host more than 125 artists from Cambodia for a major

celebration of the country’s arts, culture and humanities when ‘Season of Cambodia’ comes to the city in April and May. Distinctive works from established and emerging artists in music, visual arts, performance, dance, shadow puppetry, film and academic fields will be presented by 30 of New York’s most renowned institutions, marking an unprecedented citywide partnership initiative celebrating one of the world’s most vibrant and evocative cultures. The Season is an initiative of Cambodian Living Arts, a non-profit organisation based in Phnom Penh. www. seasonofcambodia.org.

March 2013

Siem Reap news Who Turned Out The Lights?

With a population of 14.3 million, only around 22 per cent of Cambodians have access to electricity, with the rest relying on wood, charcoal, car batteries and kerosene. When Siem Reap was plunged into darkness for a week after a truck wiped out 11 power poles in a traffic accident, city dwellers got a taste of what people living in rural areas experience every day.

“There was nothing we could do about it. We had no water, WiFi or fans, so we reduced our rates. On the plus side our staff got some time off,” says Mark, the owner of a local guesthouse.

Large parts of the city were left without water as pumps couldn’t process it properly, leaving people sweltering. Thankfully generators were up and running quickly thanks to savvy business owners and normality resumed, leaving people a bit more aware of the impact electricity has on their lives.

Cambodian Cocoon

Bodia Spa is re-opening to the public and is bigger, better and even more luxurious than before.

Boasting five new double rooms and 10 singles, there is plenty of space for a foot massage or one of the many treatments Bodia

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offers, including a fruity vitamin facial or an aloe vera body wrap.

With woven wooden decoration and numerous gardens within the building, the spa has an earthy, calming atmosphere.

The shop downstairs offers more than 200 Bodia products including Mondulkiri honey, spices and exotic teas. On the second floor, visitors will find a beautiful lily pond complete with stepping stones to reach a rooftop garden. Venture up to be serenaded by the gentle trickle of a waterfall and rustling ferns, making you feel a million miles from

the buzz of Pub Street even though you’re only next door.

Kiri Boutique Hotel

Tucked away down a dusty path just off Angkor High School Road, Kiri Boutique Hotel is the newest arrival to the hospitality scene in Siem Reap. With its gold and white colour scheme, rooftop bar and top notch pool, this hotel promises a high standard of luxury for any guest. Originally a tour guide, owner Kim San always dreamed of opening a guesthouse and supporting education through tourism. The hotel now

works with The Strengthening Cambodian Communities Project, which helps families to access healthcare and education within their communities. Tara Quinn, the customer relations manager for the project and the hotel, would like to find other existing organisations to support. “That’s what really appeals to me about working here,” she says. “We want to promote responsible tourism and hopefully introduce guests to the projects in the future.”

A buffet breakfast is offered in the morning and rooms range from $40 to $100 per night.

Creative Local Cuisine

FRIENDS INTERNATIONAL

Phnom Penh

Friends the Restaurant #215, Street 13, Phnom Penh • Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-9pm Closed 1pm-5pm on Tuesday and Thursday for student training 012 802 072 • contact@friends-restaurant.org

Romdeng #74, Street 174, Phnom Penh • Monday to Saturday, 11am-9pm Closed 1pm-5pm on Wednesday and Friday for student training 092 219 565 • contact@romdeng-restaurant.org

Sihanoukville TREE – Training Restaurants for Employment and Entrepreneurship Building futures for marginalized youth and adults in Cambodia A project powered by Friends-International

Sandan 100 meters from the Golden Lions Circle on the road to Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville • Monday to Saturday, 5pm-9pm 034 452 4000 • contact@sandan-restaurant.org

Siem ReaP

Marum #8A,B between Wat (Pagoda) Polanka & Catholic Church Phum Slorkram, Siem Reap • Monday to Saturday, 5pm-9 pm 017 363 284 • contact@marum-restaurant.org

picks of the month Watch: Girls

Escape: Archipelago Retreat

American TV show Girls is essentially Sex in the City with a healthy dose of realism. The much-praised series written by Lena Dunham (who plays lead character and wouldbe intellectual Hannah) follows the lives of four not-so-fabulous 20-somethings living in Brooklyn. From being cut off by their parents and losing jobs to entering warped relationships and embarking on unsuccessful quests for cool, it encapsulates the confusion of molly-coddled young adults entering the real world. With at times graphic scenes, the series is strictly for adults. A supporting cast of strong male characters ensures that, despite its title, this programme is one for boys too.

For city slickers fed up with the usual countryside escapes, Koh Kong province’s 12-island archipelago may be the perfect remote getaway. Eco-friendly guesthouse Nomads Land Cambodia offers a range of accommodation and is hosting a ‘digital detox’ retreat from Apr. 22 to Apr. 27. A total of 12 guests can escape technology and enjoy activities including snorkelling, yoga and cashew harvesting, while tucking into some sashimi.

For more information, visit nomadslandcambodia.com or thedigitaldetox.org.

Listen: Jungle Sounds Try: Badminton Popular in parks all over Phnom Penh, the humble sport of badminton is an easily accessible activity that is perfect for a sunset knock about. Players use long-necked racquets to hit a light, feathered shuttlecock to and fro. While formal games played on small courts are conducted at lightning-fast pace, those wanting a gentle hobby during the hot season can try a casual rally in a quiet street or park.

Eat: Ice Cream As hot season works itself up into a sweltering lather, what better time of the year to indulge in the cooling properties of ice cream? From roadside street vendors to mini-marts, market stalls and cafes, cold treats can be picked up throughout the city. If that doesn’t work, try an icy shower or dive into one of the city’s many pools as a welcome respite from the blistering sun.

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Lull yourself to sleep with the sound of a provincial frog orchestra courtesy of new iPhone app Ambinator. The app was created by expat Adrian Stoeger, who recorded the noises on missions to national parks, conservation areas and the Cardamom Mountains with two NGOs. Tracks available include tinkling streams and jungle noises, along with a bevy of croaking frogs and cicadas. If you fancy drowning out Phnom Penh’s urban jungle with some natural oratory offerings, download it from the iTunes store.

David Bowie Legendary musician David Bowie makes his comeback with new album The Next Day hitting number one in the UK album charts.

The Papacy Jorge Mario Bergoglio becomes the first man born outside Europe to be appointed Pope in 1,300 years. The 76-year-old Catholic hails from Argentina and will be known as Pope Francis I. Vampire Facelifts Kim Kardashian hits world headlines following her ‘vampire facelift’. The gory Twilight-style beauty treatment involves blood being injected into the face and is said to produce firmer skin.

Korea Tension Tensions on the Korean peninsula rise as North Korea’s latest nuclear test sparks harsher UN sanctions and anti-American rhetoric from the North.

Mam Sonando Jubilation for supporters as the elderly Cambodian radio station director is freed after his 20-year jail sentence is heavily reduced on appeal.

GOING UP GOING DOWN Ieng Sary Genocide and war crimes suspect Ieng Sary dies during his trial at Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge tribunal. The 87-year-old was the former foreign minister of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Cyprus Savers are hit as the cash-strapped island issues a levy on bank accounts, sparking long queues at ATMs. Helicopter Escapes Two Canadian prisoners make a daring prison escape by scaling a rope attached to a hovering helicopter, but the move backfires when they are tracked down soon after.

Road Safety A series of horrific accidents in Cambodia sparks outcry, inspiring crooner Khemarak Sereymon to pen a song dedicated to road safety to the tune of a Leonard Cohen classic.

Happy Pizza Outlet selling pizzas laced with marijuana reportedly raided by Siem Reap police during a police operation in the tourist town.

openings Neighbourhood Café

Artillery 2 On the quieter end of Street 278, people tap at computers on handmade wooden tables at Artillery 2, the sequel to the original Artillery on Street 240½. The new venue is a breezy room with free WiFi and a covered outdoor area to shield patrons from the approaching rainy season. Owner Emma Fountain says the space differs in style from its sister venue. “We wanted to go for a kind of neighbourhood café,” she says. Artillery 2 serves up the same fresh selection of breakfasts, sandwiches and salads as its counterpart. The new café also offers a tapas menu in the evenings.

Mezze plates start at $5, with wine and beer available.

13 Street 278, near corner of Street 57, Phnom Penh. Tel: 078 985 530. Open daily from 7am to 10pm. facebook.com/artillerycambodia; artillerycambodia@gmail.com

Sleek and Spacious

Café la Fête

The scent of pastries and coffee lingers at Café la Fête, a spacious new venue on ever-expanding Street 294. Large umbrellas shelter tables outside the café, which is filled with plump couches and vases of fresh flowers. It offers a selection of French-style pastries including croissants, pains au chocolat and various tarts, with freshly baked baguettes costing $1.50 each and Japanese coffee from $2.50. “This is a coffee restaurant and upstairs we have some private rooms for lunch,” says owner Madame Kimura, who also runs Japanese eatery Origami. Several sleek meeting rooms occupy the second floor and the kitchen also offers catering, primarily for weddings and birthday parties.

18 Street 294, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 994 279. Open daily from 8am to 10pm. origami@online.com.kh

Modern Vintage

Lavo Lounge Vinyl couches in lipstick colours and animal-print lampshades encircle high-backed chairs with views over Norodom Boulevard.

The décor at new club-restaurant Lavo Lounge is half professor’s study, half rockstar’s dressing room: a style marketing manager Ouk Rathana calls “modern vintage”. The restaurant features Japanese food, including sushi and sashimi from $4.50 and $7.50 respectively, as well as appetizers, soups, salads and a small list of international dishes. Patrons wanting to sample more saki after dinner can retreat to the club, where DJs spin until the wee hours.

93E Norodom Blvd, corner of Street 208, Phnom Penh. Tel: 012 970 098 or 096 222 2938. Restaurant open daily from 5pm to 1am, club open daily from 8pm to 3am. lavomanager@gmail.com

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Sweet Touch

The Chocolate Shop 2

A city dweller with a sweet tooth can now travel to BKK1 to satisfy their cravings, with the arrival of resident chocolaterie, The Chocolate Shop, on Street 63. The new store is cosy and classy like the original on Street 240 — which opened in 2001 — with the same collection of white, dark, milk and marble chocolates. General manager Griet Lorre told AsiaLIFE that despite the expansion, The Chocolate Shop would remain a small, specialised operation. “It’s not in my ambition to start a chain,” she says.

Lorre and a fellow chocolatier have trained several locals in the art of chocolate making, with the assistance of experts from her native Belgium.

317 Street 63, between Streets 322 and 334, Phnom Penh. Tel: 077 666 402. Open daily from 9am to 7.30pm. info@chocolatecambodia.com; chocolate-cambodia.com

What a Whopper

Burger King The Whopper has landed in Cambodia. For $4.80, fast food lovers can now purchase Burger King’s towering tribute to beef at Phnom Penh International Airport. The usual suspects are on offer, including burgers and fries, sundaes for $1.50 and piping hot coffee for weary travellers, who can rest their legs on cushioned seats and take advantage of the WiFi. Burger King is one of a number of popular chains to enter Cambodia in recent years, joining industry stalwarts such as KFC and Dairy Queen. Local press reported last month that Burger King's franchise owner planned to open another store in the capital by the end of 2013.

Phnom Penh International Airport. Open daily from 9am to 10pm. www.bk.com

Sport Savvy

True Brands

In a country brimming with counterfeit goods, the genuine article can be difficult to identify. New sportswear store True Brands guarantees the originality of its off-season products from established brands such as Puma and Adidas, which retail at discounted prices and are sourced directly from the companies. “We never buy products from third parties so there cannot be any counterfeit product, and that’s the key to authenticity,” says owner Jacques Benchetrit, adding that the store is looking to expand across Southeast Asia. True Brands offers apparel and equipment for running, swimming, basketball, soccer and more.

164 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh. Open daily from 9am to 9pm. Tel: 023 726 906. info@truebrands.asia; truebrands.asia

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DISPATCHES

Travel news from around the region and beyond

Island Getaway

Lying between the vast Indian Ocean and a tranquil lagoon in the town of Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon is an elegant Sri Lankan spa resort on the island’s west coast. The design blends modern luxuries and space with white and brown hues for a sense of serene opulence and freedom. The resort, which has the longest swimming pool in the area and provides sustainable air conditioning via steam, is offering a free spa treatment and 15 per cent off meals when guests stay for four nights. The deal lasts through April and must be made online at jetwinghotels.com.

Coming to Myanmar

Apple Tree Group is targeting Apr. 15 for the soft opening of a tented luxury lodge in the heart of historic Bagan. Near the eastern banks of the legendary Irrawaddy River, the property offers 85 air-conditioned rooms in three classes of accommodation. The hotel’s design aesthetic melds classic Burmese brick with contemporary flourishes and tented roofs. Its principal restaurant, the Tiffin Box, will offer authentic Burmese and western cuisine. Afternoon tea is served in the Lobby Lounge, and the Pool Bar is set to offer snacks and cocktails. Beyond the restaurant, the lodge will feature a spa, a 20-metre pool and a travel desk for guests to book local excursions and onward flights. More information can be found at balconymediagroup.com.

Beachfront Fun

Hotel de la Paix Cha Am Beach Resort in Hua Hin will run a ‘Family Beachfront Fun’ deal until mid-May. Two nights of accommodation in a spacious Horizon Studio will cost B12,500 for two adults with one accompanying child aged under 12. Guests can kick back and spend quality time with those that matter most, revelling in the captivating contemporary design and chic style of architect Duangrit Bunnag, which has garnered widespread acclaim and lends Hotel de la Paix its distinct atmosphere. Each day of the package begins with breathtaking views of the morning sun, enjoyed best from a vantage point at Motion restaurant or while having a coffee in one of the beachfront cabanas. Offer is valid from Mar. 15 to May 15. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, visit hoteldelapaixhh.com.

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240PHNOMPENH.COM

asialife Cambodia 19

Have an event coming up?

Send information and dates to k8bluesky@gmail.com

CALENDAR PHNOM PENH APR

Cambodian Living Arts launches its new exhibition 'Prethea Cha' (Masters) at 6pm at Cambodian Living Arts’ gallery at 128-G9 Sothearos Blvd. The exhibition will showcase the work of German photographer Jessica Hetke, who spent time at three of CLA’s traditional arts teachers’ homes and captured their everyday lives.

02

APR

05

APR

Business Connect networking event at Riverhouse Lounge, 7pm to 9:30pm. Featuring a talk on ‘The Challenges of Human Resources in the Food and Beverage industry within Cambodia’.

Riverhouse Lounge, corner Sisowath Quay and Street 110. Tel: 012 229 161, party@lounge.riverhouse. com.

03

First Friday pool party at the Eighty8, from 10pm onwards. See the new month in poolside with a refreshing cocktail. Eighty8, 98 Street 88. Tel: 023 500 2440.

APR

The Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) Charity Cup 2013 will take place at the Beeline Arena from 9am to 4pm.This year the football event will be contested by 10 teams with all proceeds going to the HFCA, www.hfcaustralia. org, in its quest to get a Cambodian team to this year’s Homeless World Cup in Poznan, Poland.

06

APR

Celebrate German Day (Deutschtag) at Meta House at 4pm. Sing German songs and find a language learning partner.

Lots of surprises and German food are in store.

Please register via email at dzphnompenh@gmail. com. At 10pm, the Kimchi Collective spins cutting edge party music.

06

APR

BizStartup Mentoring Workshop, from 8am to 5pm at Parkway Square. This workshop is a platform for those wishing to learn more about starting new businesses, with a focus on hospitality, food and beverage, education and real estate.

The workshop is for Khmer speakers only. $5 payable on entrance, including lunch and refreshments. Registration at: www.entrepconsulting.com/register.html or email entrepconsulting@gmail.com.

06 APR

07

At 4.30pm at Meta House, nine students from Pannasastra University are putting newly acquired skills to the test by presenting a photography exhibition and fashion show with Raffles design students. Entry to the closing party costs $4.

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APR

Open week at Dance World Cambodia. The studio opens its doors to the public for a week of demonstrations of ballet, tap, raqs sharqi (belly dancing), K-Pop and hip hop. Times and dates can be found at www.danceworldcambo.wordpress. com, reservations can be made by calling 012 6234 008 or danceworldcambodia@yahoo.com.au.

Dance World Cambodia, 313 Sisowath Quay, Hotel Cambodiana.

APR

Cyclo Diaries gets a second airing at Meta House from 8pm. A humorous film following two Australian expats as they pilot a cyclo from Hanoi to Saigon.

Meta House, 37 Sothearos Blvd, Tel: 012 607 465 / 067 867 305, www.meta-house.com.

07 13 09 APR

Get away for Khmer New Year with a yoga retreat at the Vine Retreat in Kep from Apr. 13 to Apr. 16. Oskar Nery will be introducing some basic principles of Scaravelli inspired yoga to classical Ashtanga Vinyasa practice to explore ways to move into and out of classical postures. Contact phnompenhyoga@gmail.com for details.

13

APR

Term two starts at Dance World Cambodia.

Professional lessons in ballet, tap, modern, neo classical, raqs sharqi, K-Pop, classical pilates and break dance. Further information on timetables and workshops can be found at www.danceworldcambo. wordpress.com. 313 Sisowath Quay, Hotel Cambodiana. Tel: 012634008, danceworldcambodia@yahoo. com.au.

22

APR

Little Kitchen: Cooking for Change will take over Meta House from 6.30pm.The event features an all-you-can-eat buffet, prepared by passionate amateur cooks from around the globe. Revenues benefit M'Lup Russey, an NGO that provides emergency foster care to children who have been separated from their families. Only 70 tickets will be sold at $15 each.

Buy them in advance at Meta House art cafe or make reservations at littlekitchenpp@hotmail.com.

27 APR

The Cambodian Federation of Rugby Finals will take place from 10am to 5pm at the Old Stadium.

Cheer on the men, women and junior teams as they battle through their respective finals. The senior men’s final kicks off at 3.30pm. The Old Stadium, corner Streets 93 & 70, just off Knotted Gun Roundabout.

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EVERY DAY

Yoga classes at Yoga Phnom Penh, close to BKK market. For more information, please visit yogaphnompenh.com or enquire at 012 739 419.

Every afternoon Sofitel in Phnom Penh will serve a red-themed afternoon tea from 3pm to 5pm.

Tickets cost $25 for sparkling rosé wine, abundant fruits and delights.

Every evening except Sundays and Mondays at Le Bar, Sofitel Phokeetra Phnom Penh, DJ Lady Bluesabelle plays soul, jazz, world music and tropical beats from 6pm until late. No cover charge. Sofitel Phokeetra Phnom Penh, 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd, Tel: 023 999 200, www.sofitel.com/ phnompenh .

EVERY MONDAY TO SATURDAY

Cambodia Living Arts traditional arts performances program, Plae Pakaa, runs every Monday to Saturday at 7pm until Mar. 31. This is a rotating program of three performances: classical and folk dance (Children of Bassac), a Yike Opera story (Mak Therng) and a music and theatre show called Passage of Life. Tickets for the National Museum show are $10 for adults, $6 for children.

EVERY MONDAY

Mad Monday at The Empire, 6pm.

Yoga at Yoga Phnom Penh.

Sweat and Samadhi at 8am, Slow Flow at 12.15pm and Deep Flow at 5.45pm. See yogaphnompenh.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Drink & Draw at ARTillery, 7pm.

Get your creative engines going with a live model, a couple of drinks and a whole lot of creative fun.

Latin Fever at The Latin Quarter.

Salsa with DJ Jimmy at Equinox on Street 278.

Trivia in the garden at The Willow, $2 entry and 7.30pm start.

Salsa Classes at Ebony Tree on Street 29. Beginners class from 7pm to 8pm. Intermediate class from 8pm to 9pm. $5 for expats, $2.50 for locals.

EVERY THURSDAY

Open Mic at Paddy Rice Irish Sports Bar. Steak Night at The Empire.

Weekly special at a big discount.

Women’s Night at The Riverhouse.

Swing dancing at Equinox on Street 278, Phnom Penh.

EVERY FRIDAY

Special happy hatha yoga classes at Yoga Phnom Penh, 5.45pm discounted happy hour class.

EVERY SATURDAY

Regular yoga workshops, Sweat and Samadhi lessons, and lunch delivery from ARTillery Cafe at Yoga Phnom Penh. For more information, please visit yogaphnompenh.com.

EVERY SUNDAY

Sunday Escape at the Regency Café, InterContinental hotel. Free flow wine, from $34 per person.

Morning meditation with Beth Goldring, a zen Buddhist nun teacher. Sessions held in a private home close to the national museum. yogaphnompenh.com Phnom Penh Hash House Harriers’ run. Meet at 2.15pm at the railway station.

asialife Cambodia 21

P H OTO E SS AY

The Bold and the Beautiful Roaming, resting, stalking, sleeping. The cycle of life in the African plains is one of endless repetition with moments of striking and often unexpected beauty. While fulfilling a lifelong dream to visit South Africa and Tanzania, Hilary Fastier found that it’s true what they say: Africa gets into your blood and a single visit will never be enough.

Just like the elephant, one never forgets.

24 asialife Cambodia

26 asialife Cambodia

Ieng Auntouch As chairman of the Cambodian Thalassaemia Association and father of two children with the inherited blood disorder, Ieng Auntouch works to raise awareness about the condition. Photographer and writer Charles Fox learns what can be done to help people with the genetic disorder, which can create an abnormal form of haemoglobin that reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen around the body, causing severe weakness.

What is thalassaemia?

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by a genetic defect of the haemoglobin molecule, which does not allow the body to produce enough haemoglobin. There are three degrees of thalassaemia and the severe form, thalassaemia major, requires regular blood transfusions as the main therapy to survive. Depending on the patient, that can be every week.

Without regular blood transfusions the spleen becomes enlarged, as it has to work harder, and eventually has to be removed if the condition continues. If patients receive regular blood transfusions, iron will build up in their body, which needs to be chelated (removed). Currently there is no cure except for a bone marrow transplant.

Does the condition affect life expectancy?

Without blood transfusions the life expectancy of a patient with thalassaemia is approximately 10 years.

With transfusions, but without other treatment such as iron chelation, it’s about 30 years. With regular blood transfusion and other therapy such as iron chelation, people with thalassaemia are expected to live as long as normal people.

Can you tell me a bit more about the work of the Cambodian Thalassaemia Association?

We were established in 2008 with the support of the Thalassaemia International Federation in Cyprus. The reason that I set up the society was that back in 2007, my first child was diagnosed with thalassaemia.

My brother-in-law [a doctor] saw my son’s appearance and requested a complete blood count in Cambodia. It showed a low level of haemoglobin and my brother-in-law said he needed further tests. In Cambodia, to his knowledge, there was not a lab which could analyse the symptoms and he needed further tests to confirm what it was. He took us to Vietnam and they told us.

How did you find out more about the condition?

I went on the internet and searched for thalassaemia, and it came out with a lot of things.

Basically it said that there is a high prevalence in Southeast Asia. I asked myself how come this kind of disorder is in such high prevalence in Cambodia and I don’t know about it?

I did not believe it really. I thought there was something wrong with Wikipedia. I then asked myself how I could help those vulnerable people with no choice.

What are the association’s objectives?

The CTA vision is ‘a society free from thalassaemia’.

Selected objectives are: to raise awareness about thalassaemia; to seek affordable, accessible treatment and adequate supply of safe blood for patients by lobbying and soliciting support from the Ministry of Health, drugs companies and international organisations; to work with the National Blood Transfusion Centre to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for transfusion dependent patients; and to raise funds to meet the objectives and activities of CTA. Some patients need regular transfusions. Is there enough blood donated in Cambodia to do that?

No. Based on the National Blood Transfusion Centre, they need about 160,000 packs of blood a year and up to now they only have 60,000. People still fear pain.

They are not sure when they give blood what will happen to their body. Probably, they think they will become weaker and pale.

How can people donate blood?

They can go to the blood bank.

Anyone can come. You tell the people that you want to donate blood and they will take you through the process. The best

time to come is Monday to Friday during working hours.

It’s completely safe.

Are there any other ways of tackling the condition?

I want to have projects for [raising] awareness, training and population screening for free for couples intending to get married, young couples and those in need.

Thalassaemia is preventable through screening and other measures, which proved to be cost effective in other countries but are not available in Cambodia.

What would screening involve?

Prevention involves the screening of married couples before pregnancy so they can then make an informed decision of the risk involved for their offspring if they are both carriers. Another method is general population screening, through which people can know whether they are carriers or not.

With the generational increase over time, the blood requirements for treating thalassaemia patients will become unmanageable unless prevention strategies are introduced as soon as possible.

If you would like to donate blood, please visit www.facebook.com/ DonateBloodCambodia to find out more about the National Blood Transfusion Centre.

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28 asialife Cambodia

Armed with knitting needles, paintbrushes and pencils, an army of creative folk are bringing new artistic outlets to the capital.

Bridget Di Certo goes behind the front lines to investigate the community arts and crafts scene and find out how to get involved.

Photography by Chatti Phal.

asialife Cambodia 29

30 asialife Cambodia

For an artist, life is full of colour. A sliver of shadow in the afternoon sun can conjure up images of an exotic villain cloaked in crushed velvet. A stranger’s gentle gesture spied across a smoky bar could be the spark for a dance sequence en pointe.

But creative escapism can be elusive in Cambodia’s capital, where work deadlines, financial pressures and an omnipresent drinking scene reign.

Living in a bustling city with a heavy work load is likely to impede imaginative endeavours — be it learning new skills or practising passions — but, as sometime visual artist Sandrine Bannwarth points out, art can be a great way to counter environmental pressures.

“Having a creative outlet can give people that opportunity, let them express their imagination and temporarily, spiritually escape from their daily issues,” says Bannwarth, who co-organises a life drawing class in the capital. “Creativeness can take many forms and be a healing force [to] give people strength, help them reflect, or simply entertain them and make them happy.”

For those uninitiated into the arts, engaging in such pursuits can seem inaccessible, but as with any skill art is not reserved for a handful of select prodigies.

A few bright sparks are assaulting social monotony with creative outlets that unite passionate painters, theatre-lovers and even the odd knitter.

Needles Out

In the wrong hands, two sharp implements could spark a crime scene, but on a Tuesday night at Kiriya Coffee in BKK1 it marks the beginning of a scarf.

Knitting has long thrown off its “nanna” associations and the Cambodian capital is not immune to the craft’s rising popularity, thanks to a social group called Stitch’n’Bitch.

“Stitch’n’Bitch is a standard name for any knitting group, a place for knitters to talk to each other,” says Monika Nowaczyk, group founder and the force behind NGO Cambodia Knits. “You need patience, perseverance and a sense

“You need patience, perseverance and a sense of humour. It can be quite addictive and, in a way, meditative.”

of humour. It can be quite addictive and, in a way, meditative.”

The Phnom Penh chapter started informally a few years ago and has developed a loyal following. While the group’s name sometimes throws people, meetings are always held in fine humour.

Four to eight members of varying levels of experience meet three times a week at different coffee shops around the city, with the group welcoming newcomers.

