AsiaLIFE Cambodia November 2016

112016 ISSUE119

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#353ABC, Mao Tse Tong Blvd Phnom Penh Cambodia Near Santhormuk Primary School Tel: 023 723 588 / 023 881 788 : 023 882 788 / 016 787 832 : 012 928 685 BRANCH II #88, St. 598, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Near Excellency Chea Sophara’s House Tel: 096 833 9999 / 017 837 999 : 097 983 4999 BRANCH III #65-67 St. Mao Tse Tong Blvd.

Songkat Boeng Keng Kang 3 Khan Chomkarmon, Phnom Penh Cambodia Tel : 095 699 994 / 096 858 9999

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note from the editor AsiaLIFE Group 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: Marissa Carruthers marissa@asialife.asia maris.carruthers@gmail.com

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

Associate Editor: Erin Hale

Marissa Carruthers

Accountants / Distribution Seang Seiha 012 887 118 Distribution: Son Veasna 096 222 7231 Printing: Sun Heang Printing House

4 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Sales Director: Jonathan Baxter 010 561 502 Sales Officer: Simon Crutch 093 828 033 Accountants: Sorn Rathana

Special thanks to: Darren Gall, Paul Dodd, Pet Grooming Cambodia, Ryan Drewe Taylor and Cambodian Living Arts for their contribution.

112016 ISSUE119

On the Cover Design & Art Direction: Thang Pham L.C. AsiaLIFE is a registered trademark.

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

AsiaLIFE Media Vol. 103

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FOR SALES ENQUIRIES: Jonathan Baxter Tel: 010 561 502

Photographers: Enric Català & Lucas Veuve & Lim Sokchanlina

| OCTOBER 2016

When it launched four years ago, the ultimate aim of AsiaLIFE’s cook-off was simple: to showcase the quality and diversity in the capital’s restaurants and the creativity of the chefs working in the kitchens.

Since then, Phnom Penh’s dining options have further expanded, taking in cuisines from across the globe.

From side street restaurants to fine dining experiences, and everything in between, the capital is awash with mouth-watering meals.

This year’s event saw four chefs take on the simple challenge of preparing fish with a Cambodian twist. The rest was up to them, and the results were as diverse as Phnom Penh’s eateries. As usual there was no winner.

However, each chef was a winner in their own right, conjuring up imaginative options that Erin Hale was on hand to sample.

Sticking with the food theme, Nicky Sullivan takes part in a raw food session at The Tiger’s Eye. Squashing the stereotype that raw food is boring, she sampled delights such as raw lasagne, beetroot carpaccio with fennel and cashew cheese, mushroom salad and passion fruit orange and banana cheese cake while learning about the health benefits.

With Phnom Penh International Film Festival and the Japanese Film Festival taking place this month, we catch up with Sok Visal. The film director and founder of 802AD and hip hop music label KlapYaHandz shares his thoughts on Cambodia’s evolving film industry and how he got to where he is today.

We also speak to Master Seng Norn, one of the country’s sole surviving kontoamming performers.

Having successfully hidden his instruments underground during the Khmer Rouge reign, Seng has since been passing on the rare form of funeral music to younger generations. Last month, for the first time in his 75 years, he left Cambodian turf, landing in New York to perform the ancient art form as part of an exhibition.

If our food cover story hasn’t whet your appetite enough, then we have more food reviews, cleverlycrafted cocktails at Alchemy GastroPub, and an exploration of stunning Banteay Srei district in Siem Reap, plus heaps more.

Siem Reap: Sarah Brown

Art Director Cambodia: Thang Pham L.C. leo@asialifemagazine.com

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLISHING HOUSE

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

It's been a decade since a young AsiaLIFE took its first tentative steps on Southeast Asia's lifestyle scene.

Since then, we've been bringing you the brightest and best of Cambodian life and would like to celebrate our anniversary with you.

We will also be celebrating the launch of Peppered Justice, AsiaLIFE publisher, Mark Bibby Jackson's second Cambodia-set novel. Signed copies of the book will be available.

Dr. Wah Wah will be on the decks from 6.30pm, and live music will be provided by the talented Lisa Concepcion.

Free finger food and drinks on arrival. Samai Distillery will be providing special Kampot Pepper Rum cocktails so come and help us celebrate at Metro Mara on Wedneday, Nov. 9 from 6.30pm.

112016 ISSUE119

front

08 Events 11 Trending

getaway

42 Beautiful Bantey Srei

food

44 S&P Thai Restaurant & Bakery

12 Openings 14 News 16 Top 5 20 Day In The Life

45 Django Eatery 46 Ramen & Gyoza Bar Masamune

22 Photo Essay

47 City Drinks: Alchemy GastroPub

26 Q&A: Kek Soon

on the cover

28 AsiaLIFE's Cook-Off

storyboard

34 The Word 36 Breathing Life Into Death

style & design

48 The Smallest Details

back

54 Listings

38 Lights, Camera, Action

50 You Don't Own Me

78 Map 88 Pub Quiz

40 Raw Food Diet

22 6 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

28 34

42

Phnom Penh Designers Week @Audi Showroom

3-7 NOV Kampot Writers and Readers Festival This year's festival explores themes of Peace, Freedom, and Prosperity, marking the 25th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords, which signified the official end of the CambodianVietnamese War. Running from Nov. 3 to 6 in Kampot, it presents discussions, conversations, poetry readings, music, cooking classes, gourmet lunches, children’s events, architecture, art exhibitions, book launches, book swaps, guided tours, workshops and literature. It culminates on Nov. 7 with a gig from Cambodian Space Project in Phnom Penh.

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The Audi Showroom will be transformed into a glamorous catwalk as the country’s top local and international designers showcase their latest collections across three evening events. Designers include Lee & Taylor, Soknan, Established, A.N.D. and Kosal Ou, and span men and women’s wear. It will wrap up with a pop-up show on Nov. 6 from 2pm to 6pm.

3-6 NOV

Fierce Angel @Eighty8

5 NOV 10pm

Photography Talk Series @Bophana Centre and SaSa Bassac Photographer Lim Sokchanlina launches his Photography Talk Series – a presentation platform for photographic practices. Each talk features a different photographer who will talk about their work, followed by a Q&A session.

Cambodian photographer Kim Hak kicks off the series at Bophana Audiovisual Resource Centre on Nov. 4, with the second featuring Pha Lina at SaSa Bassac on Nov. 24.

UK-based collective Fierce Angel touch down in Cambodia for a performance at boutique backpacker location Eighty8, near Wat Phnom. Expect an evening of the fiercest house music curated

by Angel-in-Chief Mark Doyle.

Complete with a pool setting, enjoy the fun until the early hours.

4 & 24 NOV 6pm

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Ripple’s Food Fair @Ripple Café Enjoy a day of Japanese and Western food, drinks and entertainment. Dishes on offer include takoyaki (fried octopus balls) from Jidaiya, Pelican pies and pastries, gelato, corn dogs, pizza and other finger food, craft beer, sodas and juices. All proceeds go to Animal Rescue Cambodia.

6 NOV

nd drinks m ad e f r o m t h e F o od a

Phnom Penh International Film Festival The third edition of Phnom Penh’s film festival brings together more than 50 films from across the world, including full length features, short films and documentaries that have never been screened before.

Tickets are $3.50/ day.

All screenings will take place at The Flicks 1 on Street 95. Visit PPIF on Facebook for full schedule.

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21 - 30 NOV

WATER FESTIVAL It’s back. Water Festival was cancelled last year due to droughtlike conditions, but with rainy season in full swing there is reason to celebrate. It also marks the time of year when the Tonle Sap River reverses its flow – the only river in the world to naturally do this. Although, the Mississippi River, the second longest river in the United States, has on occasion flowed backwards. Water Festival, or Bon Om Touk, runs from Nov. 13 to 15 – also a public holiday – and sees Cambodians from across the country head to Phnom Penh to watch the colourful boat races and observe other festivities. Expect traffic.

HARRY POTTER FRANCHISE RAGES

Not content to sit on her laurels after the Harry Potter book and film series wrapped up in 2011, author JK Rowling has resuscitated the same magical/muggle wizarding universe in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Harry Potter prequel sees Eddie Redmeyne head to New York to track some magical creatures in 1926. Fantastic Beasts is slated for worldwide release on Nov. 18, which means it will be trending on most film blogs before then. JK Rowling recently said she expects there will be five films in the series.

MARK MOVEMBER It’s that time of year again when men compete to grow out their facial hair and groom their moustaches.

Originally a gimmick to raise money for men’s cancer, November has become an institution in its own right, and perhaps one of the reasons the full beard is popular again in many parts of the world. While there is no Movember Cambodia foundation, there are plenty of them around the globe, so check with your home country to find out about fundraising efforts. And don’t forget to stock up on moustache wax, and check out some daguerrotypes for inspiration.

FESTIVE SEASON STRIKES

The holiday season is upon us. Or at least that’s what Western retailers decide as soon as the calendar strikes Nov. 1 and start sending out holiday email remainders. While it’s easy to ignore the seasonal mania in Cambodia, late December is also a time when many expats like to head home to see family. Book tickets soon because it’s one of the most expensive times to fly and with Cambodia’s glorious postal system consider sending gifts a few weeks early to get to other continents in time. Keep in mind DHL and Amazon as easier options.

Part of the Cambodian Trilogy Available at Monument Books and Amazon from November.

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HOPS BREWERY AND CRAFT BEER GARDEN

BIERGARTEN

While beer gardens are in abundance across Cambodia, they are of the Khmer kind. However, the latest to open in the capital offers something a little bit different. Aptly named Hops, this beer garden – or biergarten – is of the German kind. The spacious venue boasts a tablelined courtyard, two storeys of indoor seating, a pool hall and in-house brewery. With all of the malt, yeast and hops imported from Germany, brews are made onsite with a Cambodian and German brewmaster overseeing the process. Drinks include larger, wheat beer, red stout and an IPA. Authentic German food is also on the menu, including the classic currywurst, served with chips. Cambodian food is also available.

17 Street 228, Phnom Penh. Tel: 093 999 017.

Open daily from 4pm to 10pm.

STARBUCKS COFFEE GALORE International coffee chain Starbucks has opened its flagship store in Phnom Penh. Following on from the success of its small airport and Aeon Mall outings, the chain has opened its doors in BKK1 with a spacious two-storey coffee shop to cater to the capital’s insatiable coffee craving. “Our new flagship store in Phnom Penh’s vibrant BKK neighbourhood will excite Cambodian customers with a unique coffee experience that showcases our deep passion for some of the finest coffees from around the world, while honoring the country’s rich heritage and culture,” says Mark Ring, president of Starbucks Asia Pacific. An interactive coffee bar offers guests the chance to experience a range of brewing techniques, including Siphon, Cold Brew, Pour-over, Coffee Press and the state-of- the-art Black Eagle espresso machine.

14 Street 57, Phnom Penh. Tel: 093 897 784.

Open daily from 6.30am to 10pm.

GARDEN CITY HOTEL GRAND HOTEL Nestled about 20km outside Phnom Penh in 3,000 hectares of untouched countryside is the grand Garden City Hotel. Featuring marble floors, high ceilings and windows, towering marble columns and beautiful chandeliers with a modern design blended with traditional decorations, Garden City Hotel is impressive on the eye. Aiming to be Phnom Penh’s premium choice for family accommodation and corporate and MICE visitors, the 254-room hotel offers a variety of dining options, conference facilities and a spa, as well as one of the city’s best swimming pools.

Garden City Golf Club is next door and corporate team building events can be arranged. A Kids’ Club is also onsite and open six days a week with a range of activities in store to keep the kids entertained.

Phum Prek Tarath, Prek Tasek, Russey Keo, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 900 560.

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MÛ GOURMET FINE FOOD In the West, boutique food stores, grocers and butchers are being wiped out by the mass supermarkets that dominate the food shopping scene. While Cambodia waits to catch on to the global trend, buying groceries, fruit and veg and other food goodies is time-consuming, with a visit to several shops scattered across the city necessary.

Thankfully MU Gourmet has opened in the capital, stocking a range of fine foods to refine pantries across Phnom Penh, specially sourced from across the globe. From the freshest French and Italian cheeses, meats, fish and cold cuts, to frozen goods, pâté, breakfast cereals, coffees and teas and baked and tinned goods, MÛ Gourmet doesn’t fail to impress. Located in a stunning colonial villa, the second floor is home to a range of beers, wines, ciders and other beverages. And grand plans to open up a cafe in the outdoor space are in the making.

Street 51, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 023 215 549.

Open daily from 8am to 8.30pm.

RAINTREE COOL WORKING Having worked in super-cool spaces, such as Google, Zoë Ng and her team decided it was about time to bring some fresh office space to Phnom Penh. The result is Raintree, Cambodia's first boutique office development designed for fast-growing organisations. Ideally located in the heart of the capital's central business and banking district, Raintree boasts 3,000sqm of flexible office space, topped with a loft event space and outdoor terrace offering superb views across the city.

As well as offering flexible work space, as a supporter of local and social entrepreneurs, as well as established businesses, the ground floor is home to a cluster of independent outlets, including Brown café, a casual dining restaurant, an alleyway bar and florist.

299 Preah Ang Duong, Phnom Penh. Tel: 085 385 728.

KHEMA INTERNATIONAL POLYCLINIC

HEALTHY LIVING

Accessibility to top notch health care has stepped up a gear in BKK1 with the opening of Khema International Polyclinic. The 10-storey clinic offers professional medical care in a range of areas, with all practitioners expertly trained in their field with access to the latest technologies, including a CT machine. Having become popular on the expat scene with the Toul Kork Khema Clinic and Maternity, the second branch boasts 50 rooms and includes a maternity clinic, and contraceptive, operation, and emergency rooms. Emergency services include a fullyequipped ambulance and endoscopy equipment. In addition, there are consultation services for illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes. For maternity care, services include natural birth with help from midwives, natural birth using anaesthetic and a caesarean section.

28 Street 294, Phnom Penh. Tel: 088 858 8588.

Open 24 hours daily.

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NOV BY KATE 2016 BURBRIDGE

Unique Festival of the Moving Image EMBEDDED South(s) examines particular cultural phenomena within the complex social geographies of those who identify with a “south”. Screened across three continents, from Nov. 3 to 6, the programme showcases the work of 29 artists from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa.

It forms a part of Conscious Realities, a three-year initiative from San Art. Conscious Realities invited cross-disciplinary cultural workers from the four regions to explore the concept of Global South from the perspective of Ho Chi Minh City.

Curators Zoe Butt and Gabriela Salgado will introduce the programme in English with Khmer translation, followed by a screening of works by nine artists from the Global South dealing with issues of materiality.

The night – one of four for Embedded South(s) online and international programming – explores the origin and history of use of material resource, considering the migration of raw materials and human ingenuity and labour, and how they have become key components employed and questioned within artistic practice.

Embedded South(s) questions the dialectic notion of a “Global South” and acknowledges that there are multiple souths by drawing attention to artists’ investigations that complicate literal readings of borders and ethnicities, instead focusing more upon artists’ experiential articulation of particular maladies and rituals within an identification of a “South.”

Salgado and Butt will also lead a small workshop for a group of Cambodian curators and artists who focus on the moving image.

The workshop will investigate themes of the screening that will occur later that night, looking at moving image artwork from the global south. Participants will gain a deeper insight into techniques, themes, and insights into moving image on a transnational stage.

Sàn Art is an artist-initiated, non-profit, contemporary art organisation in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, committed to the discovery and exchange of cultural knowledge within an interdisciplinary community. It is dedicated to promoting, facilitating and showcasing contemporary art. The project opens at Sa Sa Bassac on Nov. 5, from 7pm.

Drive to Dump Plastic Waste A BID to cut down on plastic waste has been launched across Siem Reap.

More than 40 businesses in Temple Town have unveiled their ReFill Not Landfill campaign, which aims to cut down on the use of plastic water bottles by tourists. Reusable aluminium bottles, refillable at designated venues across the city, will be used instead.

In 2015, more than 4.7 million visitors travelled to Cambodia, staying an average of 6.8 days each. These visitors consume an average of two litres of water a day, many from half-litre or litre bottles, meaning they have the potential to waste 130 million plastic half-litre bottles annually. A number that is estimated to grow as the number of tourists landing in the Kingdom continues to rise.

One refillable aluminium bottle can last four years or more. With a life span of just three years, a single bottle can replace up to 4,380 plastic bottles.

The Refill Not Landfill campaign has already received orders for 41,000 bottles, potentially reducing the use of

plastic bottles by 175,200,000 plastic bottles during the next four years.

This initiative reflects a growing global trend towards eliminating the use of plastic bottles and other products as an essential measure for environmental protection.

During the last 15 years, countries including Ireland, Australia, the US, India, Bangladesh, Rwanda, China and France have introduced restrictions on the sale and distribution of certain plastic products, including bottles, bags and dining utensils.

In Siem Reap, participating hotels, cafés and restaurants, attractions, tour operators and NGOs will issue branded bottles to guests and clients. They have the option to brand them as they choose, meaning ReFill Not Landfill can become part of their identity.

The back of the bottles feature the names of all of the free-of-charge water refill locations across the city helping visitors to find them with ease.

In Phnom Penh, the group Keep Phnom Penh Clean is holding its next litter pick on Nov. 6 from 8am to 10am in Russey Kep district. Follow them on Facebook for details.

OPENING HOURS 11:30am - 11:00pm

HAPPY HOURS 5:00pm - 7:00pm

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info@mahobkhmer.com www.mahobkhmer.com 14 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Gin Jubilee Cocktail Winner Crowned GIN fever swept across Phnom Penh when the country’s second East Imperial Gin Jubilee landed in town.

Last month’s festivities kicked off with a launch party Tunes & Tonic at Chinese House, with a wrap party seeing gin lovers spill out of Bassac Lane.

As part of the three days of activities, 19 of the capital’s top bars concocted their own unique spin on the classic gin and tonic.

Only one bartender could be crowned winner, and the title went to Elbow Room’s Aidan Powrie with his delighful G&T, Forage to Foam.

His concoction took in Fords gin, coconut water, fresh melon and lemon

Chinese President’s Visit

President Xi Jinping spent two days in Cambodia during which 31 agreements were signed, including soft loan deals of about $237 million. The Chinese leader also scrapped $89 million debt. Chinese investment in Cambodia was valued at $864 million last year.

juice, Mondulkiri honey, ginger water, cayenne pepper and lemon grass.

He will be joining this month’s Gin Jubilee finale in Singapore, and will be competing for the title of Asia's Best Gin and Tonic against winners from other competing countries.

This year’s East Imperial Gin Jubilee has taken place in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Due to the death of the late Thai king, the Bangkok leg of the jubilee has been postponed to February.

The next leg of the 2016 Gin Jubilee will be Singapore's finale from Nov. 20 to 26, when Powrie will find out if he is a winner.

For more information, visit ginjubilee.com.

Cambodia’s First National Games

The first Cambodian National Games was hailed a success, with a grand ceremony marking the opening. The $1 million event has been arranged in the hope of inspiring the country’s athletes for the SEA Games, which will be held in Cambodia for the first time in 2023.

Poor Rule of Law

Cambodia ranked 112 out of 113 countries with regard to the perceived rule of law, according to the annual Rule of Law Index.

Of 15 countries surveyed from the East Asia and Pacific region, Cambodia scored lowest and New Zealand highest. Venezuela was ranked the lowest globally.

Sihanoukville Airport Celebrates

Sihanoukville airport welcomed its 100,000th passenger last month ahead of its terminal revamp. The airport’s passenger traffic is expected to see a 41 percent growth this year, with aircraft movements predicted to increase by 30 percent compared with last year.

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*discount only available on individual treatments. Not applicable to packages, beauty treatments and Caudalie treatments

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STRANGER THINGS Only those who have been through a digital detox won’t have heard of Stranger Things, Netflix’s retro sci-fi hit that took the internet by storm when it came out in July. The show takes viewers back to the early 1980s in suburban Indiana, when a pack of friends try to find out what happens after one of them goes missing. Sinister government forces, atmospheric synth music, and things that go bump in the night make for a delightful viewing trip back to the era of ET and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The 1980s world is made all the better by spot-on set and costume design, that is at times cringe-worthy. Fans of Winona Ryder will also find her fully rehabilitated in one of her first leading roles in years as a frazzled, single working mother.

BLACK MIRROR Originally aired on Channel 4 in the UK in 2011, Netflix has taken over Charlie Brooker’s dystopian series set in a future just around the corner. Reminiscent of Twilight Zone, each episode features a unique story line that explores the limits of technology, privacy, the media, and even memory. Where the show might have been heavy-handed if created in the US, Black Mirror’s British sensibilities bring a welcome dose of satire and black humour alongside its biting social commentary. Six new episodes hit Netflix on Oct. 21, with previous episodes available for catch up to those who missed out. ‘Entire History of You’ conceives of a world where a head implant allows individuals to scroll through their memories in real time, while ‘The National Anthem’ questions just how far the prime minister would go to save a princess – and in an ironic twist, it involves a pig and was penned well before the David Cameron controversy was leaked.

NARCOS Now in its second season, Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, one of Colombia’s most infamous drug lords, and the narco crews that oppose him. The show follows Escobar and the Medellin cartel as they grow their cocaine business from the jungles of Colombia to a billiondollar empire fuelling Miami’s party scene. It also gives a look at their “enemies”: members of the US Drug Enforcement Agency and the highly corrupt Colombian police. Narcos tries hard to make clear that there were no “good guys” in the war on drugs, and while less subtle than shows such as The Wire in this endeavour, it still makes for hours of entertaining viewing. It’s also hard not to occasionally root for Escobar, despite his increasingly psychotic whims as he becomes blinded by his own lust for power and wealth.

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LADY DYNAMITE

MASTER OF NONE Aziz Ansari was a famous stand-up comedian before Netflix produced his comedy/drama Master of None, which allows viewers to appreciate him in a scripted role as a 30-something semi-successful actor living in New York. The major arc of the first season follows his relationship with Rachel, an awkward one-night stand who becomes something more when they meet up several months later. The realistic portrayal of modern romance is sometimes painful to watch because Ansari gets so many things right about what’s wrong with relationships these days. Less angsty than Judd Apatow films, the show follows Dev as he ponders his future, his relationship with his immigrant parents and broader themes, such as race in the US, as he is chronically typecast as an “Indian man” with a heavy accent despite being American. At 10 episodes, it’s easy breeze through this hilarious series.

Aquaries FA.pdf 1 to10/26/16 12:09 PM

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With amazing views and swimming pool, our rooftop location is one of the Capital’s best locations for dining and relaxing.

9th & Rooftop Floor of AQUARIUS HOTEL & URBAN RESORT #5 St. 240 Sangkat Chaktomuk Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh Tel : (855) 23 972 088-90, Ext.: 137 Email: fb@aquariushotel.asia 18 AsiaLIFE Cambodia hotel & urban resort Facebook: Aquarius &

Lady Dynamite is a drama/comedy like no other: a semiautobiographical retelling of comedian Maria Bamford’s mental breakdown and starting over afterwards. Surreal, dark, and hilarious the show looks at three different periods of her life: Bamford at the height of her career but slowly breaking down due to undiagnosed bipolar II disorder, her stay in a Minnesota psych ward, and her attempts to resuscitate her career in Los Angeles several months later. Lady Dynamite has been praised for its realistic and refreshingly humorous take on mental illness, which is often depicted in only the most depressing terms on American television. Bamford has long been known as a “comedian’s comedian” but Lady Dynamite has finally launched her into the mainstream to much critical acclaim.

D AY IN THE LIFE

Artistic photographer

Kim Hak

Words by Marissa Carruthers. Photography by Lim Sokchanlina.

20 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

K

im Hak gazes across at his series of photographs that line the walls of The Plantation Urban Hotel as he recalls his inspiration for becoming a photographer, and a theme that runs through his work – memory.