Knitting is a craft that expands with knowledge, always offering aficionados new ways to challenge themselves. As Nowaczyk points out, those who are new to the needles would probably have a lot to gain from meeting more experienced knitters. Members of SNB have woven their way to making elephants and crocheted koalas along with sweaters, hats, socks and scarves. “There are people who come here who are working in so many interesting areas so it always prompts good discussion,” a participant says at a small midweek meet.

SNBers enlighten me to the new concept of ‘Guerrilla Knitting’, which involves leaving a graffiti-inspired mark in the form of a knitted item in a public area.

Expats from London, UK, or Melbourne, Australia, may be familiar with the occasional attack in their neighbourhood.

A bus stop could be adorned with a cozy new beanie, or a bike bar wrapped in a pearl-knitted scarf.

In addition to the social aspect of meeting people from different walks of life, Nowaczyk highlights that there is a meditative quality to the art. Knitting can be extremely therapeutic and can channel tension and increase mindfulness.

Enthusiasts say the pastime is especially useful for people suffering from nervous disorders such as anxiety, hypertension, obsessive-compulsive disorders or depression. Others speak of a stitching addiction helping with eating issues. Busy hands and increased concentration help quell overeating that could lead to weight problems.

Pencils at Dawn

Drink & Draw is another creative group that is shaking cobwebs off the more innovative parts of Phnom Penhers’ brains.

The objective is to provide an opportunity asialife Cambodia 31

for people who like to draw, paint, sketch and take photographs — and drink — to come together with like-minded people each month.

During each session, a live model strikes different poses. At the beginning, the model keeps a few dynamic poses for one minute, then two minutes and five minutes. These are energetic and designed to allow drawers to catch the action quickly on paper. After a break, they take longer poses: 10 minutes and eventually 15 minutes. The longer poses highlight the figure and physical details of the model, enabling drawers to concentrate on capturing still life.

“Generally speaking, people who hear about the concept of Drink & Draw usually find it quite appealing. The idea is simple: we have our own music and drinks and we just spend two hours doing something we enjoy — drawing,” says Bannwarth, one of the organisers who took over the reins of the group after founder EJ Callahan relocated from Cambodia.

“Visual art and drawing had always been part of my life too but it was the first time I was given the chance to draw live models and I also really liked the concept of a laid-back artistic Sunday evening,” she adds.

The session ultimately focuses as much on socialising as it does on giving drawers or beginners the opportunity to try something new.

“Beyond a creative outlet, art is also a language per se,” Bannwarth says. “Our group generally gathers foreigners from diverse countries worldwide, together with Cambodians. Drawing establishes new and unique forms and opportunities of dialogue, sharing and interactions between individuals.”

Creative Community

The idea of using creativity to connect a community is something that the newly opened Phnom Penh Community College aims to master.

Chief executive officer Gabriel Helmy says the idea of an adult-learning-for-fun college is a familiar concept in his native Australia. Participants sign up for classes, which last for a half or full day, based on pitches from prospective facilitators who have “a real passion for something”.

“I’ve been in Cambodia for four years and I hear a lot in the expat community that there isn’t that much [recreational] activity going on,” Helmy says. “The expat community here is very diverse, very open from a cultural perspective and very willing to try something new, and there are a lot of expats who really have a lot of spare time on their hands.”

Classes at the centre, which officially opened in September and hopes to draw a diverse mix of students, have included acrylic painting on canvas, photography, flamenco and belly dancing. Helmy and his co-founders describe a combination of curiosity, adventure and desire for entertainment as the perfect melting pot for creative classes in Phnom Penh.

“The idea is to be a one-stop shop.

There are different classes on every weekend and people can say ‘let’s go see what’s happening at the community college today’,” he says.

Like Drink & Draw and Stitch'n'Bitch, workshops are coupled with a social side. Classes are kept small and intimate at about 10 participants to help foster positive rapport between the facilitator and participants. They run about once a month, but frequency is set to increase.

Taking the Stage

Long-running theatre group the Phnom Penh Players (PPP) is another organically driven ensemble of passionate people, who get together several times a year to plan a stage production. It has run for about 15 years and all show profits go toward different artistic organisations in Cambodia.

“I would recommend PPP if someone is looking for a fun project with varying

levels of commitment. It's a great social group and there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in different aspects of the productions,” says Teia Rogers, director of 2012’s production ‘Cigarettes and Chocolate’, and more recently the director of an independently performed production of ‘The Vagina Monologues’.

There is no set format or management team for the Players’ productions, providing an open platform for those new to the theatre scene to dive in and get involved with writing, directing, lighting, costume, set design or acting.

While Rogers has been involved in a multitude of theatre programmes in her native US, she points out that her chief involvement with the Players’ has been with light and sound, an area she previously had limited knowledge of, emphasising the ease with which beginners can become involved.

Ways to unleash or develop your particular artistic flair exist in other more conventional formats. Dance World Cambodia has recently expanded its repertoire of classes to include hip hop, break dancing and belly dancing, as well as tap, jazz and ballet. Wednesday night salsa at Equinox has maintained a loyal following and is a platform for both seasoned dancers and beginners.

Getting creative in the kitchen with cooking classes focusing on local ingredients is a great option for budding master chefs. While a slew of photography courses are on offer for both the novice, and those looking to become more familiar with their own camera.

The standout feature of Phnom Penh’s recreational arts scene is the social element that all its groups foster.

Beginners are always welcome to try something new and find a shared passion with other residents from different walks of life. With so many varied groups active in the city, options abound to find the artist within, whatever your passion or artistic curiosity may be.

Get Involved Drink & Draw Visit www.facebook.com/DrinkAndDrawCambodia Stitch'n'Bitch Visit phnompenhstitchnbitch.wordpress.com Phnom Penh Community College

The Capacity Specialists Training Centre, First Floor, 182 Street 63. www.facebook.com/ PhnomPenhCommunityCollege, info@phnompenhcommunitycollege.com. Tel: 089 882 756.

Phnom Penh Players

Email phnompenhplayers@gmail.com

Dance World Cambodia

Visit danceworldcambo.wordpress.com

Salsa Visit salsa-phnompenh.com Cooking

Visit linnacooking.com or cambodia-cooking-class.com

Photography Visit nathanhortonphotography.com 32 asialife Cambodia

“The idea is to be a one-stop shop. There are different classes on every weekend and people can say ‘let’s go see what’s happening at the community college today’.”

asialife Cambodia 33

Return of the

m a z ons a l G Over the top avant-garde outfits made hair show Glamazon the talk of the town last year. Ellie Dyer talks to the men behind Glamazon 2.0 — a bigger and better version of the style extravaganza that is set to take over Phnom Penh next month.

Photography by Charles Fox.

For pop culture enthusiasts Ryan Drewe Taylor and Brandon Lee of The Dollhouse hair salon, creating avant-garde styles is a way of bringing their imaginations to life.

“Designers like Alexander McQueen or John Galliano, they create their dreams or their inspiration. That’s how it is for us — it’s more for us to express our dreams. It sounds cheesy, but these are things you think about,” says Taylor, sipping a cold drink in a rare moment of peace during preparations for one of the biggest shows of his career: Glamazon 2.0.

The words outrageous, glamour, glitter and pop are mentioned frequently as the pair explain the concept behind the arts and entertainment gala, set to be held at NagaWorld on May 2. Celebrity drag performances, dance segments, a catwalk show, as well as an avant-garde and transformation section — where participants will be given a style make-over — are all planned in a bid to make the event bigger, better and broader than its first incarnation.

The initial Glamazon, held 34 asialife Cambodia

in April 2012 and billed as a hair show, won rave reviews in local press and was much talked about among the fashion community. The overwhelming success caught the stylish team, who were hidden backstage for most performances, by surprise.

“You could hear all these ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’,” recalls Lee, who is originally from Malaysia. “Hopefully we will do that again this year.”

The stakes have certainly been upped for 2013. The avant-garde segment — one of the event’s main draws — has been inspired by iconic women of the past, from historic figures such as guillotined former Queen of France Marie Antoinette to fictional cartoon and film characters.

“It’s like iconic female figures who we worshipped when we were young … or movies we loved to watch, or songs we loved to listen to. All these little things,” explains Lee, who worked in the furniture industry before venturing into the style business.

“We always collect images that

are really fun, quirky or weird.

It’s great the way we can put them all together.”

“We won’t reveal what they are going to do, but they don’t just walk up and down. There’s definitely more theatrics, and we’ve incorporated the Phnom Penh Central School of Ballet in our show,” adds Taylor.

One of the most outrageous elements will likely be Jujubee — an exuberant half-Laotian, half-Thai drag queen who shot to stardom in American reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Lee and Taylor are such big fans that they own a small dog named after the star, who as well as performing at Glamazon plans to hold tutorials for Cambodian drag queens at Blue Chilli bar during her visit.

“She’s an expert, a pro and one of the best in the world.

She’s going to give some tips, advice and guidance,” Taylor says, highlighting that Jujubee has performed all over the world and will be jetting off to Paris after her Cambodian performances.

It is hoped that she can

demonstrate to would-be drag artists that careers are possible within the niche art form, as shown by Jujubee and mainstream acts such as Ru Paul and Dame Edna Everage.

“Rather than just being sexy, or just being comedic, you can be more than that,” adds Lee. The Dollhouse is also collaborating with a range of artistic partners throughout the city including DJs, dancers, singer Rhiannon Johnson, make-up artists, designers Juli Handayani and KeoK’jay’s Rachel Faller, and various dance troupes.

“Every little bit of it, we want people to be creative,” says Taylor, who adds that proceeds will be given to conservation NGO Wildlife Alliance. But a word of warning to attendees: make an effort with the dress code, defined as ‘over-the-top outrageous’. As the duo point out: “there’s not going to be anyone in flip flops.”

For more information about Glamazon 2.0, please visit the "Glamazon by The Dollhouse" Facebook page. Tickets cost $30 and the show starts at 7.30pm.

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Traversing the

Tatai

A trip to the Tatai river in Koh Kong province offers a unique embrace with nature and adrenalin. Words and photographs by Bridget Di Certo.

36 asialife Cambodia

Curving softly through the world-famous Cardamom Mountains in Koh Kong province, the Tatai River is clear and warm. Stretching from the dramatic mountains in the province’s northeast to the picturesque mangrove flats of the western seaboard, it occasionally splits into tributaries and lakelike shallows.

The tidal waterway, which is several hundred metres wide and about 20 metres deep for the majority of its course, alternates from salt to fresh water through the course of each day — creating a layered phenomenon with cool water at the surface and warm water running beneath. A mild current makes it a perfect place for water-based activities.

“It’s pretty unique here.

There are only two places with mountain ranges in Cambodia, and Koh Kong is one of those,” says Lois Woodward, a wilderness activities expert based at local eco-resort Rainbow Lodge.

“We are on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains, which is the largest surviving rainforest [in Southeast Asia] now. The community is very reliant on nature here; still very in touch with fishing and

farming,” she adds.

With accommodation limited near the weaving Tatai, Rainbow Lodge provides access to a range of activities.

Expert guides can lead visitors through primary rainforest, pointing out birds, wildlife and rare flora along secluded tracks.

A wide variety of berries and fruit line the way and trekkers can even spot the jungle’s namesake — the cardamom spice — in bright green, fingerlength pods. It grows wild alongside green ‘jungle chillis’ that mature naturally in the soft, fertile soil.

With paths about one-person wide, trails often succumb to the overwhelming power of aggressive tropical jungle and guides carry machetes to clear bamboo or new branches.

While there are some tricky root obstacles and the odd lowhanging branch to scramble under, a hike through the Cardamoms is suitable for almost every age and level of fitness, apart from a short, steep climb at the beginning of the trek.

“In reality we don’t know how much longer it will be here,” Woodward says of the wild forest that sees poachers and loggers alike coming to claim spoils. “There is a wealth of

different wildlife you don’t find in other places. I spotted a baby sun bear once, but didn’t hang around for mum to come back.”

There is also a large variety of snakes, some venomous, in the area during wet season.

The golden tree snake, part of a family of ‘flying snakes’, has the ability to jump from tree to tree.

Lasting for two, five or eight hours, the treks conclude at the Tatai waterfalls — a series of steep rapids that intermittently pool in naturally formed jacuzzilike hollows. In wet season, the rocky enclave is bursting with gushing rapids and is a popular spot with local visitors. Nestle into one of the smaller falls for a one-of-a-kind back, neck and shoulder massage.

For bird enthusiasts the Cardamoms prove a rare haven for precious wildlife, while a guided or unguided kayaking adventure along the gentle flow of the Tatai can reveal secret inlets and tributaries perfect for exploring.

Woodward’s background is in wilderness therapy, a form of social intervention for young and at-risk people that helps them develop confidence, trust and social skills in an outdoor

environment. From this experience, she is developing a range of activities in the Tatai area focused on children and young adults, such as rock scrambling and

"I spotted a baby sun bear once, but didn’t hang around for mum to come back."

orienteering courses.

Along with kayaking, swimming and boat cruises, visitors can camp in hammocks at the Tatai waterfalls during overnight treks run from the Lodge.

“We set them up with a BBQ and bottle of wine,” Woodward says, accenting the ready availability of creature comforts, despite the wild setting. “Because it’s less developed, you can have that experience of being in nature.

It’s quiet — you can come away and have a good night’s sleep.

The animals are the first sound you hear, not the traffic.”

Dynamic

Duo

Comic books aren't just for kids and dynamic duo Nick Wood and Jose Encinas are using them to put the fun back into education for adults. Marissa Carruthers finds out more about their latest pioneering venture. Photography

by Charles Fox, illustrationS by Partizan Creatives.

“It was a trick of fate,” filmmaker Nick Wood says with a smile, reminiscing about the creative explosion between himself and graphic artist Jose Encinas. A chance meeting led the pair to the innovative idea of sending out social and educational messages in comic book form.

Surrounded by a flurry of sketches and scripts in the home-studio where the duo draw on each other’s skills to conjure up tantalising tales that aim to inform and educate, they look back at how their journey began.

Tasked with the challenge of writing for TV soap opera At The Factory Gates in 2006, Wood created the final two episodes of the show that starred Cambodian karaoke and film personality Keo Pich Pisey in the lead role.

The International Labour Organisation-backed series, aimed at informing garment workers about their rights and 38 asialife Cambodia

responsibilities under newly introduced labour laws, proved a hit and ILO decided to create an accompanying publication for workers.

Alongside 51-year-old Wood, Encinas was recruited to extract the show’s key concepts and transform them into a series of pamphlets, planting the seed that led them to their creative venture.

Faced with the challenge of creating an informative but entertaining product in a country where literacy rates are low, the pair decided to fuse their drawing and writing skills to create comic books to deliver the message through a story.

“We got together and thought everyone loves cartoons. They defy age and social class,” says Wood, who is originally from London.

“In a low literacy environment where there isn't always a reading culture, cartoons and comics are effective tools if you want to get a good message across

and can be done well through nicely drawn images that tell a relatable story,” he adds.

To Encinas, who moved to Cambodia from Madrid 11 years ago to launch illustration and design studio Minus 36, and Wood’s surprise, the series of eight comics proved to be a huge success.

“The whole concept of doing a comic book really resonated with the factory workers,” Wood says. “People were sharing them and they ended up being passed around and read by their friends and colleagues. It was something they wanted to keep.”

Since then, their innovative ideas and skills have been recruited to help Better Factories Cambodia — a group that monitors and reports on working conditions in the country’s garment factories — mark its 10th anniversary. A comic brought the characters behind the United Nations’ organisation to life and highlighted a decade

of achievements.

A third project called Threading the Needle saw them create a 70-page graphic novel for ILO last year. The popular production was a simple life skills guide dealing with issues that commonly arise during the migration of tens of thousands of people from the provinces to Phnom Penh each year.

Tackling issues such as sexual health, hygiene, nutrition and money matters, Wood and Encinas introduce main character Sina, who set up a handbag business in her home village after spending 10 years as a garment worker in the capital. She shares her experiences with women wanting to follow in her footsteps.

The pair has since launched a comic book production company called Partizan Creatives to help tackle educational and social issues.

Encinas, 48, who is a huge

comic book fan and cites Jean Giraud Moebius and Conrad Wilbur among his favourite artists, says, “I knew comic books as science fiction or superhero stories or graphic novels. I didn't know they could be used in educational or social issues, but it really does work because it’s very easy to follow.”

“It’s also a great form because you can deliver the product straight to the people you want," he adds. "Film is good but you've got to screen it somewhere and then get everyone there to watch it. The application here is phenomenal.

You don’t need to get hundreds of people in one place.”

Wood, who has created documentaries and short films with his company Navigator Communications since moving to Cambodia 12 years ago, believes the key to the comics’ success was handing people from the provinces a publication that was easily digestible, informative,

entertaining and of value.

“They’re learning subliminally,” he says. “It’s a story they’re interested in and people get absorbed by that and it infuses the life skills message. The key is to try and avoid dictating to people, instead let’s tell a great story people want to read and keep reading about.”

Since officially launching in February, Partizan Creatives has attracted the attention of organisations interested in using its unique way of communicating.

“It’s a brilliant collaboration between us both and we've already had a lot of interest, which has been great,” says Wood. “It’s a very niche market that we found by accident and something that no one [else] seems to be doing in Cambodia.”

For more information on the company and to see examples of its work, visit www. partizancreatives.com.

asialife Cambodia 39

Searching for

Gangnam Style

From Phnom Penh karaoke bars to nightclubs in London and New York, partygoers break into dance as soon as the distinctive beat of Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ hits the sound system. Revellers may be less aware that Gangnam is more than an insanely catchy pop tune, but also a fashionable district of Seoul. Ellie Dyer travelled to the South Korean capital to investigate.

The opening shot of the ‘Gangnam Style’ video shows Korean superstar Psy basking on a sweltering beach, before the camera pans outs to reveal that the ‘exotic’ location is in fact a children’s playground. The quirky scene did more than set the tone for a pop phenomenon.

Having now garnered more than one billion views on YouTube, the video introduced the world to the affluent district of Gangnam, Seoul.

With clusters of designer malls, one of the highest densities of plastic surgery clinics in the world and a pop hit making its “sexy ladies” famous throughout the globe, the area is experiencing something of a tourism renaissance.

Since last year, when Psy’s 40 asialife Cambodia

song soared up world charts, the number of tourists visiting Gangnam has rocketed up by around 76 percent. The tune and its accompanying ‘horseriding dance’ are so popular that the K-Pop star performed at the inauguration of South Korea’s first female president in February.

“We have been flooded with interviews from major media from all over the world,” says Gangnam mayor Shin Yeonhee, who met with AsiaLIFE in a traditional 600-year-old house surrounded by burial mounds and snow melt that was built in Gangnam during the Joseon dynasty. “People are curious about Gangnam.”

Located in the southeast of the capital, the district or

‘gu’ is home to approximately 570,000 people. Soaring modernist buildings intermingle with heritage sites, including the ancient tombs of Korean kings, to create one of Seoul’s most exclusive and fashionable areas.

The prevalence of style-

“It is tradition mingling with modern times that makes the city look so stunning.”

conscious residents and Psy’s coffee-sipping sexy ladies is clear. Well-heeled shoppers swathed in black totter into branches of Louis Vuitton and Gucci, while gleaming department stores located on wide boulevards burst with luxury goods.

Beauty is big business in Gangnam, with the area regarded as a Mecca for plastic surgery in South Korea. In the district’s so-called ‘medical street’, teenagers swathed in bandages walk past ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of clients displayed outside some of the 198 plastic surgery clinics and 36 dermatology centres located on a single 800-metre-long road.

In total, Gangnam contains 359 plastic surgery

Photography by Ellie Dyer clinics, along with hospitals specialising in anti-ageing, stem cell research, fertility treatment, cancer treatment and oriental medicine.

Officials hope it will become a draw for medical tourists from countries across the world, including Cambodia.

Experts say plastic surgery clients are often searching for bigger eyes, sharp V-shaped chins, longer noses and whiter skin that may give them both self-confidence and advantages in a highly competitive, karaoke-loving, beautyconscious society.

“Some people, they have a little bit of plastic surgery or [measures] to have better skin before they go to job interviews

… the first impression is very important,” explains Song Li Li of Gangnam’s Arumdaun Nara dermatology and cosmetic surgery clinic, which translates as ‘Beautiful Land’ in English and displays pictures of its celebrity clients on its walls.

“If you have bright skin and a pretty face, maybe it is easier to get a job — of course you have to be capable as well,” she adds, emphasising that their doctors aim for a natural result rather than turning clients into different people.

Along with its booming beauty business, Gangnam is also home to entertainment companies and record labels representing some of the biggest K-Pop stars, including Super Junior and Girls Generation.

The district hopes to make the most of the so-called ‘Korean Wave’ — a term coined to refer to the explosion of Korean culture and pop music around the globe — by creating a ‘Star Street’ celebrating its entertainment culture.

For all the material affluence and love of bubblegum pop, the area has a serious side and its mayor believes that ‘Gangnam Style’ not only consists of “dynamism” but also the ability to “share the affluence with poor people, serve the community, respect elders and love our country.”

“It is tradition mingling with modern times that makes the city look so stunning,” she adds.

Indeed, the district juxtaposes ultra-modern and ancient aspects of South Korean culture, as demonstrated at Gangnam’s 1,200-year-old Bongeunsa temple, set on a hillside looking over the city’s gleaming shopping complexes.

Each morning, the low chants of Korean Buddhist monks sound over the district.

As commuters pace the streets or shop in some of Korea’s biggest malls, bells and drums signifying the relationship between living beings and Buddha ring out, while devotees pray at wooden temples lined with thousands of golden statues.

Amongst the sparse trees and bracing cold at Bongeunsa stands a serene 23-metre high statue of Maitreya — a future Buddha shown coming down to earth to save all those who are suffering. As a man stops to pray in front of the statue, bowing and dropping to his knees as a sign of respect, it provides a moment of tranquillity in a bustling district where tradition and opulence walk hand in hand.

Getting there: Both Korean Air and Asiana offer direct flights from Phnom Penh to Incheon International Airport, Seoul. asialife Cambodia 41

Kimchi

(Everywhere)

Myeong-dong (Central Seoul)

As one of Seoul’s prime shopping areas, Myeong-dong is perfect for people watching. Korean youth style is at the fore, with neondyed hair, hot pants and multi-coloured trainers de rigueur. Stock up on beauty products in one of the many high-street stores, or visit one of the steaming street food joints that dot the area.

For visitors tired of shopping, Myeong-dong has a magnificent cathedral dating back to 1894.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (Northern Seoul)

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395, but later destroyed by fire during the Imjinwaeran war of 1592 to 1598. Its majestic rooms were later restored during the reign of King Gojong, from 1852 to 1919, and are now a premier tourist attraction in Seoul. The changing of the guards, who wear exuberant primary colours, takes place six times a day.

No Seoul meal would be complete without the condiment kimchi, a dish made up of fermented vegetables basted with a chilli tang.

From soups to stews and meat-heavy barbecues, kimchi can add a sour bite to almost any dish. Many restaurants provide diners with scissors in order to cut kimchi — which can come in the form of cabbage leaves and radishes, but also soups — into bite-size chunks. It is best washed down with a dose of the intoxicating rice liquor soju or the milky rice wine makgeolli.

Smells , s t h g i The S nds of u o S d n a

Seoul

Phil Kyung Jae Historic House (Gangnam)

Constructed in the 1400s during the reign of King Sungjong, this architectural landmark was restored to its original condition in 1994 and has been passed through the family of Lee Chon-soo, a great grandson of Prince Kwang-Pyeong, for generations. Its low roofs, shuttered complexes, stone courtyards and the ancestral graveyard overlooking the site provide an insight into high-ranking life in South Korea’s past.

Bongeunsa Temple (Gangnam)

Located in the Samseong-dong area of Gangnam, Bongeunsa is a sprawling hillside temple compound first built in 794AD during the reign of King Wonseong. In later years it became the birthplace of a Buddhist youth movement and is now a centre for Buddhist practice in Korea. The stunning and serene site offers tourists insights into temple life by offering a two-day, one-night temple stay, in which they experience a tea ceremony, chanting and meditation.

Basic two-hour programmes include lotus lantern making, meditation and a temple tour.

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Under the Lens Daniel Riegler takes a trip to Takhmao to meet Randal Laurence, the man behind an innovative farm that is bringing micro greens to Phnom Penh plates. Photography by Charles Fox.

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To the pleasant surprise of chefs all over town, micro greens have started to quite literally sprout up in Phnom Penh.

A company called New Leaf Micro Greens, the brainchild of Australian expat Randal Laurence, has been ushering in a new era for Cambodian garnishes since August.

The greens, as the name implies, are smaller, younger versions of their larger and more mature selves, almost always cut within two weeks of planting, but often sooner.

Though some varieties work better than others, the types of seeds and vegetables are the same as those used for full-sized plants including radishes, salad leaves and morning glory.

Not to be confused with sprouts — typically grown hydroponically, a technique which can foster bacteria such as E. Coli — micro greens are considered to be a healthier, if not more efficient, source of nutrients than their mature cousins. A study by the University of Maryland Department of Nutrition and Food Science found that micro greens “possessed higher nutritional densities” than mature leaves.

Such concentration is not limited to nutritional content.

The primary appeal of micro greens is the intense flavour, texture and colour that they add to a dish. “It’s the confetti on the plate,” explains Laurence.

“But it’s more than that: they’re bursting with flavour, that’s why chefs love them.”

Chefs seem to appreciate the difference. Micro green lore attributes the early success

of the concept to legendary United States chef Charlie Trotter, who was looking for a better plating option than normal lettuce.

Working closely with The Chef’s Garden — now one of the premier suppliers in the US — on the concept, Trotter sparked a trend that caught on quickly and has grown over the last 15 to 20 years. That close relationship between chef and grower has been maintained as popularity spread globally, and Cambodia is no exception.

Laurence got his start by approaching chefs to find out what was missing locally. The answer that came back was simple: micro greens. Starting with the bare essentials, New Leaf now delivers six varieties of radish, cabbage and morning glory daily, though they are continuously experimenting with new products from amaranth leaves to rosemary and carrots.

“It’s a balancing act, between what works here and what the chefs want,” says Laurence, who makes deliveries personally to ensure quality and get feedback.

Still, his most popular product is a mix of each leaf produced. “Everything is 100 percent organic,” he notes.

Word is getting around about Laurence's products, with top kitchens in Phnom Penh and some in Siem Reap incorporating them into their menus.

One of the earliest adopters and proponents of New Leaf was Steve Van Remoortel, executive chef of Raffles Le Royale, where micro greens

feature in everything from buffets to dishes for the formal dining room.

“I’ll pair them with a grilled rib-eye. The nutty flavour and spice really complement the fattiness of the beef,”

cuts each batch by hand with scissors before carefully washing and drying to avoid damaging the delicate leaves. “These never touch the ground.”

Upon tasting the final product, it is clear that the small doses pack punch. A sprig of tatsoi, from the mustard family, has a wasabi like flavour that lingers for several minutes.

The radish leaves pack a similarly fresh bite.

The operation is not without its problems.

Laurence had to bring in a consultant to deal with soil issues such as mould and it took time to get things right.

The solution they came up with was to bake it. “Every morning we cook 5kg of soil,” says Laurence.

Soil is in fact wok fried, à la bai cha, in a large metal cauldron along with a practised blend of rice husk and manure, but Laurence notes that this practice could be problematic as they continue to expand.

Getting the best quality seeds is also key. Most are imported from New Zealand but at significant cost.

Still, Laurence is not one to cut corners. “My dream is for chefs to be calling me up saying ‘I want these greens’, but now we have to focus on maintaining this standard of quality.”

“The quality is good, it has great colour and crunch and the organic aspect is very important in Asia.” notes Remoortel, who is adding a micro greenonly salad to a new à la carte menu based on its popularity.

“The quality is good, it has great colour and crunch and the organic aspect is very important in Asia,” he adds.

The New Leaf farm occupies a modest but serene plot in suburban Takhmao, with a vibe more akin to a back garden than a commercial operation. A visit on a breezy March morning finds a handful of staff diligently watering and checking on multiple batches, each in its own stage of mini harvest.

“One of the tricks is getting the right pieces to grow at the same pace,” says Laurence, who

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Tell Stepping into Tell is like stepping out of Cambodia and straight into Germany, Austria or, in the case of career restaurateur Urs Hauser, Switzerland.

Set in an expansive villa near Wat Phnom, Tell channels the traditional ambience and aesthetics of a yesteryear beer hall. Heavy wooden seating is matched with even heavier wooden tables, dotted in a maze-like arrangement to ensure maximum privacy for guests. A canopy of vineyardinspired timber beams sets off the indoor eating area.

The décor has remained mostly unchanged since it first opened its doors in 1999, and if the visual appeal of the restaurant is something to talk about, the food is worth 46 asialife Cambodia

Writer Bridget Di Certo and photographer Charles Fox get a taste of Switzerland at Tell restaurant. hollering for. “The concept of Tell never was to be for tourists, it was always too upmarket for that,” says 51-year-old Hauser.

The menu features traditional Swiss-German favourites such as cheese fondue, sausage, sauerkraut and Tell’s piece de resistance — pork knuckle. The knuckle is a basted and roasted pig leg joint, served with homefried potatoes and Tell’s special sauerkraut recipe.

“Pork knuckle is really unique.

We do it in a very traditional way with the sauerkraut and the home fries. We are not trying to be fancy — it’s all straight forward and at very reasonable prices,” Hauser says.

The menu takes a traditional approach to Swiss-German cuisine that is unrivalled in Phnom Penh, and finding

a loyal following amongst expats and locals was not a particularly difficult task. “It was a smooth introduction for a lot of Khmers that know European food, especially if they have lived in France,” the owner explains.

Along with the pork knuckle, Tell is famous for its Octoberfest feast ($26.50 for two). Served in a large pot, it is a smorgasbord of one pork knuckle, two sausages, home-smoked bacon, pork loin, home-fried potatoes, sauerkraut and gravy. The rich roasted and smoked flavours of each individual meat permeate the dish.

American Loin Steak ($16.50 plus sides) includes french fries, vegetables and pepper sauce sizzling on a large

hot plate. The juices are still cooking as it is served. Hauser has also introduced imported wheat beer from Munich, called Hofbrau, in blonde and dark varieties to wash down the generous helpings that Tell is famous for.

“We have made very little changes to the menu over the years. When we first opened, we had six or seven Khmer dishes, but we lost those quite quickly because the interest was just not there,” Hauser says.

After tucking into pork knuckle, schnitzel, sauerkraut or steak, it quickly becomes apparent that it would be hard for other dishes to compare.

13 Street 90, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tel: 023 430 650.

Open 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 10.30pm.

Sesame Noodle Bar The steady flow of customers into Sesame’s simple yet welcoming interior each lunch time is testament to its growing following. The restaurant’s white vertical and dark horizontal lines exude a cool calmness that offers respite from the hectic outside world. The menu is equally simple, offering a small range of cold noodles, side dishes and sweets.

Sesame House Noodles ($3.75 a bowl, or $4.75 with two pork gyoza) are accompanied by crisp vegetables, which add colour and freshness to the dish, and a rich satay-like sauce that ties the whole bowl together.

The noodles are, as promised, ice cold and chewy. Far from rubbery, they have a texture

and bite similar to al dente pasta. The mixture of textures is completed by crunchy, almost caramelised, pork mince. Its sweetness gives a satisfying depth of flavour to the whole dish.

The Fatty Noodle ($4.50) is a twist on the Sesame House Noodles. It substitutes mince with sliced, roast pork belly and adds a dose of hoi sin sauce that lends a further sweet edge to the meal.

Small, lightly pan-fried gyoza dumplings ($2/$3.50 as a side dish) make an appetising bite-sized accompaniment, and come with a slightly sweet dipping sauce that cuts though the savoury minced pork and spring onion filling.

Equally capable of

Sesame Noodle Bar — specialising in cold Japanese-inspired dishes — is fast becoming a popular lunch spot. Kate Burbidge and Chatti Phal check it out. whetting the taste buds are the Mighty Thor Buns ($2.25), named after a Japanese cartoon hero whose image is displayed around the restaurant. Succulent pork belly, sharp homemade pickles and sweet hoi sin sauce are all stuffed into small, soft steamed buns.

With just a touch of heat arising from the additional siracha paste, made from sun-ripened chillis, they burst with flavour.

To finish there’s a choice of mochi, which are lightly fried rice-cake balls rolled in sesame seeds and stuffed with either pumpkin ($2) or dark chocolate ($3.25). They are served slathered in caramel sauce or, in the case of the chocolate sesame bombs, a

scoop of ice-cream and are a satisfyingly sweet but not sugary finish to the meal.

Further refreshment is available in the usual guise of sodas ($1), beers ($1 to $3) or wine ($3 a glass). The stand-out drink is a passionmint shake, a surprisingly pleasant combination that is very much in keeping with the light, healthy tone of the menu. All the ingredients are sourced fresh from the market each morning, reinforcing the restaurant’s ethos of trying “to keep things simple but do them well.” Well executed simplicity is exactly what you find at Sesame.

9 Street 460, Toul Tom Poung.

Tel: 089 750 212 or visit www. sesamenoodlebar.com. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11.30am to 2pm. asialife Cambodia 47

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BEHIND the

DESIGN

SAIGON OPERA HOUSE

Often taken for granted by travellers and expats alike, the Saigon Opera House has been a constant fixture in Ho Chi Minh City, surviving devastating wars and relentless modern development. John Gardner takes a look at the history of the 115-year-old theatre. Photo by Fred Wissink.

As cultural landmarks go, the Saigon Opera House falls easily into the ‘right under your nose’ category. The 115-yearold theatre reigns majestically over bustling Lam Son Square, the historic and cinematic heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Traffic pours into the plaza at all hours, whirlpools around the Opera House, and shoots out at some other corner.

Captured on hundreds of DSLRs every day and lit up like an oversize music box in a sea of motorcycles, the nucleus of Vietnam’s most progressive city is impossible to miss. And yet as long as I’ve worked at the Caravelle Hotel just opposite the theatre, I’ve had the sense that the vast majority of visitors do miss, or at least overlook, the building.

A venture up the steps, a stroll past on the sidewalk, a few obligatory wide-angle shots are not enough to appreciate the building’s century-long story.

Built in 1897 under the direction of three French architects with a design specified by Monsieur Ferret Eugene, the façade of the Opera de Saigon as it was then called was an echo of the Petit Palais, built the same year in France. Its revolving stage and three-tiered, 800seat galleries soon became a stopping point for touring French troupes.

For a time, evenings at the Opera de Saigon provided cultural diversions and world-class shows to the city’s thriving middle class. As the mood shifted between WWI and WWII and the expatriate community flocked to dance halls and nightclubs for their after-hours entertainment, audiences at the theatre dwindled, and performances grew more sporadic.

In the early 1940s, together with the rest of the country, the building entered into a turbulent period that lasted more than three decades. In 1943, some of the ornaments and statues on the theatre façade were removed after being criticised as overly ornate. The following year, the building’s exterior was further disfigured in Allied air raids. Its halls sheltered French civilians fleeing North Vietnam before being occupied by the lower house assembly of the State of Vietnam in 1955.

After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the building was renamed the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre and took up its original function again.

The exterior was restored and the interior renewed in 1998 to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of Saigon, yielding the Opera House that greets tourists today.

From the street or from the windows in the old wing of

the Caravelle Hotel, you can glimpse a pair of luminous statues of the Goddess of Art gazing out over the stone veranda, and the winged angels resting atop its central arch. But the real aesthetic value of the building’s classical European style is best appreciated from inside the theatre.

An evening at the opera is still a viable excuse — perhaps the only one left — to dress to the nines. On performance nights, a stylish stream of guests ascend the stairs and are greeted on the marble-tiled first floor, before taking a seat in the auditorium beneath a ceiling awash in Greco-Roman engravings.

During intermission, guests spill from the halls onto small verandas to take in the ambience of the streets.

The sensation of being on your own balcony overlooking the centre of Saigon is at once nostalgic, romantic and hard to pin down, but there is perhaps no better place to catch the afterglow of a city once adored as the “Paris of the East”.

John Gardner is the general manager of the Caravelle Hotel, which has just launched ‘Opera Nights’, a package that includes accommodation in the Opera Suite, a three-course dinner and two tickets to 'Hon Viet: The Soul of Vietnam'. asialife Cambodia 49

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Sunglasses supplied by Modern Optics

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Listings

hotel & travel Airlines & Agencies Air Asia 66 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 356 011.

Air France Phnom Penh Tower, 11th Floor 445, Monivong Blvd, cnr of St. 232 Tel: 023 965 500 Angkor Airways 32 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 222 056 Asiana Airlines A-16 Domestic Arrival Terminal Phnom Penh International Airport Tel: 023 890 440-2 Bangkok Airways 61A Street 214 Tel: 023 722 545 China Airlines 32 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 222 393 Dragon Air 168 Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 300 www.dragonair.com/kh, pnh.res@dragonair.com

Vietnam Airlines 41 Street 214 Tel: 023 363 396.

Eva Air 298 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 219 911

Battambang

Jet Star Asia 333B Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 220 909 Korean Air F3-R03, 254 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 224 047/8 Lao Airlines 58C Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 216 563 Malaysia Airlines 172 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 218 923 Silk Air 313 Sisowath Quay (Himawari Hotel) Tel: 023 426 808 Sunbird International Cambodia Ltd. PGCT Center 2F, St. 274 Tel: 023 99 1010/ 023 98 3333 sunbirdintl@yahoo.co.kr PSA of Korean Air, PSA of Asiana Airlines, Worldwide Air ticket, Visa, License.Open Mon~Fri 8am ~5:30pm & Sat 8am~1pm Thai Airways 294 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 214 359

La Villa 185 Pom Romchek 5 Tel: 017 411 880 / 053 730 151, lavilla.battambang@gmail.com, www.lavilla-battambang.com Beautifully restored 1930s colonial house with six rooms is the premium hotel in the country’s second city and with an excellent kitchen and bar.

Riverside Balcony Bar & Restaurant West bank of river Tel: 012 437 421 Traditional wooden house with great views of the river and good food, ideal for a sunset cocktail lounging over the river. Open Tues – Sun, 4pm - 11pm.

Kampot

Blissful Guest House Tel: 012 848 390 www.blissfulguesthouse.com Small guest house, with 11 rooms, set in a quiet part of town with downstairs restaurant and bar, and communal TV room upstairs.

Bokor Mountain Lodge Riverfront Tel: 033 932 314 017 712 062 www.bokorlodge.com Beautiful French colonial building situated on riverfront with well-fitted

air-conditioned rooms. Has a good restaurant and bar.

Epic Arts Café Old Market Street Employing deaf staff, this café next to the old market has a good range of bagels, shakes, brownies and coffee. Is also the centre for the community arts programme.

Open from 7am - 6pm.

Les Manguiers 2km north of Kampot Tel: 092 330 050 Small resort with bungalows and rooms set in beautiful gardens overlooking the river with a restaurant which has daily changing, freshly prepared food.

Mea Culpa 44 Sovansokar Tel: 012 504 769 meaculpakampot@gmail.com Accommodation established by the former manager of Bokor Mountain Lodge set in the French Quarter. Six rooms have air con, hot water, DVD and TV. The large garden has a patio pizzeria and bar.

Nataya Coral Bay Resort Prek Ampil, Kampot, Tel: 016 226 471/ 012 902 823. natayaresort@yahoo.com Only 16km from Kampot, this topend hideaway comes complete with eight beachfront bungalows, a 25m infinity pool, a 2km private beach, stilt huts off a 300m pier, and simply oodles of relaxation.

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Rikitikitavi Riverfront Tel: 012 274 820 012 235 102 www.rikitikitavi-kampot.com Western food served in large portions in this river-facing restaurant, bar and three-room guesthouse. A more upmarket venue for Kampot, the upstairs seating affords great sunset views.

Restaurant and bar open 7 days a week.

Rusty Keyhole Riverfront This British pub is the place for expats to chew the fat over a pint.

Friendly British owner has recreated the atmosphere of a rural pub in outer Kampot, or at least as close as it gets. The ribs remain as good as ever.

Open 8.30am until midnight.

Kep

Breezes Route 33.

Tel: 097 675 9072 Situated on the main coast road about halfway between Kep Beach and the ferry to Rabbit Island, this stylish restaurant and lounge is located right by the sea in a green, wooded area. The food is a fusion of Asian and western with a focus on small dishes with plenty of seafood.

Free pick-up and return to Kep hotels.

Kep Lodge Tel: 092 435 330. www.keplodge.com Nestled just below the calm Kep National Park, this boutique resort

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offers only 10 standard and luxury bungalows, all with private balcony, hot water and sea view. The comfortable restaurant pampers you with local and Swiss specialties and the lively bar. The beautiful infinity salt water pool has one of the best views in Kep and is the perfect place for a sunset.

Knai Bang Chatt Resort Tel: 078 888 557 www.knaibangchatt.com An exclusive resort offering personal service and modernist style. Lush and private grounds house a collection of remodelled 1960’s style colonial villas. With 18 unique rooms the resort includes an infinity pool, full spa, and media centre. All rooms refurbished to international standards. Choice of two dining options – upscale The Strand or the adjoining Sailing Club.

Le Bout du Monde Kep, Tel: 011 964 181 www.leboutdumondekep.com Individual and separate bungalows in traditional Khmer architecture located at a top of a hill with good views and nice gardens. Serves French and Khmer cuisine. Rooms have hot water, mini-bar, fan and safe.

Saravoan Hotel Thmey Village, Kep, Tel: 036 639 3909 012 715 588 / 012 357 729 Recently renovated building with 17 rooms has all the modern amenities including an inviting swimming pool and sweeping views of the sea.

Veranda Natural Resort Tel: 033 399 035, 012 888 619,

www.veranda-resort.com Traditional wooden bungalows set in the hillside. Settle down for the night and listen to the jungle purr. Has a good restaurant and bar with some quite stunning sweeping views down to the coast.

Phnom Penh – Deluxe

Amanjaya 1 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 214 747 www.amanjaya-pancam-hotel.com Large hotel with a great central location along the riverfront. The rooms are spacious and wellequipped with tasteful Khmer decorations. The downstairs restaurant doubles up as the air-con K-West bar.

Bellevue Serviced Apartments 68 Tonle Sap Street Tel: 023 432 999 www.bellevueservicedapartments.com www.facebook.com/ bellevueservicedapartments Located in a deluxe hotel complex on the riverbank of the Tonle Sap, Bellevue offers spacious, contemporary accommodation 10 minutes away from the city. Facilities include infinity swimming pool, tennis court, gym and children’s playhouse, 24 hour security, housekeeping, internet and complimentary shuttle to the city.

Studio to 3 bedroom units available.

Cambodiana 313 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 426 288 www.hotelcambodiana.com Great riverside location with spectacular sweeping views of the confluence of three rivers. Large rooms with air-con, in-room safes

and good bathrooms. Live band plays nightly (except Mondays) from 8.15pm until late.

The Governor’s House 3 Mao Tse Tung Blvd. nr cnr Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 987 025 www.governorshouse.net Welcome to The Governor’s House Colonial Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh. The Governor’s house offers an exclusive 10 rooms 5-star boutique hotel embodied in an original colonial-style mansion in the heart of BKK I, surrounded by the top residential area in downtown Phnom Penh city, Kingdom of Wonder.

Himawari 313 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 214 555 www.himawarihotel.com The 115 beautifully-designed suites have air-con, cable TV, IDD, Internet, inroom safes and large bathrooms. Nice swimming pool and good gym facilities as well as two good tennis courts.

Imperial Garden Hotel 315 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 219 991 Large hotel and villa complex next to the Cambodiana. Has a swimming pool, gym and tennis court.

InterContinental 296 Mao Tse Tung.

Tel: 023 424 888 www.ihg.com One of Phnom Penh’s most luxurious 5-star hotels, the 346 air-con rooms have all the expected facilities including in-room safes and king size beds. Also has a large swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 www.phnompenh.raffles.com Emanates the same class as its more famous namesake in Singapore. The Elephant Bar is a popular expat haunt during the 4pm to 8pm happy hour.

Beautiful gardens with a separate swimming pool for kids plus reasonably priced apartments for long stays. The rooms at the front are particularly special.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 999 200 www.sofitel.com Set riverside amongst landscaped gardens this 12-storey colonial style hotel is close to key attractions, embassies and the central business district. Along with 201 luxurious rooms and suites with Mekong or Bassac river views, are chic restaurants and bars, an upscale spa, two swimming pools, a sports club and the finest conferencing facilities in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh – Mid

Almond Hotel 128F Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 220 822 www.almondhotel.com.kh 56-room hotel located close to the Royal Palace and the riverfront with spacious rooms with WiFi. Downstairs restaurant serves dim sum and Cantonese food.

AQUA Boutique Hotel 2 Street 278. / Tel: 012414596 info@aqua-pp.com Modern Indochina villa offers 7 rooms in a stunning Art Deco building, All en-suite with A/C. and on-sight pool, sun bed, wine bar and tapas restaurant.

Asia Club 456 Monivong Blvd.Tel: 023 721 766 An oasis of water and green in the city, the five bungalows and four rooms with air-con and bath, large safe and flatscreen tv. The beautiful swimming pool is tucked around the back of Man Han Lou Restaurant and you can have drinks and food delivered from Man Han Lou Restaurant.

Blue Lime 42 Street 19z (off Street 19), Tel: 023 222 260 www.bluelime.asia Centrally-located mini-hotel with a great swimming pool and contemporary rooms is a good flashpacker option.

FCC Phnom Penh 362 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 012 253 222 www.fcccambodia.com Phnom Penh’s landmark restaurant has seven rooms with balconies offering views of the river. Each is individually designed and meticulously outfitted with high-speed Internet access and the latest mod cons.

Hotel Cara 18 Street 47 & 84 Tel: 023 430 066 / 023 998 422 stay@hotelcara.com www.hotelcara.com Just north of Wat Phnom, this stylish boutique hotel has well-fitted rooms at very reasonable rates and a great sushi restaurant.

Lebiz Hotel & Library 79F Street 128 Tel: 023 998 608 / 610 info@lebizhotel.com

www.lebizhotel.com Luxury accommodation with a competitive edge and sleek modern design offers a full range of specialty services tailored to business needs, and cutting-edge technology to maximise comfort and productivity.

Has unique library.

Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 990 321 www.paddyrice.net Former Hope and Anchor has newly refurbished rooms with solar hot water, cable TV, air conditioning, WiFi and great views of the river from its balconies. Downstairs restaurant offers full western and Asian cuisine Splash Inn Hotel 5 Street 244 Tel: 023 986 174 www.splashinncambodia.com The Splash Inn opened in March 2011 after full renovations to two traditional Khmer villas, one block from the Royal Palace. All rooms boast handmade furniture, en-suite bathroom, flat-screen LCD TV, DVD, Wi-fi, fridge and mini-bar.

River 108 2 Street 108 Tel: 023 218 785 www.river108.com Art deco hotel aimed at the flashpacker set, the river view rooms are extremely comfortable with flat screen TV and separate bathroom and toilet. Efficient WiFi, good working space and spacious rooms make this the perfect business option.

The Little Garden 8 Street 398 Tel: 078 217 871 Stylish boutique hotel with a swimming pool. A quiet retreat from the city’s chaos. Rooms feature attractive Cambodian furniture and gorgeous colonial tiles.

The Plantation Urban Resort and Spa 28 Street 184.

Tel: 023 215 151 http://theplantatation.asia 70 rooms – including a penthouse suite, two swimming pools, a restaurant, two bars, a gym, a spa and a meeting room. Centrally situated close to most of Phnom Penh’s main attractions.

The Pavilion 227 Street 19.

Tel: 023 222 280 www.pavilion-cambodia.com Beautiful boutique hotel set in a colonial building with large, unique rooms, each with either a small balcony or garden. Outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a small poolside restaurant.

The Quay Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 224 894 http://thequayhotel.com Five-storey, 16-room riverside boutique hotel has beautiful contemporary rooms designed by Gary Fell. The stand-out features are the roof-top jacuzzi and the very contemporary ground-floor bar and Chow Restaurant with WiFi. Queen Boutique Hotel 49A Street 214.

Tel: 023 211 683 om@queenboutique.asia Boutique hotel located conveniently

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close to all the major attractions including the Royal Palace and National Museum.

Villa SALT 4 Street 294. Tel: 012 815 066 villasalt@sentosasilk.com Whether you are touring Phnom Penh or planning a long vacation, Villa SALT along with SentosaSilk, create an atmosphere that makes you feel at home. Explore 14 artistically decorated rooms, each created to give you that authentic sense of uniqueness.

Phnom Penh - Budget

California 2 79 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 077 503 144 www.cafecaliforniaphnompenh.com New guest house and bar on the river front with well-priced rooms with air con and security box. Downstairs bar has great Tex-Mex food and pool table.

Feeling Home Cnr. Streets 278 & 63 Tel: 023 221 522 www.feelinghomecambodia.com Stylish nine-room boutique hotel with ample rooms at competitive rates, including flatscreen TV, aircon, security box and great beds.

Also has two apartments, an Asian restaurant and a Café Sentiment coffee house.

L’Imprevu Highway 1, 7km past Monivong Bridge. Tel: 024 390 405 Complex with twenty-four bungalows just outside of Phnom Penh. Tennis courts and excellent swimming pool make this a good break from the city.

Le Rit’s 71 Street 240. Tel: 023-213-160 Small & charming 6-room guesthouse with spacious rooms is managed by NYEMO NGO, part of its hospitality training. Rooms equipped with queen sized bed, cable TV, private bathroom.

The restaurant has a European set lunch menu and serves authentic Khmer food a la carte for diner.

Tonle Sap Guest House 4-6 Street 104. Tel: 023 986 722 www.tonlesapguesthouse.com Clean, well-kept guesthouse upstairs with 15 rooms, with air-con, fans, hot water, cable TV. Downstairs Pickled Parrot bar open 24 hours.

Sihanoukville

Club RED 25 Tola St., Ochheuteal Beach, Tel: 068 319 481 Located in the very heart of the city, this unique nightclub, bar, and lounge is open every night of the week. Great music, dance shows and live entertainment. Enjoy exclusive drinks and cocktails served in stylish surroundings by our friendly staff.

Open 8pm till late.

Independence Hotel Independence Beach Tel: 012 728 090 www.independencehotel.net Beautifully restored hotel on Independence Beach, originally opened in 1963, reopened in 2007 following a complete refurbishment.

Has sweeping ocean views from most rooms. Also has a gym, conference rooms and circular restaurant.

Reef Resort Road to Serendipity Beach Tel: 012 315 338 www.reefresort.com.kh

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Guesthouse set around a beautiful pool with well apportioned air-con rooms, in-room safe and cable TV, family rooms also available. Has a welcoming bar with excellent TV screen, slate pool table and excellent Mexican cuisine.

Scuba Nation Lane off road to Serendipity Beach Tel: 012 604 680/ 012 715 785 www.divecambodia.com Five-star PADI centre offering daily trips to the area’s many islands and reefs including the decent dive sites at Koh Rung Samloem and Koh Kon, also runs a range of PADI-certified courses, and has an office in Phnom Penh.

Sokha Beach Resort Sokha Beach. Tel: 034 935 999 With its own private beach, excellent swimming pool and fine restaurants, Sokha is the most up-market place to stay in Sihanoukville. A live Filipino band plays around the cocktail bar at night.

The Secret Garden Otres Beach. Tel: 0976 495 131 www.secretgardenotres.com Modern beachside air-con bungalows with hot water, jungle showers or baths, TV, WiFi and Otres Beach’s only swimming pool. Restaurant run by professional Australian chef with draught and imported beers.

Zoco Independence Hotel Road to Serendipity Beach Two fashion boutiques – one on the way to Serendipity Beach, the other in Independence Hotel – run by the Spanish-born Nuria, sells dresses, skirts, bags and accessories.

Travel

Cambodia Uncovered 11B Street 370. Tel: 012 507 097 www.cambodiauncovered.com Offers village and cultural tours in Phnom Penh and surrounds including road trips, Mekong cruises, accommodation, cooking classes and other activities.

Exotissimo Travel No. 66, Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 218 948 www.exotissimo.com Excellent French-owned agency specialising in adventure tourism, flight bookings, package holidays and a range of tours of Southeast Asia.

Helicopters Cambodia 10 Street 310 Tel: 012 814 500 www.helicopterscambodia.com Over 12 years experience operating in the Kingdom offers scenic flights around the Temples of Angkor and beyond. Is a wholly owned subsidiary of Helicopters New Zealand Group.

Intrepid Travel 468 Sivutha Blvd.

Tel: 063 966 655 For travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world of adventure travel.

With a huge variety of tours available.

Travel Indochina 43-44EO Street 108 Tel: 023 991 978 www.travelindochina.com.au Australian-owned and managed travel company specialising in small group journeys around Asia that can tailor trips for individuals.

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Listings

siem reap Siem Reap - Bars

AHA The Passage. Tel: 063 965 501 Sophisticated and beautifully designed wine bar selling a wide range of wines from around the world and tapas, as well as great cheese and Lavazza coffee. Open 10.30am to 10.30pm.

Angkor What?

Pub Street. Tel: 012 181 4001 “Promoting irresponsible drinking since 1998,” this graffiti-laden bar is the mainstay of Pub Street. A healthy mix of loud rock, punk and grunge, buckets of vodka and red bull for $6.

Fresh at Chilli Si-Dang East River. Tel: 012 723 488 Riverside dining, balcony views, a relaxing lounge downstairs, and a pool table. Fresh food, including traditional Khmer cuisine, cheese, sandwiches, a generous selection of vegetarian food.

Laundry Bar Old Market Extremely chilled music bar just off Pub Street with great mellow decor and extremely cool t-shirts. Free drink during the 6pm to 9pm washing hours. Open 6pm until late.

Linga Bar Alley behind Pub Street Tel: 012 246 912. www.lingabar.com Laid back, gay-friendly bar with extremely chilled Buddha Bar tunes and some amazing light boxes that serves a great range of cocktails. Free WiFi. Open 5pm until late.