“During the war, my mum buried her photos,” the 35-year-old says, retelling the story of how during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime his mother carefully wrapped the few family photos they had in plastic, dug a hole in the ground near their Battambang home and left them there, planting a tree to mark the spot.

“Later, because of the fighting between the Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese troops, all of the villagers fled and my mum managed to dig them up,” Kim says. “There were only a few but this is why I love photos; they create memories.”

Despite his fascination with photography, with no formal training available in Cambodia, Kim, who relocated to Phnom Penh with his family at a young age, went on to study tourism.

In 2006, he started dabbling with his passion, but it wasn’t until he secured a spot at Angkor Photo Festival’s workshops in 2009 that he decided to quit his office job and follow his dream.

Since then, Hak’s innate talent and ambition, combined with his conceptual creativity have seen him become one of Cambodia’s top contemporary photographers, exhibiting his work across the globe.

This is evident in his latest exhibition Tioulong, which captures relics of a bygone past through a series of photos of the once-glorious holiday villas favoured by the country’s Golden Age artists, musicians and singers at the Kirirom resort of Tioulong.

As a photographer, no two days are the same for Kim, who says taking photographs actually constitutes a small portion of his time. “Research takes up most of my days,” he says, adding it took about one year for him to complete Tioulong, which was born out of long-term project, My Beloved.

“I have been working on My Beloved for almost five years now,” Kim says. “I have been travelling around Cambodia photographing the landscape diversity before it gets lost through development.” It was during one of his trips to Kirirom that he stumbled across the dilapidated villas and decided to make create Tioulong as a standalone piece of work.

Months were spent trawling the internet for information, reading books, such as Modern Khmer Architecture, and watching films on Cambodian architecture.

He visited Kirirom four times, forging friendships with locals who took him to forgotten villas shooting them on digital format film.

In between this, Kim has continued to work on My Beloved, editing the masses of photographs he has taken during his travels across the country. The end result will be published in Kim’s second photo book due out next year.

Kim has also been involved in filming after My Beloved caught the attention of Italian filmmakers, who wanted to feature Kim and his project in their documentary, Hidden Photo, slated for release at the end of the year.

With the opening of his Plantation exhibition complete, Kim has a few weeks to focus on preparing the work he is showcasing at Photo Kathmandu, Nepal’s second photo festival.

Tioulong can be seen at The Plantation until Nov. 7. For more information on Kim Hak, visit: kimhak.com.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 21

Photo Essay

T

he 12th Angkor Photo Festival is landing in Siem Reap next month, bringing with it a collection of creative photographers from home and abroad.

As Southeast Asia’s longest-running photography event, the festival offers a free platform and educational resource for established and emerging photographers wanting to develop their talent.

During the festival, a series of workshops will take place across Temple Town with 30 photographers from countries including Cambodia, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong honing their skills from six professional tutors.

The work of more than 130 photographers from 45 countries will showcase their work, with daily projection screenings held in public spaces each evening.

Here, AsiaLIFE takes a sneak peek at some of the diverse work that will be on display during the event.

Angkor Photo Festival and Workshops takes place in Siem Reap from Dec. 3 to 10.

For information, visit angkor-photo.com.

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©Marie Sordat

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©Daesung Lee

©Jonathan Fontaine

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©Ronald Patrick

©Amanda Mustard

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Kek SOON

Keen cook and Kampot native Kek Soon is following her passion as she gears up to publish a cookbook and food and culture tour, as well as take part in culinary-related sessions at this year’s Kampot Writers and Readers Festival (KWRF). Words by Erin Hale. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

kind of food to cook?

If you’re talking about Malaysian food, I love laksa.

In Cambodian food, I love barbecuing; marinating different things with herbs and spices that Cambodia has is tasty. Kampot food [seafood] is very good for barbecuing because you’re near the sea so everything is fresh.

Tell me about your cookbook project?

Where did you learn to cook?

From a young age, I worked to support and help feed my family. First this was doing jobs like cleaning the fishing boats. [Later] I also worked around the farmlands and forests near Kampot doing the same kind of thing, odd jobs, collecting money, food and at the end of the day, cooking for my family. My mum was often away working in other provinces. Later Mum found me an employer in Malaysia. I worked for nearly eight years as a maid in Malaysia. This is not uncommon work for young women from Kampot, many work in Malaysia, but I was especially lucky to have a great family to work with. They allowed me time to take courses and learn skills in cooking and baking. My employer was also a business lady who opened the first chain of Nando's [the international chicken fastfood chain] in Malaysia, I learnt a lot from this time, including improving my languages Khmer, Chinese, Malay and English.

What’s your favourite 26 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

We want it to be finished this year and after we’re done with the writer’s festival, we will start on the cook book. The cookbook will focus mainly on.

Kampot cuisine. I have things like Chinese, Malaysian and Cambodian original food. So they are all a little bit different and the food looks traditional but it tastes different.

Are the recipes based on traditional cooking?

No, all the food that I cook I just make it up or have learned it from my family.

The bamboo pork is my great grandmother’s recipe that she cooks twice a year. We cook it from generation to generation.

How did the project start?

I joined Julien Poulson and Billy McCartney after they opened a bar in the ground floor area at KAMA, a beautiful old French building three doors up from Ellie’s cafe [in Kampot].

At this time, I would come at night and cook Sino-Khmer (Chinese-Cambodian) meals.

Billy took great photos of all my dishes, which to me were typical Kampot food that I love to cook and usually cook for my family.

Julien saw the photos and told me that we should produce a cookbook so I added my own stories to the food pictures and the recipes. It soon became more about myself, growing up in Kampot and about the food, history and culture.

I heard the cookbook got delayed. What happened?

Around the time I started planning the book, Julien and Wayne McCallum were talking about establishing KWRF and we thought I could release my book project there. However, I joined the organising team and become busy learning how to stage and manage the festival, and worked with sponsor Janet De Neefe to cater a banquet for KWRF. This work caught the attention of Lara Dunston, of Grandtourismo, who invited me to join a gourmet food tour of hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap and Battambang.

This was great because Lara's a travel writer and she taught me more about story-telling and food photography. This opportunity led to me opening a new cafe Kek Soon's Kitchen at KAMA and Kek Soon's Kampot Cuisine Tours.

What other recipes will be in your book?

Besides the bamboo pork, I have a recipe for fish steamed or fried. I also have a tofu soup with black seaweed. That’s really, really tasty, so vegans, Chinese or Western people can make it with or without meat and cook the same thing. There will be about 30 recipes in the book. I will also include lots of

drinks and tea because I make my own tea here myself. So the book has a lemongrass and ginger tea recipe, which is very good for you and your body.

Where can people try your tea in Kampot?

They can come to my restaurant at KAMA, because everything here I do is fresh. I’ve been working on more different things, like a coconut, cinnamon stick, and honey tea that’s really good for you. In the future we will put them in a package to sell to everybody.

What’s happening with your food tour?

I am planning a Kampot cuisine tour and want to include a cooking class for Cambodian cuisine, or Chinese or vegan food. Since I’m based in Kampot, I also want to take foreigners to see the countryside and how people are living in Cambodia and Kampot. I haven’t [formally] started yet, but I have already had two groups of people ask me to take them around Kampot and have a cooking class. They loved it very much. One husband and wife were vegan and they just wanted to try vegan food, so they had the cooking class and wrote down everything.

Find out more about Soon’s work at KWRF, which takes place in Phnom Penh and Kampot between Nov. 2 and 7. Visit Kampot Writers and Readers Festival on Facebook for more information.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 27

28 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

For AsiaLIFE’s fourth annual cook-off, the challenge was straightforward: prepare fish – one of the Kingdom’s favourite proteins – with a Khmer influence. However, asking this of some of Phnom Penh’s best chefs meant the results were far from simple. Modernist, French, Italian, Japanese and traditional Khmer techniques were used to make some truly original entries. While some chefs chose to take Khmer influence more literally than others, each dish was executed superbly, with entrants ranging from river fish to salmon and prawns. In line with previous years, there is no winner. The aim of the game is to showcase the talented and creative work that goes on in kitchens across the capital. And one thing this year’s challenge proved through each of the carefullyconcocted dish, is the versatility seafood has to offer. The one winner to emerge, though, was Khmer fine dining. With so many creative chefs rattling around Phnom Penh – and Siem Reap – it’s only a matter of time before Cambodian cuisine gets the same reputation abroad as Thai and Vietnamese food.

Words by Erin Hale. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 29

Chef: Timothy Bruyns Restaurant: The Tiger’s Eye Dish: Herb-cured Salmon Confit From the first bite, it’s clear that South African chef Timothy Bruyns’ cook-off entry is a winner. The herb-cured salmon confit melts in the mouth, and is savoury without too many flavours to overpower the delicate taste of the fish.

Topped with coriander pesto and fish eggs, with disks of rice and charred onions, the dish offers a range of flavours and textures that make it original despite its simple premise.

Bruyns was inspired to make a confit to preserve the integrity of the salmon. The technique, traditionally used with duck, sees the fish cooked slowly in oil to tenderise it without overcooking. It’s an old method, used to preserve meat before refrigerators, according to Bruyns, but it’s easy to see why it’s still used today.

“Confit is not an aggressive way of cooking, so it’s not breaking down the protein and the collagen,” he says. “I love salmon but I really don’t like seared salmon; it’s too full and ripe and rich. Confit has the texture of

30 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

being cooked, and more the flavour and idea of being raw.”

While the salmon is accompanied by charred onions and rice to give it a Khmer feel, the preparation draws on French and modernist techniques.

The onions are first prepared sous vide poached in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag with lemongrass, salt and sugar – then charred on a hot pan to add extra flavour.

The rice is presented in sliced disks rather than the typical helping. Mushroom jelly, shiitake mushrooms and vegetables add more flavours to the mix, making them more than just “sides.”

“What I like to do is to reinforce, reinforce,” Bruyns says of the complex tastes idominate the dish.

To someone unfamiliar with haute cuisine, his rich descriptions of the different layers of flavour make him sound like an artist – an element re-enforced by his exquisite presentation.

Chef: Thuon Nara Restaurant: Feel Good Cooking School Dish: Chhay Kreoung Trey Cambodian chef Thuon Nara’s contribution to AsiaLIFE’s cook-off wins marks as the most traditional Khmer dish, from recipe to preparation to plate.

He’s taken the best his country has to offer with his chhay kreoung trey, stir-fried fish with lemongrass paste, red and green peppers and pea eggplant. While his cooking is delicious, the real treat is watching Thuon cook, which replicates an energetic TV cooking show because he is in fact a teacher.

He runs Feel Good Cooking School on Street 136, which offers private and group classes in Cambodian cooking.

Thuon’s also not afraid to use old fashioned techniques: his two main tools are a very sharp knife and an extra-large mortar and pestle that he uses to grind the ingredients for the lemongrass paste. Everything is cooked together on a single gas burner, which makes his stir-fried fish seem the most accessible and replicable.

The result is sweeter than most Khmer dishes catered towards Westerners, thanks to the addition of sugar to the lemongrass sauce, but it is balanced by the fish, rice and vegetables combined. It’s a great

meal, although the pea eggplant is a minor downside. They add a bitter taste and, while popular in Thailand, seem to be more of an acquired taste for a beginner.

The “home-style” of Thuon’s cooking comes from his training – at home in his Battambang village. “I have not taken a cookery course, but I learned from my grandmother,” he says. “She cooked for many years.” He continued his practical training in Phnom Penh establishments, such as Feel Good Cafe, where he worked as a cook before launching his cooking school.

While his cooking style is perhaps the most conservative of the contenders, sticking to traditional Cambodian methods and recipes, it’s still the product of cultural exploration.To learn new cooking methods, Thuon prefers to hire villagers from across Cambodia to teach him how to cook provincial specialities and other local favourites.

“I go to the countryside looking for other dishes, because I want to learn from the countryside people to see what’s going on, what they’re doing there,” he says. “Home cooking sometimes is really full of flavour.

Even a restaurant chef can’t cook that.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 31

Chef: Amy Baard Restaurant: Chinese House Dish: Fish Amok Cannelloni At age 25, South African chef Amy Baard is the wunderkind of Phnom Penh fine dining as the executive chef of Chinese House.

Despite her relative youth compared to other executive chefs, Baard has already managed to rack up several years of professional experience working in Asia, which has greatly influenced her bold cooking style.

Baard studied at the same cooking school in South Africa as The Tiger’s Eye’s Bruyns, but her travels seem to have taught her just as much as any course.

“I’ve been travelling in Southeast Asia for the last six years. I started in Vietnam, then Thailand, now here,” she says. “So I use a lot of the techniques I learned travelling, and the spices, the flavours.”

Baard’s AsiaLIFE cook-off entry is a twist on the famous Cambodian dish, fish amok – a thick and creamy curry with fish – served up in a cannelloni, a pasta that resembles a single large piece of penne.

32 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

“I tried to make Asian flavours with Western technique and style,” she says of her amokpasta combination.

It’s delicious but is best when combined with the sides and extras, and this is where Baard’s originality as a chef shines, along with her dedication to using local produce. The sides, for example, come decorated with an edible petal garnish, grown in a flower patch on the grounds of Chinese House.

Side bites include a plump river prawn, grilled perfectly with lime, salt, pepper and garlic. Alas, there was only one. There’s also an interesting cauliflower and carrot puree combination, which tastes as good as it looks.

The whole thing is lightened up with soybeans, fresh mango and cucumber topped by a chill lime sauce. Everything goes together perfectly, especially when all the ingredients are skewered on a single forkful.

The only regret? Baard’s cook-off entry was eaten at midday, as it would have gone well with a cold glass of white wine or two.

Chef: Albert Schaaf Restaurant: Black Bambu Dish: Caramelised Mekong Catfish in Tamarind Sauce American chef Albert Schaaf is a longtime Phnom Penh resident, who’s taken a meandering route to become Black Bambu’s executive chef.

After a long hiatus from the kitchen, which saw him run Sharky Bar and start Fatboy Sub & Sandwiches, he returned to fine dining in recent years, first at Exchange and now Black Bambu. While he hasn’t spent his entire time in Cambodia cooking, he has clearly picked up a knowledge of Khmer food and its regional variations.

Schaaf’s entry is a caramelised Mekong catfish in a peppery tamarind sauce, served with fresh rice noodles, pickled jackfruit and smoked bacon.

If it sounds unfamiliar, that’s because it’s based on a classic Khmer Krom recipe from southern Cambodia, near Vietnam.

“It’s a take on a trey kho Mekong Delta sort of style,” explains Schaaf, “With the black pepper fish sauce and caramel flavour.”

The fish is stewed in the sauce to give it a nice exterior texture and flavour. The sauce is then reduced to make it thicker before being drizzled atop the fish. It makes for some rich flavours that pull the whole meal together.

The addition of bacon and the few odd bits of pork rinds is initially a bit confusing. Sure, it tastes good but was this a little Southern influence mixed in with Khmer food? Schaaf went to culinary school in Charleston, South Carolina.

The answer is, in short, no. It is a modern take on a popular Cambodian combination.

“I put the smoked bacon in because there’s a lot of Khmer food that does pork combined with fish, like prahok. To me it seemed appropriate,” he says.

This is Schaaf’s goal as a chef: updating classics with a fine dining twist at Black Bambu. In some cases they may be Khmer classics, but also well-known dishes from across Asia and the West. “It was exciting to be able to really be able to think about things and come up with different dishes,” he says of his current menu at Black Bambu.

“I wanted to put together things that were familiar but a little bit different. There’s nothing really crazy,” he adds.

This perspective can be seen in his cookoff entry. The Mekong catfish isn’t “crazy” but it’s still delicious and feels fresh and original in its own right.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 33

P Creativity is in the air as the Kampot Writers and Readers Festival (KWRF) gets into full swing. Editor Marissa Carruthers gets a sneak peek at what’s in store.

34 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

hnom Penh is awash with budding writers seeking inspiration to put pen to paper. This month’s KWRF aims to spark the creative spirit as authors, poets, song-writers and people who just love language gather in Kampot.

“The festival will be full of likeminded people who all share the same appreciation of the word,” says festival co-organiser Julien Poulson. “Creativity sparks creativity, and that’s what we aim to do.”

The party starts in Phnom Penh on Nov. 2 with An Evening with the Writers book signings, cocktails and concerts at Raffles Le Royal, from 4pm to 9pm. Local and international writers will be on hand to talk about their work and what drives them, as well as offer tips.

They include Shane Maloney, Laura Jean McKay, Kosal Kiev, Carlos Andres Gomes, Phina So, Lok Ta and Chath Piersath. In line with the festival’s theme, the historic hotel will be transformed into a writing lounge for the week.

Tony Lefferts, festival co-organiser,

says, “This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with the cream of Cambodia's literary and arts community, and to have books signed by celebrity guest authors.”

The main event in Kampot kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 5pm at Kampot Music School, with a jam-packed bill taking in more than 50 artists across three days and nights. This will see a series of talks, panel sessions, performances, book launches, poetry slams and exhibitions take over the river town.

The Kampot festivities will close with a street party in the town on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 2pm to 10pm, while a wrap party, featuring Cambodian Space Project, takes place the following day at The Exchange in Phnom Penh.

“This year's KWRF acknowledges the 25th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords and is themed on “Peace, Prosperity, Freedom” with an extraordinary programme that shines a light on indigenous voices, emerging writers, new Cambodian literature, arts and culture, and brings to the Kingdom a week-long

programme with more than 60 events, in 36 venues, taking place in Kampot and Phnom Penh,” says Lefferts.

Book Launches

KWRF co-organiser Wayne McCallum will be launching his book, A River and A Valley Far Away at the festival.

Having arrived in Cambodia in 2003, the staunch conservationist spent years working in the deep jungle of the Cardamom Mountains, collaborating with communities to protect the homes of endangered tigers, elephants and other rare wildlife.

The New Zealander’s adventures, which include being pecked by Sarus cranes, having his camera wrecked by monkeys and being whacked by an irate elephant, are chronicled in his book.

It will be launched alongside an exhibition of images from his time living in the wild, which will complement an exhibition featuring photo stories about climate change from the Koh Rong archipelago, and an essay competition,

supported by WWF’s tiger re-wilding programme, around the history and cultural meaning of tigers in Cambodia.

AsiaLIFE publisher Mark Bibby Jackson will be heading up a crime writing panel at KWRF. Bibby Jackson recently launched the second in his Cambodian-based crime detective trilogy, Peppered Justice, which is aptly set in Kampot.

Picking up where his debut novel, To Cook A Spider left off, Peppered Justice sees affable Major Sorn Satya step into the protagonist’s shoes as he battles – at times almost comically – against the corruption and injustice that is rampant throughout the Kingdom of Wonder.

Having been ousted from his post in Battambang, Major Satya Sorn finds himself transferred to the sleepy riverside town of Kampot.

Convinced that he is destined to living out his days as a police officer solving petty crime, he is sent to cover the case of a missing girl, and quickly finds himself embroiled in a string of brutal murders and a mysterious disappearance.

Excellently conveyed, Bibby Jackson’s strong characterisation conjures up a wealth of personalities, from heavy-handed Harry Best and downright drunk Pierre Duclerc to lawyer Klaus Pederson and, of course, Satya’s trusted red Fiat Spyder.

Tackling some of the issues that are endemic to Cambodia – injustice, corruption and greed – the novel is peppered with humour, perfectly conjuring up chaotic but charismatic Cambodia.Peppered Justice is as much of a page-turner as it is a psychological insight into what makes humans tick, making it a riveting read from start to finish.

“Cambodia is the perfect setting for the crime series,” says Bibby Jackson, adding that the country shines as the novel’s main character.

“There’s a certain absurdity to Cambodia that I wanted to convey. Cambodia is not a crime noir country. It’s more slapstick; it’s more crime orange.”

For more information, follow KWRF on Facebook.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 35

Tasked with guiding souls onto the next life, Seng Norn is one of the only surviving masters of kontoamming.

Editor Marissa Carruthers finds out more about his incredible journey to keep tradition alive. Photography by Chean Long.

36 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

“I

’m afraid of death but not the death itself; I’m afraid I will not have the time to pass on kontoamming to the next generation anymore as it’s my life.” Those are the words of Seng Norn – one of few surviving masters of the ancient form of funeral music that is believed to lead the soul from life to death.

Born in 1941 in Spean Koeak village in Siem Reap into a farming family, Seng’s lifelong passion for music started when he learned to play the pin peat at the age of 16. He soon discovered the ancient art of kontoamming – rare and ancient funeral music consisting of a large drum, two male and female gongs, and the srolai flute – was fading out so asked Master Um Cheib to teach him.

“I was afraid it would be lost,” the 75-year-old says. “People were frightened to learn it because it’s funeral music and they were scared of ghosts. The masters performing it were old and if I didn’t carry it on it might be lost forever.

It wasn’t long before Seng was performing kontoamming as part of a handful of ensembles that existed throughout the country at funerals across Siem Reap province.

Soon his fears came close to coming true when in 1975 the Khmer Rouge took hold, targeting artists among many others under the brutal regime. “Music was completely shut down,” he says with his head bowed.

“There were no performances. We were not allowed to do anything.”

The only way to survive was for Seng to hide his identity, and his instruments. “I would be killed if they knew I was an artist,” he adds.

Determined to preserve the art form he had devoted most of his life to rekindling, Seng snuck to his Master’s house opposite his own. It was here that he wrapped his instrument in cloth, dug a hole in the ground and buried it.

“All I could think about was hiding them to protect them so they wouldn’t be

destroyed, and remembering where I buried them so I could come back and get them,” he recalls.

Sure enough, when he returned after the collapse of the Khmer Rouge, his instruments were still there, intact. One of them is still used today. “All I could think about was trying to find other surviving kontoamming performers so we could form an ensemble again,” he says.

After seeking out three surviving musicians, who have all since died, the ensemble started performing again locally before Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) discovered him and another surviving kontoamming master in 2004.

In a bid to revive traditional art forms that were almost destroyed under the Khmer Rouge, CLA supported them in its mission to pass on skills to the next generation, including Seng’s grandsons, Pong Pon and his younger brother Rean.

Seng’s classes were initially hit with resistance from his community. “It is believed to bring bad luck to people living in the village if kontoamming is played there when there is no funeral,” he says, recalling how he had to build a shack in paddies on the outskirts of the village to teach from.

Said to have existed since Buddha found enlightenment, the music is made of three instruments replicating his meditation.

The sound of cicadas is heard in the wind instrument, the drum resembles the claps of thunder and the monsoons are brought to life with the gongs.

While two troupes now exist thanks to CLA and Seng’s efforts, kontoamming remains rare across Cambodia where pin peat and smog singers are used instead. It is completely extinct in Phnom Penh.

In 2008, Seng had his own brush with death when he caught tuberculosis and slipped into a coma. Believed to be hours away from death, his family had a coffin made for him, which they set up next to his bed along with musical instruments to play upon his passing.

Fortunately, CLA staff visited him at home and took him to Royal Angkor Hospital, where he was stabilised and nursed back to health. “I was so happy to hear my grandsons set up the kontoamming performance,” he says. “I know I don’t have to worry about kontoamming music.”

Seng continued teaching until retiring in 2014 due to ill health. In September, his dedication paid off when he stepped outside Cambodia for the first time, travelling to New York with his grandsons to perform as part of American artist Taryn Simon’s An Occupation of Loss.

Comprised of 30 professional mourners from across the globe, including Russia and Venezuela, the performance saw each of them showcase their traditional music and song together at Park Avenue Armory.

In June, the performance will be replicated in London.

“I never expected that I’d have the chance to perform kontoamming and leading my two grandsons to perform internationally at least once in my lifetime,” he says. “I am so proud of my fortune, and especially kontoamming.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 37

As Cambodia’s film industry continues to grow, editor Marissa Carruthers catches up with one of the men who is steering it in the right direction.

D

estiny dealt her hand when Sok Visal entered the world. “My mum said I was born into theatre,” the 45-year-old film director says.

“She was watching a movie when her waters broke and then gave birth to me.”