Little Pari The Lane, off Pub Street, The newest and bluest bar in town!

Very sweet, very stylish little jewel of a bar, much like the eponymous owner herself, Pari. This jazz/wine bar serves delicious Asianised cocktails, wines and beers.

Open from 7pm until closing.

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Miss Wong Lane off Pub Street. Tel: 092 428 332 Imagine yourself in China at the turn of the last century and you won’t go much wrong in Miss Wong with excellent and original cocktails and dim sum.

Open late.

Nest Sivutha Blvd.

Tel: 017 925 181 A step up for Siem Reap, Nest is high level drinking and dining, serving light Mediterranean and Asian food in a unique, highly stylised setting, with loungers and table settings.

Picasso Alley West A very cosy wine and tapas bar, with artful décor and a curved bar making conversation easy and fun. Good selection of wines and delicious tapas make this a regular haunt for expats.

Open 5pm until midnight.

The Station Wine Bar Street 7, close to Pub Street Tel: 097 850 4043 www.thestationwinebarsiemreap.com For lovers and lovers of wine offers a selection of fine wines, always 20 by the glass and a list of over 100 by the bottle.

Good music and pleasant decor in air conditioned comfort. Tuesdays, varietal wine tastings and every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday our Lady Boy Variety Show.

The Warehouse Old Market Tel: 012 530 227 Popular expat bar plays great music with good Asian-Western fusion cuisine. Best stocked bar in town and homemade infused vodkas.

Open 10am to 3am.

Siem Reap - Cafés

Blue Pumpkin Old Market Tel: 012 946 227/ 063 463 574 www.tbpumpkin.com Popular café with a great range of freshly baked breads and pastries, shakes and coffee. Also at Angkor Wat and the airport. Open daily from 6am to 10pm.

Free WiFi.

Siem Reap - Galleries

Diwo Galleries One at Vat Svay, Tonle Sap Road and another between Monument Books and Ta Prohm Hotel on the riverside Features a selection of refined Khmer statues and Buddhas. The larger Vat Svay location features a gallery exhibition of Thierry Diwo’s photography, as well as sells home decor and books. Drinks are available in the garden and on the terrace.

Happy Cambodia Gallery 2 Hospital Street, between Psar Chaas and Pub Street Tel: 063 963 114 www.happypainting.net McDermott Gallery I & II FCC Complex Pokambor Avenue, Alley behind Pub Street Tel: 092 668 181 www.mcdermottgallery.com Two galleries devoted to photographic works. with permanent exhibition of photographs taken by John McDermott.

Open 10am to 10pm.

Siem Reap - Hotels

FCC Angkor Pokambor Avenue Tel: 023 992 284 www.fcccambodia.com Boutique hotel with 31 contemporary Asian-designed rooms spread around the garden and swimming pool. Free WiFi for guests both in rooms and around the pool.

Golden Orange Off East River Road Tel: 063 965 389 reservations@goldenorangehotel.com www.goldenorangehotel.com Mini-hotel with good sized air-con rooms that tends to have customers when others are empty. Nice outside bar makes for a good place to sit and have a few beers.

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor 1 Charles de Gaulle Tel: 063 963 888 www.raffles.com Elegant hotel with opulent gardens and a spectacular swimming pool in its grounds.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Vithei Charles de Gaulle Tel: 063 964 600/ 610 www.sofitel.com Ultimate in comfort and refinement, combining the traditional architecture of Cambodia with elegant French colonial style. 5-star accommodation, 5 bars and restaurants, swimming pool, spa and international standard18-hole 72-par golf course, 16km outside Siem Reap.

Siem Reap - Leisure

Angkor Silk Farm Puok District (20min from Siem Reap downtown) Open daily from 8am to 5pm Tel: 063 5555 768 www.artisansdangkor.com Enjoy Cambodia’s countryside while admiring the skills of the silk workers.

During a free guided tour, learn about the meticulous process of silk-making, from the mulberry trees which nourish the silkworms and unwinding the cocoons to the tie-dyeing of threads (ikat technique) and the traditional silk weaving. A free shuttle bus departing from Artisans Angkor’s shop in Siem Reap center to the Angkor Silk Farm is available daily at 9.30am and 1.30pm.

Body Tune 293-290 Pokambor Av. (next to the old market along Riverside) Tel: 063 764 141 www.bodytune.co.th When you need to re-balance and rejuvenate your body in between daily routines, BODY TUNE is the perfect place to regain your energy. Open daily 10:00am - 10:30pm.

Helicopters Cambodia 658 Hup Quan Street. Tel: 063 963 316 Professionally run company that has flights over the temples and beyond in modern, safe helicopters.

Khmer Ways Wat Svay Village. Tel: 077 367 790 www.khmerways.com Ride specially adapted motor-scooters to explore parts of Siem Reap nobody else gets to, including villages, temples and waterfalls. No previous experience required. Lunch, water, sunscreen and snacks provided.

Sam Veasna Centre Wat Bo Area. Tel: 063 96 37 10 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award winner. Some of the rarest birds in Asia can be seen at Prek Toal and Ang Trapang Thmor, a day-trip from Siem Reap, or combine bird watching with temple trips to Koh Ker and Beng Melea.

Phokeethra Country Club Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Vithei Charles de Gaulle Tel: 056 396 4600 reservation.angkor@phokeethragolf.com International standard 18-hole, 72-par golf course 16km outside of Siem Reap.

Clubhouse facilities: pro shop, rental equipment, restaurant.

Siem Reap - Restaurants

FCC Angkor FCC Complex, Pokambor Avenue Tel: 063 760 280 Elegant bar and restaurant serves a mix of Asian and international cuisine. The complex includes shops, the McDermott Gallery, Visaya Spa and boutique hotel.

Le Malraux Street No. 7. Tel: 063 966 041 Beautiful French restaurant offering alfresco, café and brasserie style dining with a menu catering to a range of budgets and tastes. Both food and service is consistently good. An attractive wine list rounds out this restaurant’s promise.

L’Oasi East River Road. Tel: 092 418 917 The best Italian restaurant in, or rather just outside of, town. The combination of the beautiful garden and home-cooked Italian pasta and pizza makes the trip well worth it.

Maharajah Indian Restaurant Next to Pub Street, btwn CAB bank & provincial hospital. Old Market Area Tel: 063-966221 / 092-506622 Authentic Indian vegetarian and nonvegetarian food. Maharajah believes that exclusivity with a touch of simplicity is important in the creation of every dish.

Open daily 11am – 10pm.

Marum 8a Route B, btwn Wat Polanka & Catholic Church Tel: 017 363 284 contact@marum-restaurant.org Great food, good service. Part of the Friends International group that trains marginalized and vulnerable young people for a career in the hospitality industry. Profits go back into the training programme.

Siem Reap - Shops

Artisans Angkor Boutique and Workshops Stung Thmey Street (2min from the Old Market) Open daily from 7.30am to 6.30pm Tel: 063 963 330 www.artisansdangkor.com Boutique offering a large collection of handmade souvenirs such as high-quality silk scarves, clothing and accessories, wooden and stone sculptures, lacquer paintings and decorative items for all contemporary lifestyles. Also offers free guided tours of the handicraft workshops to see some of the secrets of traditional Khmer craftsmanship.

De Silk 18 Oum Khun Blvd Tel: 063 761 198 / 011 775 168 www desilk.com Boutique offering 24/7 tailoring services

using 100% Khmer traditional silk, that has expertise in making clothes and accessories.

Eric Raisina 53 Veal Village Tel: 012 965 207 / 063 963 207 Accessories, decor, textiles and clothing created by Madagascan-born and French-trained designer. Phone in advance for an appointment.

siem reap

Jasmine Boutique FCC Angkor, Pokambor Avenue Tel: 063 760 610 Same sophisticated, stylish boutique as on Street 240 in Phnom Penh.

Smateria The Alley West Tel: 063 964 343 www.smateria.com Boutique specialising in accessories made from recycled materials including a range of bags and wallets made from old cartons, plastic bags and mosquito nets.

Siem Reap - Spas

Sokkhak Spa Sok San Street, next to Haven Restaurant, Old Market Area Tel: +63 763 797 www.sokkhakspa.com In Khmer, Sokkhak means ‘tranquility’.

With a nature-inspired décor with a soft, warm and tranquil atmosphere in which to relax, refresh and indulge and using carefully chosen natural botanical and marine-based products, Sokkhak Spa is a Cambodian owned and managed business with over 16 years experience in the spa industry throughout Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and South America.

Open daily 11am - 10pm.

Unwrapping Potential Rhi Quinn In developing countries, farmers, engineers and factory workers are often the glue of the economy. Due to this, some artists aren’t given the chance to show their skills, as they need to earn a wage to provide for their families.

The Bambu Stretch Project is an initiative concocted by Nicolas Coffill and Jon De Rule last October. The project takes wannabe creatives and helps them to become classically trained dancers by giving them intensive training in contemporary rhythm and stage crafts.

They are then given the opportunity to star in shows.

The most recent was Unwrap!, directed by Bob Ruijzendaal, which was shown at the 1962 Art Hotel from Mar. 7 to Mar. 9. The show was all about femininity, strength and the power of women.

Before Unwrap! could be created, auditions were held to find dancers and three were chosen: Seng Vah, Srey Nuch and Srey Nith. In Unwrap!, they experimented with numerous styles including Bollywood and street dance, whilst staying true to traditional Apsara roots.

The show began with

furious freestyle dancing emanating with passion to a rapid drumbeat. The trio exuded confidence by keeping unrelenting eye contact with the audience, rooting them to their seats. Keeping the stage minimalistic by using only chairs as props, the attention was totally focused on the women and what they could create.

The show wasn’t just important in moving attitudes forward in Cambodia regarding women, it changed the performers themselves. “It’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown in confidence in the past few months, they are unrecognisable,” says Tori Green, who followed the project as it progressed.

Once the show was finished and the applause had died down, the girls came back onstage and starting dancing to modern hip hop. This wasn’t an encore, but merely a chance to wind down and have some fun. Watching them smiling and laughing while doing something that they love was well worth the $5 ticket price.

To follow the progress of The Bambu Stretch Project, please visit www.facebook.com/ TheBambuStretchProject. asialife Cambodia 61

Listings

food & drink Cambodian

Khmer Surin 9 Street 57. Tel 012 887 320 Elegant restaurant featuring wood and silk décor with a tropical garden that serves Cambodian and Thai favourites. Dishes are well prepsred and large enough to share.

K’NYAY 25K Suramarit Blvd. (Street 268) Tel: 023 225 225 / 092 665 225, www.knyay.com knyay@hotmail.com Modern Khmer restaurant tucked away down an alley off Sihanouk Blvd, with a menu including a selection of freshly prepared, vegan dishes, along with traditional Cambodian specialities. Offers a selection of cakes, ice creams and sorbets, using all vegan ingredients.

Open 12pm - 9pm (Mon - Fri), 7am 9pm (Sat), closed Sunday.

Malis 136 Norodom Bvd. Tel: 023 221 022 www.malisrestaurant.com Beautiful modern Khmer restaurant with a courtyard set around narrow water channels and decorated with terracotta floor tiles. Has air-con rooms inside for those who find the midday sun too much. The cuisine is modern Khmer, with no MSG. Restaurant Le Royal Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 (see also restaurants, French) Romdeng 74 Street 174 Tel: 092 219 565 Come to Romdeng and order some delicious Khmer food for you and also for your children from our new kid’s menu, serving creative and healthy treats for little one! While waiting for your dishes, let you kids enjoy the playroom while you relax by the pool… And before leaving don’t miss our new gift shop in the first floor. Special lunch set menu everyday.

Open 11am - 9pm.

Chinese Emperors of China 19 Street 163 Tel: 097 929 2699 Up-market Chinese restaurant, popular with the capital’s large Chinese community, private dinning rooms, specializes in Peking duck and dim sum.

Fortune Palace NagaWorld, Hun Sen Park Chinese restaurant with authentic Greater Chinese cuisine and all-youcan-eat Dim Sum buffet on Sundays.

Open from 11am - 3pm, 5pm 10pm.

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Fu Lu Zu Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd.

023 999 200 x 6613 Elegant Chinese restaurant specialising in contemporary Cantonese delicacies and dim sum with private rooms for intimate ambience.

Open from 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6.30pm - 10.30pm. Dim Sum weekend from 8am - 2.30pm.

Hua Nam 753 Monivong Bvd. Tel: 023 364 005 Large Chinese restaurant that specialises in seafood and duck and has a good selection of wines, with VIP rooms.

Open 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm.

Man Han Lou Restaurant 456 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 721 966 Micro-brewery with four types of German-style beer. Has extensive Chinese, Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese menus, as well as dim sum breakfast.

Open from 6am - 10am.

Sam Doo 56-58 Kampuchea Krom Tel: 023 218 773 The place for dim sum in Phnom Penh, baskets of steamed prawn dumplings, pork buns and more go for a pittance. The wonton soup and other tasty meals are a steal.

Open 7am - 2am.

Xiang Palace InterContinental Phnom Penh 2/F, 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 888 x 3562 Xiang Palace is locally acclaimed for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and delicious dim sum, all prepared with the finest ingredients.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Yi Sang Chinese Restaurant 128F Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 220 922 www.almondhotel.com.kh Set on the ground floor of the Almond Hotel, this stylish restaurant specialises in Cantonese food and dim sum that fuses the traditional with the contemporary, including excellent dim sum.

Open from 6.30am - 10am, 11.30am - 2pm and 5.30pm - 10pm – Dim Sum not served in the evening.

French

Armand’s 33 Street 108 Tel: 015 548 966 A true bistro experience in a cosy wood-panelled space, despite the informal and relaxed ambience it has the menu to even satisfy high-rollers.

Open 5pm until late. Closed Mondays.

Brasserie du Port 49E Sisowath Quay, cnr Street 84 Tel: 012 607 507 Seaside bistro featuring eclectic menu of haute cuisine mixed with pasta and ish specials. French classics including flambéed duck, pork filet mignon and home-made fois gras available at reasonable prices. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Brasserie’s long wooden bar is the perfect spot for enjoying a sea breeze and the restaurant’s comprehensive wine list.

Open daily, 8am – 11pm.

Comme à la Maison 13 Street 57. Tel: 012 951 869 www.commealamaisondelicatessen.com Sophisticated French restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace area at the front, yet secluded from the street. One of the best French kitchens in town. Small delicatessen at the back of the restaurant.

Open daily from 6am - 10.30pm.

K West 1 Street 154, cnr. Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 214 747 Stylish aircon bar and restaurant below the Amanjaya with an excelllent steak menu and good value happy hour from 6pm to 8pm Fridays. Now has a brasserie menu with daily specials. Also has free WiFi. Open 6.30am until midnight.

La Marmite Cnr Streets 108 & 51 Tel: 012 391 746 This small, reasonably priced French bistro has two adjoining rooms (one non-smoking) creating a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. Serves excellent fish, steaks and offal as well as daily specials, for a taste of real homecooked French cuisine.

Open 11am - 2.30pm, 6pm 10.30pm.

La Residence Restaurant 22/24 Street 214. Tel: 023 224 582 Fine dining on an international scale in this sophisticated restaurant, where French classics meet gourmet, modern cuisine. Open from 11.30am - 2pm, 6.30pm - 10.30pm.

Le Café Mith Samlanh French Institute, Street 184 Tel: 092 471 791 Set in the lush garden of the French Institute (formerly CCF), Le Café offers an extensive à la carte menu with Khmer and French dishes. All proceeds go towards Mith Samlanh’s programmes for marginalised youth.

Open 7am - 5pm, closed Sundays.

Le Gourmet NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park Tel: 023 228 822.

Kitsch meets tradition at this

up-scale restaurant. Quality ingredients come together in beautiful presentation on the plate, with the luxury of the surroundings complemented by professional and attentive service.

Open daily from 12pm - 3pm and 6pm - 10pm.

Le Jardin 16 Street 360 Tel: 011 723 399 Beautiful shaded restaurant with large garden and spacious outdoor play area for kids with excellent ice cream.

Open 8am - 10pm (closed Mondays).

Restaurant Le Royal Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh dining. phompenh@raffles.com Treat yourself to the finest French & Khmer cuisine in one of Indochina’s most elegant restaurants. The Chef’s Degustation menu allows you to try a myriad of dishes in a single meal in a refined atmosphere. Private rooms are available on request.

Open from 6.30pm - 10.30pm.

The Wine Restaurant 219 Street 19. Tel: 023 223 527 Excellent fine dining restaurant in the same grounds as Open Wine deli. The fresh food and extensive selection of wines make this one of the exclusive places to dine in town.

Topaz 182 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 012 346 555/ 023 221 622 Sophisticated, air-con restaurant with outside dining, upstairs bar, wine shop, cigar room and private rooms. One of Phnom Penh’s finest restaurants. Has a popular piano bar, night club upstairs.

Open 11am - 2pm, 6pm - 11pm.

Van’s Restaurant 5 Street 102. Tel: 023 722 067 French fine-dining in a grand setting awaits at Van’s, located on the second floor of a well preserved colonial era building near the city’s Post Office.

Open daily 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5pm - 10.30pm.

Indian Sub-Continent

Dosa Corner 15 Street 51. Tel: 012 673 276 This small south Indian restaurant opened in January. True to its name it has a wide range of very good value dosa as well as thali and biryani dishes. Air-conditioned.

Open 7am - 10pm.

East India 9 Street 114. Tel: 023 992 007 South Indian cuisine predominates in this pristine restaurant with excellent breads including nine types of dosa.

Open 11am - 2pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm.

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Flavours of India 158 Street 63. Tel: 012 886 374, Relaxing Indian and Nepalese restaurant with friendly staff and a good range of dishes including good value vegetarian and meat thalis.

Open 10am - 11pm.

Mumtaz 162 Street 63. Tel: 023 726 761 Popular Vietnamese chain of Indian restaurants comes to Phnom Penh.

Excellent tandoori and southern Indian delicacies including dosa with chefs from both north and south.

Shiva Shakti Street 63, between Mao Tse Tung Blvd. and Street 466 Tel: 012 813 817 / 023 213 062 Decidedly upmarket and sophisticated Indian restaurant in a beautiful setting with prices to match.

Good place for an Indian treat.

Open from 11am - 2pm, 6pm 10.30pm. Closed Mondays.

Indochine

Indochine NagaWorld, Hun Sen Park With a focus on Southeast Asian cuisine, Indochine offers tradition dishes from Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in a sophisticated space.

Open 11am - 11pm.

Irrawaddi 24 Street 334. Tel: 012 979 510 Authentic Myanmar food at very reasonable prices in a clean setting with paintings of the Burmese countryside decorating the walls.

Open 10am - 10pm, closed Mondays.

Lemongrass 14 Street 130 Tel: 012 996 707 Elegant Thai-managed restaurant with stylish use of heavy wood and artefacts to create a far more luxurious ambience than the reasonable prices would suggest.

Open 10am - 10pm.

Le Wok 33 Street 178 Tel: 092 821 857 Light and modern pan-Asian and French eatery with dishes such as prawns with lime and wasabi and

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Mekong lobster thermidor, and a comprehensive list of wines and cocktails.

Open daily 9am - 11pm.

Ngon 60 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 151 www.ngonpnh.com Open air restaurant that features a vast range of Vietnamese food in a garden environment. Meaning delicious, although the food does not live up to its name, the ambience makes up for it.

Pangea Fusion Restaurant NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park. Tel: 023 228 822 Pan-Asian fusion restaurant with a western flair that specialises in allyou-can-eat dinner buffets.

Open daily 6am - 10.30pm.

International

AQUA Modern Eatery 2 Street 278 Tel: 012414596 Reservations: info@aqua-pp.com Asian influenced wine bar with sophisticated tapas & mezze dishes to indulge in at the bar, by the pool or in the Imperial Chinese Bed. A modern veranda restaurant featuring avant-garde globally-inspired fusion dishes with a French focus.

Open 11:30am – 2:30pm and 6pm -10:30pm. Closed on Monday nights.

Aussie XL Café 205A Street 51 Tel: 023 301 301 Aussie style bistro food with quick lunch menu and a good selection of house wines and retail wines.

Open 7am - 11pm.

Beirut Resto-Café 117 Sisowath Quay, (after night market) Tel: 023 720 011/ 092 483 759 The only authentic Lebanese halal cuisine and Sisha Lounge in the town. Offering middle east flavours including mezze tapas – hummus, shish kebab, baba ganouj, falafel, vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebab wraps. Delivery, takeaway, catering.

Open daily 10am until late.

Cafe Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 Wicker armchairs and marble tables covered with crisp white tablecloths create the perfect place to relax and linger over a delightful alfresco breakfast, lunch or dinner. Western and Asian cuisines are available buffet-style or a la carte. Private rooms are available on request.

Buffet from 6am - 10am, 12pm 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm, A la carte from 11am - 11pm.

Equinox 3a Street 278 Tel: 023 676 7593 www.equinox-cambodia.com marco@equinox-cambodia.com anthony@equinox-cambodia.com French-run bar and restaurant.

International menu, pool tables, split-level bar. Art exhibitions each month and live music gigs most Saturdays. Bachata class on Tuesdays, Salsa class on Wednesday and swing nights on Thursdays.

Open daily 11am – late.

Doors Restaurant 18, Street 47 & 84. Tel : 023 998 114 www.doorspp.com New tapas restaurant, with live music. Open 11am until late

FCC Phnom Penh 363 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 724 014 The first stop for newcomers and it’s easy to see why. Set in a beautiful colonial house with sumptuous views across the river on one side and the National Museum to the other, it’s best to come at sunset when the streets below are most crowded, the cocktails are half price and draft beer goes for $1.

Open daily from 7am to midnight.

eLYXIR 3 Street 466 (near Thai embassy), Tel: 023 211 711 Elyxir is dedicated to wine, luxury and gastronomy. Each course was dreamed up in order to marry perfectly the wines on our menu.

Elyxir includes a swimming pool, champagne bar, private rooms & all our wines are available at our Wine Shop. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am until late.

Fish Sisowath Quay, cnr of Street 108, Tel: 023 222 685 www.fishphnompenh.com Contemporary, modern restaurant

specialising in all things oceanic.

Menu includes everything from lobster through sushi to gourmet fish and chips for upmarket, but reasonable prices.

Open 7am - late.

Flavours Cnrs. Street 51 & 282 Tel: 017 765 896 Relaxing restaurant and popular bar run by Quebecois with comfortable chairs that fall out onto the street.

The mix of Asian and western cuisine has proved so popular that they have a copycat restaurant opposite. Open 7am - late.

Friends 215 Street 13 Tel: 012 802 072 Non-profit training restaurant where all the proceeds go to the neighbouring street-kid school. Food is a reliable mix of Mediterranean and Asian with tapas thrown in if you are not feeling too hungry. Great juices. Another one of Phnom Penh’s places designed to take it easy, but this time with a clear conscience.

Open 11am - 9pm.

Garden Centre Café 60-61 Street 108

Tel: 023 997 850 / 092 429 968. www.gardencentercafe.com Popular expat restaurant with fresh ingredients and lots of healthy options. Another location is at 4B Street 57.

Open from 7am - 10pm (closed Mondays).

Gasolina 56/58 Street 57 Tel: 012 373 009 The largest garden bar in town has an extensive menu. Crèche facilities make this a popular choice with families at weekends. Has regular events with live music and DJs, even fashion shows.

Open from 8am - 12am.

Gastrobar Botanico 9b Street 29 Tel: 017 873 101 info@gastrobarbotanico.com Located in its own habitat with over 2,000 plants. Open-air.

Offers tapas, salads, sandwich, and straightforward food, yet with character, in lush garden setting.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and in between. Espresso bar. Cocktails, wines, fruit shakes.

Open daily 8am - 9:30pm.

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Green Vespa 95 Sisowath Quay, Tel: 012 887 228 Superb daily breakfast selection, varied lunch and dinner specials and the best roast meal in town on the weekends. Traditional accompaniments to great food include Branston pickle, Colemans mustard, mint and horseradish sauce, HP and Heinz Ketchup.

Open 6am - 11pm.

Irina Russian Restaurant 15 Street 352 Tel: 012 833 524/ 092 833 524 Russian restaurant of iconic Phnom Penh status. If you can walk out of the restaurant after hitting the vodkas then you are doing well.

Open daily from 11am until the vodka runs out.

Java Cafe & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 420 www.javaarts.org Great coffees, salads, mix-and-match sandwiches and juices served in an elegant setting. The upstairs terrace, overlooking the Independence Monument, is a good place to watch the chaos below, while the downstairs space is a great place for coffee and catching up on your emails. Has exhibitions both upstairs and down.

Open 7am - 10pm.

Kandal House 239 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 986 803 Very friendly riverside established serving good and reasonably priced homemade pasta and a variety of Asian dishes.

Open 8am - late.

La Coupole Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 200 www.sofitel.com Casual and authentic Indochinese and French cuisine with live cooking by chefs in an open kitchen concept.

Offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and the Sunday brunch, all set in a stunning restaurant with high ceilings and natural light.

Aircon Restaurant Art Exhibitions Dance Theatre German Classes Film School Musical Events Fixed +855 (0)23 224 140 Mobile +855 (0)10 312 333 Homepage: www.meta-house.com Email: mesterharm@gmx.net 66 asialife Cambodia

Workshop Space Open-Air-Cinema

La Croisette 241 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 220 554 Riverfront restaurant with an ample outside dining area screened off by trees that serves good, reasonablypriced food, also has a cool, air-con restaurant inside. Often arranges special events.

Open 7am until late.

La Plaza Spanish Tapas Bar 22b Street 278, nr cnr Street 57 Tel: 012 825 443 Phnom Penh’s one and only Spanish tapas bar. It recreates to perfection the best known and most delicious Spanish tapas, making of seafood Paella its signature dish. Tapas are the result of hundreds of years of Spanish culinary history and evolution. Simple, tasty and healthy

dishes have become a standard to be enjoyed with friends while drinking large amounts of sangría.

Open 11am - 2pm,5pm - 10pm. All day on the weekend.

LA ROSE Restaurant 164b Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 211 130 / 080 900 900 www.larose.com.kh Revive your strength and restore your health with La Rose Restaurant’s healthy option menu.

Cozy ground floor restaurant with experienced chefs serving both Asian and Western cuisine.

Latin Quarter Cnr Street 178 and Street 19 Tel: 093 319 081.

Latin restaurant and bar that serves excellent tapas and mains with extra salsa. Beautiful courtyard often hosts live music and salsa dancing while the air-con restaurant is available for private hire. Open from breakfast until the music stops.

Le Quay Café Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 110 Tel: 023 998 730, www.amaraspa.hotelcara.com Enjoy the menu of sushi, salads, paninis, crepes and Asian specialities, with a wide range of healthy power juices, smoothies, cocktails, coffees, beers and wines, either beside a relaxing water feature or on the riverside terrace. Smoke free environment for lunch and dinner.

Open from 10.30am to 10.30pm.

Lime Restaurant + Bar 79F Street 128 Tel: 023 998 608/ 610 info@lebizhotel.com, www.lebizhotel.com Located in Lebiz Hotel Lime serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a stylish mix of Asian and western favourites with a focus on fresh, healthy and local ingredients, with regular changes to the menu.

Lotus Blanc 152 Street 51 Tel: 017 602 251 Run by local NGO Pour un Sourire d’Enfant, this centrally located training restaurant has a monthly changing lunch menu as well as a la carte Khmer dishes. Serves both Asian and continental breakfast.

Open Monday – Saturday, 7am - 10 pm.

Metro Café Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 023 222 275 Cool east-meets-west decor and a chic menu offering tapas, starters and mains, comprehensive cocktail menu, favourite among which is the Espresso Martini, Metro also offers a range of classic breakfasts and an elegant lunch spot with free wifi in an air-con and smoke-free (until 10pm) atmosphere.

Open daily 9:30am - 1am.

Mike’s Burger House Russian Blvd, inside Sokimex Petrol Station. Tel: 012 633 971 Hugely popular burger bar that serves food with plastic knives and forks and equally plastic French fries with cheese sauce. Ideal for those who believe that American culture starts with a Mc. New York Steakhouse 264 Street 63 cnr Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 500, www.steakhouse.com.kh Indulge in a seductive dining experience in the famed Phnom Penh Steak restaurant. The innovative menu features New-York Steakhouse signature prime cuts of beef charred to perfection accompanied by decadent sides and desserts.

Open Daily from 11am - 2pm and 15pm -Midnight.

Ocean 11 Street 288.

Tel: 017 766 690 European managed Mediterranean restaurant that dishes up some of the best fish and seafood in town.

Try the red snapper or the squid with rocket. Often has exhibitions around the understated walls.

One More Pub 16E Street 294 Tel: 017 327 378 (see bars) Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023990321 www.paddyrice.net (see bars) Restaurant Tell 13 Street 90. Tel: 023 430 650 Up-market eatery that re-creates the genuine feel of an Alpine chalet, has a spacious indoor restaurant and outdoor terrace with rotisserie and bar. European menu with imported steaks, fondue, raclette and an extensive wine list.

Open 11.30am - 2pm, 5pm - 11pm.

Rising Sun 20 Street 178. Tel: 012 970 718 (see bars) Riverside Bistro Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 012 277 882/ 023 213 898 Popular restaurant with expats and tourists alike mainly due to its large outdoor terrace area to view the river. Serves a mixture of Asian and western food with an emphasis on German cuisine. Has rock music videos and a pool table in the music bar at the back.

Open from 7am - 2am.

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse 64 Sihanouk Blvd. (Nr Independence Monument). Tel: 023 222 599 Experience the unique Brazilian Churrasco way of cookingwith a large variety of meats skewered and

roasted to perfection and served piping hot direct from the skewers to your plate!

Open daily 11am - 3pm, 5pm 10:30pm.

Sonoma Oyster Bar 159 Street 278 Tel: 023 223 617/ 077 723 911 Phnom Penh’s first and only independent oyster bar has drawn a crowd of expats and Cambodians seeking high-quality oysters in a cosy setting.

Open daily 10:30am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm - 11:00pm.

Stella Restaurant 55 Street 75 Tel: 099 574 188 / 012 735 002 A cosy restaurant located near Wat Phnom, Stella serves pizzas, grilled food and Asian cuisine in a peaceful garden atmosphere.

Steve’s Steakhouse 8 Street 240. Tel: 023 987 320 Longstanding restaurant specialising in local grain-fed beef as well as a large variety of imported steaks, hamburgers, ribs and Greek cuisine.

Has a terraced lounge with pool tables upstairs as well as a sports bar with large screen TV and happy hour from 12pm to 7pm.

Open daily 11am - 10.30pm.

Stonegrill 649 Sisovath Quay. Tel: 023 999 950 www.stonegrill.com.kh Stonegrill offers a unique interactive dining experience where diners meals are served cooking at the table on a natural volcanic stones heated to 400C (752F).

Open daily 11am - midnight.

T-Bone Steak House 392 Monivong Boulevard & Street 360 Tel: 012 900 138 Contemporary restaurant serving a premium selection of both imported and Cambodian beef, in a sophisticated air-conditioned setting – a carnivore’s delight.

Open 12pm - 2pm, 5pm -11pm.

Tepui Restaurant Lounge Chinese House, 45 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 991 514 Located on the second floor of Chinese House, Tepui offers a mix of Mediterranean and South American small plates with Asian accents.The skilled Venezuelan chef is considered one of the city’s best culinary talents.

Open 6pm - 10.30pm, closed Mondays.

The Exchange / The Vault 28 Street 47. Tel: 078 886 889 Large colonial mansion contains The Vault, Phnom Penh’s first private member’s club for thoses who have $1000 to burn. Underneath, the Exchange has elegany exposed brickwork and low lighting as well as an impressive fusion menu.

Open daily, 10am - midnight.

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recipe

Tandoori Chicken Sandwich Spinelli Coffee INGREDIENTS For the marinade: 100g Chicken breast (boneless and skinless) 2.2g Sweet paprika powder 1.5g Indian curry powder 1.2g Coriander powder 1.2g Turmeric powder 1.2g Poultry seasoning “Cajun Style” 0.2g Ground chilli 0.5g Salt 0.3g Chicken powder 2.5g Sugar 0.3g Oyster sauce 2.5g Plain yoghurt

For ‘mayochup’ sauce: 10g Mayonnaise 20g Tomato Ketchup For the sandwich: 2 slices Focaccia bread 30g Iceberg lettuce (shredded) 30g Marinated diced tomatoes 30g Indian mayonnaise (27g mayonnaise, 3g finely chopped garlic, a sprinkle of ground chilli) 80g Tandoori chicken (cooked)

STEP ONE Arrange boneless chicken breasts in a single layer in large glass baking dish. Mix the chicken with sweet paprika, Indian curry powder, coriander and turmeric powder, poultry seasoning, ground chilli, salt, chicken powder, sugar and oyster sauce in a medium-sized bowl. Pour yoghurt over and turn chicken breasts to coat. Cover chicken and refrigerate for three to eight hours.

STEP TWO Prepare barbecue (at medium-high heat) or pre-heat broiler. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade. Grill or broil chicken until just cooked through, for about 5 minutes per side. Cool slightly.

STEP THREE Preheat contact grill to 200 degrees. Spread Indian mayonnaise over both sides of the bread. Mix the rest of the Indian mayonnaise with tandoori chicken. Spread shredded iceberg on bottom side of bread, followed by a mix of tandoori chicken and diced tomatoes. Cover the sandwich with top side of bread and heat up in the contact grill for three minutes. Cut the sandwich into two and serve with mayochup sauce.

Spinelli Coffee Company Cambodia, 174 Street 63, Phnom Penh. For more information, visit facebook.com/ spinellicoffeecambodia or www.spinellicoffee.com.

Recipes provided by members of:

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The Quay 277 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 224 894 Rooftop deck with spectacular views of the river is a great place to enjoy a drink during half price 4pm-8pm happy hour. Food is a mix of tapas and more substantial offerings, including an excellent duck confit.

Open daily 7am – 11pm.

Genova Italian Restaurant 19Eo Street 154.

Tel: 012 390 039 This small restaurant has the feel of an Italian trattoria with food just like mamma made. The spaghetti al pesto Genovese is its signature dish.

Good range of meat and fish dishes as well as some Khmer dishes.

Open daily 10am - midnight.

The Lost Room 43 Street 2 Tel: 078 700 001 Eclectic from floor to ceiling, including the food on offer. From the former owners of Talkin’ to A Stranger, The Lost Room offers share size global dishes of fresh, local and imported produce in an urban environment. Bookings essential.

Open from 5pm, kitchen closes at 9.30pm. Closed Sundays. Lunch by appointment only.

La Volpaia 20–22 Street 13. Tel: 023 992 739 Part of a global pizzeria chain that includes Florence, Tokyo, Seoul and Phnom Penh, the cuisine is excellent with pizza and pasta cooked fresh in front of your eyes.

Limoncallo 81E0 Sisowath Quay Tel: 081 800 210/ 081 800 240 Authentic Italian cuisine with pasta, risotto and pizzas prepared in the traditional way and baked in a blazing wood-fired oven.

Open daily 11:30am- 2:30pm, 6pm10:30pm

Italian

Aria D’Italia 41EO Street 310 Tel: 012 840 705 Cute little Italian pizzeria tucked away between Street 57 and Street 63. Well-priced lunch set menu and homemade ravioli. Home delivery available.

Open 10.30am - 2pm, 5.30pm - 10pm.

Bistro Romano NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park Tel: 023 228 822 Best known for its sumptuous Sunday Prosecco Brunch, this stylised Italian restaurant in the NagaWorld complex specialises in Italian cuisine.

Open daily 11am - 11pm.

Cafe Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Tel: 023 981 888 Indulge in home made antipasti, fresh prepared pasta and risotto as well as oven-baked, crispy pizzas and pair it all with the finest selection of Italian wines, every Saturday night 6pm - 10pm.

Do Forni Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 200 Sophisticated Italian diner set in the grounds of the Sofitel hotel, dishes up much more than your basic pizza and pasta. Excellent range of wines, dimmed lighting and plush surroundings make this an excellent romantic meal for two option.

Open daily 6.30pm - 10pm.

Dolce Italia da Giorgio 96 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 012 562 892 Authentic neapolitan pizzeria ristorante. Pizza prepared in traditional wood-fired oven.

Open from 11:30am - 2pm and from 6pm - 10pm, closed on Sunday.

Luna d’Autumno 6C Street 29. Tel: 023 220 895 Beautiful courtyard or stylish interior air-con restaurant, whichever you choose, Luna has more classical pizzas, both red and white, to choose from than most restaurants.

Also serves excellent pasta and other up-market Italian food. Good wine cellar on view in the restaurant.

Open 11am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm 10.30pm.

Pasta & Vino 45 Street 288. Tel: 086 314 400 Cosy Italian spaghetteria that specialises in well-priced authentic Italian pasta and wines in a smokeless air-con environment.

Open daily 12pm - 2pm, 6pm 10pm.

Pop Café da Giorgio 371 Sisowath Quay Tel: 012 562 892 Sophisticated, small Italian restaurant located next to the FCC that serves light, contemporary Italian cuisine including fresh pasta and pizzas.

Open daily 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm.

Japanese & Korean

Fusion Sushi Cnr. Streets 47 & 84 Tel: 023 986 114 Located inside Cara Hotel this beautifully decorated restaurant dishes up excellent Japanese and Korean food.

Hachi Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, 26 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 200 ext.: 6612 A taste of Japan in a Zen atmosphere with tatami rooms and sushi bar.

Open daily, 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6.30pm - 10.30pm.

Kan Ji Japanese Restaurant 128f Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 016 318 383 / 016 312 828.

Kan Ji is three floors of Japanese culinary delight in a bright and modern setting. Open for lunch and dinner, it features a stylish mix of ancient and modern creative cuisine.

Open daily, 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm.

Le Seoul 62 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 012 971 516 Popular up-market South Korean restaurant specialising in BBQ, each table is equipped with its own charcoal burner, with all beef imported from the U.S. Open daily, 11am - 2.30pm, 5pm 10pm.

Origami 88 Sothearos Bvd. Tel: 012 968 095 Up-market, contemporary Japanese restaurant with a spacious air-con area downstairs and four private rooms upstairs. Specialises in sushi and tempura, and has Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo beers.

Open daily 11.30am - 2pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm.

Rahu 159 Sisowath Quay Tel 023 215 179 Stunning, upscale atmosphere with a mix of modern Chinese décor, high ceilings, muted colors and rich woods. Japanese food takes the main stage but there is also Khmer and Western fusion cooking. A good place to go late night for sushi or a bowl of congee.

Open daily 5pm - 2am.

Yumi Restaurant, Bar and Grill 29a Street 288 Tel: 092 163 903 Elegant but inexpensive English-run Yakitori restaurant nestled in a quiet street in BKK that serves top-notch

Japanese nibbles, hot and cold sake, plum wine, wine and beer. Don’t leave without trying the salt and chilli squid.

Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm Dinner: 6 pm – 10 pm

Mexican & Tex-Mex

Alley Cat Café Off Street 19 (side street behind Royal Art School) Tel: 012 306 845 Small, friendly patio café serving good Mexican food and claiming to have the biggest burgers in town.

Hard to find, Alley Cat is tucked down an alley at the back of the National Museum, the first on the right if you are coming from Street 178.

California II 79 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 077 503 144 American-style bar with some of the best Mexican food in town, the excellent pool table and great tunes make this a good place to while away a few hours on the riverfront.

Open 24/7 with good rooms upstairs.

Cantina 347 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 222 502 A mainstay of the riverside scene, this is a popular meeting place for local expats with a large selection of Mexican beers and tequilas, and sinfully good margaritas. Serves good Mexican fare, and features photographs that capture the changing face of Cambodia.

Kitchen open 3pm - 10:30pm.

Closed Saturdays.

Casa Lika 16 Street 136.

Tel. 012 429 542 American-run family restaurant serving up good Mexican fare in an authentic setting with rustic brick walls and colourful Mexican artwork, great music and even better tacos make this a good place to share some Coronas with friends.

Open 10am - midnight, closed on Mondays.

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Freebird 69 Street 240, Tel: 023 224 712 Aircon American bar with neon lighting, a variety of memorabilia, comfortable seats and rock music.

International menu with good lunch offers, an excellent range of bottled sauces, excellent International, Mexican food and burgers.

Be prepared for some good solid R&R. Open 7am - midnight.

La Citá 13 Street 282 Tel: 092 388 123/ 092 626 123 www.lacita.ox2net.com Get ready to change your tune about what you think Mexican food is! Just one taste of our hand-rolled burritos, tacos and quesadillas will tell you how much effort we put into our mouthwatering products.

Open daily, 9am-10pm.

Taqueria Corona 14E Street 51 (btwn Sihanouk Blvd and Street 242) Tel: 089 281 626 / 012 629 986 Enjoy our mexican specialties, barbacoa, cochinita pebil, texas chile, carnitas, pollo and carne asoda in our festive dining room.

Open daily from11.30am - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm (Sunday evenings only).

Vegetarian

Fresh Salad Bar 37E0 Street 310 Tel: 081 555 559 / 016 977 790 The first salad bar in Phnom Penh which provides healthy organic salad and other foods to help you maintain you healthy lifestyle.

We serve salad coffee and bakery goods. Free Wifi. Free delivery, call Jung on 081 555 559.

Open daily, 8am - 10pm.

K’NYAY (see restaurants Cambodian) The Vegetarian 158 Street 19 Tel: 077 900 210 / 012 905 766 With a lush garden space in the heart of Phnom Penh, The Treez provides a relaxing dining experience. Whether it be amok, curry or tom yam, The Treez, creates vegetarian versions of popular Cambodian, Indian and Thai dishes.

Open 10:30am - 8:30pm, closed Sundays.

Botanic Cafe-Art gallery 126 Street 19 Tel: 077589458 botaniccafe@yahoo.com, www.botanica-gallerycafe.com Cafe and food inside over 80 year old building, with garden is display art works, pot plants and premium souvenirs. First floor exhibition and event space is for promote local artists. We have special lunch and dinner set for your special times.

Open daily 8am – 9pm.

Brown Coffee & Bakery 17 Street 214 Tel: 023 217 262 Stylish, locally owned café with bakery on the premises serves a variety of coffees and pastries, with the green tea latte a house speciality.

Open 7.30am - 8pm.

Café El Mundo 219 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 012 520 775 Affordable and stylish riverside café and restaurant with adjacent apartments for short-term hire.

Seating available on the mezzanine lounge, ground-floor restaurant and on the streetside terrace.

Open 6.30am - 10.30pm.

Café Fresco 363 Sisowath Quay, Tel: 023 217 041 Cnr. Streets 51 & 306, Tel: 023 224 891 The FCC’s café chain sells strong Illy coffee and mix-and-match sandwiches. Interiors have a slight retro 70s feel to it and there are pleasant outside seating areas.

There are currently four outlets in town Open 6am to pm.

Café Namu 28b Cnr Streets 30 & 57, Tel: 023 220 074 Breakfast, brunch and lunch venue.

Serving pizza, cakes, cookies, desserts, teas, coffees and fresh juices.

Vego’s 3E0 Street 51 & 21b Street 294 Tel: 012 984 596 Salad bar with an emphasis on greens and a menu of healthy western items. Also offering bagels, salads and wraps with a wide array of super fresh toppings. Choose from ready-made or d.i.y. options.

Also on offer are a vegetarian soup of the day as well as fresh-squeezed juices, yogurt and granola.

Café Yejj 170 Street 450, Tel: 012 543 360 / 092 600 750 Quiet, cosy café serving bistro-style western cuisine, with extensive range of coffees, pasta dishes, pannini and wraps and fabulous cheesecake making this an ideal spot to escape the bustle of the nearby Russian Market.

Open every day from 7am - 9pm.

Cafés

Chill Ice Cream & Coffee Lounge 219d Sisowath Quay Tel: 092 547 534 Pretty, casual lounge on the riverside offering coffee, sandwiches, cocktails, and some of the best homemade ice cream in town, as well as inventive ice cream cocktails.

Open 11am - midnight.

Art Café 37 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 012 834 517 Elegant bistro in the style of a European coffee house is now transposed to the Meta House with regular classical music performances.

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Blue Pumpkin 245 Sisowath Quay and at Monument Books on Norodom Blvd Tel: 023 998 153 Siem Reap’s favourite café also offers two locations in Phnom Penh, serving breakfast sets, Asian and Western entrées and an array of ice cream flavours. Open daily from 6am - 11pm.

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Coffee Room 385 Street 215. Tel: 098 518 888 The first coffee house in Phnom Penh to have an electronic menu, at the Coffee Room you simply tap in your order and wait for your order to arrive. Serves coffees, juices.

Pastries and breakfast.

Open daily from 7.30am - 6pm.

Cross Town Café 193 Street 29. Tel: 017665204 Japanese-owned restaurant with welcoming wooden interior. which spreads from floor to bar. A recently opened venue serving traditional Japanese cuisine with an added twist, the restaurant aims to add new dishes to its menu every week. Open daily from 11am - 10pm.

Daughters of Cambodia 65E0 Street 178. Tel: 077 657 678 www.daughtersofcambodia.org The cafe, called Sugar ‘n Spice, serves light lunches (salads, sandwiches), a few main courses, home baked goods, desserts, coffee and some original smoothies. The cafe is a place for vocational training, where trainees will train and then have the opportunity to graduate into working in top end restaurants and hotels. Value for money. Free Wifi.

There’s also a shop selling clothing, accessories and jewellery made on site. Or relax in the spa which offers head, shoulder, face and hand and foot treatments.

Gloria Jean’s Corner of Street 51 & Street 310, Tel : 092 404 365 Sisowath Quay along Phnom Penh Port, Tel: 092 555 973 Canadia Tower Monivong Blvd., Tel: 092 555 937

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Popular cafe in three differences area BKK 1, on the riverside and inside the commercial building Canadia Tower.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 987 420 (see restaurants, international) Kiriya Café No.174, St.51 Cnr St.370 Tel: 016 363 730 Opening Nov 1. This Japanese café chain offers good locally sourced coffee, delicious desserts and a relaxing atmosphere.

Open daily 6am - 2am.

Morning Café 32C Street 592. Tel: 023 982 109 Cosy air-conditioned coffee house with relaxed atmosphere, located in Toul Kork district serves Khmer, Thai and European cuisine. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6am to 9pm.

The Deli 13 Street 178. Tel: 012 851 234 Chic delicatessen, bakery and small restaurant serving excellent bread and pastries, with take-away menu.

Open from 7am to 9pm (closed Sundays).

The Shop 39 Street 240, Tel: 092 955 963 / 023 986 964 Stylish café, with a wide range of fresh bread, tempting patisseries and juices, excellent salads and sandwiches. Crowded at lunchtime, but the small, cool courtyard at the back creates a perfect haven from the sun. Has a Chocolate Shop three doors along, and a second outlet in Tuol Kork. Open 7am to 7pm (Mon. to Sat, 7am to 3pm Sun.)

Bars

Aristocrat Cigar Bar NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park Tel: 023 228 822 Club aimed at attracting wealthy expats and Khmers who like a good cigar and glass of wine. Not as stuffy as you might imagine with cigars from $10.

Open daily from noon to midnight.

AQVARIVM Bar 23 Street 55 Corner Street 254, Tel: 077 536 342 Drop by for Happy Hour drinks and nibbles from 5:00-9:00 PM. Available for special occasion and group discounts. AQVARIVM: Drink like a fish!

Cadillac Bar and Grill 219 E0 Sisowath Quay, Tel: 011 713 567 Riverfront air-con bar and restaurant.

Has good American cuisine as well as ariverfront vantage to watch the world go by.

California II 79 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 077 503 144 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) Cantina 347 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 222 502 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) Chow 277 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 224 894 Contemporary and sophisticated riverfront restaurant that serves Southeast Asian cuisine, a wide range of cocktails, juices and Illy coffee. The rooftop deck with spectacular views of the river is a great place to have a drink during its

half-price 4pm to 8pm happy hour.

Open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Do It All Pub & Bistro 61 Street 174 Tel: 023 220 904 Dishes out African, Asian and Western cuisine, with hip hop and reggae played into the early hours of the morning.

Open daily 9am to 4am.

Elephant Bar Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 Flamboyant carpet, comfortable wicker chairs and hotel pianist provide a sense of a time gone by, you can imagine Jackie Kennedy drinking here. Its many signature cocktails, including the femme fatale make this a popular place with expats especially during the twofor-one happy hours (4pm to 8pm).

Open 2pm to midnight from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to midnight.

Equinox 3A Street 278, Tel: 012 586 139 or 092 791 958 (see Restaurants, International) FCC 363 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 724 014 (see Restaurants, International) Freebird 69 Street 240 Tel: 023 224 712 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) Green Vespa 95 Sisowath Quay Tel: 012 887 228 (see Restaurants International)

imbibe

The Heart of Darkness Darren Gall Pinot Noir is the ultimate diva of the wine world. It’s alluring, sensual, complex, temperamental, demanding and bewitching.

For everyone involved — from grower, to maker, to consumer — Pinot Noir can be a heartbreaker. Careers and financial reputations have been wrecked on the rocky coastline of her fickle nature. One of Australia’s most renowned exponents of the variety confided to me that it was “a complete bastard of a grape,” yet it had seduced him into committing his entire professional reputation to it.

Every aspect of nature and science has a profound effect on producing Pinot Noir. From site selection, the aspect of the vineyard, altitude, soil, water, clonal selection, pruning, canopy management, fermentation techniques, maturation technique and filtration technique — every step in the process has the potential to change everything.

Burgundy remains the marquis of the variety. Its finest high priests offer up wines of such intensity, finesse, complexity and sensorial seduction that they have become elusive myths and legends to all but those with the strongest convictions, connections and bank accounts. For most of the world’s wine drinkers, they are unattainable and a matter of

faith rather than taste.

New Zealand is producing some of the very finest and still relatively affordable Pinot Noir.

Australia and the USA produce some very good examples.

There are also some very promising and affordable examples coming out of Chile.

On a primary level, the great Pinot Noirs run a fruit spectrum of flavours from plum to cherry and wild strawberry. To these, add undertones of damp forest floor with truffle, spice, umber, leaf, wood and more carnal, flesh-like nuances. The texture is silky and the acidity is fine, keeping the wine’s curves and voluptuous nature in check.

The wines are deeply complex but medium bodied and never lush and flabby.

There are also the sensual elements of umami and pheromones. Umami is part of the palate or taste spectrum picked up by the receptors of L-glutamate, and can be described as a “pleasant savoury taste.” Perhaps the best description ever offered up was by Tim Hanni MW. He told me that to understand umami you should look at the face of a newborn child as it hovers close to its mother’s nipple.

The sweaty, pheromone aromas and characters in the wine need less explanation as they excite the most primal and deepest recesses of our existence, of our very soul. I think I need a glass right now.

Darren Gall has spent a quarter of a century involved in virtually every aspect of the wine industry and the passionate pursuit of the next great bottle continues. He currently resides in Cambodia developing the wine market with Celliers d’Asie. gall.darren@ yahoo.com

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Harem Shisha Lounge 157 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 990 244 Share in an ancient ritual and enjoy the many fruity flavours of the shisha pipe at Harem. With lavish golden surroundings and chilled world house beats, the Penh’s first shisha bar offers signature cocktails and exotic Middle Eastern tapas menu.

Open from 5pm till late.

Howie’s Bar 32 Street 51 Air-conditioned and open until very very late, this is the Heart’s unofficial chill-out bar although the sound system could give its neighbour a run for its money. Tends to be a popular late night hang-out, especially around the ‘mini’ pool table.

Open 7pm to 6am.

K West 1 Street 154 (Cnr. Sisowath Quay), Tel: 023 214 747 (see Restaurants, French) Le Bar Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, 26 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 999 200 A modern colonial style lobby bar with a fine selection of comfort food, tapas, champagnes, wines, premium spirits and large selection of coffees and teas.

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Le Moon Cnr of Sisowath Quay and Street 154 Tel: 023 214 747 Rooftop terrace bar at Amanjaya Hotel has arguably the view of the river of any of the city’s rooftop bars. Full bar and small food menu, while the service is slow enough to afford you sufficient time to soak up the view.

Liquid 3B Street 278. Tel: 023 720 157 Welcoming open air bar on golden street run by the same owner as Flavours. Has one of the best pool tables in town with happy hour from 5pm to 8pm.

Lobby Lounge 296 Mao Tse Tung Blvd (InterContinental Hotel) Tel: 023 424 888 An elegant lounge situated in the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel.

Reasonable prices and excellent service. Open daily from 10am – 11:30pm.

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd, opposite Phnom Penh centre Tel: 012 607 465 / 067 867 305 www.meta-house.com Multi-media arts centre established by German film-maker Nico Mesterham

has a very cool bar. Open from 2pm till midnight. Closed Mondays.

Metro Café Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 023 222 275 (see Restaurants International) One More Pub 16E Street 294. Tel: 017 327 378 English-style bar with comfortable wooden bar stools. No hip hop or techno, only great classic 60s & 70s music. Has terracotta-tiled terrace and 3 guest rooms upstairs.

Open from 5pm to late, happy hour from 5pm to 7pm, closed Sundays.

Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023990321 www.paddyrice.net Irish sports bar on riverside with big screen live sports, serves home cooked western and Asian favourites alongside a fully stocked bar including Guinness and a fine selection Irish whiskeys with daily happy hour from 4pm to 8pm. Often has live music events and a weekly pub quiz. Open 7.30am to late.

Rising Sun 20 Street 178. Tel: 012 970 718 English-style pub with reliable

breakfast, meat pies and hamburgers.

Has a regular following around the bar at night especially on Fridays.

Great posters of British films and TV classics adorn the walls. Ideal for that touch of nostalgia and good fish and chips – though not wrapped in a newspaper.

Open daily from 7am till late.