Having left Cambodia for France in 1975, the father-of-three’s passion for film was fuelled when he watched his first two public screening of films at the age of six.

“I went to the cinema to watch the original 1933 King Kong and later an openair screening of a Cambodian horror film from the 1960s. They’re something I’ll never forget; I was so scared. From then on, I wanted to be a film director.”

Despite his dreams, Sok struggled with his studies and failed to make the grades for art school. He dabbled with the urban scene, taking up graffiti and hip hop, at the end of the 1980s, before drifting in and out of a string of menial jobs.

In 1993, he decided to return to his homeland to start his life again.

After reconnecting with his artistic roots, teaching himself graphic design, and becoming involved with hip hop and musicmaking and getting married, Sok was offered a job with an advertising agency, where he worked as both art and creative director. It was here that he was able to hone his self-taught skills, directing and shooting TV commercials.

In 2005, he started a side project founding KlapYaHandz, Cambodia’s first independent and Khmer hip hop music label. “I bought a camera and started shooting music videos,” he says.

Four years later he quit his job at the advertising agency to follow his lifelong dream and launch his own production company, 391 Films. After a few years of making music videos and TV commercials, Sok sat down with some pals to pen his first feature film script, Kroab Pich, or Gems on the Run. Last year, Sok decided to focus on feature films, launching his company 802AD, which produced and directed cinema hit Poppy Goes to Hollywood and co-directed and line produced In the Life of Music, slated for release in March.

“Doing my first feature film was so exciting,” he says. “It was finally a dream come true. It was tough but it didn’t feel 38 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

like hard work. I was working 17 to 18 hours a day, with little sleep, it was nonstop and crazy but it was an incredible experience and I was proud.”

Inspired by the directors that rocked the 1970s and 80s, such as Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott – “the ideas that come from that era are so original,” he says – Sok is now helping nurture the next generation of movie-makers.

“The feature film industry in Cambodia is definitely growing,” he says, adding it has a long way to go before catching up with Thailand, which currently dominates the Southeast Asia film scene with its access to technology, film studios and prestigious film schools. “Cambodia will reach that level eventually, I’m just not sure when.”

Evidence of Cambodia’s progress can be seen in the recent surge of local entries to international film festivals. The seventh Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF), which runs from Dec. 2 to 7 and of which Sok is the ambassador for Cambodia, has three submissions from the country: Before the Fall, Cambodian Son and Diamond Island.

Poppy Goes to Hollywood will feature in the 2018 edition.

This month, Phnom Penh International Film Festival (Nov. 21 to 30) and the Japanese Film Festival (Nov. 5 to 9) take over Phnom Penh, with the prestigious Cambodia International Film Festival pushed back from its usual December spot to January (at the time of print).

The annual FLY event will also take place in Cambodia this month, with Sok heading a group of 18 budding filmmakers from across ASEAN during two weeks of workshops. “This is strange for me because I was never formally taught in school,” he says. “I don’t know all the theory but I can hopefully offer a different perspective.”

While Cambodia has a long way to go before planting itself on the map as a movie-making hub – currently the only profitable films remaining horror and slapstick comedy and there is a lack of creativity when it comes to original scripts – Sok says it is headed in the right direction.

“Shooting films and editing is much easier now,” he says. “You can learn on the internet, technology is cheaper and you can shoot and edit on your smartphone; it’s much more accessible. We are definitely going the right way.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 39

Raw food is all the rage offering a healthy and tasty alternative to diets.

Writer Nicky Sullivan samples the trend at a series of workshops.

Photography by Lucas Veuve.

"I'm amazed at how much thought, work and time people have invested in making raw food that tastes good and adds real nutritional value that doesn’t make people feel like they are suffering through to feel good," he says. "There are a lot of cool ideas out there that everyone will find delicious."

What is Raw Food?

T

he distinctions couldn't be clearer between the ephemeral Sally Douglas and earthy Timothy Bruyns, but the shared passions for food unite them at a booked-out workshop on the seemingly tricky subject of raw food at The Tiger's Eye. Riffing over almond milk and caramel slices made from almonds, cocoa powder, dates and coconut, the pair led their audience on a cheerful, full-sensory tour unlocking the mysteries of a cuisine that may appear to be complicated and perhaps even a little ascetic to some, revealing a world of sensational flavours that are in fact not so difficult to achieve.

Even for happy meat eaters such as Bruyns who, hailing from South Africa, says he comes from a world in which even chicken is regarded as a vegetable, there is much to savour.

40 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

The concept comes from the theory that food cooked above 48C changes at a molecular level so the nutrients needed for optimal digestion and health are destroyed.

By keeping the treatment of fresh fruits and vegetables below this temperature, raw food aims to preserve natural vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients and enzymes that support the body in the natural processes of cleansing, re-energising and re-building.

Thus, a nutritionally dense raw vegan diet includes plenty of raw vegetables and fruit, nuts, grains, sprouts, seeds, seaweed, herbs, mushrooms and juices.

Douglas came across it in Bali last year and decided to give it a try for a month. "I never felt better," she says. "Since then I have noticed the drastic differences from when I eat raw or cooked meals, whether that be for a day or days on end."

She liked it so much that she returned to Bali later that year to qualify as a raw food chef with Seeds of Life Raw Food Café in Ubud. On returning to Cambodia, she launched Fed for Wellness, a consultancy to help restaurants and hotels integrate plant-based, wellness-focused dishes into their menus.

Now her diet is about 80 percent raw food, which she says lets her feel energised throughout the whole day, minus the mid-afternoon slump. "The biggest positive I take from this lifestyle is I know everything I'm eating is wholesome, healthy fuel for my body,” she says. "I have learnt so much, and it keeps coming. I have a completely different take on food, the value of food, the origin of food and

the impact of food on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state and health.”

Get Stuck In

Douglas and Bruyns – who thrive off finding new ways of looking at food that thrill tastebuds while also satisfying on an emotional and intellectual level – had been exchanging ideas for a while when the idea for the workshops came up.

And the debut session presented a feast of food, from, creamy zucchini hummus, sun-dried tomato pesto, tangy cashew cheese and a salty caramel superfood smoothie made with maca powder, to a nutritionally dense Peruvian root and seriously moreish raw onion bread.

One of the main keys lies in the dehydrator, which uses low temperatures and a fan to remove moisture, while keeping enzymes intact, and creates a "cooked-like" feel without the chemical transformation that cooking produces.

Once the demos were over, it was time to sit down to a festival of flavours prepared by Bruyns and his Tiger's Eye team. This came in the form of raw lasagne, beetroot carpaccio with fennel and cashew cheese, mixed seed bread, mushroom salad with barley miso dressing and picked cucumber, corn with peppers, red cabbage and a chilli lime dressing, topped off with passion fruit orange and banana cheese cake, carrot cake, faux chocolate caramel slices, and smoothies made with spinach, turmeric, honey, lime and ginger.

Even if there hadn't been so much to eat, the group would still have been stuffed because raw food does not leave you feeling hungry. However, it was impossible to put those tastes down. We were gluttons, though no one felt even the slightest jot of guilt about it.

The next raw food event takes place this month. For details, find Fed For Wellness on Facebook.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 41

To mark the launch of an initiative to boost tourism in the Banteay Srei district of Siem Reap, Marissa Carruthers samples what the area has to offer.

42 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

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weathered wooden landing juts out into shallow waters dotted with lotus flowers. Tall grasses sway in the gentle breeze, and emerald paddies stretch to the horizon where the silhouettes of rising hills contrast against clear blue skies. The only sounds are the chorus of insects, soothing birdsongs and the odd call of a gibbon from the surrounding woodland.

Choosing to launch the Visit Banteay Srei campaign midway through monsoon season was always going to be a risk. While it’s true that the Cambodian countryside is at its finest in the wake of a bit of wet, when the harsh dusty landscape is replaced with lush green and still ponds boasting pristine reflections of surrounding sugar palms, interrupted only by wading water buffalo and farmers working the sodden land, walking around in the rain is never any fun. However, the risk paid off as we fluked a couple of rare days of sunshine wedged in between downpour – the perfect conditions to dive into rural life.

As we lapped up the serenity of our lunch spot – a picnic overlooking Banteay Srei boray, which skirts the ancient Banteay Srei temple that sits about 30km from its big sister, Angkor Wat – tourists are scarce, nature is on form and sweeping views take in vistas boasting all that is great about Cambodia’s vibrant countryside.

“There is so much more to do than visit the temples here,” says Saloth Eng, a German International Cooperation (GIZ) Regional Economic Development programme (RED III) advisor who has spent almost two years working with communities in the district to develop top notch community-based tourism (CBT) initiatives.

“There is the nature, rural communities, homestays, farms, forests; so much more.”

Using tourism as a tool to provide poverty-stricken communities with a sustainable income, villages have come

together to tap into the global CBT trend and showcase firsthand Banteay Srei’s abundance of natural beauty while giving a glimpse into authentic rural life. As part of the project, locals have opened up their homes, businesses and lives to visitors, and a dedicated website (visitbanteaysrei.org) and map marking the district’s highlights were launched in October.

Sampling some of the delights on offer, we started our trip at Siem Reap town centre early that morning, taking a silent 20-minute drive – thanks to the use of Blue Mobility’s electric car – to the neighbouring area. Stepping straight into country life, we stopped off at one of several restaurants at Preah Dak for a traditional breakfast of nam ben chok noodles – the village’s signature dish – that were freshly cooked in front of us. A short stroll down the street led to a row of sugar palm sellers flogging everything from hand-carved wooden items to skor pen sweets and palm wine, all made in the houses behind.

Next up was Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre ($4/$2). Home to more than 30 species of Cambodian butterflies and moths, Southeast Asia’s largest – albeit relatively small – fully-enclosed butterfly centre offers a colourful educational experience. The netted enclosure is bursting full of giant butterflies delicately painted in reds, blues, yellows and greens flapping through the air or resting on the rainbow of flowers and plants that fill the space. Guides are also on hand to talk, and walk, guests through the transformation from egg to caterpillar and cocoon to butterfly.

The close by Cambodia Landmine Museum is another worthy destination.

Run by Cambodian deminer Aki Ra, the museum contains a sobering collection of just a handful of the deadly landmines and UXOs discovered during the mass clearing operation. Featuring harrowing stories of landmine victims, the museum also aims to

educate visitors on the important work that will continue decades into the future to clear Cambodia of the many remaining explosives that litter the land and water.

With our lunchtime picnic spot setting expectations for stunning landscape views, surrounding Banteay Srei didn’t fail to impress. A trip to Khmer Natural Dragon Fruit Farm in Rohal Village, where the organically-grown fruit offers a sweeter bite than usual, presents more majestic scenery from the spacious balcony of the central wooden house. Guests can meander through the neat rows of prickly cacti, plucking their own fruit ($2 per kilogram) to take home or enjoy onsite, or take a short boat trip on the pond – a bomb crater – at the back of the farm.

Sticking to the nature trail, Kbal Teuk Community Forest boasts an abundance of rare flora and fauna, such as bompong lok – carnivorous pitcher plants that devour insects – and an array of indigenous orchids. Marked trails snake through the forest and rickety bamboo bridges stretch over swamps then shallow, clear waters, with guides on hand to point out the forest’s many hidden treasures.

And sitting at the base of the trail to Kbal Spean is the Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB). Daily tours at 9am and 1pm ($3) show guests around the site, which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and reintroducing wildlife back into its natural habitat. Gibbons can be seen hanging from tree tops, macaques monkeying around, a variety of giant cranes stalk their territory and turtles peek from their ponds.

With plenty more on offer and a plethora of homestays up for grabs – ranging from a mattress on the floor and a mosquito net to villas resembling upscale boutique hotels – I certainly know what I’ll be doing for my next birthday especially as you can hire out the whole house.

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S&P THAI RESTAURANT & BAKERY 21 Street 214, Phnom Penh. Tel: 085 639 988. Open daily from 7am to 10pm.

Catering to demand, S&P Thai Restaurant and Bakery has upgraded its offerings to a spacious colonial villa in central Phnom Penh. Editor Marissa Carruthers and photographer Lucas Veuve sample the menu.

“When people think of Thai food, they tend to think of tom yum soup and papaya salad,” says seasoned chef Tanayut Saikao, who relocated from Thailand to head up the kitchen at S&P’s flagship store in the Kingdom. Throw into the mix a pad Thai and green and red curry, and you’ve pretty much got S&P’s signature dishes off to a tee.

Having built up a Thai empire of more than 460 outlets, S&P has branched out into Cambodia. With its small outlet at Aeon Mall proving popular since opening in 2014, it has upped its game, launching a twostorey restaurant and bakery in a spacious colonial-style villa.

With a team of Cambodian and Thai chefs, the menu is packed full of authentic 44 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Thai dishes, such as larb pork ($6.50), a spicy minced pork salad, Chiang Mai curry noodle with chicken drumsticks ($5.50) and chicken Massaman curry ($6.50).

The tom yum goong ($7.50) was a must try with a steaming bowl of fragrant broth, decorated with a splash of green herbs, brought to the table. Hailing from the Western world where degrees of spicy can drastically differ from this neck of the woods, we opted for medium spicy. The dish still came packed with a punch, with the hot and sour of the lemon grass, galangal, kaffir lime, chilies and lime biting each time.

The som tum gai yang ($7.50), or Thai style spicy green papaya salad, is another firm favourite on the menu. “Most

people in Thailand eat chicken and papaya salad because it is healthy,” says Tanayut, adding the fire of the dish is believed to cleanse the digestive system.

Served with a side of grilled herb chicken and sticky rice, the shreds of unripe papaya are peppered with dried shrimps, adding an extra texture to each bite. True to Thai cooking, the explosive salad powerfully combines sour, spicy, sweet and salty. Tanayut says in S&P’s Khmer version, shrimp paste is used rather than the anchovies used in Thailand, which creates a more salty flavour. This can be changed on request.

The rice with chicken green curry ($4.95) offers a smaller meal than the others, which is reflected in the price. A small bowl of flavoursome curry

is served alongside a portion of steamed rice and a boiled quail egg. While the curry remains spicy, it leans more to the sweet side, balanced out by the saltiness of the egg.

The pla tod sam rod ($14), deep fried fish with hot and sour sauce, is impressive on the eye. The fish is filleted and deep fried in a sweet and sour sauce, topped with fried garlic and chili to add an extra kick, before being placed back in its crisp skin and served. The result is divine. The moist fish is brought alive by the sauce and complemented perfectly by the crunch of the crisp skin.

Pretty much packed full for lunch and dinner, S&P is definitely making a mark in Phnom Penh for offering a true taste of Thailand.

DJANGO EATERY 25b Street 294, Phnom Penh. Tel: 012 570 130. Open daily from 7am to 3pm.

Django offers a taste of Montreal, minus the snow, strikes and linguistic politics.

But tabernac, they got the diner-style coffee right. Words by Erin Hale. Photography by Enric Català.

In a city awash with brunches, Django Eatery bills itself as a North American breakfast place to distinguish itself from the crowd. While this may be an accurate description, it’s reminiscent of one part of North America in particular – the charmingly offbeat city of Montreal.

While many Phnom Penh residents may be familiar with Australian or American breakfasts, Montreal has its own traditions: bottomless filter coffee, crispy bacon and sides of roasted potatoes and fruit with every dish. Even the greasiest of greasy spoons will add at least one anemic orange slice to accompany a plate of eggs.

Django also offers a diner-like atmosphere, with a stand-alone building fitted out like a Western

breakfast joint, with posters of both famous Djangos on the wall – the guitar-playing Django Reinhardt and the eponymous character of Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Outdoor space is available for children and a terrace for eating.

"I was looking for something specific on the brunch scene, which was inspired by what I found in Montreal,” says coowner Patrick Pillon. “I couldn’t find exactly that, so we got together and we had this location in mind, and said, ‘Let’s do this’.”

Co-owner Sebastien Mezailles, adds, “We had an idea and we realised that nobody was doing it.”

Six different versions of eggs Benedict are available. Patrons can order one or two eggs, with prices running from $5 for a one

egg classic to $9.75 for two eggs Norwegian-style with salmon.

Eggs Benedict Provencal ($5 for one, $6.75 for two) is the standout on the menu: caramelised onions, red and green peppers, and mushrooms sautéed in butter add delicious flavours to round out the rich and creamy Hollandaise sauce.

The Chef’s Special is another solid choice: a classic Benedict with spinach, sautéed mushrooms and roasted goat cheese ($6.75 for one, $9.25 for two).

Omelettes and scrambled eggs are also available, such as the American Western Omelette (peppers, cheddar, ham) for $7.75, or scrambled eggs “A la Portuguese” with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices for $6.25. Then there’s the crepes, which come with banana, Nutella,

homemade caramel, caramelised apples, and other sweet toppings, with prices ranging from $3.50 for one to $8.75 for two.

Another treat is Django’s dedicated juice bartender, Naron, who prepares juice by hand.

Coffee purists can also find a selection of espresso-based drinks to perk them up if bottomless coffee sounds unappealing.

Django has only been open a few months, which means its owners are still tinkering with the menu. For now lunch is mostly burgers - but they are in the process of designing a hearty selection of salads. Skillets – baked pans of eggs, potatoes and cheese – may also be coming, but one Montreal-favourite will be staying off the menu: the greasiest item of all, poutine, will have to be found elsewhere.

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RAMEN & GYOZA BAR MASAMUNE M47 Street 308, Phnom Penh. Tel: 012 734 163. Open daily from 11.30am to 3pm and 5.30pm to midnight.

Ramen and Gyoza Bar Masamune brings Japanese food and drink to Bassac Lane, satisfying noodle and sake cravings late into the night. Words by Erin Hale. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

Ramen and Gyoza Bar Masamune is one of the latest spots to open on Street 308, serving Japanese food late into the night alongside the busy bars of Bassac Lane and nearby alleys.

Masamune offers exactly what it promises in the name: gyoza dumplings and ramen noodles, in addition to other delicious dishes. While the food is Japanese, the inspiration is from New York, where “gyoza bars” have become extremely popular, according to owner Sugawara Kazutaka.

Judging from food blogs, the East Village is chock full of gyoza spots, but Masamune is the first restaurant of its kind in Phnom Penh to offer several varieties of the famous dumpling ($2 for four gyoza, $4 for eight). There’s classic 46 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

with pork, “miso” with a sauce similar to miso soup, and vegetarian – a rare find outside of the frozen food section. The most interesting, however, is the okonomiyaki-style gyoza, which come with sauce and flavours inspired by the famous savoury pancake. A variety of dips, including chili, basil and ponzu sauce, can be added.

Sugawara hopes to introduce these flavours to foreigners and Cambodians, which is why he chose Bassac Lane over the stretch of Street 63 that is home to a number of restaurants catering to Japanese expats. Even though his target audience might not be familiar with the intricacies of Japanese cooking, Sugawara has still gone to great lengths to get all of his dishes just right.

Take Masamune’s ramen.

Crafting the perfect ramen is not easy in Phnom Penh.

“Ramen soup is a little bit difficult to make here because in Cambodia it is difficult to get the ingredients,” he says. “So we import soup from Japan, and the noodles are made here from a specialty supplier.”

Only the freshest ingredients are included to make ramen with pork, eggs, green onion, and seaweed. Diners can order their ramen with soup (Shoyu Ramen, $5.50) or without soup (Abura Soba, $6) or a special variety with salt (Shio Ramen, $5.50), with mini sizes available ($3.50) for those looking for more of a snack.

Masamune can also hold its own in the cocktail and beverage department. Japanese

whiskey bottles decorate the front bar and are available to order neat or with soda for $4.50. Japanese sake ($5) and shochu ($4.50) are also available. Sake is a fermented rice wine served hot or icy cold, while sochu is distilled from rice or barley. It’s closer to vodka in terms of alcohol strength, and, like a vodkastyle cocktail, Masamune’s sochu is served with fresh fruit to lighten up the beverage.

The restaurant also serves specialty drinks, such as its Corona-rita, a frozen margarita with a mini Corna beer flipped in it ($9.50). These can be enjoyed with some of Masamune’s appetisers, including karaage ($3), boneless Japanese -style fried chicken that makes a great crunchy snack.

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CITY DRINKS

Alchemy Gastro Pub 36 Street 123, Phnom Penh. Tel: 077 749 686.

Since opening five months ago, Alchemy GastroPub has been making a splash on the cocktail scene, drawing even the most hardened expats from the safety of their BKK bubble to Toul Tom Pong. Editor Marissa Carruthers and photographer Enric Catala see what all the fuss is about.

Plumes of white smoke billow from a bottle on the bar. As the thick liquid smoke starts to part, the concentration on manager James Reihl’s face becomes apparent as, like an alchemist at work, he puts the finishing touches to his concoction, the Smokey Old Fashioned.

In just a few months, Alchemy and its contemporary Cambodian setting has become the go-to spot for kicking back cocktails.

Ranging from all the classics, given an Alchemy twist, to more creative combinations, the biggest challenge faced is settling on which of the 45 cocktails to try.

The Smokey Old Fashioned ($7) is one of the more innovative additions, with the preparation being as astounding as the end result. Woodford Reserve Bourbon, whiskey barrel aged bitters, a slug of maple syrup and a dash of water are mixed together in a vintage glass bottle before being gun-smoked. Here a machine blasts hickory liquid smoke into the bottle, before being poured into a glass and served, smoking.

The result is divine. The liquid smoke enhances the flavours, drawing out strong wood notes that top off the cocktail.

On the simpler side, the Gingerbread Caipirinha ($4.50) pays testament to Brazil’s national drink. Originally concocted as a cure to many ailments in the early 1900s but it has been refined over the years.

Here, cachaça is combined

with gingerbread liquor, key lime, gingerbread syrup, apple juice and raw honey. Spicy with a fresh bite, the gingerbread adds a homely taste with the notes of ginger and vanilla complimenting the sweetness of the honey.

The Shaky Jay’s ($5) is inspired by the 2012 cocktail created in a London bar by Pete Jeary AKA Shaky Pete. Using Bombay Sapphire gin, key lime juice, the addition of freshly crushed ginger and gingerbread syrup really lifts the flavour. Topped with Cerevisia craft pale ale, it is refreshing and far too easy to knock back.

Four years in the making, the Bloody Mary ($5.50) is Riehl’s baby. Having been through thousands of versions during his three years blending cocktails in Japan, he has unveiled his Cambodian rendition. The result is a drink that is as pleasing on the eyes as it is to taste.

Serving as the perfect hangover cure, a tall glass is garnished with candy bacon – where has this been my whole life? – a sprig of celery and cherry tomatoes.

Vodka, fresh lemon juice and a secret bloody Mary mix of local spices, including Kampot pepper, topped with tawny port, present a savory and spicy delight that demands a repeat visit.

With 41 more cocktails to try, and food straight from the barbecue and kitchen on offer, venturing to the Russian market area after dark has become much more appealing.

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TheSmallestDetails

TEMPLATION

Drawing on the surrounding nature, Templation in Siem Reap is a sumptuous retreat taking in stunningly sculptured landscapes and heaps of natural beauty. Words by Marissa Carruthers.

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ature and water have proved to be integral features in all of hospitality group MAADS’ ventures in Cambodia.

“I like the idea of creating an oasis,” says co-founder, Alexis de Suremain, who is behind a string of other hotels, including Plantation Urban Hotel, The Pavilion, Tea House and Blue Lime in the capital. “Most of the properties have big green spaces and water.

Water is a very important element.”

With this in mind, when it came to creating MAADS’ latest resort, Templation on the leafy outskirts of Siem Reap, they formed a creative team that shared this vision. Collaborating with renowned architect Ivan Tizaniel, whose motto is, “Simplicity in details and closeness to nature”, and in house interior designer Juliette Méhaye’s simple and elegant style, the result is a stunning addition to Temple Town.

With the aim of creating a tranquil, luxurious escape, Templation, which opened earlier this year, sees 33 discrete villas and suites dotted throughout four hectares of landscaped grounds that take in bursts of colour from native flora, ubiquitous bodies of water and quiet leafy spots, perfect for contemplation.