Riverside Bistro Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148, Tel: 012 277 882 / 023 213 898 (see Restaurants International) Sharky Bar 126 Street 130. Tel: 012 228 045 , www.sharkybar.blogspot.com Countless pool tables and a large balcony to look out over the street.

Guaranteed to be lively – a place where anything can happen, especially if you get a bit too close to the local clientele. Serves good Mexican food, and has frequent live music. Open 4pm to 2am, take away 5pm til late.

The Bungalows Mekong River. Tel: 077 555 447 Stylish simplicity located within a quick cruise from Sisowath Quay port. The floating bar serves basic drinks and nibbles.

Open Saturdays and Sundays from

street cuisine

Num go (Sticky Rice Cakes) Conor Wall Price: 500 riel each.

Ingredients: Sticky rice cakes are a very simple but elegant Khmer dessert. The main ingredient is rice, which is soaked in water for one hour before being ground into flour using grinders made of rock. The flour is added to a pot of water, coconut scrapings, sugar and beans, which is placed on a low-heat fire and constantly stirred. The cake gets its Khmer name from a stirring action, which in Cambodian is called ‘go’.

The stirring is continued for approximately 30 minutes until a sticky consistency is achieved. Next, the mixture is poured onto a baking tray and left to dry for 10 minutes.

Once hard, the cake is cut into a distinctive square shape.

Served: Once cut into small squares,

the sticky cakes are served in a small plastic bag with complementary wooden skewers. Coconut shavings can also be sprinkled on top.

Taste: ‘Num go’ have a soft, sticky, jelly-like consistency. The flavour is slightly sweet with a coconut twang and is strangely similar to good, old-fashioned porridge. The optional coconut adds a nice kick, but too much can be overpowering. As with many Khmer desserts, the sense of natural ingredients is striking.

There are no additives or preservatives here. (5/5) Where to get it: Available from a variety of friendly sellers walking the city streets with beautiful baskets expertly balanced atop of beautiful heads.

Other Info: Usually available all day.

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3pm to 8pm, available for private events if booked at least two days in advance.

The Chinese House 128 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 356 399 Decadent cocktail bar set in beautiful old Chinese house. Has art exhibitions, film nights and parties down stairs and opulence upstairs.

Open from 6pm until late, closed on Tuesdays.

The Tap Room Kingdom Breweries 1748 National Road 5. Tel: 023 430 180 www.kingdombreweries.com Sate of the art European brewery specialising in premium pilsner.

Tours of the facility are organised on a regular basis, culminating in frothy cold ones at the brewery’s bar overlooking the Tonle Sap. Zeppelin Bar 109C Street 51. Tel: 012 881 181 Over 1,000 vinyl albums played by stone-faced DJ owner in small bar next to the infamous Walkabout.

Remarkably good food considering the setting, especially late at night.

Try the dumplings.

Open daily 5pm - 4am.

Wine Bars

Bouchon Wine Bar 3-4 Street 246. Tel: 077 881 103 Sophisticated wine bar with a very French ambience and a wide range of French wines and bar food. Often has music as well as a mellow jazz sound track. Open noon until midnight.

Elyxir 3 Street 466 (near Thai Embassy) Tel: 023 211 711 Elyxir is dedicated to wine, luxury and gastronomy. Each dish was dreamed up to marry perfectly with the wines on our menu. Elyxir boasts a swimming pool, champagne bar and private rooms. All our wines are available at our Wine Shop.

Open 10am until late, closed Mondays.

Open Wine 219 Street 19. Tel: 023 233 527 Large wine shop and deli with wellpriced wines from around the world.

Has outside dining area.

Open daily 7am - 11pm.

Rubies Cnr Streets 240 & 19. Tel: 015 670 024 Intimate wood-pannelled wine bar that is a mainstay of the female expat population with well-priced wines. Often has parties at the weekend.

Gay

Blue Chilli 36 Street 178. Tel: 012 566 353 www.bluechillibar.com This welcoming bar run by Thai national Oak is currently the number one gay bar in town. Chic décor makes this one of the coolest bars in town, even if you’re straight. The drag shows on Friday and Saturday are an additional draw. Open 5pm until late.

K2 25k Street 268. Tel: 093 665 225 www.fb.com/K2Bar.PhnomPenh Classy addition to the Phnom Penh scene and it’s first straight-friendly, chill-out bar. Contemporary design and LGBTIQ artwork. Secluded space, attracting a socially conscious, Khmer crowd who mix

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easily with expats/visitors.

Open 6pm until late.

The Rainbow Bar 73 Street 172. Tel: 097 741 4187 Intimate bar designed to get to know people better has a range of welldesigned cocktails to make the night go with a swing.

Nightclubs Bouchon Wine Bar. (see Wine Bars) Occasional performances by jazz bands.

Darlin Darlin NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park Tel: 023 228 822 Top-end nightclub with live music popular among the high-flyers of the city. Semi-private booths in a chic environment make for an unrivalled experience.

Open daily from 7pm until late.

Equinox (see Restaurants – Intrenational) Has regular live music from expat and cal bands at weekends and swing dancing on Thursdays.

Heart of Darkness 38 Street 51. Tel: 023 222 415 The most famous of the city’s nightspots with a good-sized dance floor make this the in-place in town.

Has well priced spirits and mixers and is totally packed out on Friday and Saturday nights.

Open 8:30pm to 4am.

Mao’s Cnr Street 106 & Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 992 726 Chairman Mao has been reconstructed into one of Phnom Penh’s liveliest nightspots with djs and occasional live bands.

Open 5pm - 2am.

Memphis 3 Street 118. Tel: 012 871 263 Only permanent rock venue in town with a house band that plays covers from 10pm til 1:30am, later at weekends. Also has open mike sessions on Mondays.

Open from 8pm til late, closed Sundays. 2-for-1 cocktails everday from 8pm until 10pm.

Paddy Rice (see Bars) Often has live music events.

Pontoon Street 172.

Now no longer the Penh’s floating hotspot, Pontoon still manages to pack in the punters, especially when international DJs are in town.

Riverhouse Lounge 6 Street 110. Tel: 023 212 302 The alternative dance venue for both expats and young Khmers with a self-contained air-con dance room and great balcony to chill out. MonWed, Fri is hip hop, Thu is Ladies night, Sat is house and Sun is dance remix. Open daily 4pm - 2am.

Saint Tropez 31 Street 174 Tel: 077 212 100 / 097 9000 401 Upscale club, complete with fake beach, deck bar, that suggests the French Riviera.

Open daily 6pm - 2pm.

Sharky Bar 126 Street 130. Tel: 012 228 045 www.sharkybar.blogspot.com Has regular live gigs at weekends involving local and expat bands with an emphasis on heavy rock.

Listings

culture Cinemas

The Flicks 39B Street 95 Tel: 078 809 429, theflicks-cambodia.com A festival movie house with a revolving weekly schedule of international films. Also offers possibility for movie parties, with option to hire the movie room for a private session (max 30 people).

Screenings generally at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm or 8pm, but check the website for schedule and ticket prices.

The Cineplex 5th Floor Sorya Shopping Centre, Tel: 017 666 210 www.thecineplexs.com International-standard three-screen cineplex featuring the latest Digital 3D technology and the most recent Hollywood and international releases, located in the heart of downtown with ample parking, shopping and eating options.

Open 9am - 10:30pm.

Le Cinema French Institute 218 Street 184 Tel: 023 213 124. 100-seat cinema shows international art house and mainstream movies with occasional films in English.

Children’s cinema on Saturday mornings at 10am. cinema on Saturday mornings at 10 am.

Legend Cinema 3rd Floor City Mall, Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 088 954 9857 www.legend-cinemas.com International quality cinema showing Hollywood releases in air-conditioned environment including 3D. Screenings:10am - 9pm, box office: 10am - 9pm.

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd., (opp. Phnom Penh centre). Tel: 012 607 465 Movie shorts and documentaries from Cambodia and the rest of Asia.

Movies normally start at 7pm, closed Mondays.

Galleries

Bophana Audiovisual Resource Centre 64 Street 200. Tel: 023 992 174 Preserving much of Cambodia’s audiovisual material, has regular exhibitions.

Open 8am - 6pm Mon - Fri, 2pm - 6pm Sat. Dori Thy Gallery 12R Street 256. Tel: 012 661 552 Features the black and white photographs of German photographer, Doris Boettcher.

Open Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm.

FCC Phnom Penh (see Restaurants, International) Phnom Penh’s landmark restaurant has a permanent, rotating exhibition devoted to photography.

French Institute 218 Street 184. Tel: 023 213 124 Formerly the Alliance Française, the French Culture Centre (CCF) is one of Phnom Penh’s major venues for the arts. Promoting French culture and Khmer Ongoing cultural activities include exhibitions, festivals, and

film screenings. Onsite shop Carnets d’Asie offers a selection of French books.

Happy Painting Gallery 363 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 221 732 www.happypainting.net A must see. Since 1995 this art gallery has been dedicated to showing and selling the work of Stef, a local iconic artist with a very personal and positive insight in everyday life in Cambodia.

Open daily 8am - 10pm Java Café & Gallery (see Restaurants, International) Contemporary art gallery with regular exhibitions of Cambodian and international artists. Has second gallery on the ground floor. Website has details about Cambodia’s contemporary art scene.

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 012 607 465 Multimedia arts centre on three floors has regular exhibitions, interviews with filmmakers and short films, contains the Art Café.

Open Tues – Sun, 2pm - 10pm.

Reyum Institute of Arts & Culture 47 Street 178 Tel: 023 217 149 Gallery with regular exhibitions of Cambodian artists. Part of an NGO established to preserve traditional and contemporary Cambodian arts.

Sa Sa Bassac 18 Sothearos Boulevard, Upstairs.

An expansion of the Sa Sa Art Gallery and a merger with Bassac Art Projects, Sa Sa Bassac is an artist-run gallery for contemporary art. Includes a library, reading and workshop room, and a 60-metre gallery space. Ongoing visual literacy programmes.

Performing Arts

Amrita Performing Arts 128-G9 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 220 424 www.amritaperformingarts.org Performance art company that puts on contemporary & classical music and theatre.

Apsara Arts Association 71 Street 598 Tel: 011 550 302 Organisation that promotes Cambodian arts & culture. Open from 7.30am - 10.30am Cambodian Living Arts 407 Street 246 Art organisation devoted to the revival of traditional Khmer performing arts that puts on occasional performances.

Chaktomuk Conference Hall Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 725 119 Designed by master Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, this under-utilised building is worth a visit. Open from 7am to 11.30am and 2pm to 5pm (Mon. to Fri.).

Chenla Theatre Cnr. Mao Tse Tung & Monireth Blvds.

Tel: 023 883 050 www.culturalcenter-cambodia.com One of the capital’s major theatres, it has regular performances of theatre, dance and music.

Epic Arts 1DE0 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 998 474 www.epicarts.org.uk Organisation that uses art to empower people with disabilities.

Sovanna Phum Khmer Art Association 166 Street 99 corner of 484 Tel: 023 987 564 Theatre with performances of shadow puppetry, classical and masked dances every Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm.

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Listings Boat Cruises

leisure & wellness Amusement

Cambodian Country Club Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla Tel: 012 231 755 A peaceful heaven providing tennis, swimming, badminton, fitness centre and horse riding, 15 minutes away from the city. Open from 6.30am until late.

Parkway Square 113 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Ten-pin bowling alley and dodgem track.

Phnom Penh Water Park 50 Street 110, Tel: 023 881 008 Traditional mix of slides and wave pools is open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park Phnom Tamao, 44 kilometres out of the capital along Highway 2.

Cambodia’s top wildlife centre. All animals are either rescued from traders or bred at the centre.

Many of the animals are critically endangered.

Open daily 8am - 4pm.

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The Butterfly Cambodia Tel: 012 602 955 thebutterflycambodia@gmail.com Cambodian river adventures, sunset cruises, birthdays and events to floating villages, Silk Island. Plan your trip, per hour, half-day and fullday rates available.

Classes

Cambodian Cooking Class Frizz Restaurant, 67 Street 240 Tel: 012 524 801 First and only Khmer cooking school for travellers & expats in Phnom Penh, includes transport to the market and a colourful 16-page recipe booklet. Open 10am - 10pm.

Capoeira Home of English, Building D 10B Street 57, Tel: 012 242 396 Lessons in this rhythmic Brazilian cross between dance and martial arts are held every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh 10 Street 183 (entrance on Street 406 www.centralschoolofballet.com Cambodia’s first purpose-built ballet school offering classical ballet training for children in the afternoons, contemporary dance, ballet and dance conditioning for

adults in the evenings. Spacious dance studio equipped with large, custom-made mirrors, barres and a professional, sprung dance floor.

Dance World Cambodia At Hotel Cambodiana. 313 Sisowath quay. Dance studio entrance at Physique Club Gym. Tel: 012634008 danceworldcambodia@yahoo.com.au www.danceworldcambo.wordpress.com RAD ballet, neo classical, modern dance, jazz, tap dance, hip hop and k pop, breakdance, raqs sharqi bellydance, classical pilates. Classes for kids aged 2.5 and up. classes for adults, beginner and intermediate. performance and choreogrpahy group for advanced/ professional level adults.

Equestrian Centre CCC, Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla, Tel: 015 231 755 012 704 759 With 31 ponies and horses, an international sized arena and spacious stables, the only horseriding centre in Phnom Penh Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 11am and 2pm to 5.30pm The Flicks Community Movie House 39b, Street 95, @The Empire, 34, Street 130. theflicks-cambodia.com Daily classes in yoga and pilates, check website for schedule, prices and signup form. Stress relief massage therapy sessions by appointment.

Nataraj Yoga Center 52 Street 302. Tel 012 250 817 www.yogacambodia.com Daily classes in yoga and pilates, check website for schedule and prices.

Photography Tours 126 Street 136. Tel: 092 526 706 www.nathanhortonphotography.com Weekend photography tuition and guided tours to Kampong Chnang and Udong, covering technical and creative considerations in the context of travel photography.

Scuba Nation Dive Centre 18 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 012 715 785 Learn to scuba dive in Phnom Penh. The academic part of the course takes place in a local hotel pool, while the real diving is in Sihanoukville.

Open 9am – 6pm, Sun 9am – 5pm.

Simphony Music School No. 243, Street 51 Tel: 023 727 345 / 097 888 8787 www.simphony.com.kh Simphony Music School is the first official music school in Cambodia recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Royal government of Cambodia. The faculty is composed by experienced and qualified music teachers from overseas, speaking fluent English, Chinese, and French.

Our curriculum is based on USA curriculum following Orff and Kodály music teaching methods.

Global Art 1 Street 181 & Street 475 (nr Chinese Embassy) Tel: 023 222 084/ 087 222 084 World renowned art and creativity program for young children.

Franchisee of Global Art Group.

Available in 17 countries with more than 400 centres worldwide.

The Tennis Club CCC, Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla.

Tel: 017 847 802 The two courts are equipped with specially adapted flooring unique in Cambodia, and with quality lightning allowing play past sunset. Skilled English and Cambodian speaking teachers available for private or group lessons. Open daily.

Music Arts School 9A Street 370. Tel: 023 997 290 www.music-arts-school.org New NGO school providing music training for Cambodians and expats - of all ages and levels - at affordable tuition fees. Learn guitar, piano, violin, vocals, and tradtional Khmer instruments. Also has a scholarship fund to provide music education to the less fortunate.

Yoga for life 126 Street 19. Tel: 077589458 Learn to release stress and tension, find peace and live a healthy life with yoga classes taught by yoga and massage virtuoso, Azmi Samdjaga from Singapore. Classes every Wednesday from 7:30pm witht more classes starting late June 2012. Healthy food and Wifi are also available.

Yoga Phnom Penh 172z2 Norodom Blvd. (alley nest to Sushi Bean) www.yogaphnompenh.com 012 739 419 / 012 739 284 Daily drop-in yoga asana classes for everybodys body. Classes include Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow and core power yoga. Join our great teachers to improve your flexibility, strength, balance, posture and reduce stress. Also offering private 1-2-1 or small group classes ,regular workshops and retreats.

Chemists

International Dental Clinic Phnom Penh 193 Street 208. Tel 023 212 909 www.imiclinic.com Siem Reap 545 National Road N6, Banteay Chas, Stor Kram. Tel: 063 767 618 IMI Dental Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Centre has been successfully creating beautiful smiles in Phnom Penh and throughout Cambodia. Open Mon – Sat, 8am -7pm, Sun 9am - 12pm.

U-Care Pharmacy 26-28 Sothearos Bvd. Tel: 023 222 499 14 Sihanouk Bvd. Tel: 023 224 099 High quality western-style chemist and pharmacy that sells the full range of beauty products, including international brands.

MALIS dental clinic 445 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 012 513 222 / 023 964 142 info@malis-dental.com Facebook: MALIS Dental Clinic A Japanese dentist provides professional and high-quality service.

Counselling Services

Shigeta Dental Clinic 25 Street 294 cnr Street21 Tel: 023 223 225 / 010705083 Email: info@shigetadental.com Faebook: shigetadentalclinic High-end Japanese Dental Clinic that caters your dental needs. Open from Monday to Sunday, 8am - 8pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous 11 Street 420, Tel: 012 813 731 www.aacambodia.org Meets on Friday, Wednesday & Sunday.

Indigo Psychological Services 28 Street 460. Tel: 023 222 614, indigocambodia@gmail.com Professional counselling services in English, French or Khmer for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. Assessment and intervention services for children and adolescents with learning and developmental difficulties.

Narcotics Anonymous 11 Street 420. Tel: 012 813 731 NA meets on Monday, Thursday at 8pm and Saturday at 7pm.

Dental

European Dental Clinic 160A, Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 211 363 www.europeandentalclinic-asia.com Total dental care, Implant, Orthodontist Treatment by expat dentists. Open Mon - Fri 8am-12pm, 2pm-7pm. Sat, 8am-1pm

SOS Dental Clinic 161 Street 51. Tel: 023 216 911 International standard dental clinic providing family dental care, from routine cleanings and fluoride treatments to crowns and root canals. Dr. Deborah Moore is a UK dentist with a gentle manner suitable for children and nervous patients.

Open 9am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm Mon – Fri, 9am - 12pm Sat. Open 24/7 for emergencies.

Gyms

The InterContinental Fitness Center 3/F Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, Tel: 023 424 888 ext. 5000 A sophisticated retreat from the crowds, The InterContinental Fitness Center is the place to attain peak performance and wellbeing. Pump up with a full body workout on state-of-

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the-art equipment, benefit from the experience and guidance of qualified trainers, and relax all year round in the open-air swimming pool.

sos

Fitness Centre CCC, Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla.

Tel: 015 704 759 Achieve individual targets whether sports specific or to tone, lose weight, build strength or improve cardiovascular fitness for a healthier and fitter lifestyle.

Open daily 6.30am until late.

What Lies Beneath Dr Christoph Bendick Question: I am planning on doing the Mekong River Swim next year and would like to start training. However, my friends have told me to be careful. They said I could catch a type of worm that lives in the river, which could lead to some unpleasant medical complications. Are there dangers I should be concerned about from a medical point of view?

Answer: Your friends are most likely thinking of schistosomiasis or bilharziosis, named after German physician Theodor Bilharz who first described some characteristics of the disease in 1851. This condition is caused by several species of flukes — i.e. worms of the Schistosoma genus. For their development, the worms need certain water snails to serve as an intermediary agent between different hosts, and can finally infect humans. Parts of the Mekong are the habitat of such flukes (Schistosoma mekongi) and snails, causing schistosomiasis. However in Cambodia, only some stretches of the river in Stung Treng and Kratie provinces are affected.

The area of the Mekong river swim is free of those pathogens.

Schistosomiasis is mostly not fatal but constitutes a chronic illness with a multitude of symptoms, inflicting potential damage on the skin, the liver, the oesophagus, the intestines and the bladder to name only a few. This disorder is not to be confused with schistosome

cercarial dermatitis, a more common condition. Swimmer’s itch, as it is more widely known, can cause unpleasant itchy skin lesions, but the schistosomes causing this reaction are harmless and do not lead to any serious complications. A simple treatment with anti-inflammatory creams and antihistamine tablets will cure the condition quickly.

More of a concern when swimming in the Mekong might be contaminated water.

Kompong Cham, upriver from the capital, drains a good deal of its wastewater into the river. Its ingestion may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and malaise, usually indicative of a rather harmless and transient disturbance.

More unpleasant parasitic infections like amebiasis or giardiasis can be transmitted this way. These diseases definitely require medical attention, as do infestations with worms that can be transmitted by faecal matter released into river water. Finally, swimmer’s ear should be mentioned. It is a bacterial or fungal infection that develops after contact with contaminated water, resulting in pain, oozing and itchiness of the external ear canal.

All those negative results of swimming in the river are exceptions and are not very frequent events. It might nevertheless be good to familiarise oneself with such complications in order to recognise them and seek medical advice if required.

Dr Christoph Bendick is a dermatologist and STI specialist. He works at the International SOS clinic in Phnom Penh. If you have any enquiries regarding this or any other medical matter, please contact info.cambodia@internationalsos.com.

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Raffles Amrita Spa Raffles Le Royal Hotel. Tel: 023 981 888 Modern gym and pool in Phnom Penh’s most elegant hotel. Use of gym, pool, sauna and Jacuzzi is available to nonguests. Open 6am - 10pm.

Physique Club Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 012 810 432 Reasonable selection of equipment in the gym and a pool overlooking the river. Open 6am - 10pm.

The Gym at The Place 90 Sihanouk Blvd.Tel: 023 999 699 Modern establishment featuring a fully equipped gym and weekly classes in dance, yoga and aerobics.Open 6am 10pm , Mon – Fri, 8am - 10pm Sat/Sun

Hairdressers

De Gran 19 Street 352. Tel: 023 999 707 Classy yet affordable Japanese-run hair salon in beautiful premises with excellent service.

Open 10am – 8pm, closed Tues The Dollhouse 46AE0 Street 322 Tel: 010 329 999 / 016 620 907 www.dollhousecambodia.com Salon offers cutting, colouring and various treatments, including the Brazilian Keratin Treatment with Collagen to replenish the condition of your hair.

Western hairdresser with international experience. Open Tues – Sat 9am- 7pm, Sun 11am-7pm, closed Monday.

The French Element Himawari Hotel Unit D, 313 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 077 283 332 www.thefrenchelement.com Over-looking the Tonle Sap, wonderful spot to relax and pamper yourself.

Offering all hair services such as highlights, colour, cut, Brazilian Keratin Treatment and more. International hairdresser. Open 10am - 8pm, closed Sun.

Medical

American Medical Centre Ground Floor Cambodiana Hotel 313 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 991 863 Led by American surgeon, team of international and Khmer doctors provide general practice services to clients. Can arrange emergency evacuation. 24/7 service.

International Chiropractic Clinic, 67 Bis Street 240, (100m from Monivong Blvd) Tel: 023 223 101 www.cambodiachiropractic.com First and only Chiropractic clinic licensed in Cambodia. Our chiropractors are US trained and we provide modern Chiropractic care, physiotherapy and custom made medical grade orthotics. Common conditions treated include neck and back pain, sports injuries, knee pain.

Open Mon - Fri 8.30am-6pm , Sat 8.30am-1pm.

International SOS Medical Clinic 161 Street 51. Tel: 023 216 911 Global provider of medical assistance and international healthcare. Expat and Khmer doctors offer general practice, specialist and emergency medical services. Appointments 8am - 5:30pm Mon – Fri, 8am - 12pm, Sat. Open 24/7 for emergencies.

Physiotherapy Phnom Penh 45C Street 456. Tel: 023 99 63 44 General physiotherapy practice specialising in manual therapy, sports injuries and acupuncture Royal Rattanak Hospital 11 Street 592, Toul Kork Tel. 023 991 000 www.royalrattanakhospital.com A Thai owned and run private hospital with extensive services that strives to provide high standard and quality medical care by professional care team.

Optics

Grand Optics 11 Norodom Bvd / 337 Monivong Blvd / 150 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 213 585 Modern opticians with the latest equipment including free computerised eye test. Makes prescription glasses and lenses.

Pools

Asia Club 456 Monivong Bvd. Tel: 023 721 766 Beautiful swimming pool at rear of Man Han Lou Restaurant. Members get a discount at both restaurant and Master Kang Health Care Centre.

Spas

Amara Spa Cnr Sisowath Quay & St.110 Tel: 023 998 730 www.amaraspa.hotelcara.com Comprehensive day spa providing a wide selection of facials, body massages and treatments, arranged in a four-storey modern facility at riverfront. Open 11am - 11pm.

Aziadee Spa 16 a/b Street 282. Tel: 023 996 921 aziadee1@yahoo.fr French-run spa offering a good choice of treatments, a range of massages, scrubs, facials, floral baths, manicures, pedicures and waxing in relaxing and tranquil surroundings. Open 9am-9pm.

Bi Nail Salon 213a E0 Stret 310 Tel: 023 6324 524 / 097 798 1122 Bi NAiL is a full service nail salon, for both women and men. Our Japanesetrained nail artists have years of experience. We provide expert personal care in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Full Set Care (Manicure and Pedicure) More than 250 Nail Lacquers and More than 350 Nail Design Simples. Acrylic and Gel Nail (Gel Colors) are available.

Open daily 8am – 7pm.

Bliss 29 Street 240. Tel: 023 215 754 Health spa at back and upstairs in this beautiful French colonial building.

Open 9am - 9pm, closed Monday.

Bodia Spa 26-28 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 226 199 www.bodia-spa.com Using natural, own-brand products Bodia spa offers body wraps, floral baths, scrubs, facials, aromatherapy, massages and mani-pedies, alongdside Jacuzzi and steam. The peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by scented

oils and soft music.

Open daily 9am – 9pm.

Derma-Care Skin Clinic 161B Norodom Tel: 023 720 042 / 012 415 552 Two qualified dermatologists, this professional skin clinic offers a range of beauty treatments using American Derma-Rx products, minor dermatologic surgery, antioxidant boosters, chemical peeling, and lipolysis. Open 9am - 9pm.

Derma-MK Skin Center 183 Street 63. Tel: 023 452 5626 Focused on Dermalogica products, this care facility offers facial treatments, including anti-aging and brightening, as well as body treatments such as body scrubs and massage.

Dermal Spa 4C Street 57 Tel: 023 720 042 / 012 415 552 Spa offering beauty salon, foot massage and body massage servies, specializes in Dermalogica skin and beauty products. Open daily 9am – 9pm.

EL Skin and Wellness Centre 115E0 Street 101. Tel: 012 681 948 Using Dermalogica, L’Oréal, Jane Iredale and OPI products for a variety of face and body treatments, spa provides a professional, relaxed ambience for customers to sample products before purchase.

Open 9am - 7pm.

LA ROSE Spa 164b Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 211 130 / 080 900 900 www.larose.com.kh Professional, experienced, qualified therapists offer a tailor-made range of remedial, relaxation and nutritional advice. High-end natural products and a wide range of homeopathic remedies, creams, flower essences and signature organic massage oils.

Master Kang Health Care Centre 456 Monivong Blvd. Tel: 023 721 765 Health centre next to Man Han Lou Restaurant offers foot massage in public or private rooms, with both Chinese and oil massage. A grand piano is played in the evenings.