Decade-old trees have been carefully preserved in the design, a 700sqm, lake-like swimming pool seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape, and the 21 private pools that accompany the pool suites

and pool villas are sleekly tiled with slate and equipped with jet streams.

Each of the modern villas and suites also pay testament to a bygone era, despite their contemporary feel. Made from uncoated cement – a local stone that is not easy to cut and carve like the laterite used for Angkor’s walls – each of the rooms come with opento-the-sky bathrooms enable guests to shower or take a leisurely bath under the stars.

The onsite spa is operated by Bodia and offers a range of relaxing and therapeutic treatments, while the restaurant and lounge serve gourmet snacks throughout the day and lunch and dinner options.

Guests can also browse the hotel’s Angkor Database and Library – a collection of books and digital documents about the history of the Angkor civilisation and the area.“We wanted to bring relaxation, aesthetic gratification and affordable luxury to a new level,” says de Suremain. “The place itself is your yoga instructor.”

Templation was created using the creativity of architect Ivan Tizianel, co-founder of Siem Reap-based Asma Architects with Lina Ros and Bun Yalin, Ivan Tizianel. Since 2001, they have designed a series of public and private buildings in Cambodia, including Plantation in Phnom Penh.

Rok Rak Street, Modul 3, Phum Sla Kram, Siem Reap. Tel: 063 969 345.

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Photographer: Luke Ding Hair, makeup and styling: Ryan at The Dollhouse Model: Joseph Vann

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Jacket and shorts: Shyleafs White singlet: Paperboy

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Safety pin T-shirt and shorts: Shyleafs Gotham cap: Paperboy

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Black hoodie and shorts: Shyleafs

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escape

LISTINGS

Qatar Airways 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Ground floor, Intercontinental Hotel Phnom Penh.

hotel & travel Airlines Air Asia Domestic Terminal Arrival Office A17 Phnom Penh International Airport Tel: 023 890 035 Asiana Airlines Room A16 Phnom Penh International Airport Tel: 023 890 441

Farm on the Hill

Six Senses Samui has unveiled its latest sustainability initiative, Farm on the Hill, in its quest to be more environmentally conscious and to offer an authentic Thai farm experience. The farm may be small, yet it adds value to the resort’s operation while benefitting the local community. The farm’s inception was born from a landscaping necessity, which included a large volume of organic waste generated, unutilised grey water and lack of nutrient rich soil. All the resort needed was 20 goats, 80 chickens and one greywater catchment system, and the problem was solved. Six Senses Samui now has nutrient rich soil and is able to produce organic eggs, goat milk and an abundant crop of vegetables. Guests, hosts and the local community can feed the goats, collect newly-laid eggs and pick organic produce for their next meal. Farm on the Hill can also be reserved for dinner, where a private sunset tour of the grounds can be enjoyed before a Thai barbecue.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

Guests who book five or more consecutive nights at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay between Nov. 1 and Oct. 31, 2017, can enjoy one of 16 complimentary experiences for every night booked. The culinary experiences include a traditional Vietnamese cooking class in the organic garden, high tea on the jetty, a picnic on the beach, sundowner drinks in the privacy of one’s villa and a sunset cruise on a traditional fishing boat. Those feeling more active can take a guided adventure hike, visit a fish and lobster farm to buy seafood for the chef to prepare back at the resort, a fishing excursion by boat in the resort’s scenic bay or a water ski and sailing class. Those wanting to unwind can choose between a shoulder and back massage, guided meditation or a manicure or pedicure. For more information, visit sixsenses.com.

La Residence Hotel & Spa

For those looking to take a nearby break in Vietnam’s Hue, La Residence has launched a series of packages. The Autumn Package begins with a one-way transfer from Phu Bai airport and segues into one of the hotel’s superior rooms for two nights, with breakfast included. The package cuts the cost of renting a car by 50 percent and works on aches and pains with a 45-minute foot massage or back-and-shoulder rub. It is valid until Dec. 31, 2016 and costs $320 for two. La Residence is also celebrating the holidays with a three-night Festive Package that includes daily breakfast for two, a 45-minute spa treatment for two, a one-way airport transfer and a 10 per cent discount on food and beverage.

The package runs from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15, 2017 for $415.

Bangkok Airways 61A Street 214 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 722 545 Bassaka Air 335 Preah Sihanouk Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 217 688 Cambodia Angkor Air 206A Preah Norodom Blvd. Phnom Penh Tel: 023 666 6788 Cambodia Bayon Airlines 174ABCD, Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 231 555 Cebu Pacific Air 333B Preah Monivong Blvd Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 161 China Airlines 32 Preah Norodom Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 056 China Eastern 68 Street 606 Phnom Penh Tel: 016 985 668 / 016 985 304 China Southern Room F-G-H-I, Ground floor 53 Phnom Penh Hotel, Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 424 588 DragonAir 168 Monireth Blvd Phnom Penh Tel: 023 424 300 Eva Air Suite 11-14B Street 205 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 911 Jet Star Asia 333B Monivong Blvd Phnom Penh Tel: 023 220 909 Korean Air 254 R03 Monivong Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 224 047 023 224 049 Lao Airlines 58B Preah Sihanouk Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 956 Malaysia Airlines 35-37 Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 218 923 023 218 924 Myanmar Airways International 90-94Eo Charles de Gaulle (Street 217)

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Phnom Penh Tel: 023 866 404

Skywing Asia Airlines IOC building Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 217130 Silk Air Regency Complex C, Suite 2-4 Samdach Monireth Blvd Tel: 023 988 629 Thai Airways 294 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 214 359 Tiger Airways 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Intercontinental Hotel, Suite 16B Phnom Penh Tel: 023 5515 888 Vietnam Airlines 41 Street 214 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 215 998

Battambang Bambu Hotel Phum Romchek 5 Tel: 053 953 900 053 953 905 Email: bookings@bambuhotel.com 16 rooms arranged in four traditional inspired buildings with swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Battambang Resort Wat Ko Village, Battambang Tel: 012 510 100 053 666 7001 Email: info@battambangresort.com Café Eden 89 Group 5, Mapei Outsapeea Village Tel: 053 731 525 Eclectic café with incredible food that overlooks the river. Non-profit boutique with handmade local crafts that focuses on training Cambodians.

WiFi, AC, Local Art. Happy hour 3pm-7pm. Open Wednesday - Monday 7.30am-9pm Jaan Bai Restaurant Road 2 (near Psar Nat Market) Tel: 097 398 7815 For those with a passion for food and an interest in supporting Cambodian youth. Using seasonal organic produce sourced from their own kitchen garden, local farmers and neighbouring markets.

Open Tuesday – Sunday 11am–9pm.

Kinyei Café Street 1 and 1/2, Phum 20 Osaphea Tel: 017 292 119 Social enterprise with the best coffee in town, serving snacks, lunch, breakfast and other drinks, friendly staff, free space for small open workshop. Won the National Barista Championship 2012 - 2013. Open daily from 7am-7pm.

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

Sangker Villa Hotel Pool Restaurant 200 Street, Romchek4 Village Ratanak Commune Tel: 097 764 0017 Sangker Villa has seven rooms and one balcony suite. It is a 10 minute walk from the city centre. The hotel combines the charm of the countryside with the advantages of the city.

Swiss management, speaking English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Kampot Bokor Mountain Lodge Riverfront Tel: 0 33 932 314 017 712 062 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 menu and freshly prepared food.

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

Rikitikitavi Riverfront Tel: 0 12 274 820 012 235 102 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 daily.

Rusty Keyhole Riverside Road Tel: 012 679 607 Friendly British owner has recreated the atmosphere of a rural British 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 Knai Bang Chatt Resort Tel: 078 888 557 www.knaibangchatt.com An exclusive resort offering personal service in private grounds housing a collection of remodeled 1960’s style colonial villas. Offering 18 rooms, infinity pool, 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 Tel: 011 964 181 www.leboutdumondekep.com Individual and separate bungalows in traditional Khmer architecture located on a hill-top with good views and nice gardens. Serves French and Khmer cuisine. Rooms have hot water, mini-bar, fan and safe.

Spring Valley Resort /Mr. Mab Tel: 036 666 6673 mrmab.com www.springvalley-resort.com Spring Valley Resort, at the base of Kep National Park, is just a short walk to the beach. The rooms are scattered throughout vibrant green gardens, connected by walkways that wind through vines, trees and flowering plants.

Their restaurant, Mr Mab takes a fresh look at traditional Khmer street food.

Villa S’aat Tel: 017 383 185 www.villa-kep.com Elegant and spacious villa for rent in Kep during holidays and weekends. Located around 2km

from the crab market, with spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchen, swimming pool, large terrace, garden and household staff. Maximum capacity of 12 guests.

Kirirom Kirirom Pine View Kitchen Tel: 078 777 284 www.vkirirom.com The restaurant is surrounded by pine trees, located in Kirirom National Park. Serves special Khmer and western dishes, overlooking this beautiful nature. Open daily from 7am-10pm.

Mondulkiri Mayura Hill Resort Tel: 077 980 980 www.mayurahillresort.com Mayura Hill Hotel & Resort has 14 exclusive private bungalow villas embodying the northeastern province’s lifestyle. The first ecotourism resort in Sen Monorom city located just 1km from downtown, surrounded by wonderful views of the highlands.

Pailin Memoria Palace Resort Tel: 0 15 430 013 015 430 014 Email: reservation@memoriapalce.com www.memoriapalace.com Memoria Palace Resort features 16 beautiful bungalow, three unique eco-lodges, a hilltop saltwater swimming pool, restaurant, bar and conference room. The perfect environment for peaceful relaxation or adventurous outdoor activities in the Cardamom Mountains.

Phnom Penh – Apartments Bellevue Serviced Apartments 68 Tonle Sap Street Tel: 023 432 999 www.bellevueservicedapartments.com Located in a deluxe hotel complex on the riverbank of the Tonle Sap, Bellevue offers spacious, contemporary accommodation 10 minutes away from the city.

Himawari Hotel Apartments 313 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 214 555 Email: reservation@himawari.com.kh www.himawarihotel.com Choose from panoramic views of the Mekong Delta or the city skyline backdrop with the Royal Palace, the spacious and well-appointed suites are a home away from home, both for tourists and long-stay guests. Amenities include fullyequipped kitchen, daily housekeeping services, international pool, fitness centre, tennis court, spa and various food and beverage outlets.

Season Residence Apartments 109-133, Street 144 Tel: 0 23 990 628 012 457 408 www.seasonresidence.com Season Residence is self-catered accommodation located only 9km from the airport. Featuring spacious apartments with free Wi-Fi access.

Silvertown Metropolitan 251 Street 63 www.silvertowncambodia.com Located in BKK1, one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods of Phnom Penh, the fully serviced apartments take everyday living and lifestyle at the highest quality. Features include a tranquil rooftop skybar and infinity swimming pool.

Sokea Suites Extended Stay 168 Monireth Blvd. www.sokeasuites.com The 21 apartments ranging from 37 m2 to 95 m2 are designed with one idea in mind: to make guests feel at home in Phnom Penh.

TAMASA Serviced Apartment Located next to Cambodia Country Club Tel: 023 995 594 The 26 rooms all have different designs and

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layouts. A café is located on the ground floor of the building and it also has an infinity pool on the top floor, which is opened for residents and guests.

Phnom Penh – Deluxe InterContinental 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

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 spa.

Rambutan Resort 29 Street 71 Tel: 017 992 240 www.rambutanresort.com Urban modern oasis located in a quiet residential area only 5 minutes from all major sights in Phnom Penh. Deluxe pool view and garden rooms with outdoor bathtubs. Salt water pool and private spa room for some unwinding treatments.

www.villa-samnang.com Boutique hotel with 14 rooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

The 252 Boutique Hotel 19 Street 252 Tel: 023 998 252 www.the-252.com Conveniently located close to major attractions, the small boutique hotel offers a quiet and peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Spacious and stylishly decorated rooms with all amenities, swimming pool surrounded by a leafy tropical garden, outdoor restaurant and bar.

Phnom Penh - Budget

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/ 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.

Mid-Range

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

Tel: 023 999 200 www.sofitel.com Set on the riverside amongst landscaped gardens this 12-storey, 5-star colonial style hotel is close to key attractions, embassies and the central business district.

Almond Hotel 128f Sothearos Bld. Tel: 023 220 822 Owned by Cambodia’s top chef, Luu Meng, this hotel boasts 70 guest rooms, and is aimed at the visiting business community. Tasty dim sun is served from the ground floor restaurant, YiSang.

Sister hotel about to open close to Aeon Mall.

Sokha Phnom Penh Chroy Changvar Peninsula Tel: 23 685 8888 www. sokhahotels.com/phnompenh An blot on the horizon or testament to the rising wealth of the capital - you choose. Located on Chroy Changvar peninsula opposite the Royal Palace the views are quite spectacular, but the opulent interior can not disguise the distance to Phnom Penh’s bars and restaurants.

The Artist Guesthouse 69 Street 178 Tel: 023 213 930 www.the-artist-guesthouse.com Located across from the National Museum, The Artist is an 11-bedroom guesthouse has a modern feel.

Phnom Penh – Mid Chateau the Meliya 10B Street 264 Tel: 023 987 212 Hotel and serviced-apartments, in a great central location, close to Independence Monument, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Riverfront. 54 units (studio, one bedroom and two bedrooms), with contemporary design and amazing city and river views.

The Billabong Hotel 5 Street 158 Tel: 023 223 703 www.thebillabonghotel.com Phnom Penh’s premier boutique family hotel with 41 well-appointed rooms surrounding a large free form salt water swimming pool. Poolside alfresco dining.

The Laneway Boutique Hotel 2 Street 278 Tel: 089 985 956 The Laneway Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Phnom Penh and offers all the essential comforts you would expect from a first-class leisure hotel, including a cocktail bar, swimming pool, grill restaurant and recreational facilities.

Mito Hotel 11 Street 174, corner Monivong Blvd.

(North of Wat Koh Pagoda) Tel: 023 213 999 023 220 188 023 220 199 Email: reservation@mitohotel.com www.mitohotel.com Mito Hotel is a newly renovated business hotel in the heart of Phnom Penh. Blessed with premier central location, diverse international clientele of business men, entrepreneurs, adventures with affordable luxury. Mito Hotel is the preferred choice for business and leisure travellers.

Pandan Boutique Hotel 15A Street 282 Tel: 012 373 78 www.pandanboutiquehotel.com Ideally located in the heart of Phnom Penh, at walking distance from the shopping and business district, 5 minute walk from Independence Monument. 26 rooms with unique and classy design.

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The Quay Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 224 894 www.thequayhotel.com Five-storey, 16-room riverside boutique hotel has beautiful contemporary rooms designed by Gary Fell. The stand-out features are the rooftop Jacuzzi and the very contemporary groundfloor bar and Chow Restaurant with WiFi. Samsara Villa Boutique Hotel 43z5, Street 466, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 0 11 562 629 023 219 136 www.samsaravilla.com Located in a quiet alley, between Aeon Mall and Russian Market, 15min from Riverside and Central Market, Samsara Villa is charming, peaceful with a small but luxurious garden, a pool, 20 rooms, restaurant & bar open from 7am to 10pm, transportation & tours.

Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower – The H22 Phnom Penh Tower, 22nd Floor Tel: 023 964 020 www.d22h22.com Many of the rooms feature large windows allowing guests to easily take in the beautiful city view from your room on the 22nd floor of PPT. Room available from $25.

TEAV Boutique Hotel 14 Street 310 Tel: 023 981 818 / 017 989 191 Email: stay@teavgroup.com www.teavboutiquehotel.com Located in a quiet, peaceful setting in the prestigious central heart of Phnom Penh near the Independence Monument, the uniquely designed art deco style TEAV Boutique Hotel provides single travellers, couples, families, leisure and business with a relaxing and highly personalised stay.

Villa Borann 235A Street 19 Tel: 023 211 518 www.villa-borann-boutique-hotel.com Business boutique hotel in the historical centre of Phnom Penh with 14 rooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Nicely furnished rooms.

Colonial style.

Villa Samnang 15 Street 302 Tel: 023 221 644

Villa Srey 16 Street 306 Tel: 023 213 219 www.villasrey.com Charming hotel, six rooms with terrace and swimming pool. Very quiet in the heart of Phnom Penh.

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.

Sihanoukville Café Sushi 25 Street Ekreach, near Golden Lion Tel: 012 777 476 (Khmer/English) 097 516 5727 (Japanese) Cafe Sushi serves up fresh sushi prepared by a master Japanese “itamae” in a stylish, air-conditioned lounge. Choose from an authentic range of sashimi, nigiri and other Japanese favourites, with both locally-caught and rare, imported fish, or go for more westernised choices. Open daily from 11am2pm & 5.30pm-10pm.

Mick & Craig’s Restaurant Serendipity Beach Tel: 034 934 845 www.mickandcraigs.com A small, friendly restaurant serving comfort food from around the world since 1997. Open daily from 7am-11pm.

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.

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 Kong.

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

LISTINGS

Reef Resort Road to Serendipity Beach Tel: 012 315 338 www.reefresort.com.kh Guesthouse set around a beautiful pool with well apportioned AC rooms, in-room safe and cable TV, family rooms also available. Has a welcoming bar with excellent TV screen.

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.

The Secret Garden Otres Beach Tel: 097 649 5131 www.secretgardenotres.com Modern beachside AC bungalows with hot water, TV, WiFi and swimming pool. Restaurant run by professional Australian chef.

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.

City Tour Hop on Hop off Tel: 016 745 880 Visit 10 popular attractions in Phnom Penh.

Unlimited hop on hop off. English commentary, free Wifi and water. Departs hourly from the Night Market. Shuttle bus to Genocide Museum and Killing Fields: 9am and 11am from the Night Market.

Discover the Mekong Suite 1844, Canadia Tower 18th Floor Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 962 468 Email: dmc@discoverthemekong.travel Discover the Mekong offers unique adventures into the heart of Cambodia.

Exotissimo Travel 66 Norodom Blvd.

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-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.

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-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 amazing light boxes. Range of cocktails. Open 5pm until late.

Mezze 13a (1st floor) Street 11 Tel: 097 766 7343 mezze.siemreap@gmail.com www.mezzesiemreap.com Enjoy signature cocktails, original Cuban cigars,

fine Champagne and fusion tapas.

Open daily 6pm-1am.

international standard 18-hole 72par golf course

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.

Sokkhak Boutique Resort Kok Chork village, Trorpeang Ses commune, Wat thmey Tel: 063 765 697 063 765 698 www.sokkhak-boutiqueresort.com Stay in either one of the two suites, four junior suites or five uniquely deluxe rooms and one classic standard room, decorated in a boutique and homely style that offers simplicity, comfort and relaxation.

Nest Sivutha Blvd.

Tel: 063 966 381 Up-market drinking and dining, serving light Mediterranean and Asian food in a unique, highly stylised setting, with loungers and table settings.

The Warehouse Old Market Tel: 012 530 227 Popular expat bar plays great music with good fusion cuisine. Best stocked bar in town and homemade infused vodkas. Open 10am-3am.

Galleries Diwo Galleries Vat Svay, Tonle Sap Road / between Monument Books and Ta Prohm Hotel.

Selection of refined Khmer statues and Buddhas.

The larger Vat Svay location features a gallery exhibition of Thierry Diwo’s photography. Drinks are available in the garden and on the terrace.

Leisure Angkor Silk Farm Puok District (20min from Siem Reap downtown) Tel: 063 555 5768 www.artisansdangkor.com Learn about the meticulous process of silkmaking and traditional silk weaving. Free shuttle bus departing from Artisans Angkor’s shop in Siem Reap centre to the Angkor Silk Farm from 9.30am-1.30pm. Open daily from 8am-5pm Helicopters Cambodia 658 Hup Quan Street.

Tel: 063 963 316 Professionally run company with flights over the temples and beyond in modern, safe helicopters.

Happy Cambodia Gallery 2 Hospital Street, next to Pub Street Tel: 063 963 114 www.happypainting.net The distinctive and highly colourful work created by long-time Cambodian expat artist Stef.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus Behind Angkor National Museum on Komay Road Tel: 015 499 480.

A unique professional Cambodian theatrical circus show mixing traditional and modern artistic skills. Daily at 7.30pm.

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-10pm.

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.

Hotels

Sam Veasna Centre Wat Bo Area Tel: 063 963 710 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.

Kingdom Angkor Hotel Tel: 063 760 526 Email: reservation@kingdomangkor.com or info@kingdomangkor.com www.kingdomangkor.com Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa Tel: 063 967 755 www.lynnaya.com A luxury resort equipped with swimming pool, spa and restaurant.

Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa Sivatha Blvd.

Tel: 063 763 888 Email: info@princedangkor.com www.princedangkor.com Experience ultimate luxury and bask in the splendor of elegance at the Prince D’ Angkor Hotel & Spa, the perfect base from which to explore the legendary Angkor temples.

Rambutan Hotels & Resorts Phum Wat Damnak, Kum Sala Komreuk, Krom 10 Tel: 012 654 638 063 766 655 Email: bookings@rambutansr.com www.rambutans.info The former Golden Banana resort has been rebranded but contains the same deluxe suites and villas in modern Asian style build around a salt-water pool. Private balcony or terrace with outdoor bathtub/splash shower. LBGT-friendly.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Vithei Charles de Gaulle Tel: 063 964 600 063 964 610 www.sofitel.com Ultimate in comfort and refinement, combining the traditional architecture of Cambodia with elegant French colonial style. Five-star accommodation, swimming pool, spa and

siem reap

Medical Royal Angkor International Hospital National Route 6, Phum Kasekam, Khum Sra Ngea Tel: 063 761 888 www.royalangkorhospital.com Royal Angkor International Hospital is part of the well-known Bangkok Hospital Network.

Offering high quality care for all eventualities from routine care to emergency treatment 24 hours a day.

Pharmacies U-Care Pharmacies Old market Tel: 063 965 396 Lucky Mall Tel: 063 966 68 Siem Reap Airport Tel: 063 766049 Sivatha Street Tel: 063 763 399 International cosmetic brands, leading imported health and beauty products, only certified medication. Open 8am-10pm.

Restaurants Armand’s The Bistro 584-586 Tep Vong, Sangkat Svay Dangkom (Next to ANZ Bank) Phum Mondul 1 Tel: 092 305 401 A true bistro experience in a cosy woodpanelled space, despite the informal and relaxed ambience it has the menu to even satisfy high-rollers.

Chanrey Tree Pokombo Ave. Tel: 063 767 997

Rie-un Pissa Khmer Sarah Brown I have lived in Siem Reap long enough now that I should be fluent in Khmer – or at least I could be had I been dedicated enough to learning – and while it’s easy enough to go about your daily business here with little more than “Su s’dai”, “aw-kun”, and an ability to give tuk tuk drivers directions, I do feel daily pangs of guilt at my linguistic ineptitude.

I’ve always felt that if you’re living in another country you have a responsibility to learn the local language, and it’s not that I haven’t tried.

I can read all of the letters and exchange pleasantries with the best of them but I seem to have plateaued, and no matter how much time and energy I put into learning Khmer, I can’t seem to get anywhere close to fluency – or even far beyond, “did you eat lunch yet?”

But I haven’t lost hope. I know plenty of expats who speak excellent Khmer, and I’m convinced mastering this language is not totally beyond my capabilities.

I’ve asked fluent friends about their secrets of success in the hope that it’ll spur me on to more studying, and I’m happy to share their advice here.

Practice The number one tip I received was practice, practice, practice then practice some more.

If you have Khmer friends, ask them to chat with you

for five minutes in Khmer, and if you go to the market try to ask for things in Khmer rather than resorting to the classic point and mime.

It’s also, apparently, better to practice for 10 minutes every day than an hour one day per week.

If you struggle with motivation, joining a class or hiring a tutor will help greatly.

There are plenty of excellent ones available in Siem Reap, including those offered at Possibilities World and ACE. Listen If you can, try to watch the news or other local TV programmes.