Open 10am - 12pm.

Passion Spa & Salon 29 Street 302 Tel: 081 998 227 / 089 998 227 Dedicated to helping you celebrate a happier, healthier lifestyle. Your Day in a healthy, beautiful way.

Open daily 9am – 10pm.

Raffles Amrita Spa Tel: 023 981 888 Raffles Amrita Spa offers relaxation and rejuvenation through a wide selection of services and facilities including treatment rooms, outdoor lap and fun pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, sauna and steam room. Open daily 6am - 10pm.

The Spa at NagaWorld Hun Sen Park. Tel: 023 228 822 This luxurious spa promises to bring the ancient Cambodian spa therapy to the world, and claims to be the only all-suite unisex spa in Cambodia.

Therapy rooms with sauna, steam and flower bath are inviting, and the spa uses Tomichik flowers as part of its treatment. Open 10am - 3am.

So SPA with L’Occitane Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Tel: 063 964 600

Offers rejuvenating world traditions combined with French cosmetology in the privacy of an intimate setting.

Treatments are provided with international and local high-end products.Open daily: 10am – 10pm Villa Spa 456 Monivong Blvd., (cnr. Street 466) Tel: 023 721 765 / 012 357 561 www.asiagarden.com.kh Aromatherapy massage in private boutique VIP rooms (villa and bungalow style) from professional Chinese and Khmer therapists from Master Kang; women customers only.

Sports General

Ball Hockey Played every Thursday night at City Villa, corner of Streets 360 and 71 at 7pm. To play, contact Mike: michaelwarford@ispp.edu.kh Beeline Arena Sangkat Chroychangva, Phnom Penh Tel: 067 716 565 www.banzaicambodia.com Located on the Chroy Changvar peninsula, facing the city of Phnom Penh, the Beeline Arena is the first multi-purpose sports arena in Cambodia with international standard, including Multi-surface state of the art FIFA regulation pitch, 2,000 person capacity, VIP lounge and restaurant. Rental for futsal, basketball, volleyball, events and more. Open daily 8am until late.

Cambodian Federation of Rugby cambodianfederationofrugby.com Proper 15-a-side rugby league with four senior teams as well as kid’s touch and women’s rugby teams.

Contact Larry: khmer_rugby@yahoo. co.uk for more details.

Cambodia Golf & Country Club Route 4, Kompong Speur Tel: 023 363 666 International standard, 18-hole golf course. Open 6am until dark.

Football: The Bayon Wanderers www.bayonwanderers.com Mixed Khmer and western team.

Training at the City Villa court on Wednesday and Friday, 8pm to 10pm, Old Stadium on Tuesday from 4.30 pm.

Contact Billy Barnaart on 012 803 040 (available from 11am to 10pm).

Sunday play at 2pm.

Hash House Harriers 8, Street 360 (cnr. Street 71) Meets at the railway station every Sunday at 2:15pm. An ideal way to see the countryside walking or running.

Tel: 012 832 509.

TROPICAL & TRAVELLERS MEDICAL CLINIC Dr.Scott BSc.MBChB. DRCOG.DipVen. (U.K.) -20 years of medical experience in Cambodia

Tel: 012 898981 No.88 St.108 Phnom Penh www.travellersmedicalclinic.com

Phokeethra Country Club Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Tel:063 964 600 reservation.angkor@phokeethragolf.com International standard 18-hole, 72-par golf. Clubhouse facilities: pro shop, rental equipment, restaurant.

Phnom Penh Ultimate Frisbee A fast paced fun game that is open to everyone, regardless of skill set or gender, Phnom Penh Ultimate has weekly games at ISPP and Northbridge. Contact CraigDGerard@ gmail.com for details on times and locations.

Touch Rugby Mixed touch rugby is played most Saturday afternoons at 3-5pm at ISPP. Contact pptouchrugby@gmail.com.

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Listings

family Cafés & Restaurants

Café Fresco II Cnr. Streets 51 & 306 Tel: 023 224 891 Let your children play with puzzles and Lego on beanbags, watch films like the Lion King looked after by a trained staff as you enjoy your cappuccino.

Open daily 6am - 9pm.

Café Living Room 9 Street 306 Tel: 023 726 139 The playroom is stocked with books, games, a wooden dollhouse and even a rattan crib, while the kid’s menu has bite-sized portions. Contact Living Room to see what classes they are currently running. Open daily 7am - 8.30pm.

Java Café 56 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 420 Kid’s menu includes chicken nuggets and pizza bagels. Colouring pages and crayons to keep the kids amused. High-

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chair is available on request and babychanging facilities are in the toilet. Open daily 7am - 10pm Le Jardin 16 Street 360 Tel: 011 723 399 This garden retreat has a great kids’ area with playhouse and sandbox, specialises in birthday parties, with cake, decorations, toys and drawing materials provided for children of all ages. Open Tue – Sun, 8am - 8pm.

Entertainment

Cambodian Country Club Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla, Tel: 012 231 755 Sports centre and a peaceful heaven providing tennis, swimming, badminton, fitness centre and horse riding in an amazing landscape 15 minutes away from the city. Dedicated to leisure, rest and entertainment, CCC is suitable for children.

Open daily 6.30am until late.

Dragon Water Park Diamond Island (Koh Pich) Tel: 023 45 54 023 / 023 224 776 Clean-Safe-Exciting! Wonderful Water World, the biggest amusement land, fit for all ages. Have fun with Crystal Blue Clear Water, immense pools, giant slides up to 15m high & water toys. Open daily 10:30am until late.

Monkey Business Paragon Department Store, Second Floor.

Tel: 023 319 319 Kids can rejoice now that this indoor children’s play centre offers clean, safe facilities. Available for private parties. Open daily 9am - 8pm.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park Phnom Tamao Cambodia’s best wildlife centre. All the animals are either rescued from traders or bred at the centre. Many of the animals are critically endangered. Open 8am - 4pm.

International Schools

Eton House International School 16 Mao Tse Tung Blvd Tel: 023 22 8818 www.ehis.co Eton House is committed to the pursuit of excellence in education. Eton House is represented in 10 countries with over 56 pre-schools and schools around the world.

In our early years program we offer a playbased, ‘Inquire, Think, Learn” pedagogy.

This programme has been inspired by the I.B program and the Reggio Emilia schools of Northern Italy. Ages: 18months - 6years.

Full and Half Day Programs Footprints School 220 Street 430, Tumnub Teuk, Tel: 077 222084 www.footprintsschool.edu.kh Established in 2007 Footprints School offers nursery (age 2) through grade 6 and has 4 campuses. The curriculum is designed for the dynamic needs and interests of our students and the staff are hired for their experience and love for children.

kids corner

Little Fibbers Gemma Jones “Mummy, mummy, I just saw an elephant walking past outside!” Okay, so this may not be too far-fetched for those who live in Southeast Asia, but similarly tall tales are a common occurrence for parents of young children.

Most kids will tell tales, grass on others or concoct small lies.

The usual reason is because young children do not yet know the difference between fantasy and reality. It takes them a while to distinguish between the two. Therefore most children may find it easier to say the first thing that comes into their heads, whether true or not, especially if it helps get them out of trouble. Parents should not worry or get anxious if this happens every so often, as it is perfectly normal behaviour for little ones.

Around the ages of four and five, children should begin to particularly enjoy hearing stories and indulging in imaginative play.

When combined with the aforementioned blur between fantasy and reality, this will usually encourage them to make up their own stories.

This will mostly be for their own amusement but it is surprising how easily some parents or carers mistake it for a serious lie and deal with it in the wrong way.

Remember, two different children can see the same thing and react to it in completely different ways. This

is simply down to each child’s specific level of development.

It will change as they get older and gain life experience.

If lies begin to cause problems, the first step is to communicate. Discussing the importance of trust and honesty in a firm but understanding manner should be enough to nip it in the bud.

If, at the age of 10 or above, lying is becoming a habit then this should not be ignored.

Try to find out the reason for it. It may mean your older child is going through a rough period or using lies to cover up serious problems.

It is important to handle the habit of lying carefully. What you say and do as parents is crucial – remember that you are likely to be one of your child’s main role models, so be sure to emphasise all aspects of telling the truth. Also, as they get older, children will become more concerned with how others perceive them, so it may be useful to explain that people will respect them more if they tell the truth.

Another way to help your child is to find out what he or she finds stressful and offer positive ways of dealing with it. Instead of punishing them for their mistakes, use plenty of praise when they tell you something difficult. Encourage them to always speak the truth – the key is to give them attention for good behaviour, rather than for bad.

Gemma Jones has been working in child care for more than 10 years. She holds an NNEB diploma in nursery nursing and is currently a creative writing teacher at Zaman International School in Phnom Penh.

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Giving Tree International Elementary School of Phnom Penh 40 Street 334. Tel: 017 997 112 www.thegivingtreeschool.com Established to provide an exceptional, affordable, and unique learning environment, based on small class sizes and a international curriculum incorporating compassion, communication, conservation, contemplation, creativity, conscience and global citizenship.

ICan International School 85 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 222 418 www.ican.edu.kh Offers affordable, high quality education to 330 children, aged 2-12, from 31 different nationalities, using British curriculum. iCAN is a contemporary, purpose-built school and is the first in Cambodia with interactive whiteboards in every classroom.

International School of Phnom Penh 146 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 213 103 www.ispp.edu.kh Founded in 1989, this non-profit, nonsectarian international school currently has over 600 students from Pre-K to Grade 12. The largest international school with over 70 professional teachers, and a fully-authorized IB programme.

Lycée Français René Descartes Street 96. Tel: 023 722 044 French school offering primary and secondary level education, extra-curricula activities include basketball, football, rugby.

Northbridge International School 1km off National Road 4 on the way to the airport.

Tel: 023 886 000. www.nisc.edu.kh Founded in 1997, NISC is a fullyauthorized IB World School with a growing enrollment of 500 students age 3 to Grade 12. Spectacular purpose built campus unlike any in Cambodia.

Zaman International School 2843 Street 3. Tel: 023 214 040 www.zamanisc.org International school that teaches a full curriculum to children from four to 18.

Facilities include basketball and volleyball courts, a football field and a science lab.

Pre-Schools

Canadian International School of Phnom Penh Bassac Garden, Norodom Boulevard Tel: 023 727 788 / 077 503 778 www.cisp.edu.kh Offers a Canadian curriculum in English, certified through the Canadian province of New Brunswick.

DK Schoolhouse No. 7 St. 466 078 777 466 / 095 777 466 www.dkschoolhouse.com DK Schoolhouse is an early learning preschool/kindergarten for children aged 2-6. Established by long time residents of the Kingdom, DK Schoolhouse aims to minimize the gap between quality and cost in education while providing a safe and stimulating learning environment.

Our staff are native English speaking, qualified early childhood educators.

Open Mon-Fri 8:00-4:00pm Sat 9:0011:00am (by appointment only)

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Gecko & Garden Pre-school 3 Street 21. Tel: 092 575 431 www.geckogarden-preschool.org This is a not-for-profit pre-school, established over ten years ago, which emphasises learning through creative play in a supportive environment forchildren aged 18 months to 5 years. Open daily 7:30am - 12pm. An after school program offering a range of fun activities is available 2:30pm - 5pm daily.

The Giving Tree Nursery and Preschool House #17, Street 71, Bkk Tel: 017 997 112 www.thegivingtreeschool.com Preschool committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment that supports and extends the child’s overall development. With an international, experienced team of teachers the school offers a play-based programme that is fun and motivating.

Sambo’s Tots www.sambostots.com Playhouse and playschool provides fun edutainment experience for babies and toddlers from 3 months to 5 years where imagination comes to life.

Tchou Tchou 13 Street 21. Tel: 023 362 899, www.tchou-tchou.com Kindergarten and pre-school for 18 months to 5-year-olds, open from 7.30am to 12pm (Mon to Fri). French is the main language, although English and Khmer is also practised.

Shops

Monument Toys 111 Norodom Bvd. Tel: 023 217 617 To the rear of Monument Books is a well-stocked toy section. It features an excellent range of well-known board games and toys including Barbie dolls, Transformers, Magic 8 balls and more.

It has to be the best place in the city for brand name toys and games.

Open daily 7.30am - 8pm.

Shade 7 Outdoor Living Co Ltd Showroon; Borey Chamkarmon Tel: 077 962 467 david@shade7.com www.shade7.com www.springfreetrampoline.com Supplier of Shade7 premium aluminium umbrellas and exclusive distributor of original Springfree range. World class products now available in Cambodia!

Stock in country for immediate supply.

Toys & Me 159A Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Tel: 023 212 081 / 016 808 676 www.toysnme.net Established in 2007, Toys & Me is a leading toys shop in Cambodia. A onestop shop you can trust when it comes to educational needs for your children.

Willi Shop 769 Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 211 652 All products are imported from France, including bébé brand baby products, the range includes prams, baby care, cots and toys. Open 8am - 8pm.

Listings

business & services Architecture, Interior Design & Construction

Beyond Interiors 14e Street 306 Tel: 023 987 840 / 012 930 332 ww.beyondinteriors.biz Managed by Australian designer Bronwyn Blue, this interior design showroom can provide the ultimate design solution to your interior dilemma. All products from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia have been treated to withstand any climate.

Open 9am - 7pm Bill Grant Landscape Design Tel: 012 932 225 / 012 738 134 The city’s most talented landscape designer.

Green Goal Ltd 10 Street 296 Tel: 023 223 861 Consultancy offers sustainable and creative architectural and construction services to clients taking into account environmental considerations.

Hemisphere Design & Interiors Tel: 012 602 955 william@norbert-munns.com Western managed renovation company specialising in swimming pools and Jacuzzi construction in fibreglass and concrete.

I Ching Decor 85 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 220 873 / 012 558 000 / 092 660 746, Boutique interior design shop offering advice on architectural work and interior design, as well as providing custom-made furniture, home accessories, kitchenware, lighting and bedroom suites.

Open 9am - 6pm, closed Sun. The Room Design Studio 9AB Street 288 Tel: 023 992 620 Interior design and architectural company that has 12 years’ experience of designing flats, villas, offices, shops, homes and offices in Asia.

Bikes & Mechanics

Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136 Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours can be arranged by appointment.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

The Bike Shop 31 Street 302 Tel: 012 851 776 Repairs trusty steeds as well as

services

money matters The World Around Us Paul Dodd renting them out in the first place.

Also provides dirt bike tours.

Western Service Centre 24 Street 420 Tel: 012 477 831 www.wmg-cambodia.com admin@wmg-cambodia.com A garage with Western and Khmer staff that emphasises communication and trained, attentive skills. Motto is “We don’t know all, we find out all, then we fix.”

Business Groups

Australian Business Association of Cambodia (ABAC) 20 Street 114 (cnr. Street 67) For information, contact Derek Mayes Tel:012 385 157 abacambodia@gmail.com British Business Association of Cambodia (BBAC) 35 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 012 803 891 Contact enquiries@bbacambodia. com.

Chambre de Commerce FrancoCambodgienne Office 2nd floor, 33 Street 178 Tel: 023 221 453 www.ccfcambodge.org Canadian Cooperation Office Cambodia Commissioner Service Canadian Embassy 50 Street 334 Tel: 023 215 496 www.cco-cambodia.org Malaysian Business Council of Cambodia Unit G21, Ground Floor, Parkway Square 113, Mao Tse Tung Blvd. mbcc.secretariat@gmail.com

Car Rental

ACC Car Rental Services 43 Street 160z Toul Kork Tel. 012 456 003 / 015 456 003.

Professional, prompt and organised rental service that provides vehicles for rent with or without a driver. ACC also rents a range of buses that seat from 12 to 45 people. All vehicles can be delivered to your door.

Asia Vehicle Rental 27 Street 134 Tel: 078 666 557 www.avrcambodia.com With the motto “leave your driving to us”, the rental service offers sedans, pick-ups, SUVs and minibuses in 2WD or 4WD for self-drive or with driver. Insurance offered.

Larryta Trading & Travel Co. Ltd. 9 Street 310 Tel: 023 994 748 www.larrytacarrental.com.kh Vehicle rental for all types of cars, vans and mini-buses with flexible go-anywhere packages to all areas of Cambodia and neighbouring countries by the day, week or month.

How do these headlines affect you?

China: Leadership change and good economic headlines USA: Four more years and fiscal cliff averted Europe: Euro chaos — diverted or delayed?

UK: Sterling devalued, potential EU exit Middle East: Iran-US tensions over Gulf send oil prices soaring Japan: Global stock markets tumble amid fears of nuclear disaster Cambodia is a relatively small country that keeps a low profile on the world stage, and it is easy to feel that such headlines are removed from our lives tucked away in a corner of Asia. However, if there is one thing we learnt from the domino-like collapse of global investment markets in the late noughties, it is that events in one country can have a far-reaching and devastating impact on another.

We are all in it together and this means that major events occurring on the other side of the world are going to affect savers and investors.

For one thing, global supply and the demand for a commodity can affect its price. Take the example of oil. We all feel the impact of fluctuations in oil prices when we fill up vehicles at the pumps. This impact is equally felt by companies dependent on oil, not just as fuel but also as a raw material to produce a host of manufactured products. This can have a knock-on effect on the price of stocks and shares of those same companies. The

same is true for other major commodities, such as grain or precious metals.

The impact of international politics cannot be underestimated. Again, oil provides the perfect example.

Political instability in the Middle East looms large on the world stage in 2013 with a very real fear that the price of oil could rise significantly. This will inevitably affect the value of stocks and shares of oildependent companies.

Natural disasters play a part too. When the Japanese tsunami occurred in March 2011, its devastating effects reverberated throughout the financial world. Japan’s ability to manufacture consumer electronics was diminished, which had an impact on the availability and the price of these goods. Share prices and investment returns were significantly affected.

The fact is that no investor is immune to volatility as markets react to the constantly changing global economic and political landscape. The good news is that it is possible to minimise the risks by diversifying assets in different kinds of investments including stocks and shares, commodities, government and corporate bonds, property and so on.

It requires a lot of work to keep up with world events and a high degree of financial knowledge. An attractive alternative is to invest in a single portfolio that spreads investments across a range of assets. That way the professionals do the research to maximise your chances of a good return.

Paul Dodd is a senior financial consultant at Infinity Financial Solutions. This company provides impartial, tailor-made, personal financial advice to clients in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

Should you wish to contact Paul, please send an email to info@ infinitysolutions.com or visit infinitysolutions.com.

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services Royal Limousine Services Attwood Business Center, Russian Confederation Blvd.

Tel : 023 218 808 www.royallimousine.com.kh Fleet of late model Mercedes that provides transport for hotels, embassies and luxury tour operators as well as foreign delegates.

Commercial Banks

Acleda Bank 61 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 998 777 www.acledabank.com.kh Specialises in micro, small and medium loans to people throughout the country.

ANZ Royal Bank Main Branch, 20 Street 114 www.anzroyal.com Cambodia’s major commercial bank has brought international standards of banking to Cambodia, with a large number of ATM machines around Phnom Penh. Can arrange money transfers.

CIMB Bank PLC 20AB Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 988 388

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www.cimbbank.com.kh Full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services for both Cambodian and foreign businesses and individuals.

The first Japanese bank in Cambodia.

Maruhan Japan Bank 83 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 010 First Japanese bank in Phnom Penh.

Bikes & Mechanics

Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136, Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours can be arranged by appointment.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

The Bike Shop 31 Street 302, Tel: 012 851 776 Repairs trusty steeds as well as renting them out in the first place.

Also provides dirt bike tours.

Western Service Centre 24 Street 420 Tel: 012 477 831 www.wmg-cambodia.com admin@wmg-cambodia.com A garage with Western and Khmer staff that emphasises communication and trained, attentive skills. Motto is “We don’t know all, we find out all, then we fix.”

IT & Software

Cresittel Co., Ltd. Office 705, KT Tower, 23 Street 112 Tel 098 518 888 Company that provides software solutions and systems, point of sales systems for bars and restaurants, website designing and telecoms consulting. Has showroom at 385 Street 215.

Netpro Cambodia 11 Street 422 Tel: 023 215 141 www.netpro-cambodia.com, IT supports company that delivers high quality and reliable services to home and small to medium size organisations in Cambodia.

Ocean Technology T-20 St Topaz, Sovanna Shopping Centre Tel: 023 211 700 / 010 624 001 www.ocean-tech.biz Technology company that offers GPS navigation systems, an online map directory and vehicle tracking system.

Internet Provider

EMAXX 99 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 999 818 EMAXX offers fast internet access via WiMAX, Optical Fiber and Satellite.

Insurance

AG Cambodia Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Sovanna Sisowath Quay Tel: 017 360 333 info@agcambodia.com Professional insurance agent offering health, home, car, factory, employee and hotel insurance packages.

Infinity Insurance 126 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 888 Prfessional insurance company

services offers motor, property, home, marine cargo, personal accident, healthcare, construction and engineering insurance. Group policies can be customized.

Legal

BNG Legal 64 Street 111 Tel: 023 212 671 / 023 212 740 www.bnglegal.com BNG Legal is a leading Cambodian law firm providing comprehensive legal services to foreign and local clients. We differentiate ourselves by coupling a deep understanding of the local business environment with international professionalism and integrity.

DFDL Legal and Tax Advisors 33 Street 294 Tel: 023 210 400 www.dfdlmekong.com Law firm providing tailored international standard legal and tax solutions with extensive local and cross-border experience with offices in neighbouring countries.

Gordon and Associates Asia (Cambodia) 21 Street 214 Tel: 023 218 257 US lawyer works with local Cambodian lawyers to provide international quality advice.

Specialises in foreign investment, joint ventures and advising entrepreneurs with an in depth knowledge of the telecoms, agriculture, banking and hospitality sectors.

Sciaroni & Associates 24 Street 462 Tel: 023 210 225 Law firm with a good reputation.

Just the ticket if you get into a spot of bother.

Media & Design

Anon Creative Energy Tel: 089 812 123 anoncambodia@gmail.com Internationally trained advertising talent at your service. Strong, strategic ideas. Available for freelance art and copy writing projects.

Asia Media Lab Tel: 012 818 917 www.asiamedialab.com Full service video production company specialises in the creation of dynamic visual content to help bring NGO stories to life for fundraising and advocacy.

Miscellaneous

Sunbird Angkor Co. Ltd. 78 Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 023 98 3333 / 023 99 1010 sunbirdangkor@yahoo.co.kr Worldwide Hotel Reservation, Car Rental Service, Worldwide Medical

Service, Convention, Marketing.

Open Mon~Fri 8am ~5:30pm & Sat 8am~1pm Sunbird Global Co., Ltd. 78 St. Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 023 98 3333 / 023 99 1010 sunbirdglobal@yahoo.co.kr Insurance Service, Air Cargo, Worldwide Express, Trading.

Open Mon~Fri 8am ~5:30pm & Sat 8am~1pm

Post Office

Main Post Office Cnr. Streets 102 & 13 The place to go if you want to send something overseas or get a PO Box. Open 6.30am -9pm.

Photography

AsiaMotion Tel: 092 806 117 www.asiamotion.net Photographic agency established in November 2008 as a cooperation between local and international photographers.

Nathan Horton Photography Tel: 092 526 706 www.nathanhortonphotography.com Full service professional photographer.

Hotels, bars, restaurants, spas and location work. Call for Travel Photography workshops and tours.

Printing

Sok Heng Printing House 1297B Street Luo 5, Stoeung Mean Chey Tel: 011 939 255 / 012 939 255 Modern print house providing a full range of printing services. Graphic design available.

Real Estate and Property Services

240Condo 50B Street 240. Tel: 012 271 636 www.240phnompenh.com 240 ids the home of 42 luxury serviced apartments set in the most stylish area of Phnom Penh with spectacular river and city views. The condominium was designed by leading international architects gfab and represents the most contemporary luxury apartment development currently available in Cambodia.

Bizzy Beez 47B Street 466. Tel: 012 755 913 bizzybeezservices@gmail.com Premier handyman service does renovations, construction work, electrics, plumbing, painting and landscaping.

CB Richard Ellis (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. 9th Floor, Hyundai Phnom Penh Tower 445 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 964 099 www.cbre.com.kh The world’s largest commercial real estate services company offering premier quality real estate, valutions, consultancy, investment and property services.

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services Independent Property Services Corner St 63 and St 294 Tel: 077 959 861 www.independentpropertyservices.com A premier real estate agency for buying, selling and renting properties. With English and Khmer speaking agents.

Property Care Services (PCS) 2A Road 7. Tel: 017 555 203 Solution for property support services, including waste management, security, pest control and cleaning. Only company to clean high-rise windows with abseilers.

Relocation, Shipping

Asian Tigers Transport International (Cambodia ) Ltd 86 Street 160 Toul Kork Tel. 023 880 951 One of Asia’s leading move management specialists has 1,500 staff as well as the largest fleet of trucks and the most warehouse space in the Far East.

Crown 115-116 Street 335. Tel: 023 881 004 www.crownrelo.com Global transportation and relocation company with over 150 offices in 50 countries, specialising in expat support and household shipment.

Open 8:30am - 5:30pm Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 12pm, Sat.

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Home Connect Cambodia 86 Street 160. Tel: 023 88 56 85 www.homeconnect.asia Home search company, dedicated to making the home search process easy and specializing in finding rental homes for the expatriate community. Best of all for our clients, our services are FREE. JVK – NAGA 1157 National Road 2 Tel: 023 216 781 Asian-based relocation company with years of experience operating in most major Asian cities, offers record management and warehouse and distribution services.

Taxi Services

Choice Taxi Tel: 023 888 023 / 090 882 882 Metered taxi service with rates from US$1 for first 2km.

Giant Ibis Transport Phnom Penh Phnom Penh: 3 Street 106, next to Night Market.

Tel: 023 999 333 www.giantibis.com Siem Reap: 64 Street Sivatha, Mondol 1, Svay Dankum.

Travel “Affordable Luxury” to Siem Reap and other destinations in brand new 2012 buses with comforablt reclining seats, spacious leg room, A/C, Wi-fi, complementary snacks and pick-up service.

Global Meter Taxi Tel: 011 311 888 092 889 962 016 680 118 Modern metered taxi fleet with rates from less than US$1 for first two km.

Telecoms

Ezecom 7D Russian Blvd.

Tel: 023 888 181 www.ezecom.com.kh Internet service provider that promises boundless internet packages suited to everyone’s needs. Good packages for those looking for unlimited downloads.

Mobitel 33 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 012 801 801 Largest ISP in the country. Major mobile phone company which issues the 012 SIM card.

Smart Mobile 464A Preah Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 010 201 000 www.smart.com.kh facebook.com/SmartMobileKH One of the most dynamic and fastest growing mobile telecom service providers in the country.

Issues the 010, 069, 070, 086, 093 and 098 prefixes.

Listings

shopping Art

Happy Painting Gallery 363 Sisowath Quay (nr. FCC) Tel : 023 221 732 www.happypainting.net Established in 1995 this art gallery is dedicated to Stef, a local icon artist with a very personal and positive insight into everyday life in Cambodia.