While you may not catch all of what’s being said, at least it helps your ears tune into the many different sounds and tones that non-Khmer speakers may not be familiar with. I’ve also found this useful for learning new phrases.

Read For those learning to read, it’s also smart to start with children’s books.

I don’t know what on earth I was thinking, but when I first started learning to read Khmer. I had visions of picking up a newspaper and browsing through it over a coffee.

I am likely still years – if not decades – away from that kind of fluency, but children’s books contain simple words and phrases that are much easier for beginners.

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www.chanreytree.com Traditional Khmer food in a beautiful contemporary setting. Alongside the river, 50m before Preah Phrum Rath Pagoda.

Open daily. Lunch 11am-2.30pm, dinner 6pm-10.30pm.

Hot Stone Café Old Market area, next to Angkor trade center Tel: 012 926 562 063 966 966 Email: info@hotstonecafe.asia www.hotstonecafé.asia The hottest culinary concept in town, with two dining options, cook yourself BBQ selection and Khmer dining.

Il Forno Restaurant Siem Reap Paris Alley, off Pub Street Tel: 063 763 380 Come and try our wood fire pizza and our traditional homemade pastas. New air con room to cool off with a nice Italian wine and a charcuterie.

King’s Road Angkor 7 Makara Road, Achar Sva Street (opposite Old Market bridge) Tel: 093 811 800 www.kingsroadangkor.com A unique dining and shopping village in Siem Reap, comprising of 15 restaurants and cafés and 12 boutiques.

Lava/Sushi Plus/Rio Tel: 085 330 093 063 962 952 Email: fb@riverbayvilla.com www.riverbayvilla.com Experience the flavors of the world under one roof. LAVA: sizzling specialized concept of oriental and creative international cuisine.

SUSHI PLUS: cozy Japanese restaurant paying tribute to the origin of Sushi. RIO: the outdoor lounge filled with lazy loungers cushions.

Maharajah Indian Restaurant Next to Pub Street, Old Market.

Tel: 063 966 221 092 506 622 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.

Mahob Khmer Cuisine Tel: 017 550 206 063 966 986 Email: info@mahobkhmer.com www.mahobkhmer.com Mahob is the Cambodian word for ‘food’ serving traditional Khmer cuisine in the new level by using only the freshest local ingredients to tantalise your taste-buds.

Marum 8A-B Phum Slokram, (Between Wat Polanka & Catholic Church) Tel: 017 363 284 A winning mix of creative local cuisine.

Open from 11am-10.30pm (Kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

Palate Angkor Acha Sva Road, Wat Bo Village Tel: 063 965 252 www.palateangkor.com Palate Angkor restaurant and bar, is a recent addition to the Siem Reap culinary scene.

Serving delectable Pan Asian cuisine.

Open daily from 11.30am-11pm.

feast

Shops Artisans Angkor Boutique and Workshops Stung Thmey Street (2min from the Old Market) Tel: 063 963 330 www.artisansdangkor.com Boutique offering collection of handmade souvenirs such as high-quality silk scarves, clothing and accessories, wooden and stone sculptures Free guided tours of the handicraft workshops.

Open daily from 7.30am-6.30pm 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.

Spas Body Tune 293-290 Pokambor Ave. (Next to the old market) 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, from 10am-10.30pm.

Sokkhak Spa Sok San Street, Old Market Tel: 063 763 797 A nature-inspired décor with a tranquil atmosphere to relax, refresh and indulge.

Open daily 11am-10pm.

Malis SR Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap Riverside Tel: 015 824 888 Cambodian celebrity chef Luu Meng has opened a second Malis in Siem Reap. Serving up sumptuous traditional Khmer cuisine with a contemporary flavour, Malis SR offers signature dishes, such as Kampot red crab curry and Royal Mac Mee. Open daily from 6.30am to 10.30pm.

Phuket’s Metzo Scoops Award

Metzo’s Bistro & Bar, located at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort in Thailand, has won the prestigious Best Restaurant Within a Hote” award at the International Hotel and Property Awards 2016. The contemporary, high-street bar bistro beat entries from the world’s top architects, designers and hospitality operators, including restaurants in hotel brands such as Hilton, InterContinental, Shangri-la and Le Meridien. Metzo’s opened in October 2015 and was designed with a lived in, slightly industrial eclectic aesthetic with subtle Moorish motifs. The wine bar in Metzo’s was envisaged as the casual dining and drinking focus for the resort, centred on lively shared long tables. The heart of Metzo’s is the ‘long bar’ presenting a range of daily hot and cold tapas, quality wines, craft beers and Metzo’s cocktails.

Malis Cambodian Flavours

At Malis in Siem Reap new acting general manager, Taing Lundy, is creating a stir with his cocktails, which draw on signature Cambodian flavours. The result is a selection of unique and delicious Malis Siem Reap signature cocktails. These can be sampled daily but go down a treat while enjoying the live music and barside snack buffest every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

London Winter Warmed with Cambodia

London is set for a taste bud tingling fortnight this November as Cambodian chef Sophat Hing, of Song Saa Private Island, takes the reins at Marylebone’s Carousel. In mid-November, Hing’s residency will see Carousel transformed into the very first pop-up Khmer dining experience in the capital. Fusing traditional Cambodian flavours with modern techniques, Hing will create unique dishes such as plea trey – fisherman style barramundi salad with green chilli, banana palm, toasted peanuts, mint and basil – for a fresh take on delicious Khmer cuisine. The specially designed menu draws on Hing’s rural upbringing with a rich diversity of flavours inspired by his island home. Diners at Carousel can traverse the Cambodian gastronomic landscape, from traditional amok trey to the iconic cha k’dam m’rec kchey Kampot.

Blue Pumpkin Meal Deal

Blue Pumpkin is offering all customers who choose one of seven delicious dishes as part of the special combo set (prices start from $5.90) a free tumbler from Coca-Cola. Dishes include chicken teriyaki baked rice and creamy vongole pasta. The offer is available at the following outlets: Riverside, BKK Corner, BKK market TKK and Sivatha, Old Market and King’s Road Angkor in Siem Reap. For more information, phone 069 351 117.

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LISTINGS

food & drink Cafés 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.

Blue Pumpkin 245 Sisowath Quay, and at Monument Books on Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 998 153 At multiple locations in Phnom Penh, serving breakfast sets, Asian and Western entrées and an array of ice cream flavours in air-conditioned comfort. Open daily from 6am-11pm.

Brown Coffee & Bakery 17 Street 214, and other locations throughout the city.

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 Le Point Tel: 077 974 921 Enjoy the cosy and relaxed atmosphere under a big mango tree. Located near KFC on Norodom Bvd, next to La Clef de Sol shop.

Healthy, natural and delicious. Open Monday to Saturday, from 7am-7pm.

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.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 30 Street 57 Tel: 023 988 027 Peaceful coffee shop with different locations in town (BKK1, Phnom Penh Tower, Vattanac Tower & Aeon Mall) provides you good quality products and excellent service.

Cupcake Rush 23A Street 57/306 Tel: 087 696 988 Sweet treats galore at this cute, specialist cupcake shop. Open daily from 8am-8pm.

Daughters of Cambodia 65E0 Street 178 / 130A Street 430 Tel: 077 657 678 www.daughtersofcambodia.org The café serve light lunches, a few main courses, home baked goods, desserts, coffee and some original smoothies. Provides vocational training, where trainees have the opportunity to graduate to top end restaurants and hotels. There’s also a shop selling clothing, accessories and jewellery made on site, or relax in the spa which offers head, shoulder, face and foot treatments. The Street 430 venue also has a children’s play area.

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 Popular coffee shop that serves hot and cold drinks and snacks. A great place to chill and relax, or to catch up with all those lost emails.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 420 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.

Kiriya Café 174, St.51, Cnr St.370 Tel: 016 363 730.

This Japanese café chain offers good locally sourced coffee, delicious desserts and a relaxing atmosphere. Open daily 6am-2am.

The Deli 13 Street 178.Tel: 012 851 234 The Deli is a simple Bistro Gourmet where the chef changes half the menu every few weeks and the wines per glass are selected to sit alongside the dishes to help customers make the perfect pairing.

The Shop 39 Street 240, Tel: 0 92 955 963 023 986 964 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-7pm Mon to Sat, 7am-3pm Sun.

Cambodian

Dot Grill 8 Street 144 Tel: 023 996 402 Dot serves delicious Cambodian grill specialties, prepared and served on large skewers made to order on an open grill in the restaurant’s centre. The menu includes the best of local cuisine as well as international all-time favourites. Open daily from 7.30am–10pm.

Garuda Khmer Restaurant 21 Street 466 Tel: 092 877 345 / 092 710 097 Authentic homemade Khmer cuisine served at International standard and a museum where you can eat. Open daily from 11.30pm– 2:30pm and 5pm-10pm.

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 prepared and large enough to share.

La Table Khmère 11E Street 278 Tel: 012 238 068 www.la-table-khmere.com Taste the flavour of traditional Khmer specialities and fusion cuisine in a stylish ambience and atmosphere on Street 278.

Also serving Western dishes. Open daily from 11am-11pm.

Malis 136 Norodom Bvd Tel: 023 221 022 www.malis-restaurant.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. Open 6am-10pm.

Restaurant Le Royal Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 (see also restaurants, French) Romdeng 74 Street 174 Tel: 092 219 565 Romdeng serves Cambodian food that ranges from almost forgotten recipes from the provinces to contemporary creative Cambodian cuisine. It is set in a beautiful colonial building featuring wooden carvings, tables, chairs and unique lights all hand-made in Cambodia. Open daily from 11am-10.30pm (kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

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

Fortune Palace NagaWorld, Hun Sen Park Chinese restaurant with authentic Greater Chinese cuisine and all-you-can-eat Dim Sum buffet on Sundays. Open from 11am-3pm and 5pm-10pm.

Fu Lu Zu Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd Tel: 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 and 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 and 5pm-10pm 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.

Tsui Wah 157 Street 63 Tel: 023 986 133 Offers a variety of roasted meats, including duck, pork and goose. Open 21 hours, serving Hong-Kong-influenced food. Open daily from 6am-3am.

World Dining 2/F Aeon Mall, 132 Samdach Sothearos Blvd, Tel: 023 90 17 77 Food Court that brings streetfood to the sanctuary of the Mall with 12 booths serving food from Cambodia and around the World. The Cambodian cuisine includes some fantastic, fresh and cheap bahn chhev pancakes, while there are steaks, Indian, Italian, Singapore chicken and rice, pho and chinese food from Yi Sang as cosmopolitan alternatives. Open 9am to 10pm.

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 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 The Bistro 33 Street 108 Tel: 015 548 966 A true bistro experience in a cosy woodpanelled space, despite the informal and relaxed ambience it has the menu to even satisfy high-rollers. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm-11.45pm.

Comme à la Maison 13 Street 57 Tel: 012 951 869 www.commealamaison-delicatessen.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.

The D22 Dining & Bar Phnom Penh Tower 22nd Floor – Inside Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tel: 023 964 021 http://tamahomecambodia.jp/tamahotel/ The dining offers French bistro cuisine where you get to enjoy the dishes that go well with wines. The bar has a great selection of wines and also offers cigars that can add spice to your night. Dining 6.30pm-10pm, bar 4.30pm-midnight.

K West 1 Street 154, cnr. Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 214 747 Stylish aircon bar and restaurant below the Amanjaya with an excellent steak menu and good value happy hour from 6pm-8pm Fridays.

Now has a brasserie menu with daily specials.

Also has free WiFi. Open 6.30am until midnight.

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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 home-cooked 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 and 6.30pm-10.30pm.

Le Bistrot 218 Street 184 Tel: 012 495 841 information@institutfrançais-cambodge.com.

Nestled inside the entirely renovated spaces of the Institut Français, Le Bistrot offers great coffee break, lunches and dinner. Le Bistrot is between the media library, cinema, exhibition gallery and garden of the Institut Français. Open Monday to Saturday from 8am-10pm.

Le Gourmet NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park.

Tel: 023 228 822 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.

Restaurant Le Royal Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 www.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 6.30pm10.30pm.

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. The set lunch is one of the most attractive packages on offer.

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 Post Office. Has an excellent value set lunch. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm.

Indian Sub-Continent

CELEBRATE WITH THE LEGEND, THE OFFICIAL WINE OF

HALLOWEEN

Dosa Corner 15 Street 51 Tel: 012 673 276 This small South Indian restaurant has a wide range of very good value dosa as well as thali and biryani dishes. Air-conditioned. Open 7am-10pm.

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.

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY

Indian Delight 115Eo Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 724 885 / 098 776 543 Delicious North Indian tastes served at a modest

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

023 986 350

063 964 409

Sihanoukville Kep & Kampot 034 934 155

033 930 000

Battambang 053 953 855

yet clean and bright spot on the riverside.

Opposite Titanic restaurant.

Open daily 11am–11pm.

Sher e Punjab 16 Street 130, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 092 992 901 Phnom Penh is blessed with a vast array of Indian kitchens, but many expats put this small place at the top of their list. Top Indian food, with an authentic Tandoori oven producing fine breads and grilled meats, also excellent for veggies. Open daily, 10am-10pm.

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

Open 11am-11pm.

Lan Pin 281 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 077 221 195 Located in Tai Ming Hotel, this restaurant serves up sumptuous Asian fusion cuisine.

Lemongrass 14 Street 130 Tel: 023 222 705 A boutique Asian-themed restaurant with an intimate, casual ambiance featuring classical Thai and Khmer cuisine with affordable price.

Known for authentic flavours and attractive presentation, only the best local produce and choice seafood and meats are prepared fresh daily. Open daily 10am-10pm.

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.

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 all-you-can-eat dinner buffets.

Open daily 6am-10.30pm.

International 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.

Black Bambu 29 Street 228, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 966 895 A not-for-profit training restaurant set up by Cambodian’s Children’s Fun, focusing on fine dining in the form of tapas-style food. With Al Schaaf in the kitchen you can be assured of the quality of the food on offer. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30am to 11pm.

Brooklyn Pizza + Bistro 20 Street 123 Tel: 089 925 926 A slice of Brooklyn right here in Phnom Penh.

In addition to authentic pizza, Brooklyn serves pastas, burgers, ribs, chicken wings and more.

Cabaret 159 Street 154 (near Central Market) Tel: 092 650 980 Email: info@cabaret-restaurant.com Restaurant and lounge bar with live music.

Enjoy trendy food, tapas, cocktails and wine in a modern setting encompassing two elegant areas, bar and patio. Fine and casual dining available. Live music four to five times a week, sumptuous variety of wine and cigars.

Café 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

REGIONAL EATS

Asian cuisines are available buffet-style or a la carte. Private rooms are available on request.

Buffet from 6am-10am, 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm10pm. A la carte from 11am-11pm.

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.

The Chinese House 45 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 092 553 330 Under new management and having undergone a radical revamp, Chinese House has a fine dining restaurant upstairs serving fusion food, and a bar space downstairs, serving tapas. Still has the uber-cool vibe created by the previous management.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd Tel: 023 987 420 www.javaarts.org (See cafés)

Doors Restaurant 18, Street 47 & 84.

Tel: 023 986 114 www.doorspp.com A hub for music, art, nightlife and food.

Experience world class Spanish cuisine and mouthwatering Tapas cooked by our resident chef. Open 11am until late.

Bun Cha (Kebab Rice Noddle)

Tristan Ngo

Once in a while I am asked how I come up with what to write for this column every month. As a chef, I rarely cook for myself and, to be honest, I dine out quite a bit with family and friends. But to answer the question, I have nothing pre-arranged; an occasional request and the rest of the time I pretty much go with the flow.

One recent request was to review a local favorite from Hanoi.

My first reaction was: “Well, I’m in HCMC, so how am I going to do this?” After a brief moment of being brain dead, I realised just because I live in HCMC doesn’t mean I cannot write about dishes from other regions of Vietnam. So this month I have decided to write on one of my favorite Hanoian dishes called bun cha.

Bun cha originates from Hanoi and is comprised of grilled pork, meatballs and white rice noodles. It is served with sliced grilled fatty pork, pork meatballs, pickled papaya and carrots, a side of various herbs and nuoc cham (fish sauce condiment). The herbs or rau thom are comprised of red perilla (tia to), Thai basil (hung que) and lettuce.

The nuoc cham is made of vinegar, sugar and fish sauce. The fatty pork is similar to Galbi Korean marinated BBQ, grilled over charcoal and then served in the nuoc cham.

If you’re not familiar with how to eat bun cha, it’s quite simple.

Add the rice noodles and herbs to the nuoc cham with the pork and enjoy. For the diehard fan in HCMC, here are some notable places to get your bun cha fix:

1. Bun Cha Anh Hong

140B Ly Chinh Thang // D3, HCMC // Open 6.30am to 8.30pm Anh Hong is a long-standing eatery, with a nice open space and long captain’s metal tables so you’ll likely share with other guests when it’s busy and delicious. A must try is their banh tom (deep fried shrimps and sweet potato fritter).

2. Bun Cha Ho Guom

135 Vo Van Tan // District 3, HCMC // Open 7am to 9pm Order their nem ran tom cua bien (crispy seafoods spring rolls) as an added side to the bun cha.

3. Bun Cha Ha Noi 26

8A/6D2 Thai Van Lung Street // D1, HCMC // Open 6am to 8pm This place just happens to be in Japan Town alley (formerly known as the expat ghetto) across from Skewers Restaurant. Besides bun cha, their spring rolls and shrimp cakes are divine.

Tristan Ngo is chef, patron, and owner of Skewers Restaurant and The Elbow Room in Ho Chi Minh.

Duplex 3 Street 278 www.duplex.com.kh A Belgian beer tavern in the heart of Phnom Penh. A destination that fuses the elements of a lounge with high energy ambiance.

Est Bar 19z, Street 214 Tel: 023 998 227 Email: indulge@estbar.com www.estbar.com (See bars) 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, and enjoy the happy hour. Open daily from 7am-midnight.

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.

Fox Wine Bistro 104 Sothearos Blvd & St. 266.

Tel: 098 78 99 61 Casual wine-dining. For passionate food and wine lovers who want an unforgettable dining experience or even just a place to hang-out that’s unlike elsewhere in Phnom Penh. Serving simple yet thoughtful dishes and drinks in a comfortable, hip and trendy atmosphere.

Friends the Restaurant 215 Street 13 Tel: 012 802 072 Friends the Restaurant is a training restaurant run by Mith Samlanh, which has worked to build the futures of former street children and marginalised young people in Phnom Penh since 1994. Located near the National Museum, it is famous for its legendary frozen shakes and daiquiris and its delicious blend of Asian and Western-style tapas. Free WiFi available and a dog-friendly restaurant. Open daily from 11am–10.30pm (kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

Hummus House 95 Sisowath Quay Tel: 092 483 759 Authentic Lebanese halal cuisine, offering Middle East flavours including mezze tapas – hummus, shish kebab, baba ganouj, falafel, vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebab wraps. Delivery, takeaway, catering. Open daily from 10am until late.

Irina Russian Restaurant 22 Street 29 Tel: 012 833 524 092 833 524 www.irinacambodia.com

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.

La Croisette 241 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 220 554 Riverfront restaurant with an ample outside dining area screened off by trees that serves good, reasonably-priced food, also has a cool, air-con restaurant inside. Often arranges special events. Open 7am-late.

La Plaza Spanish Tapas Bar 22b Street 278 Tel: 012 825 443 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 at weekends.

LA Rose Restaurant 164b Norodom Blvd Tel: 023 211 130 080 900 900 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, served in a delightful setting.

Lime Restaurant + Bar 79F Street 128 Tel: 023 998 608/610 Email: 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.

Lone Pine Café 14 Street 282 Tel: 078 949 39 095 949 398 Colossal burgers, Memphis hunk ribs, Cajun gumbo, spicy chili, root beer barbecue pulled pork, po boys, wings, big salads, best beer list, great bourbons and fantastic margaritas. Open daily from 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-10pm (evenings only on Sunday).

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 to Saturday, 7am-10pm.

Meat & Drink Street 308 alleyway Bar and grill. A casual setting for drinks and a bite to eat. No reservations. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

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,

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 61

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.

imbibe

Mike’s Burger House Russian Blvd. 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 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 3pm-midnight.

Thanks for the Wine Darren Gall It’s November and that means Americans all over the world are getting ready to vote on the 8th and then celebrate Thanksgiving Day, which is on the fourth Thursday of the eleventh month.

The main focus of Thanksgiving is the roast Turkey dinner held with great conviction and deep-felt significance amongst family and friends. The meal is a veritable feast and also presents the perfect opportunity to break out a few special wines.

Roast turkey has light and dark meat and when cooked perfectly this bird offers a succulent flavour with hints of a slightly oily, gaminess.

Additionally, there is always a veritable cornucopia of additional sides and accompaniments served with the roast, such as bread basedstuffing made with spiced meats and fruits and traditional American standbys, including sweet potatoes, sweetcorn, cranberry sauce, green bean casseroles and pumpkin pie.

So what drink should accompany this spectacular feast? Below are a few of my favourite Thanksgiving dinner wines.

Zinfandel is something of a national wine grape variety in the USA; it is known as Primitivo in Italy and Crljenak Kaštelanski in its native Croatia.

Dancing Bull Zinfandel is a medium bodied red that is

richly flavoured, full of jammy fruits of black cherry, plum and raspberry with hints of chocolate and spices with a touch of brandy notes making it a bold and perfect pairing.

Grenache is a variety ideally suited to Turkey meat with its soft tannins and candied fruits. Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache is all crushed raspberries, musk lollies and candied fruits with hints of earthier notes of bramble, herbs, cool flint and granite on the back palate.

Carignan was once resigned to a blending option but has now come to the fore as a varietal red wine in the Southern French region of LanguedocRoussillon. The Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Carignan is a full bodied wine with black fruits and complex characters of coffee grinds, gun smoke, axle grease, dark chocolate, sweaty saddle anise, clove and bramble.

If you prefer white wine with your bird I would recommend an Alsace Riesling such as Domaine Paul Blanck Grand Cru or a rich and smoky Chardonnay from California such as the Freemark Abbey.

For something unusual and exotic try a creamy, peppery sparkling Shiraz from Australia and let the foamy purple fizz work its magic, one of my favourite pairings for roast turkey but be warned sparkling Shiraz is not to everyone’s liking.

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. gall.darren@yahoo.com.

62 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

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) Oscar Bistro 159 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 215 179 The popular Bangkok Soi 11 bistro has made its way to the Cambodian capital with its familiar formula of great pizzas, classy cocktails and good wine. Expect the DJs to pump out the beats as you consider where to carry on the evening.

Ozone Poolside Restaurant & Bar Floor 5b, Rose Condo, Bassac Gardens Tel: 092 673 303 Ozone is the new restaurant and bar next to the pool and gym at Rose Condo. New York style pizza, steaks, premium burgers and more.

Enjoy Al Fresco dining or have food delivered to your door.

Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 990 321 www.paddyrice.net (See bars) Petra 8 Street 288 (between St 51 & St 57) Tel: 023 666 3222 089 990 150 Authentic Arabic cuisine, ambiance and chef with rooftop shisha lounge. Located in the heart of BKK1. Special dining experiences with great costumes. Open daily from 10am–11pm.

Public House Street 240 1/2 Tel: 017 770 754 Offering fresh, simple and delicious cuisine set in a modern take on a pub. Open daily, from 11.30am-late (Saturdays from 10.30am and Sunday brunch).

Regency Cafe InterContinental Phnom Penh 296 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 888 ext. 3603 Regency Cafe features sumptuous international and Asian buffets as well as a la carte dining for the most discerning palates. Open daily from 6am-10.30pm 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.

Riverhouse Asian Bistro 157 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 212 302 www.riverhousecambodia.com Well known as one of the oldest French colonial buildings on the riverfront with breezy views along the Tonle Sap & Mekong River.

The elegant restaurant and bar offers a special beverage menu, featuring delectable cocktails, quality wines, single malts and freshly squeezed juices. Open daily from 10am-2am Samba Brazilian Steakhouse 64 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 222 599 Experience the unique Brazilian Churrasco way of cooking with 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, 5pm10.30pm.

Stella Restaurant 55 Street 75 Tel: 099 574 188 012 735 002 A cozy 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-7pm.

Open daily from 11am-10.30pm.

Stockholm European Restaurant 45 Street 288 (between Streets 63 & Monivong Blvd) Tel: 081 845 957 A warm welcome to everyone who wants to try a home-made Swedish and other European meals. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed on Sunday.

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 natural volcanic stones heated to 400C (752F). Open daily 11am-midnight.

Sunset Blvd Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 012 277 882 012 887 702 River crossing sets off from Riverside Bistro every 30 minutes to this 50s style retro bistro, near Sokha Hotel, Tickets $4.

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 those who have $1000 to burn. Underneath, the Exchange has elegant exposed brickwork

and low lighting as well as an impressive fusion menu. Open daily, 10am-midnight.

The Tiger’s Eye 49 Sothearos Boulevard After Common Tiger closed its doors in October, chef Timothy Bruyns’ latest venture comes in the form of The Tiger’s Eye, serving up his innovative dishes from the former home of Duck.

The Quay 277 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 224 894 Food is a mix of tapas and more substantial offerings, and excellent malbec. Roof-top bar closed for refurbishment. Open daily from 7am-11pm.

The Lost Room 43 Street 21 Tel: 078 700 001 A hidden gem, with eclectic food in an urbane environment. This small restaurant and bar offers small plates of food for sharing.

Using imported and local foods, the menu encompasses global foods and unique cocktail and wine listings at reasonable prices. Caring and experienced staff makes for a pleasant evening. Open from 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Kitchen closes at 10pm. Lunch by appointment only.

The Shop 102 1B Street 102 (Inside Central Mansion) Tel: 077 666 115 The Shop restaurant proposes a large range of fresh bread, pastries, chocolates, Western and Asian food. At night time, the atmosphere becomes cozier and offers a selection of fine wines and cocktails to accompany the dinner menu. Customers have access to the nearby swimming pool, making it the perfect place for families.

World Dining 2/F Aeon Mall, 132 Samdach Sothearos Blvd, Tel: 023 90 17 77 (See restaurants Cambodia) Zino Wine Bar and Restaurant 12 Street 294 Tel: 023 998 519 Zino offers a comprehensive wine list by the glass and bottle, professionally made cocktails and a constantly evolving Mediterranean and Asian menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Kitchen closes at 11pm.

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.

Café Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 Indulge in homemade 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.

Genova Italian Restaurant 20 Street 118. 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.

endorsed

Il Forno Restaurant Phnom Penh 11 Street 302 Tel: 081 660 515 Traditional imported ingredients from Italy to keep all of recipes 100 percent Italian. Wine bar for nice aperitivo, lunch special menus and weekly specials for dinner.

Italian House 2 Street 312 (end of Street 9) Tel: 092 230 207 Italian chef. Wooden fire oven. Pizzeria, antipasti, pasta, salads, desserts, offering delivery and catering around BKK I area. Open daily from 5.30pm-10.30pm.

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.

Luna 6C Street 29 Tel: 023 220 895 Stunning garden courtyard with day beds and couches as well as outdoor tables and chairs or air-conditioned interior. Excellent homemade pasta, wood fired pizza and contemporary Italian cuisine. Great selection of wines from climate controlled cellar. Now also offering brunch on weekends.

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.

Delivery service available – last orders 9.30pm.

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

Terrazza 1c Street 282.

Tel: 023 214 660 www.terrazza.asia Experience Italy in Phnom Penh.

Fine Italian restaurant and Deli shop.

Open daily from noon-10pm, deli shop, 9am-9pm.

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.

Cafe Sushi 6HEo Sothearos Boulevard Tel: 023 900 185 Following in the footsteps of the success of its Sihanoukville sushi joinT, Cafe Sushi is a relaxed sushi bar serving fresh food cooked by a Japanese chef. Open Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm.

Murder Mystery: Watching the Detectives Kate Burbridge Everyone loves a good murder. Seen in the news, we may recoil in shock and horror, but presented via other media, murder most foul is often a source of entertainment.

Provided it’s fictional, or sufficiently removed in space and/or time, and, of course, provided it is sufficiently shrouded in mystery, confusion and red herrings, we can allow ourselves to step outside our natural revulsion.

Thus we enter the morally ambiguous world of noir fiction, where lines are blurred, anti-heroes are rife, and we might find ourselves sympathising with the killer when the victim is deemed deserving of their grisly fate.

Even that most meticulous and upright sleuth, M. Hercule Poirot, has very occasionally allowed Agatha Christie to let a criminal get away with murder.

Detective stories give us a glimpse into minds we would never normally experience.

We team up with fascinating characters on all sides. These heroes and villains let us into their psyches, and into those of the dead, and in so doing, broaden our understanding of our own reality.

Murder mysteries are possibly the only genre of fiction that offers the chance to work the story out for yourself. Readers love to identify the killer before they are revealed. Detective stories are basically a puzzle to solve, the more complex the better.

The challenge of pitting one’s wits against the murderer’s

and measuring them against those of the detective is irresistible and allows us to reaffirm our intellectual merit – assuming, of course, that we were right about whodunit.

Our fascination with murder mysteries is no modern phenomenon born of an increasingly cynical society.

It dates back centuries.

Probably the earliest known example of a crime story was The Three Apples, one of Scheherazade’s tales in One Thousand and One Nights; whilst the Ming Dynasty gave us Gong’an, a genre Chinese crime fiction. Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes may have brought the genre to the masses more than a century ago but the detective story had to wait some decades for global domination. From the hard-bitten, deeply flawed “dicks” of Chandler, Hammet and Elroy to the much more genteel, ascetic investigators of Christie, Marsh and Ellingham, the golden age of the roman noir is generally accepted to have been the 1920s and 1950s.

Not that the public obsession ends there, these narratives have spawned countless offspring. Many of the most popular modern novelists are known for their tales of murder.

All, the direct descendants of the goodies and baddies of that golden era, without whom we would have no CSI, no Castle, no Broadchurch, no Sherlock. Which would be criminal indeed.

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real taste of Japan. Noodles and accompanying soups and sauces are prepared from scratch using traditional methods and fresh ingredients.

Open from 11am-2.30pm and 5.30pm-9pm.

Closed every second Wednesday.

Yuzu 1 Street 360 Tel: 095 600 400.

Specialising in ramen, tempura and makisushi in chic surroundings. Open daily from 11am-10pm

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. Weekly specials and live music on Sundays.

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. Open 7am-midnight.

Taqueria Corona 14E Street 51 Tel: 089 281 626 012 629 986 Enjoy our Mexican specialties, barbacoa, al pastor, Texas chile, carnitas, pollo and carne asoda in our festive dining room. Open daily from 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-10pm (Sunday evenings only).

Ninja Dining & Bar Ninja 1 BBK1, 14b, Street 278 Tel: 097 772 1556 Japanese dining establishment that is open from 11.30am to midnight Ninja 2 Toul Tom Pong 54, Street 454 Tel: 096 390 6091 Sister establishment to the Ninja Dining & Bar that has slightly different dining hours; open 11am-11pm.

Noodle Bar Osan 27b, Street 294, BKK1 Tel: 097 932 7067 The best Japanese ramen noodle restaurant in Phnom Penh offering you food prepared by a master ramen Chef from Japan who was featured in various TV shows in Japan as one of the leading Ramen chefs. Lunch 11.30am-2pm

and dinner 5.30pm-11pm.

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, 5.30pm9.30pm.

Pepper Lunch AEON Mall, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 015 888 178 www.pepperlunch.com.kh Tasty sound on the hot plate. Well-known beef pepper rice, curry with meat, combo menu of meat and fish. Open daily from 9am-10pm Udon Café Green Bowl 29B Street 288 Tel: 086 426 530 Freshly made Sanuki-style udon noodles offer a

Salsa Cabana Buena 46 Street 288 (between St. 57 & St. 63) Tel: 097 697 8810 Home-made Mexican and Latin food nachos, quesadillas, tacos chili, enchiladas, tapas and vegetarian food. $3 Corona, margaritas and mojitos. Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm. Closed Tuesdays.

Sunrise Taco 171 Street 63 (corner St 282) Tel: 077 85 45 45 Daily from 5pm-7pm buy 1 get 1 free margaritas. Open daily from 11am-10pm.

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

Open 10.30am-8.30pm, closed Sundays.

Vego’s 3E0 Street 51

Tel: 012 984 596 Salad bar offering bagels, salads and wraps with a wide array of super fresh toppings.

Choose from ready-made or DIY options. Also on offer are a vegetarian soup of the day as well as fresh-squeezed juices, yogurt and granola.

Bars The Alley Bar Street 240½, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 095 222 405 A big bar in a small alley. Spacious inside and with seating on the quaint alley in the open, this lounge bar and eatery is also home to live entertainment in the evenings.

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 noonmidnight.

Bar.sito Street 240½ Tel: 077 960 413 Cocktail bar, serving especially designed cocktails, ice-cold beers, red and white wines, champagnes and spirits. Open daily, 5pm-late.

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 a riverfront vantage.

Chez Rina Cocktail Lounge 6 Street 98 Round the corner of Brown’s Riverside Tel: 017 259 955 Phnom Penh’s coolest lounge in a beautifully restored 1890s space in the historic old French Quarter around the Post Office. The focus is on cocktails and conversation. Open 5pm-12pm. Closed Sunday.

The Chinese House 45 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 092 553 330 (See Restaurants international) Elephant Bar Raffles Hotel Le Royal Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 The wicker chairs and carpet may have gone, but the newly re-styled Elephant Bar still exudes the character of a time gone by – you can imagine Jackie Kennedy drinking here. Its many signature cocktails, including the former First Lady-inspired femme fatale, make this a popular place with expats especially during the two-for-one happy hours (4pm-8pm).

Open 2pm-midnight from Monday to Friday.

Living

ICHING Decor

INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNITURE

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Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight.

Eluvium Lounge 205a Street 19 Tel: 023 986 221 Nestled on the rooftop of Aura Hostel, this elegant lounge bar pairs great views with specialty cocktails and wine, daily from 5pm to midnight. Live music once a week.

(see Restaurants, French) The Library Bassac Lane, off Street 308 Tel: 095 366 243 Stocked with books, this intimate corner bar serves daiquiris, cocktails, beers and wines.

The ideal place to bring out the bookworm in you. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

Est Bar 19z, Street 214 Tel: 023 998 227 Email: indulge@estbar.com www.estbar.com Cocktail bar/ supper club offering sophisticated indoor and outdoor drinking and dining (tapas and charcuterie) from 6pm-2am Mon-Sat, ideally located for those who want to take in a premium vodka or excellent light snack before hitting one of the nearby clubs.

FCC 363 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 724 014 (See Restaurants international)

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.

Freebird 69 Street 240 Tel: 023 224 712 (See Restaurants, Mexican & Tex-Mex) Grand River Restaurant Corner of Street 178 Tel: 023 220 244 012 962 616 012 248 694 Khmer and Western Food. Variety of wines and cocktails. Happy hour 4.30pm-7.30pm. Open daily from 7am-midnight.

Hangar 44 Bassac Lane, off Street 308 Tel: 077 555 447 Not just a bar but also home to Moto Cambodge’s showroom, this venue is full of vintage and classic motorbikes and accessories.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

Harry’s Bassac Lane, off Street 308 Tel: 077 555 447 As well as being a rooftop martini bar, the downstairs of this vintage outlet doubles up as an antique shop flogging everything from pocket watches and boots to aviator sunglasses and cufflinks. Just ask the owners if you have anything valuable you wish them to pawn for you. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

Howie’s Bar 32 Street 51 Long-standing mainstay of the expat scene and popular late night hang-out, especially around the ‘mini’ pool table, where Howie’s rules apply. Great rock tunes and a timeless atmosphere, that is until it’s time to go to bed.

Open 7pm-6am.

K West 1 Street 154 (Cnr. Sisowath Quay), Tel: 023 214 747

Le Moon Cnr of Sisowath Quay & Street 154 Tel: 023 214 747 Rooftop terrace bar at Amanjaya Hotel has arguably the best 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 and has one of the best pool tables in town with happy hour from 5pm-8pm.

Princeton School Taking Admissions NOW for Term 4 (Starting Monday, 18th of April) Princeton School 2016 Special Offers Join us now with NO CAPITAL FEE until August 2016!

Princeton Program We offer both half and full day programs for 4 age groups Toddler (2-3 years old) Pre-Nursery (3-4 years old) Nursery (4-5 years old) Pre-School (5-6 years old) Summer and winter camp programs Kids Clubs Open for children of all ages. Sign up now - 3pm to 4pm weekdays.

Mandarin Chinese Club Spanish Club Hip Hop Dance Club Arts & Crafts Club

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

Reasonable prices and excellent service.

Open daily from 10am-11.30pm.

CALL 017 373 376 for more information OR visit us at No. 4A, Street 75, Sangkat Sraschark Phnom Penh.

LIKE us on Facebook: Princeton School Phnom Penh VISIT our website: www.princeton-school.com

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd. canta.pdf 1 1/12/2016 (opposite Phnom Penh Centre) Tel: 023 218 987 010 312 333 www.meta-house.com Multi-media arts centre established by German film-maker Nico Mesterham has a very cool bar. Open from 2pm-midnight. Princeton School Ad AsiaLIFE 27.03.2016.indd 1 Closed Mondays.

8:54:51 AM

3/28/16 3:55 PM

Metro Café 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 and 70s music. Has terracottatiled terrace and 3 guest rooms upstairs.

C Open from 5pm to late, happy hour from 5pm-7pm.

Closed Sundays.

M Oscar Bistro 159 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 215 179

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(see Restaurants, international) Red Bar 15 Street 308 Unassuming in appearance, Red Bar becomes rammed at weekends with the expat crowd clamouring for the cheap drinks. Popular with the journalist crowd. Open daily.

inspiring arts

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 until late.

Yu Vek Selapak Traditional Dance Troupe Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) works with artists, troupes, and organisations from across Cambodia. Each month, we will tell one of their stories.

Yu Vek Selapak is a young and talented dance troupe that has just started a new season of nightly performances at the National Museum in Phnom Penh.

This season, alongside Apsara and other classical numbers, they will perform a uniquely acrobatic folk dance seldom seen in the Cambodian capital. We spoke to dancer Sou Senghong about Robam Kandob Ses, or the Praying Mantis Dance.

Senghong has trained as a dancer for more than 10 years, and currently studies at the Royal University of Fine Arts. He told us that this dance, where male and female dancers imitate leaping insects, originated in Svay Rieng province and is performed to pay homage to guardian spirits. The dance is accompanied by drums, a singer, the tro Khmer (string fiddle) and roneat ek (xylophone). The dancers also tie coconut shells to their arms and legs to add to the beat.

To learn the Kandob Ses dance was not easy at all.

During his training, Senghong was injured so many times that he used up two jars of balm. As part of the dance, one male dancer has to

support the weight of four other dancers – a skill that takes some time to learn. But practice makes perfect - day by day, Senghong continued to improve this skill.

He was later selected to be the principal dancer as his teacher spotted that he could perform thloeung (balance keeping) very well, the most difficult stunt of the dance.

However, he was very careful when performing thloeung as he had to hold other dancers without slipping or dropping anyone. He also stressed that all members need at least one full day to rehearse before a real performance.

After many years of practice, Senghong feels confident that he is on the right track in his life. In addition, he feels he can prove those who didn’t support his decision to study dance wrong. Senghong now takes part in a regular show at the National Museum where the audience can’t help but clap their hands and enjoy his show.

You can see classical and folk dances from around Cambodia at the Traditional Dance Show presented by Cambodian Living Arts. It runs Monday to Sunday at 7pm at the National Museum, and tickets are available on the door, online or via bookings@ cambodianlivingarts.org.

For more information, visit cambodianlivingarts.org/show.

To learn more about Cambodian Living Arts, find CLA on Facebook, @CamboLivingArts on Twitter, CambodianLivingArts on Instagram, or visit cambodianlivingarts.org.

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Riverside Bistro Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148, Tel: 012 277 882 / 023 213 898 (See Restaurants International) Samai Distillery 9b Street 830.

Tel: 023 224 143 A rum distillery by day and bar every Thursday night, this spot is popular with the cool crowd, serving up potently strong cocktails to upbeat sounds every Thursday evening. Has taken over the Elsewhere mantle of the place to be seen.

Seibur Street 308 Tel: 092 839 440 Aperitif room.

Open seven days, from 5pm-11pm.

Sharky Bar 126 Street 130 Tel: 012 228 045 www.sharkybar.blogspot.com A place where anything can happen, and a popular live music venue. Serves good Mexican food, with daily specials. Plenty of pool tables and competitions. Open 4pm-2am.

The Tap Room Kingdom Breweries 1748, National Road 5.

Tel: 023 430 180 www.kingdombreweries.com State 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. Touk Restaurant and Bar 357 Sisowath Quay, corner of Street 178 Tel: 023 219 059 012 248 694 017 486 786 Live bands, buffet salad and BBQ every Saturday and Friday night at this lofty riverside venue. Happy hour from 4.30pm-7.30pm Zeppelin Bar 109C Street 51 Tel: 012 881 181 More than 1,000 vinyl albums played by well-known DJ owner in small bar. Remarkably good food (dumping’s are great) especially late at night. Open daily 5pm-4am.

Clubs Club Love 3 Street 278 Tel: 0973 131 947 As one of the newest kids on the block, Club Love is aimed at the backbacker and spillover expat crowd looking for somewhere to dance with cheap drinks well into the early hours.

Open Monday to Saturday, 11pm-4pm.

Darlin Darlin NagaWorld Hotel and Casino 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-late.

Epic Sothearos Blvd. (near Russian Embassy) Tel: 010 600 608 As the latest luxury nightspot to hit the capital, Epic is taking elite clubbing to the next level.

The spacious venue serves up a range of top-shelf liquors, cocktails and Champagne to the sounds of international DJs. Open daily from 9pm to 5am.

Heart of Darkness 38 Street 51 Tel: 023 222 415 One of 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.

Nova 19 Street 214

Tel: 097 716 5000 Popular with the upmarket Khmer crowd, Nova features DJs from across the region. VIP areas cater to those who want to escape the crowded dance floor. Open daily from 9pm to 4am.

Pontoon 80 Street 172 Tel: 010 300 400 As a stalwart on the capital’s clubbing scene, a mix of international and local DJs can be found pumping out the tunes seven nights a week until the early hours. Different themed nights run throughout the week. Open Sunday to Thursday, 9pm-4am, Friday and Saturday, 9pm-5am.

Pontoon Pulse 80 Street 172 Tel: 010 300 400 As a sister club to Pontoon, and located beside the main club, Pontoon Pulse brings some of the capital’s finest electronic music to dedicated clubbers. A cool place to chill if the main venue is getting to pumping for your tastes.

Pontoon Pulse 80 Street 172 Tel: 010 300 400 As a sister club to Pontoon, and located beside The latest addition to Pontoon and the capital’s first official after hour’s club, closing its doors at 7am, this chic space is also located adjacent to Pontoon’s main room.

Vito 8 Street 214, Tel: 010 421 421 Pumping out all the memorable classics from the 70s to the 90s, Vito’s dancefloor gets packed at weekends with the nostalgia crowd - both young and old. Open daily from 9pm-3am.

LISTINGS

Gay-Friendly Arthur & Paul Males Bar and Spa 27 Street 71 Tel: 023 212 814 077 892 256 www.arthurand paul.com The first gay (men-only) venue in Phnom Penh.

Features steam baths and sensual showers, spa and hotel. Ease muscle tension, chat, have a Jacuzzi or relax in one of the private rooms. After using our facilities or swimming, enjoy a drink in the bar or relax in the restaurant and lounge or around the pool.

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.

The drag shows on Friday and Saturday are an additional draw. Open 5pm-late.

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

Wine Bars Bouchon Wine Bar 3-4 Street 246 Tel: 077 881 103 Classy wine bar with a wide selection of wines from across the globe, plus a selection of handcrafted cocktails and eats. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm-midnight.

Open Wine 219 Street 19 Tel: 023 233 527 Large wine shop and deli with well-priced wines from around the world. Has outside dining area.

Open daily 7am-11pm.

Zino Wine Bar and Restaurant 12 Street 294 Tel: 023 998 519 Zino offers a comprehensive wine list by the glass and bottle, professionally made cocktails and a constantly evolving Mediterranean and Asian menu. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a

culture Cinemas Le Cinema 218 Street 184 (French Institute) 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.

Major Cineplex Aeon Mall Tel: 023 90 1111 Major Cineplex is located on the second floor of the Aeon Mall Phnom Penh and is the biggest cinema complex in Cambodia with multiple screens, 3D and 4D theatres, showing the latest blockbusters from Asia and Hollywood. Open daily 9am-midnight 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.

Platinum Cineplex 5th Floor Sorya Shopping Centre Tel: 081 666 210 www.platinumcineplex.com.kh 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-11pm.

The Empire Movie House 34 Street 130 Tel: 077 468 243 As an independent art-house, Empire screens documentaries, indie films, cult classics and

regional films. Also features a bar and eating area. Open daily from 4pm to 11pm.

The Flicks 1. 39b Street 95 (BKK3) 2. 85 Street 136 (Daun Penh) 3. 8 Street 252 (Chaktomuk) Local expat oriented movie houses with revolving schedule of international films and art house films, screened in comfy air conditioned movie rooms. Option to hire the movie room for a private session (max 30 people). Minimum two screenings per day.

Cover charge $3.50.

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 363 Sisowath Quay Tel 023 724 014 This riverfront restaurant has a permanent, rotating exhibition devoted to to some of the finest reportage and photography.

French Institute 218 Street 184 Tel: 023 213 124 Offers cultural activities including exhibitions, festivals, and film screenings to promote French and Khmer culture. Onsite shop Carnets d’Asie offers a selection of French books.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd Tel: 023 987 420 www.javaarts.org Contemporary art gallery with regular exhibitions of Cambodian and international artists, as well as performing artists. Has second gallery on the ground floor. Website has details about Cambodia’s contemporary art scene.

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 010 312 333

Short films, documentaries and art films from Asia and the rest of the world screened daily. International food also served, regular DJs perform throughout the week.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm-11pm – open late at weekends with DJs and parties.

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 art.

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 and classical music and theatre.

Apsara Arts Association 71 Street 598 Tel: 011 550 302 Organisation that promotes Cambodian arts and culture.

Open from 7.30am-10.30am Cambodian Living Arts 128-G9 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 986 032 www.cambodianlivingarts.org A non-profit arts organisation devoted to the revival and transmission of traditional Khmer performing arts that puts on performances and provides tours.

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 Monday to Friday, 7am-11.30am and 2pm-5pm.

Chenla Theatre Cnr. Mao Tse Tung & Monireth Blvds.

Tel: 023 883 050 www.culturalcenter-cambodia.com

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One of the capital’s major theatres, it has regular performances of theatre, dance and music.

wellness

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.

Tips for A Healthy Mind and Body

If you’re looking to boost your health and wellness, then why not try easing these top tips into your life?

Drink more water. Proper hydration is necessary for good health. While our hydration needs can be met by drinking other beverages, drinking water provides a healthy calorie-free and sugar-free option.

Add 10 minutes of exercise to your day. If you don’t already exercise, aim to get 10 minutes each day.

Try walking to start. If you do currently exercise, add 10 extra minutes to your routine.

Get moving at work.

Sedentary behavior has negative consequences on our health.

Aim to stand up more often, or take a quick walk or stretch break.

Go to bed 10 minutes earlier. By the end of the week, you’ll get 70 extra minutes of sleep. If you keep it up all year, you’ll have slept 60 hours more.

Imagine how well-rested you’ll feel.

Commit to one healthy stress-relieving activity a day. Choose an activity you find relaxing, commit to it, and you may quickly notice improvements in your wellbeing. Find some examples here.