Open 8am - 10pm

Monument Books 111 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 217 617 Extensive range of new English-language books in town including recent releases and sections on Asia, Cambodia, travel, cuisine, design and management. Good children’s section as well as a wide choice of magazines and newspapers.

Open 7am - 8.30pm.

Beauty Products

Crafts & Furniture

Angkor Soap 16C Street 374 Tel: 023 223 720/ 015 935 789. www. angkorsoaps.com Specialising in handmade soaps and natural spa products.

Open daily 8am - 5pm Raffles Amrita Spa Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh spa. phnompenh@raffles.com Distinctive collection of Raffles Amrita spa private label and international spa products are available for purchase.

Open 6am - 10pm.

Books & CDS

Carnets d’Asie French Cultural Centre 218 Street 184. Tel: 012 799 959 French-language bookshop has sections on Cambodia and Asia as well as general fiction, with a good range of French magazines and newspapers.

Open 8am - 8pm D’s Books 12E Street 178 & 79 Street 240 Tel: 092 675 629 Second-hand book shop with over 20,000 copies and some originals, with a heavy emphasis on best sellers and travel books. Open 9am - 9pm.

Le Phnom Shop Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh, Small shop offering books and souvenirs including recipes from the hotel’s pastry chef. Open 7am - 9pm.

Art des Lignes 42B Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Tel: 012 211 520 www.artdeslignes.com This new interior design showroom provides branded products of highquality like luxury leather sofas and LED lighting, as well as furniture and metal artworks in contemporary style.

Upstairs, the architecture and interior design office can offer complete solutions for projects, with a resolutely modern spirit and French Touch.

Open 8:30am - 7:00pm .closed Sun. Artisans Angkor 12AEo Street 13 (in front of Post Office) Open daily from 9am to 6pm Tel: 023 992 409 www.artisansdangkor.com Boutique with a wide range of traditional and contemporary handmade pieces produced at Artisans Angkor’s workshops in Siem Reap province: silk scarves, clothing and accessories, home furnishings, lacquer paintings and tableware, stone and wooden sculptures, silver-plated ornaments and silk paintings. Special commissions and custom orders welcome.

Artwood 6B Street 302 Tel: 016 934 999 www.artwood.asia Drop in to our showroom to experience modern wooden furniture designed and manufactured in Cambodia. Offers free consultations for both commercial and residential custom-made needs.

asialife Cambodia 89

DeCosy 219 Street 19. Tel: 023 219 276 Stocking charming knick-knacks and furniture,is the place to find the things to make your house a home. Open daily from 9am to 7pm.

NatureWild 10Eo Street 420. Tel: 023 727 407 www.naturewildcambodia.com A sustainable lifestyle store featuring community products made from natural and wild materials from the forests of Cambodia, ideal for gifts.

Pavillon d’Asie 24, 26 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 012 497 217 Antique lovers dream, a large array of well-restored furniture and decorative objects. Wooden cabinets jostle for

space with Buddha statues and old wooden boxes. Upstairs are pieces from the French colonial era. Open 10am 7pm, closed Sun.

Fashion

Ambre 37 Street 178. Tel: 023 217 935 The high-end fashion designs created by Cambodian designer Romyda Keth are popular all over the world, this beautiful colonial building makes the perfect setting for the city’s most glamorous design shop. Also has men’s fashion.

Open 10am - 6pm, closed Sun. A.N.D. 52c Street 240. Tel: 017 854 726 artisandesigners@gmail.com The designers at A.N.D. work with many

local artisans, giving a fashion twist to traditional skills: look for generously-sized ikat wraps in pure cotton, innovative up-cycled bags, and covetable jewellery combining hand-carved hardwoods with silver and vintage porcelain.

Bambou Indochine 7 Street 178. Tel: 023 214 720, Facebook: bambouindochine High-quality T-shirts, Polo shirts and comfortable clothes in original designs.

A full-range of sizes for men, women and children. Open daily 8am -10pm.

Beautiful Shoes 138 Street 143. Tel: 012 848 438 Family-run business measures your feet and designs the shoe exactly as you wish. The shop also caters for men.

Open from 7am to 6.30pm.

Bliss 29 Street 240. Tel: 023 215 754 A beautiful colonial building houses this exquisite shop with funky patterned cushions, quilts and an excellent clothing line. The health spa at the back of the shop also sells Spana beauty products. Open from 9am to 9pm (closed Mondays).

Color Vintage 168 Street 13 Color Vintage is Phnom Penh’s premiere shop for refined vintage styles for men and women. We source authentic articles from around the world and offer free alterations for a perfect fit! Buy, sell or exchange.

Couleurs D’Asie 33 Street 240 Tel: 023 221 075/ 099 499 478 www.couleursdasie.net info@couleursdasie.net Established in Cambodia for more than 15 years, Couleurs d´Asie has developed a full range of textile products for home decoration, clothing and fashion accessories. Jewellery, essential oils, soaps and more are on offer. A custom service for existing products is also available.

90 asialife Cambodia

Khmer silk clothing for men, women and children, including designs by Romyda Keth, and exclusive jewellery that complement the limited edition outfits.

La Clef de Sol A design boutique offering home decor, women’s fashion, kids clothes, bags, accessories and continually updated design surprises. Next to K’nyay restaurant, in the alley across the park from java cafe.

Open 10am - 7pm, closed Sun. Lim Keo 9 Street 222. Tel: 012 941 643 Pret a porter by Lim Keo, son of Sylvain Lim, the master of Cambodian fashion.

Luna Boutique 8E1Street 278. Tel: 023 220 176 www.lunaboutiquephnompenh.com Original and stylish fashion designs for men and women, from work suits to evening dresses. The tailor-made creations, designed by modern Cambodian stylist Mengchou Kit, are fit for any occasion. Luna Boutique is located in the heart of Phnom Penh, in front of Anise Hotel, while its sister shop - Luna Shoes - is just next door and hosts a large selection of shoes, bags, and women’s accessories to complement your style.

Open daily 8am - 9pm.

Promesses and Kaprices 20 Street 282. Tel: 023 993 527 Lingerie shop stocked with exclusive French and Thai undergarments. Chic, new prêt-à-porter shop Kaprices is located upstairs. Open 9am - 7pm.

SALT 2 Street 294. Tel: 012 815 066 SentosaSilk’s younger sibling has just opened in the comfortable surroundings of BKK1. Its stylish wooden interior complements the products sold, ranging from bags and shoes, clothes and dresses to accessories.

Open daily 9am - 7pm

Jasmine Boutique 73 Street 240. Tel: 023 223 103 www.jasmineboutique.net Established in 2001 by Kellianne Karatau and Cassandra McMillan, this boutique creates its own collection of designs twice a year using hand-woven Cambodian silk. Open 8am - 6pm.

SentosaSilk Uniform 33 Sothearos Blvd, cnr Street 178 Tel: 012 962 911/ 023 222 974 sentosa@online.com.kh Well known for its professional management ability, SentosaSilk gives clients efficient and reliable service through quality systems and procedures that consistently enhance product quality and reliability.

Khmer Attitude Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 Fashion boutique that offers the finest

Sobbhana Boutique 23-24 Street 144/49 Tel: 023 219 455/ 023 219 452 www.sobbhana.org,

A not for profit organisation founded by Princess Norodom Marie, offering a range of colourful, handwoven silk products.

Profits fund training, medical care and education of weavers.

Smateria 8Eo Street 5. Tel: 023 211 701 7 Street 178. Tel: 023 214 720 www.smateria.com Boutique specialising in accessories made from recycled materials including a range of bags and wallets made from old fruit juice cartons, plastic bags and mosquito nets.

Subtyl 43 Street 240. Tel 023 992 710 www.subtyl.com Up-market boutique selling Cambodian handmade women’s clothes, scarves, shoes, bags and other accessories in contemporary and interesting designs, the Subtyl collection combines class with colour. ChilliKids children’s clothing is also stocked at the shop.

Open 9am - 7pm.

Food & Wine

Kurata Pepper Cnr. Streets 63 & 322. Tel: 023 726 480 Selling organic Koh Kong pepper and associated products, Kurata is one of the more unusual shops in town.

Open daily 8am - 7pm.

Open Wine 219 Street 19 Tel: 023 223 527 Aircon wine shop and tasting gallery sells wines, severac, calvados and meat.

Open 7pm - 11pm.

Red Apron 15-17 Eo Street 240 Tel: 023 990 951 Home of wine enthusiasts in Phnom Penh is both a wine boutique and tasting gallery.

With around 300 wines, the boutique has more range than the supermarkets.

Open 9am - 9pm.

Supercheap Cambodia 87 Street 360 Tel: 023 631 3668 www.supercheap.com.kh Budget shop claims to offer the biggest variety of wines and spirits in Cambodia as well as the cheapest prices.

Open 8am - 10pm.

AusKhmer – The Pantry Shop 125 Street 105 Tel: 023 993 859 /023 214 478 This small deli features a variety of well priced wines, Australian beers, and French delicacies, cheeses, antipasti, and cold cuts. Open 10am - 8pm.

The Deli 13 Street 178, Tel: 012 851 234 Café and bakery with take away breads, sandwiches and pastries. Now has a second outlet on Street 51. Open 6.30am - 6.30pm, delivery service (within 30 minutes) 7am t-11pm.

Camory – Premium Cookie Boutique 167 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 224 937 Makes cookies using produce from the provinces such as cashews from Kampong Cham and Mondulkiri honey. A portion of the profits fund education for a local orphanage.

Open 9am - 8.30pm.

Silks & Accessories

Celliers d’Asie 62B & 98 Street 432. Tel: 023 986 350 Wine supplier with the largest quantity of retail stock in town, has been providing wine to most of the top hotels and restaurants for over ten years.

Open 8am -12pm, 2pm - 6pm, closed Sun. Comme a la Maison 13 Street 57. Tel: 012 951 869 Decidedly sophisticated French restaurant has a small delicatessen and bakery at the back of the restaurant ideal for that morning baguette or croissant with your coffee. Open from 6am - 10.30pm.

Dan Meats 51A Street 214. Tel: 012 906 072 Phnom Penh’s man of meat, Lanzi, supplies his strictly non-vegetarian products to many restaurants around town. Open7:30 - 6:30, closed Sun.

Friends ‘n’ Stuff 215 Street 13 Tel: 012 955 722 Colourful shop with unique products designed by Mith Samlahn/Friends students and parents of former street kids. Range includes cclothes, necklaces, purses and second hand goods. Has a nail bar run by students from the beauty class. Open 11am - 9pm.

Mekong Quilts 49 Street 240 Tel: 023 219 607 www.mekong-quilts.org Outlet for NGO Mekong Plus, stocks a large range of hand-crafted bed covers, home accessories, gifts and decorations.

Benefits Mekong Plus, which promotes health initiatives in Svay Rieng Province.

Open 9am - 7pm.

Sentosa Silk 33 Sothearos Blvd, cnr Street 178 Tel: 023 222 974 www.sentosasilk.com Using a colourful range of Asian silks, Sentosa creates men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and soft furnishings.

Sentosa employs disadvantaged people.

Open daily 8am - 7pm.

asialife Cambodia 91

Phnom Penh Central

Himawari Hotel Cambodiana French Element Hotel & MW Medical AG Service

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asialife Cambodia 93

07 St

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09

Big Phat Hat Frisbee Party @ The Village

Buddhist Bug Project @ Java

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Big Phat Hat Frisbee Party @ The Village

Big Phat Hat Frisbee Party @ The Village

Buddhist Bug Project @ Java

Buddhist Bug Project @ Java

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Photography by Chatti Phal, Charles Fox & Jeremie Montessuis

94 asialife Cambodia

Big Phat Hat Frisbee Party @ The Village

Buddhist Bug Project @ Java

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Queen of the Night @ Riverhouse

Spring Summer Launch @ KeoK’jay

Spring Summer Launch @ KeoK’jay

Spring Summer Launch @ KeoK’jay

Soft Opening Party @ Bellevue

Soft Opening Party @ Bellevue

Spring Summer Launch @ KeoK’jay

Spring Summer Launch @ KeoK’jay

Spring Summer Launch @ KeoK’jay

Soft Opening Party @ Bellevue

Soft Opening Party @ Bellevue

soundfix album review

Waxahatchee Cerulean Salt

by Mai Lynn Miller Nguyen

Justin Timberlake

Rhye

David Bowie

WOMAN

The Next Day

Music doesn’t have to be pushy to move you. Rhye is one example, creating music that is subtle yet stands out in the crowd. Sensual and intimate, Rhye evokes a stripped-down, modernised version of Sade.

With a sound best described as neo-soul meets smooth jazz — yet another genre concoction in a modern age of musical hybridity — Rhye produces vocal-focused music over deft electronic arrangements.

Despite the debut album’s deceptive title, Woman, Rhye is in fact a collaboration between two men, Robin Hannibal and Mike Milosh. The former is a Danish producer formerly of Quadron. The later provides the androgynous voice at the core of Rhye’s DNA. His airy style of singing and murmuring lyrics about the twists and turns of love has a soothing effect. The album begins in a luscious swell with ‘Open’ and winds down on the final song, a breathy repetition of the album’s name.

A creature fashioned from the glitziest, wildest essence of the 1970s, David Bowie could happily retire knowing that he achieved icon status. It’s hard to imagine glam rock ever achieving such notoriety without its most captivating star. Bowie is cited as an influence by many a young rocker today, and his imprint can be seen in the flamboyance practised by Lady Gaga.

Whether as Ziggy Stardust or the Goblin King of 1986 film Labrynth, Bowie was always an entertainer who made his music larger than life, and he continues to do so, issuing his 24th studio album over 45 years since his debut. Announced weeks before its release, The Next Day comes as a surprise that doesn’t disappoint. This time, Bowie doesn’t try to reinvent himself, but stays true to the eclectic sounds he has explored over a lengthy career. Aged 66, he is still the master of his own domain.

The 20/20 Experience At points throughout their second album Cerulean Salt, Waxahatchee veers towards sounding overly plaintive.

Unfortunately, this happens mostly at the beginning of the record, but it would be a shame for listeners to be scared off by the rather dismal opening track, which would seem to herald a collection of navelgazing, alternative songs.

When Waxahatchee — fronted by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Katie Crutchfield — gets into the swing of things, listening becomes a pleasure. The third track, ‘Lips and Limbs’, picks up the pace with a jaunty folk melody and things generally go upwards from there. On ‘Brother Bryan’ and ‘Tangled Envisioning’, the vocals turn compellingly sultry, echoing a young Cat Power.

Alabama-native Crutchfield started Waxahatchee as a solo project, but even with the addition of her bassist/ drummer boyfriend Keith Spencer, her music retains a personal, confessional quality that is its ultimate allure.

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Ever since Justin Bieber started trying to repackage himself as the new post-N’Sync Justin Timberlake, it has seemed high time for the original to make a comeback. Since his 2006 FutureSex/LoveSounds, Timberlake seemed to be spending more time on the red carpet and catwalk front rows than in the recording studio, but his ability to multitask has paid off with the release of his third album. The 20/20 Experience kicks off with a cinematic flourish, as Timberlake builds up his own grand entrance on ‘Pusher Love Girl’, an eightminute song which shows off his falsetto over a staccato beat.

For all his pin-up posturing and schmaltzy lyrics, Timberlake demonstrates that his song writing and production can be taken seriously. Co-produced

by Timbaland, this album is a pastiche of R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop and even bhangra, with songs that break away from typical strong structures.

Take note Bieber, this is how it’s done.

topten

endorsed

Official 97.5 Love FM Phnom Penh Top Ten 1. I Knew You Were Trouble 2. When I Was Your Man 3. Troublemaker 4. Scream & Shout 5. Daylight 6. Suit & Tie 7. Remember When 8. Thrift Shop 9. Beauty And A Beat 10. Hall Of Fame

Taylor Swift Bruno Mars Olly Murs Will.i.am Feat Britney Spears Maroon 5 Justin Timberlake Feat Jay Z Chris Wallace Macklemore Justin Bieber The Script and Will.i.am

Chrysanthemum Tea Ruben Luong

UK Top Ten 1. Boomerang 2. Mirrors 3. When I Was Your Man 4. Just Give Me A Reason 5. Pompeii 6. One Way Or Another 7. Thrift Shop 8. Ready Or Not 9. I Could Be The One 10. White Noise

Nicole Scherzinger Justin Timberlake Bruno Mars P!nk Bastille One Direction Macklemore Bridgit Mendler Avicii and Nicky Romero Disclosure

US Top Ten 1. Harlem Shake 2. Thrift Shop 3. When I Was Your Man 4. Stay 5. Suit & Tie 6. I Knew You Were Trouble 7. Started From The Bottom 8. Scream & Shout 9. Love Me 10. Locked Out Of Heaven

Baauer Macklemore Bruno Mars Rihanna Justin Timberlake Feat Jay Z Taylor Swift Drake Will.i.am Feat Britney Spears Lil Wayne Bruno Mars

Chrysanthemum tea’s soothing mix of flowery extracts makes it a fresh and convenient pick-meup for bad days. It’s not as prevalent or popular as green tea, but when I find a restaurant or café that serves it, I always have to have a cup in deference to the health properties it historically possesses.

First imbibed during the Chinese Song Dynasty (960 — 1279), chrysanthemum tea is no stranger to Asia.

Chinese poets have long heralded the beauty of chrysanthemums in selected texts and literature. The flower’s regal mandala of white and yellow petals is often used as a token of nobility, humility or selfharmony in the Orient.

Still, chrysanthemum’s renown in ancient Chinese medicinal practices is what really puts it on most people’s radars. As an inherent cooling herb, chrysanthemum vigorously heals symptoms of flu, sore throats and fevers by regulating body temperature.

The tea supplies a bevy of vitamin C, which delivers antiviral properties that alleviate head congestion.

It’s one of my most revered remedies for taking care of friends who are sick, because

more often than not they are almost instantly abated after drinking it.

Chrysanthemum tea is effective even when enjoyed on a more leisurely basis, especially in between meals, as it facilitates the digestion of oily foods.

Similarly, it contains vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, which help treat eye ailments, transport oxygen through the body and keep blood pressure low.

Unlike coffee, green tea and sodas, chrysanthemum tea is caffeine-free, so detrimental side effects like anxiety, tension and irritation are one less thing to worry about.

In terms of preparation, brewing a cup of chrysanthemum tea is simple.

For green tea, steeping the tea requires precision and can be cumbersome. However, for chrysanthemum tea, steeping several dried chrysanthemum flowers in steaming hot water for about five to seven minutes in a teapot is all that is needed for a sweet batch.

Once you’re through with the pot, the best part is that you can add extra hot water to the flowers and continue to drink several times more, enjoying the tea’s optimal supplements in a gratifying, healthy and restorative session.

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bookshelf Life After Life Kate Atkinson Doubleday

What if you could relive your life? What would you change? For those who have pondered the countless crossroads that determine our paths, Kate Atkinson’s eighth novel envisions a life in which circumstances can be amended and the future reconfigured. A baby is born in the English countryside in 1910, but the doctor arrives too late to save her. A few pages later, she is born again and this time the doctor comes just in time to deliver her safely. This child grows up to be Ursula Todd and her story is told and retold as a series of alternative happenings, against a background of meaningful historical events.

Ghana Must Go Taiye Selasi The Penguin Press When the Sai family patriarch passes away in Accra, his estranged wife and four children gather in Ghana for his funeral. This is where the novel begins, but the family’s prior history reverberates throughout the narrative. The family’s mother, Folasadé, migrated from Nigeria to Pennsylvania where she met her Ghanaian husband, Kweku.

She gives up on law school in order to raise their children.

When Kweku loses his job and repatriates to Ghana, his abandonment of the family causes the fractures at the base of the plotline. Written by a New England-raised author, also of Ghanaian-Nigerian parentage, the book shares some general insight into the African migrant experience.

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Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy Emily Bazelon Random House In this diligent work of nonfiction, Emily Bazelon takes a close look at bullying in schools. Sticks and Stones studies three victims of bullying, including Phoebe Prince, a young Irish girl who committed suicide after being bullied at her school in Massachusetts.

Bazelon takes a nuanced approach to understanding the causes and impact of bullying. Rather than simply pointing accusatory fingers at bullies, she seeks to understand contexts. She also dissects media perspectives on bullying and explores the role of adults, including parents and teachers.

Wave Sonali Deraniyagala Alfred A Knopf Sonali Deraniyagala shares her encounter with tragedy in this agonising memoir. Over Christmas of 2004, Deraniyagala’s family is enjoying a beachside holiday in Sri Lanka.

The next day, a tsunami washes ashore. Deraniyagala survives, but her husband, two young sons and parents are killed. Wave is her account of profound grief, with elegiac memories of her family. Her emotional aftermath is described in unsanitised detail, unravelling in a cycle of anger, suicidal depression, guilt and madness. Like Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, Deraniyagala’s approach is neither remedial or inspirational, but powerful and unforgettable in its raw depiction of loss.

boxoffice

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Admission

Super Student

Oblivion

These G.I. Joes are more than toy soldiers. Retaliation, the sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, follows up on the elite military unit. When an impersonator of the American President calls for the execution of the G.I. Joes — replacing them with an evil security force known as Cobra — the surviving members must save both their reputation and the world. The cast includes a string of brawny action stars, including Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) and Bruce Willis.

Admission features the brilliant comedic combo of Tina Fey and Paul Rudd. Former Saturday Night Live star Fey plays Portia, a high-strung Princeton admissions officer. On a recruiting visit to an alternative high school, she meets her former college classmate John (Rudd). He introduces Portia to the school’s prodigy, Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), who may be the son she gave up for adoption years ago.

In this Cambodian film, Anjak High School is one of the country’s most reputable schools. When students start acting out, the administration struggles to find the root of the problem. Officer Sambath is assigned to the case and suspects that gangsters have infiltrated the school to trade drugs. He sends in two undercover police officers to pose as a teacher and a student in order to catch the culprits. The film features English subtitles.

The year is 2073. Sixty years before, Earth was nearly destroyed by an alien invasion and humans were evacuated from the planet. As part of an operation to extract any remaining resources, Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is stationed on Earth to repair drones. With two weeks left before his mission ends, Jack rescues a woman known as Julia (Olga Kurylenko) from a falling spacecraft. What he finds out from her shakes his world and everything he thought he knew.

Coming Soon April Movie Releases Platinum Cineplex See platinumcineplex.com.kh for screening schedule.

The Croods (3D) Still Showing Suddenly It’s Magic (Thai with Khmer Dub) Still Showing G.I. Joe: Retaliation (3D) Apr. 4 Admission Apr. 4 Jurassic Park (3D) Apr. 11 Super Student (Khmer) Apr. 11 Thongsuk 13 (Thai with Khmer Dub) Apr. 11 IP Man (Cantonese) Apr. 18 Oblivion Apr. 25

Legend Cinema See legend-cinemas.com for screening schedule.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (3D) Apr. 4 Jurassic Park (3D) Apr. 11 Bola Kampung (3D) Apr. 11 IP Man (Cantonese) Apr. 18 Oblivion Apr. 25

asialife Cambodia 99

radar Voicing the problem Everydaysexism.com

Despite strides being made, sexism is still heavily ingrained in many societies. This site aims shed light on the issue by giving ordinary people an outlet to complain about everyday instances of sexism without worrying about being labelled as ‘uptight’, ‘prudish’, a ‘militant feminist’ or a ‘bra burner’. The creators argue that by recording these cases, no matter how small or big, it shows that sexism is still a problem that is far from being solved.

Fitness for life Nerdfitness.com While many fitness websites and forums tend to be populated with meatheads and aggressive types, this one offers a new approach. It was created and run by Steve Kamb after he asked himself: “I’m a nerd, I like fitness, so why not combine the two and turn life into one giant video game?” The premise behind Nerd Fitness is to find something that you enjoy and incorporate it into your life. Even though Kamb makes it clear that he is not a fitness expert but an average guy who struggles with getting and staying in shape, his articles are well researched and backed by science, so it’s hard not to trust him.

Time well wasted

Poorlydrawnlines.com Another web-comic for procrastinators, this site uses a simple drawing style with absurd topics. One notable comic is the dark tale of Tiny Hippo and his much-loved tiny toy train. Tiny Hippo would go everywhere with his train until one day Tiny Raven steals it. This leads Hippo on a journey through his tiny world until he finds Crow, resulting in a deadly outcome. Some of the strips will leave you laughing in stitches while others will leave you chuckling at their sheer awkwardness, but they are always entertaining.

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pub quiz

Dust 6. Who earned an Oscar nomination in 1967 for his role as Benjamin Braddock?

7. What was the name of David Bowie’s flamboyant, androgynous alter ego?

8. The G7 is an international finance group consisting of the finance ministers from seven nations. What do these nations have in common?

9. Mary O’Brien had a hit with ‘The Son of a Preacher Man’. How is she better known?

10. Which colour came into English from the Urdu and Hindustani words meaning “dusty” or “dust-coloured”?

Moons 21. What position is held by Ban Ki-moon?

22. ‘Blue Moon’ is regarded as the anthem of which English football club?

23. Who played James Bond in the film Moonraker?

24. Which actor’s big break came when he played David Addison in Moonlighting?

25. Phobos and Deimos are moons orbiting which planet?

Music Studio Mix-up 26

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Rain 11. ‘The Rain In Spain’ comes from which musical?

12. Which royal did Grace Kelly marry?

13. “I get the same old dreams same time every night, fall to the ground and I wake up. So I get out of bed, put on my shoes and in my head thoughts fly back to the break up.” Who wrote these lyrics?

14. What colour is on the inside of the curve of a standard rainbow?

15. ‘Hey, Soul Sister’ was a massive worldwide hit for which band?

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Stars 16. How are the five-armed Asteroidea better known?

17. Paul Michael Glaser is best known for playing which crime fighting role?

18. Founded in 1971 in Seattle, which company now has 20,891 stores in 62 countries?

19. The Strategic Defense Initiative was proposed by US President

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pub quiz answers

1. Errol Brown formed which chart topping band?

2. Who starred with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon in Some Like it Hot? 3. Tennessee Williams won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1955 with which play?

4. Which 1991 comedy spoof film starred Charlie Sheen and Lloyd Bridges?

5. Which city in southern England has the only natural hot springs in Great Britain?

Ronald Reagan in 1983. How was it commonly known?

20. In which constellation is the red super giant star Betelgeuse?

1. Hot Chocolate 2. Marilyn Monroe 3. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 4. Hot Shots! 5. Bath 6. Dustin Hoffman 7. Ziggy Stardust 8. They are “industrialised” 9. Dusty Springfield 10. Khaki 11. My Fair Lady 12. Prince Rainier III of Monaco 13. Rainbow 14. Violet 15. Train (groan) 16. Starfish 17. Starsky 18. Starbucks 19. Star Wars 20. Orion 21. Secretary-General of The United Nations 22. Manchester City 23. Roger Moore 24. Bruce Willis 25. Mars 26. Taylor Swift 27. Gene Simmons 28. Jay-Z (Shawn Corey Carter) 29. Sean Combs (P-Diddy etc) 30. Robert Smith

Hot Hot Hot

no holds barred