Pay yourself first. Most people save money after they’re already done spending, but then never do it. Rather than waiting to see what you have left after your monthly expenses, commit to saving first.

Add an extra serving of fruit or vegetables per day.

Each day, find a way to eat one extra serving. You may have

more opportunities than you realise.

Spend more time with friends and family. This can help you to relieve stress, laugh more and relax – all of which can help increase your well-being.

Eat breakfast. It truly is the most important meal of the day.

Find helpful tips and breakfast ideas here.

Correct your posture.

Your posture affects both your physical and mental health.

Work on keeping your back straight, shoulders back and head up, as if you were balancing a book on your head.

Avoid slouching.

Reduce your screen time.

Much of our time is spent behind the screens of our computers, phones and tablets, or in front of the television.

Spend time doing healthier, more interactive, and physical activities.

Brush and floss your teeth.

Good oral hygiene can promote good general health. Get in the habit of brushing twice and flossing once per day.

Save an extra $10 per week. Your financial health can affect your physical and mental health. Increase your financial well-being by saving more. $10 per week is an extra $520 per year.

Show some gratitude.

Make it a habit to appreciate all you have and the important people in your life.

Use part of your lunch break to walk. Dedicate at least five minutes of your lunch break to walking. Not only will it help you to be active, but it can also help you relieve stress.

These tips were provided by the Health & Wellness Blog. For more information, visit blog.healthadvocate.com.

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LISTINGS

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-late.

Living Arts Experiences 128-G9 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 018 998 570 Email: events@cambodianlivingarts.org Visit local dance, theatre and musical rehearsals of the traditional Khmer arts through Cambodian Living Arts’ Observation Tours. Available in Siem Ream, Phnom Penh & Kampong Speu - call for times and to book in advance.

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.

Boat Cruises 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 full-day rates available.

Classes Equestrian Centre CCC, Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla Tel: 015 231 755 012 704 759 With 31 ponies and horses, an internationalsized arena and spacious stables, the only horse-riding centre in Phnom Penh Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am-11am and 2pm-5.30pm.

Global Art 1 Street 181 & Street 475 (nr Chinese Embassy) Tel: 023 222 084 087 222 084 World renowned art and creativity programme for young children. Franchisee of Global Art Group. Available in 17 countries with more than 400 centres. worldwide.

Himawari FitnessOne 313 Sisowath Quay (Himawari Hotel Apartments) Tel: 023 214 555 ext 881 www.himawarihotel.com Fully equipped modern gym, international pool, tennis court, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi, full locker room facilities and fitness trainer available for personalised sessions. No matter your age or goals, our fitness centre has something for everyone. Membership or one-day passes available, free for children 10 years old and below.

Open from 6am-10pm.

La Table Khmère Cooking Class 11E Street 278 Tel: 012 238 068 www.phnompenh-cooking-class.com For all those wanting to learn how to prepare traditional Khmer specialties from scratch in a clean and air-conditioned setting. Morning classes include a visit to the local market. Open daily, classes at 9am-3pm.

Music Arts School 14 Street 360 Tel: 023 997 290 www.music-arts-school.org A NGO school providing music training for Cambodians and expats - of all ages and levels - at affordable tuition fees. Learn guitar, piano, violin, vocals, and traditional Khmer instruments.

Also has a scholarship fund to provide music education to the less fortunate.

NataRaj Yoga Studio 52 Street 302 Tel: 012 250 817 / 090 311 341 Welcome everyone to the peaceful yoga studio.

Wide variety of daily drop-in yoga classes and monthly workshops in many styles with internationally qualified teachers. Also runs an NGO yoga programmes for local kids.

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

Ocarina French Music and Art School 56 Street 350, BKK3 (near Toul Sleng) Tel: 089 257 430 www.ecole-ocarina.com The only French Music and Art school offering a wide range of high-standard after-school activities/Holiday camps/French playgroups by experienced and qualified teachers in a warm and cosy environment. Age: 3 to 17. Based on the renowned French Conservatories’ music curriculum.

Scuba Nation PADI 5* IDC Diving Centre 18 Sothearos Blvd (near FCC) Tel: 012 715 785 www.divecambodia.com Learn to scuba dive in Phnom Penh. The academic and pool part of the course can be done in Phnom Penh and you finish with two days in Sihanoukville on the boat. Offers refresher courses, try dives and kids’ pool parties as well as the full range of courses. Open 9am-6pm, Sat and Sun 9am-5pm.

Simphony Music School 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 recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Royal Government of Cambodia. The faculty is composed of experienced and qualified music teachers from overseas, speaking fluent English, Chinese, and French. Based on USA curriculum following Orff and Kodály music teaching methods.

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.

Yoga Phnom Penh 39 Street 21 www.yogaphnompenh.com Daily drop-in classes for all levels with experienced, qualified international teachers.

Classes include Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Fly Yoga, Fly Fit and Classical yoga. Regular workshops and Bliss weekend also offered.

Chemists U-Care Pharmacy 26-28 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 222 499 39 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 224 099 41-43 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 224 299 844 Kampuchea krom Blvd. Tel: 023 884 004 / 023 207 209 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 223 499 194 Tro Sork P’em Tel: 023 224 399 www.ucarepharma.com Provide international cosmetic brands, leading imported health & beauty products, only certified medication. Professional advice and convenient and strategic locations. Open daily from 8am10pm.

Counselling Services Alcoholics Anonymous 11 Street 420 Tel: 012 813 731 www.aacambodia.com Meets on Friday, Wednesday and Sunday.

Indigo International Tel: 092 95 44 87 www.indigo-international.org info@indigo-international.org 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 Malis Dental Clinic 445 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 012 513 222 / 023 964 142 info@malis-dental.com A Japanese dentist provides professional and high-quality service.

Roomchang 4 Street 184 www.roomchang.com Tel: 023 211 338 Emergency: 011 811 338 World leader in clinical implant dentistry.

Complete state of the art dental hospital. In depth consultations on all procedures. True precision with digital and robotic technology for an optimum clinical result. Excellent customer service.

Shigeta Dental Clinic 25 Street 294 cnr Street 21 Tel: 023 223 225 / 010705083 Email: info@shigetadental.com www.shigedental.com High-end Japanese Dental Clinic that caters for your dental needs. Open from Monday to Sunday 8am-8pm.

Gyms The InterContinental Fitness Centre 3/F Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 888 ext. 5000 A sophisticated retreat from the crowds, The InterContinental Fitness Centre is the place to attain peak performance and wellbeing. Pump up with a full body workout on state-of-the-art equipment, benefit from the experience and guidance of qualified trainers, and relax all year round in the open-air swimming pool.

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-late.

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 non-guests. Open 6am10pm.

Phokeethra Sports Club Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeetra Tel: 023 999 200 Enjoy socialising and friendly interaction. The complex features a fitness centre including an outdoor pool with a children’s area, an activities studio (yoga, steps, Pilates, kick boxing), two squash courts and four floodlit tennis courts.

Open 6am-10pm.

rambutan hotels&resorts

www.rambutans.info - bookings@rambutansr.com +855(0)12 654 638 +855(0)63 766 655

DIM

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.

All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum, Asian delights & Peking Duck station $19.80 or $28 with unlimited

Hairdressers

Tsingtao beer, wines & chilled juices

De Gran Japan 52 Street 306 near Monivong Blvd. www.degranjapan.com Tel: 011 354 700 (Reservation only) Set in a nice villa with highly skilled and experienced experts from Japan, focusing on haircuts, nails, eyelash extensions, reflexology and acupuncture. Open Wednesday to Monday from 10am-7pm.

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 11am7pm, closed Monday.

SUM

BRUNCH

10.30AM TO 2.30PM Every Saturday at Fu Lu Zu restaurant H6526@SOFITEL.COM | 023 999 200 Prices are exclusive of all applicable taxes

AW - SPP - AsiaLife - Dim Sum Brunch.indd 1

6/21/2016 9:54:31 AM

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. OpenMonday to Saturday, 10am8pm, Grow Tokyo 1st Floor St. 63 corner Street 322 Tel: 023 987 330 Look good and feel good with a team of top professionals. Grow is an expanding hair salon that started life in Japan and spread to Australia and now Cambodia. The creative team is waiting to make clients feel great.

Kate Korpi Salon 6 Floor inside Sun City corner of Street 51 & Street 370 Tel: 023 988 166 www.katekorpisalon.com Kate Korpi Salon is Phnom Penh’s newest premier salon. Stylists from around the globe provide a full range of services including hairstyles, skin care and Dermalogica Microzone treatments. Open Tuesday 11am-8pm. Wed-Sat 10am-6pm.

Toni & Guy 1/F Aeon Mall Tel: 023 901 190 Toni & Guy Cambodia will bring 50 years of hair fashion heritage to Phnom Penh. Originally from UK, there are now over 400 salons worldwide.

Specialist stylists for cuts and colourists to give the colour you want from the UK and Japan.

Uses Label M products. Open every day from 10am-8pm.

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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.

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.

pets’ corner

Physiotherapy Phnom Penh I & II 45C Street 456, Toul Thom Poung II Office 311, 3/F 60 Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 996345 Tel: 092 485 593 Tel: 012 722 104 Tel: 012 979 354 International Physiotherapy and Acupuncture (T.C.M.) Centre Specialising in Manual Therapy, Rehabilitation and (sports) Physiotherapy, Neurological (Paediatric) Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Personal Training and Clinical Pilates.

Heart Disease in Dogs & Cats: Part 1

By Donabelle Zuzart

Bringing you Back Pain Solutions Dr Christophe Savouré D.C. 1993 graduate from LCCW (USA)

A state of the art Chiropractic clinic Advanced Chiropractic care DTS Disc decompression therapy Physiotherapy modalities Custom made corrective foot orthotics Ergonomic and exercise management Wellness care 0,

023 223 101

E: info@cambodiachiropractic.com W: www.cambodiachiropractic.com #67 Bis St.240 (near Monivong Blvd),Phnom Penh 70 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Having owned my own Cocker Spaniel Tinkerbelle, who developed an enlarged heart when we relocated to Cambodia, it always brought about a question: how do you know if your dog or cat suffers from a heart condition?

Just like in humans, the hearts of our pets are often the first thing to wear out, but pets do not develop the plagues in the blood vesicles of their heart and blood vesicle blockages that we do (arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease), so they do not get heart attacks as we experience as humans.

The first signs most owners will notice is a cough, this is because enlarged failing hearts allow fluid to back up into the lungs and also press the wind pipe. In dogs we commonly see a type of heart disease called mitral valve disease (MVD, sometimes called mitral valve insufficiency or mitral valve regurgitation) while in cats the commonly seen heart disease is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Symptoms of heart disease in animals can take many forms, including activity or exercise intolerance, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, restlessness during sleep, fainting and blueness (cyanosis), pale or bluish gums, poor appetite and enlarged tummy.

Often heart disease in animals will not cause obvious symptoms until the

disease becomes advanced.

Sometimes your vet can detect the presence of heart disease through regular physical examination before symptoms occur. If your vet is suspicious that your pet may have a heart problem, the first test usually conducted is an x-ray. If the x-ray shows that the heart is enlarged treatment will then begin. If it is unclear, a proBNP test might be ordered. This is usually carried out in cats when one is not sure if the cat has a lung, asthma or heart problem.

On examination the presence of abnormal heart sounds can be detected, such as heart murmur, abnormally fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, abnormal arterial or venous pulses or an abnormal colour of the membranes.

Usually a cardiac evaluation will be recommended when these abnormalities are detected.

Heart murmurs come out when a passage through the heart becomes too narrow or too wide. In middle-aged cats and dogs this usually means the valve is not working properly. In younger pets, a murmur might mean that the heart did not develop properly.

Anemic pets develop heart murmurs because their blood is too thin, not because their heart didn’t develop properly. The rhythm of a weakened heart also changes. But unlike us, a frequent change in the heart rate of relaxed dogs is normal.

Pet Spa/ Salon/ Grooming/ Pet Sitting/ Pet day care centre. 4 Street 604, Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh. Tel: 089491039.

Web: petgroomingcambodia.com. Email: petgroomingcambodia@gmail.com.

Samata Health & Wellness Studio 54 Street 306 Tel: 023 726 267 Phnom Penh’s first holistic studio providing Acupuncture, Massage, Physiotherapy, Pilates, Podiatry, Yoga and Wellness Coaching in one convenient location.

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.

Younger Cosmetic Acupuncture Himawari Hotel Tel: 023 21 45 55 (Ext 880)/ 017 983 409 www.cambodiaacupuncture.com Helping people to feel and look better with a holistic approach to health and beauty. Treatments include cosmetic acupuncture, face lift, weight loss. Pain Management (Back Pain, Neck Pain…) and Emotional Disorder (Stress, Insomnia) $25 all treatments. Open Monday to -Friday 8.30am- 11.30am and 12.30pm-7pm, Saturday 9am-noon.

Bi Nail Salon 213a E0 Stret 310 Tel: 023 6324 524 / 097 798 1122 Bi Nail is a full service nail salon, for women and men. Japanese-trained nail artists have years of experience and provide expert personal care in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Full set care (manicure and pedicure), more than 250 nail lacquers, more than 350 nail design samples.

Acrylic and gel nails are available. Open daily 8am–7pm.

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.

Pet Services Agrovet Veterinary Clinic 40 Street 111 Tel: 023 216 323 Tel emergency 24/7: 012 779 673 (French-Eng) Tel emergency 24/7: 012 779 674 (Khmer) www.agrovet-cambodia.com Managed by a French team and following European standard. Experienced French surgeon performing orthopaedic and abdominal surgeries.

Used to organise documents for pets travelling overseas. Mon-Fri: 9am-12noon & 3pm-7pm.

Sat: 9am-12pm.

Only Dogs Shop 5A2 Street Veng Sreng (Chom Choa) Phnom Penh Tel: 092 206 547 Tel: 012 870 280 www.onlydogsshopcambodia.com Open daily from 9am-6pm.

Pet Grooming Cambodia 4 Street 604, Bengkak 2 Toul Kork Tel: 089 491 039 Email: petgroomingcambodia@gmail.com Open Mon-Sat from 9am–6pm Pet Resort Tel: 0 12 679 164 012 916 512 www.petresort-cambodia.com All the staff are very friendly with animals and your cats and dogs will feel at home in our Pet Resort. Cats and dogs are fed by Royal Canin dry feed or can be fed by fresh food according to owner’s desires or recommendations; staff can cook specific feed for your companions.

Spas Amara Spa Cnr Sisowath Quay & St.110 Tel: 023 998 730 www.amaraspa.hotelcara.com Day spa providing a wide selection of facials, body massages and treatments, arranged in a four-storey modern facility at riverfront. Open 11am-11pm.

Aura Spa 21 Mao Tse Toung Blvd. (near corner of St. 63) 23 Street 294 (between St. 21 and St. 9) Tel: 023 555 3209 Mobile: 015 991 688 www.auracambodia.com Aura Spa creates its own signature massage therapy with well-trained therapists to enhance a traditional blend of ancient health and beauty practices which have been passed down from generation to generation. Open every day from 9am–11pm.

Aziadee Spa 16 a/b Street 282

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: 023 219 105 Focused on Dermalogica products, this care facility offers facial treatments, including antiaging and brightening, as well as body treatments such as body scrubs and massage. Open daily from 10am–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.

Ms Chhuon 182, St 63, junction St 294 Tel: 016 992 199 Ms Chhuon is a full service beauty salon with massage therapy. From nail art, to hairstyles, we will take care of your health and beauty in a very relaxing environment with great service. O.P.I products are available on demand.

Open daily from 8am-12am Nail Holic Street 592, Tuol Kork (Next to Indrak Tevy High School) Tel: 012 357 887 / 097 4123 337 Nail polish and pedicure services using products from Korea. Comfortable chairs in relaxing surroundings with professional, hospitable and friendly staff speaking Khmer, Korean and English.

Open daily from 8am-6pm.

Nata Spa 29 Street 57 Nata Spa has been designed in traditional Khmer style to calm and pamper. The spa operates as a centre for healing and relaxation, offering stress reducing and facial treatment, which blow everyone into an unforgettable experience. Open 9am-10pm.

Raffles Amrita Spa Tel: 023 981 888 Raffles Amrita Spa offers relaxation and

into the wild

Great Gibbons Yulia Khouri (Photo by Steve Porte) “If you love something, let it free; if it does not come back to you it was not yours.”

When I first saw a gibbon in the large enclosure at Phnom Tameo Wildlife Rescue Center, I quickly learned how agile, intelligent and naughty these animal are: one of them turned his back to me for a cuddle, yet in a split second, jumped up and the next thing I saw, was my scarf in his hands. Off he went, a clever thief, waving it in the air, celebrating his quest with a loud noise. Later, I learned gibbons are famous for their incredible calls that resonate far through the forest.

According to Wildlife Alliance (WA) conservationists, gibbons vocalise in defense of their territory; but, in this case, the scarf thief was announcing his successful steal.

The reality of gibbons in the wild is much less entertaining; according to conservationists, gibbons are the most endangered apes – yes, they are apes, although called “smaller” or “lesser” apes, having few major differences with their relatives, Great Apes. While habitat loss and degradation remain the main reasons, hunting for traditional medicines and illegal pet trade proliferate their extinction even further.

Gibbons are often victims of illegal pet trade, which is thriving across Southeast Asia.

Young gibbons are popular pets; the way of obtaining an infant is, however, quiet gruesome. To catch a young animal, its mother is shut down from the tree tops and,

often, the mother and baby are killed in the process. With an estimated 35,000 individuals left in the wild, gibbons have never needed more human protection to survive.

This makes the success of the Angkor Wildlife Release Project – a daring experiment led by fierce WA conservationist Nick Marx – an incredible achievement.

In 2013, the first pair of endangered pileated gibbons, born in captivity with very limited human interaction, was released in the forest surrounding the Angkor temples. A year later, a baby was born, indicating the groundbreaking triumph of this programme.

The release also marked the beginning of a new chapter of wildlife reintroduction to the World Heritage site. As a highprofile tourism destination, it creates an opportunity to educate visitors on the importance of conservation, while showcasing Cambodia’s dedication and commitment to wildlife protection.

“This ambitious project signals a renewed impetus to protect Cambodia’s natural heritage. With better management and enforcement of the law, the Angkor forest has now become a safe haven for wildlife,” says Nick.

Indeed, highly-endangered pileated gibbons that are still at risk of being poached or disappearing due to severe habitat destruction elsewhere can now live in the wild freely, protected and monitored by, Forestry Administration and Apsara Authority.

Yulia Khouri is the ambassador for Wildlife Alliance.

For information, visit wildlifealliance.org.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 71

Tattoos and Piercing Black Star 5A Street 90 Tel: 070 200 900 / 078 753 697 www.blackstarcambodia.com Welcome to Black Star Tattoo’s Cambodia’s finest whether you’re just passing through the Penh, or you’re a resident, this is the place to come for the highest quality tattooing. Open daily from 10am–10pm.

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

Sun Heang

Phnom Penh Social Rugby Club BKK Field, street 380.

Email: phnompenhrugby@gmail.com Touch rugby on Tuesday nights 7:30-9pm, Saturdays 3-5pm. Contact Rugby Wednesday nights 7:30-9pm, Saturday 2-3pm.

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.

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.

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.

So SPA Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Tel: 023 999 200 Be pampered with the best and most effective health and beauty treatments for outstanding deep rejuvenation. Explore a new kind of spa experience with a wide range of poetic and surprising treatments. Open daily from 10am10pm.

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

72 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Tomichik flowers as part of its treatment. Open 10am-3am.

Villa Spa 456 Monivong Blvd. (cnr. Street 466) Tel: 0 23 721 765 012 357 561 www.asiagarden.com.kh Aromatherapy massage in private boutique VIP rooms (villa and bungalow style) from professional Chinese and Khmer therapists from Master Kang; female customers only.

Waterlily Spa 42 Spean Anthernou (near Koh Pich) Tel: 012 632 329 spawaterlilty.com Indulge yourself with our spa services that pamper guests from head to toe. Waterlily Spa offers skincare/facials, body treatments, massages, waxing and nail care. Open daily 10am-11pm.

LISTINGS

family Cafés & Restaurants Farm to Table 16 Street 360 Tel: 078 899 722 Bring the coutryside to Phnom Penh at this healthy café that sources produce from Discovery Farms. Organic grub is served in a farm setting with free-range hens running around the courtyard and a static tractor for kids to play on.

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-chair is available on request and baby-changing facilities are in the toilet.

Open daily 7am-10pm The Shop Too 38 Street 337 Tel: 012 952 839 Little haven of calm with a wide range of fresh bread, patisseries, chocolates, juices and excellent salads, sandwiches. All products such as croissants, cakes etc. are baked on the spot.

With a big garden in front and nice courtyard at the back, it makes it a perfect place for family as well. Open daily 7am–9pm.

Entertainment Arey Ksat Equestrian Trail Arey Ksat, Phnom Penh. Tel: 077 35 77 74 Join experienced instructor Guillaume Larivain on a series of pony trails through the Cambodian countryside.

BluO Bowling AEON Mall, Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 901 000 The country’s latest bowling alley with private lanes available for parties. Open daily from 9am to midnight.

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,

topten

kids’ corner

Top 10 US Grossing Films Series: Child’s Diet Anna Glazkova As a parent and school founder, I can testify that it became a real challenge of modern parenting to raise a physically healthy and mentally balanced child. Pitiless competition on academic field, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, disconnection with nature, endless homework sadly seem to be a part of daily reality for the majority of today’s school age children.

I aim to provide our readers with a series of articles on the challenges that both children and caregivers meet in today’s society, and hopefully bring along some solutions that can help to cope with them.

A balanced diet is one of the essential parts of a child’s well-being, and plays an important role in overall development, as well as in disease prevention.

Not only the child’s growing body needs essential nutriments, such as carbohydrates, protein and fatty acids; but also the safety of the foods themselves has to be taken into consideration.

The conventional food presents important risks to human health and the environment (Campbell 2012), and the organically grown foods and derived products might not be accessible for the larger population.

Another problem is the influence of television. The advertisement content in children’s TV programmes might promote unhealthy lifestyle. A study ran in Singapore concluded, “Consistent with other

countries, unhealthy food advertisements continue to dominate children’s television programmes.” (Huang, Mehta, & Wong 2012). Children thus find themselves encouraged to eat junk foods that are harmful for their little bodies.

Childhood obesity is one of the prevalent problems among many developed and developing countries.

The estimate prevalence of excess body weight in school-age children was equal to 46 percent in Americas, 38 percent in Europe and former USSR, and 23 percent in Southeast Asia in 2010.

(Lobstein, Jackson-Leach & Baur 2010). Obesity tops the list of the biggest health concerns for children, it puts youngsters at a greater risk of other serious illnesses, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, bone and joint problems and sleep apnoea.

Parents are encouraged to provide their child with a healthy lunch box, in case they are not sure of the food origins and quality at school.

As a parent one needs to do the necessary to establish healthy eating habits from a young age.

Cook together with your littles ones and in a fun and creative way highlight the importance of healthy eating.

Organic personal care products, healthy snacks and supplements can be purchased at: iherb.com (delivers to Cambodia).

Anna Glazkova is a mother of two children aged three and seven. She is interested in child psychology, especially early years development. Founder of The Giving Tree Preschool and Primary, Anna also teaches parental, regular and radiant child yoga programmes.

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

The Accountant The Girl on the Train Kevin Hart: What Now? Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Deepwater Horizon Storks The Magnificent Seven Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life Sully The Birth of A Nation

Kindle Top 10 Reads 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Evelyn, After: A Novel by Victoria Helen Stone Before You Leap by Keith Houghton It Is Well: A Novel by James D. Shipman The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds by Selina Siak Chin Yoke A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks Venom and Vanilla by Shannon Mayer Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling And Then She Was Gone by Christopher Greyson Escape Clause (A Virgil Flowers Novel) by John Sandford The Girl on the Train: A Novel by Paula Hawkins

Top 10 iTunes Downloads 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Closer by The Chainsmokers Don’t Wanna Know by Maroon 5 24K Magic by Bruno Mars Heathens by twenty one pilots Juju on That Beat by Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall Gold by Kiiara Blue Ain’t Your Colour by Keith Urban Better Man by Little Big Town Let Me Love You by DJ snake Starving by Hailee Steinfeld & Grey

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 73

family

CCC is suitable for children.

Open daily 6.30am until late.

Kids City 162A Sihanouk Blvd. www.kidscityasia.com Indoor entertainment centre with climbing walls, ice skating, laser tag. toddler town and other attractions.

Monkey Business 2/F, Paragon Department Store 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 Canadian International School of Phnom Penh Bassac Garden, Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 727 788 077 503 778 www.cisp.edu.kh Offers a Canadian curriculum in English, certified through the Canadian province of Alberta.

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.

The early years programme offers play-based, ‘Inquire, Think, Learn” pedagogy inspired by the I.B programme and the Reggio Emilia schools of Northern Italy.

Footprints School 220 Street 430, Tumnub Teuk Tel: 077 222 084 Established in 2007 Footprints School offers nursery (age 2) through Secondary and has four campuses. The curriculum is designed for the dynamic needs and interests of students and staff are hired for their experience and love of children.

Giving Tree Pre-school Main Branch: 17, Street 71 Tel: 017 997 112 Secondary Branch: 50 Street 322 Tel: 017 997 112 Tuol Kork Branch: 5 Street 325 Tel: 077 993 073 Baby Playgroup 6-12 months; Main Programme 12 months to 6 years old.

Languages: English, French, Japanese, Khmer.

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The Giving Tree Primary Secondary Branch: 50 Street 322 Tel: 017 997 112 Email: registrar@thegivingtreeschool.com Grades 1, 2 and 3; 6 to 9 years old. We follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) - a worldwide recognised curriculum. iCAN British International School 85 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 222 416 www.ican.edu.kh iCAN offers affordable, high quality education, using the IPC, IMYC and English National Curriculum. Learners are encouraged to be thoughtful, creative, think critically, collaborate and achieve their best. iCAN is the learning environment of choice for parents who value the development of their children.

International Learning Jungle School 104 Street 315, Boeung Kak II, Toul Kork Tel: 095 222 557 095 222 558 095 222 559 www.learningjungle.com, www.facebook.com/ LearningJungleCambodia The only Franchise School from Canada. A proud provider of education for children in Canada, Cambodia, USA and Philippines.

International School of Phnom Penh Hun Neang Blvd.

Tel: 023 425 088 www.ispp.edu.kh Founded in 1989, this non-profit, non-sectarian international school currently has students from Pre-K to Grade 12. The largest international school and a fully-authorized IB programme the new campus has large grass playing fields, canteen, library, theatre, swimming pool and basketball courts.

Lycée Français René Descartes Street 96 Tel: 023 722 044 French school offering primary and secondary level education, extra-curricular activities include basketball, football, rugby.

Nira International School 17B Street 105 Tel: 023 454 5006 023 454 5007 Pre-school delivers affordable, high-quality, early childhood education. With new technology, using the IPC curriculum, classes are taught in an international environment. Its spacious central garden favours creativity, development and enables students to express themselves.

Northbridge International School 1km off National Road 4 Tel: 023 886 000 www.nisc.edu.kh Founded in 1997, NISC is a fully-authorised IB World School with a growing enrollment of students aged 3 to Grade 12. Purpose built campus unlike any in Cambodia.

Raffles Montessori International School of Phnom Penh 18 Street 294, corner of Street 57 Tel: 023 993 999 International standard school from Singapore lets children experience independent education with a team of Montessori-trained teachers.

Offering Kindergarten from ages 1.5 to 6 years old in a loving and encouraging environment.

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

Gecko & Garden Pre-school 3 Street 21 Tel: 092 575 431 www.geckogarden-preschool.org Not-for-profit pre-school emphasises learning through creative play in a supportive environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Open daily 7.30am-12pm. After school programme offering a range of fun activities is available 2.30pm-5pm daily.

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.

Ocarina French Day Nursery 56 Street 350, BKK3 (near Toul Sleng) Tel: 089 257 430 www.ecole-ocarina.com The first French “Micro-crèche” welcoming max 10 toddlers in a warm and encouraging place, under the supervision of a qualified French early childhood educator.

Shops Little Phnom Penh 194eoz Street 306 Tel: 017 877 471 French and Italian designers for kids fashion brand produce children’s wear from new born to 16 years, using local fabrics and mixing it with their taste of European fashion. The collection includes printed T-shirts with graphic designs that recall beautiful Cambodian icons. Open daily from 9.30am-6.30pm.

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 named toys and games. Open daily 7.30am-8pm.

Pitchoun 25DE0 Street 294 Tel: 017 555 325 Selling stylish baby clothes and shoes, cute dresses and skirts, and trendy shirts at reasonable prices, to please both children and parents. Open daily, 9am-7.30pm.

Shade 7 Outdoor Living Co Ltd Showroon; Borey Chamkarmon Tel: 077 962 467 Email: 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 one-stop 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.

business & services

Lorenzo Martini Interiors Tel: 012 773 514 www.lorenzo-martini.com The studio provides services ranging from interior design to property development concept.

Looking at interiors as living experiences, Lorenzo Martini ensure their designs are tailor made to clients.

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 Advertising APlus Asia Network 104 Street 273 Tel: 023 864 438 Fully-fledged advertising agency with a diverse portfolio of clients, offering a wide array of creative solutions to drive your brand message across all media.

River Orchid 25 Street 566, Phnom Penh. pick@riverorchid.com Offers a range of advertising, media, digital, PR and research services across the region.

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 solution. All products from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia have been treated to withstand any climate. Open 9am-6pm 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 31 Mao Tse Toung, Phnom Penh Tel:023 214 285 092 660 746 Boutique interior design shop offering custom made furniture and accessories as well as imported furniture and rugs. Also offers a full interior design service. Open Monday to Saturday, 9am-6pm.

Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136 Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours arranged by appointment.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

Expat Motorbike Cambodia 38Eo, Street 322 Tel: 089 491 436 / 089 518 867 emcjapeng@gmail.com Offers motorbike rental services for expats living in Phnom Penh including well-maintained motors, reliable & responsive service.

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 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.”

Malaysian Business Council of Cambodia Unit G21, Ground Floor, Parkway Square 113, Mao Tse Tung Blvd. mbcc.secretariat@gmail.com

Multi-branch network universal commercial bank offering a full range of products and services through nationwide network. Voted Best Bank in Cambodia 2014 and 2015 by Euromoney.

Car Rental

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.

ACC Car Rental Services 43 Street 160z Toul Kork Tel: 012 456 003 / 015 456 003.

Professional, prompt and organized 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.

Avis Cambodia 62 Street 217 Tel: 078 666 557 www.avrcambodia.com Avis Rent a car license within brand new vehicles and comprehensive insurance. Along with self-drive and chauffeur-drive throughout the country depend on your choice.

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 packages in Cambodia and neighbouring countries by the day, week or month.

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 ABA Bank 148 Sihanouk Bouelvard.

Tel: 023 225 333 www.ababank.com

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 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.

Maybank (Cambodia) PLC 4B, Street 114 (Kramoun Sar) Tel: 023 210 123 maybank2u.com.kh The only bank operating in Cambodia ranked

by Bloomberg Markets as among the World’s Top 20 Strongest Banks. Maybank humanises financial services by helping customers and employees grow, bridging them to new opportunities.

Maruhan Japan Bank 83 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 999 010 First Japanese bank in Phnom Penh.

IT & Software Cresittel Co., Ltd. Office 705, KT Tower 23 Street 112

Business Groups AmCham 1st Floor LBL International Building, 34 Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 015 333 715.

BritCham British Embassy, 27-29 Street 75, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 012 323 121.

Chambre de Commerce FrancoCambodgienne Office 2nd floor, 33 Street 178 Tel: 023 221 453 www.ccfcambodge.org International Business Chamber H7 Russian Boulevard, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 964 455.

EuroCham Preah Ang Makhak Vann, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 964 141.

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services

LISTINGS

services

money matters

Tel: 098 518 888 Provides software solutions and systems, point of sales systems for bars and restaurants, website designing and telecoms consulting. Has showroom at 385 Street 215.

KTOP 4/F Sorya Shopping Centre Tel: 023 6666 763 www.ktop.com.kh Broad range of quality and up-to-date smartphones, tablets, computers and accessories. Special services for OS upgrade, maintenance, applications, games, music and movies for mobile devices and computers. Open daily from 9am- 8.30pm

Facing the Financial Skeletons in Your Closet?

Paul Dodd Often I see new clients who are haunted by the financial skeletons lurking in their closet.

Many feel spooked by their debts and get creeped out thinking about their failure to start a retirement fund or put health insurance in place.

Here are the top six financial skeletons in people’s closets and how to stop being scared cents-less by them.

1.Spine-tingling secrets I am well aware that couples keep financial secrets from one another but I was still shocked to read the results of a 2015 Money Advice Service survey stating that 24 percent of UK adults in a serious relationship say their partner would be upset, angry or surprised if they knew the true state of their finances. In my opinion, openness and transparency are the only way forward for couples hoping to stay together in the long term.

2.Spooky spending Living within your means is something of an alien concept in this age of consumerism.

The idea of saving up for something seems very last century but this is how you should approach your finances – if you can’t afford it, say no and save up for it.

3.Devilish debts Devilish debts are those incurred when you buy things you don’t need with money you don’t have. These need to be exorcised. Make a

conscious effort to banish the bad debts that you have by setting aside a certain amount each month to pay them off.

4.The Demon of Death The Grim Reaper awaits us all and none of us know when that will be. Accepting the hairraising truth means you can at least plan for it by protecting your family from financial hardship with life insurance and planning your estate to mitigate inheritance tax and avoid family disputes over the assets you leave behind.

5.Pensions panic Hopefully your end is far from nigh and the Grim Reaper will be held at bay long enough for you to experience a long and happy retirement. For that you will need a pension pot.

Maxing out your company pension (if you’re lucky enough to have one) combined with a regular savings plan invested wisely is a must.

6.Haunted about health The spectre of serious illness hangs over us all but if you have health insurance you have one less thing to worry about. There’s no witchcraft and wizardry to this, you simply need a comprehensive healthcare policy which will cover you and your family against any eventuality.

If you don’t want to face your fears alone, find a trustworthy financial adviser to fight your demons with you.

Infinity Financial Solutions 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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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.

Insurance AG Cambodia Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Sovanna Sisowath Quay Tel: 017 360 333 Email: nfo@agcambodia.com Professional insurance agent offering health, home, car, factory, employee and hotel insurance packages.

Forte Insurance 325, Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Tel: 023 885 077 www.forteinsurance.com Forte Insurance is dedicated to providing exceptionally comprehensive and efficient insurance services (Corporate Insurance & Personal Insurance) to all our clients.

Infinity Insurance 126 Norodom Blvd Tel: 023 999 888 Professional insurance company offers motor, property, home, marine cargo, personal accident, healthcare, construction and engineering insurance. Group policies can be customised.

Legal

BNG Legal 64 Street 111 Tel: 023 212 67 023 212 740 www.bnglegal.com BNG Legal is a leading Cambodian law firm providing comprehensive legal services to foreign and local clients.

DFDL Legal and Tax Advisors 33 Street 294 Tel: 023 210 400 www.dfdlmekong.com Law firm providing international standard legal

and tax solutions with local and cross-border experience with offices in neighbouring countries.

Gordon and Associates Asia 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.

Sciaroni & Associates 24 Street 462 Tel: 023 210225 www.sa-asia.com Leading professional and investment advisory firm based in Cambodia with legal offices in Laos and Myanmar, provides skilled counsel, knowledgeable business insight and experienced guidance to leading companies, governments, think tanks and global investment funds.

Media & Design Anon Creative Energy Tel: 089 812 123 Email: 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 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 Email: sunbirdangkor@yahoo.co.kr Worldwide hotel reservations, car rentals,medical services, conventions and marketing. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm and Sat 8am-1pm.

Post Office Main Post Office Cnr. Streets 102 & 13 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. i3 Studio Tel: 017 728 895 095 666 817 092 709 596 Photography services: event, pre-wedding, wedding coverage and videography service.

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.

Real Estate and Property Services Avebury Asia Partners The Emerald Building 63 Norodom Boulevard www.aveburyasia.com Avebury Asia Partners is a boutique real estate firm specializing in Brokerage, Commercial Leasing Services, Research and Consulting and Owner’s Representation services for the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market. We provide clients with transparent solutions held to international standards.

CB Richard Ellis (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. 9/F , 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, valuations, consultancy, investment and property services.

Independent Property Services (IPS) 182 Street 63 Tel: 077 959 861 www.ips-cambodia.com Property and real estate agent offering apartments, houses and villas for sale and rent in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Emaxx Corner St 214 / Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 818 Provides a national, high-quality, 4G network service for Internet and multi-media services.

Ezecom 7D Russian Blvd. Tel: 023 888 181 www.ezecom.com.kh Internet service provider that promises boundless packages suited to everyone’s needs.

Good 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 464a Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 010 201 000 One of Cambodia’s leading mobile operator, offering super-fast 4G LTE. Provides a range of phones, tablets and selection of call plans.

Relocation, Shipping Asian Tigers Beton Street, Mol Village, Sangkat Dongkor Tel: 023 212 014 www.asiantigers-mobility.com/cambodia Leading provider of international relocation solutions with over 30 offices in 14 countries.

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).

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 Siem Reap: 64 Sivatha Street Tel: 023 999 333 www.giantibis.com Travel in “Affordable Luxury” to Siem Reap and other destinations in brand new 2012 buses with reclining seats, spacious leg room, AC, WiFi, complementary snacks and pick-up service.

Telecoms Cellcard 33 Sihanouk Blvd Tel: 012 800 800 A leading mobile phone operator providing a comprehensive range of voice, data and SMS services to individual and corporate users, both pre-paid and post-paid.

shopping Art

Eileen’s Ceramic Painting 40B Street 310 (between St.57 & St.63) Tel: 012 267 784 Book a party for a Housewarming, Birthday, Anniversary or Reunion.

We offer workshops during school and after school.

Estampe 197A Street 19, Phnom Penh Tel: 012 826 186, A wide collection of vintage items can be found at Estampe. There are originals and reproductions of old photos, books, maps from late 19th and early 20th century.

Documents on specific themes or periods for unique tailor-made collections for hotels, restaurants or house decoration can be made. Open Mon- Sat from 11am-7pm.

Hanuman Fine Arts 13B Street 334, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 211 916 Email: tradition@hanumanfinearts.com High quality, beautiful antiques and art from all over the Kingdom. Furniture, ornaments, silverware, jewelry and more are well

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displayed in a treasure trove of a store. Very helpful and friendly staff. Open 8am–5pm.

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

Beauty Products Raffles Amrita Spa Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh Email: 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 79 Street 240 / 12E Street 178 Tel: 012 726 355 New and used bookshops with over 20,000 original books and some copies, with a great range of best sellers. Coffee, smoothies and more available all day at Street 240. Open 9am-9pm.

Le Phnom Shop Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 Small shop offering books and souvenirs including recipes from the hotel’s pastry chef.

Open 7am-9pm.

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.

Also has outlets at the airport and in Aeon Mall.

Open 7am-8.30pm.

Crafts & Furniture Artisans D’Angkor 12AEo Street 13 (in front of Post Office) 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, silverplated ornaments and silk paintings. Special commissions and custom orders welcome. Open daily from 9am-6pm Artwood 33 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.

Ashley Gallery 705Eo Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 211 116 Browse our selection of quality furnishings at amazing value. Bring your home’s interior design to the next level with well-made products with the help of our friendly and knowledgeable designers. Open daily from 8am-6pm.

DeCosy 219 Street 19 Tel: 023 219 276 Stocking charming knick-knacks and furniture, DeCosy is the place to find the things to make your house a home. Open daily from 9am-7pm.

Indulgence Interiors 23A Street 302 Tel: 023 637 3666 / 012 586 688 Email: Indulgenceinteriors@gmail.com Sells sofas, dining sets, bed linen, curtain & lights.

Oppein 705Eo Monivong Blvd. Tel: 012 228 868 www.oppein-camodia.com Oppein is the leading cabinetry brand in AsiaPacific, we offer high quality and affordable kitchen cabinet, wardrobe, home furniture, wooden doors, bathroom cabinets. Open daily from 8am-6pm.

Pavillon d’Asie 24, 26 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 012 497 217 Antique lovers dream, a large array of wellrestored 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 Sunday.

PhalyCraft 37 Street 113 Tel: 016 485 857 www.phalycraft.com Located near Tuol Sleng Museum, PhalyCraft makes scarves, bags, gifts and accessories.

Custom orders available.

Sinh Hak Hout Home Mart Branch I: 353ABC Mao Tse Tong Blvd. Tel: 023 723 588 Branch II: 88, St. 598, Near TV Station 3. Tel: 096 833 9999 Branch III: 65-67, Mao Tse Tong Blvd. Tel: 095 699 994 A one-stop solution for home interior furnishing offering a variety of tiles, stylistic bathroom furniture & sanitary ware, modern home and office furniture.

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 Sunday.

Back to the Future 193A Street 63 near the corner Street 294 Tel: 078 991 232 Old fashion is always becoming new fashion.

What was fashionable before, will be fashionable again. At Back to the Future, we have an amazing selection of hand-picked, vintage items ranging from cloths, bags, shoes, and accessories. Open daily from 8am-8pm.

Bambou Indochine 7 Street 178 Tel: 023 214 720 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-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-9pm (closed Mondays).

Central Mall Phnom Penh 10 Street 67 Tel: 023 966 300 centralmallphnompenh.com A modern and stylish multi-brand department store concept in the heart of Phnom Penh, bringing authentic and premium international names right to your doorstep.

Couleurs D’Asie 33 Street 240 Tel: 023 221 075/ 099 499 478 Email: info@couleursdasie.net www.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.

Dara Shoes 10 Street 166 (near corner Street 107) Tel: 012 855 173 / 097 809 743 Good quality shoes, boots, bags, belts and leather products made to order.

D.Hindley Jewellery 9 Street 184 Tel: 012 327 107 Discover a range of beautiful Cambodian gemstones. From affordable to extravagant, we sell top quality 18k gold and sterling silver jewelry, plus loose gemstones. New Zealand/ Khmer ownership. All manufacturing done in Cambodia. Open 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.

Khmer Attitude Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Tel: 023 981 888 Fashion boutique that offers the finest Khmer silk clothing for men, women and children, including designs by Romyda Keth, and exclusive jewellery that complement the limited edition outfits.

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Kool As U 141 Street 19 (north of Street 172) Tel: 012 735 991 www.koolasu.com Specialises in men’s fashion with all clothes designed and made by Khmers. The clothing is casual, but designed for partying or work.

Business Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9am7pm.

La Clef de Sol 10 Street 208 Tel: 012 394 915 A design boutique offering home decor, women’s fashion, kids clothes, bags, accessories and continually updated design surprises. Near KFC on Norodom Blvd. Open 9am-6pm Mon–Sat. Lim Keo 9 Street 222 Tel: 012 941 643 Pret a porter by Lim Keo, son of Sylvain Lim, the master of Cambodian fashion.

Lola’s Intimates 1st Shop: 175 Street 155 (corner Street 460) 2nd Shop: 6E0, Street 5 (btw Street 110 and Street 118) Tel: 092 876 223 Offer all kinds of stylish underwear and night dresses with beautiful patterns. Price range from $1 to $12 per item. Opens daily from 9am-6.30pm Luna Boutique 8E1 Street 278 Tel: 023 220 176 Original and stylish fashion designs for men and women. 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, while its sister shop Luna Shoes - is next door. 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-àporter shop Kaprices is located upstairs. Open 9am-7pm.

Sentosa Silk Uniform 33 Sothearos Blvd, cnr Street 178 Tel: 012 962 911 023 222 974 Email: info@couleursdasie.net 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.

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 specializing 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 AusKhmer Import Export 521 Street Angtamin Pagoda, Sang Kat Kar Karp Tel: 012 698 100 023 880 110 www.auskhmer.com

Importer of quality wines and fine food from Australia and further afield.

gardening tools to dining materials. The 100yen shop is famous in Japan and has now arrives in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Open daily at AEON Mall 1F 9am-10pm, Dream Land on Sisowath Quay 9am-11pm, Street 271 8am-9pm & Siem Reap 9am-10pm.

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 9am8.30pm.

Malls AEON Mall 132 Sothearos Blvd.

As Cambodia’s first Western-style shopping mall, AEON is home to a host of local and international brands, a sprawling food hall, department store and entertainment floor featuring a cinema, bowling alley and arcade section. Close your eyes and you could be in Bangkok

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 Sunday.

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 6am10.30pm.

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. Open 7.30am-6.30pm, closed Sun. Kurata Pepper 5 Street 322 Tel: 023 726 480 Selling organic Koh Kong pepper and associated products, Kurata is a specialist shop in town. Open daily 8am-7pm.

Le Marché 10 Street 456 Tel: 011 51 07 31 Le Marché is the first one-stop shop in Toul Tom Poung. From basic grocery products, international

Silks & Accessories food and beverage items to various and trendy homeware articles, find everything you need for your daily life at very affordable prices. Open daily from 7am-9am 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.

The Chocolate Shop 240 35 Street 240 Tel: 077 666 402 Premium Chocolate shop with a large range of Cambodian-made Belgian chocolates including some classics such as pralines, truffles and bars. Open 9am - 7pm Monday-Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Second outlet in BKKI Street 63. Third outlet in Aeon Mall, Ground floor - Sweet Island.

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-11pm.

Household Goods Japan Home Centre 48A Street 294 Tel: 089 266 851 101A Street 432 (cnr Street 167) Tel: 078 850 320. www.japanhomecentre.com A place where you can find all of your household needs. Open daily from 10am-8pm Mi-a Japan Street 271 (100m after Stung Meanchey bridge) Tel: 023 6444 531 The store provides a variety of products from

Friends ‘n’ Stuff 215 Street 13 Friends ‘n’ Stuff shop sells products made by the parents of children in need, from various Friends projects, as well as other consignment items. After some serious shopping, you can relax here with a manicure and massage

by Mith Samlanh’s beauty training students at The Nailbar. Friends ‘n’ Stuff has a small shop at the Russian Market and Romdeng restaurant as well. Open daily from 11am9pm.

Hummingbird 137 Street 19 Tel: 092 504 604 www.facebook.com/hummingbird. cambodia Modern women’s clothing boutique with all the latest styles. Opened in 2014 offering a unique, high-quality range of dresses, playsuits, shirts and blouses, skirts, tops and t-shirts, shorts, bags, flats and sandals, jewellery, beauty and wellbeing products and more. Open daily from 9am to 9pm.

PHNOM PENH 023 211701 Downtown: #08E0, Str. 57 Phnom Penh International Airport SIEM REAP 063 964343 Downtown: The Alley West (near Pub Street) Siem Reap International Airport www.smateria.com

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Mark Bibby Jackson is the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance journalist. Follow him through the season at @ BibbyJackson or www.markbibbyjackson.co.uk.

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demonstrate the red half of If Jose Mourinho ever needed Manchester’s lack of cutting to switch his career, he would edge. Rooney is looking have no problem finding much older than his years, himself a job as a bus drive – parking a speciality. The 0-0 St. 97 Ibrahmovic wasted another draw at Anfield proved – if St. 99 gilt-edged chance and proof were needed – that St. 101 Rashford is looking lost on the the Portuguese manager is a St. 103 right wing. For all Pogba and Felliani’s hustle and bustle – master in the defensive art. At the team seems to be overly least Gerrard did not trip up reliant on Mata’s finer arts. over his bootlaces to hand all Surely the game wouldn’t have three points to the darker arts. been so dire if the Spanish The game served to temper wizard had been on the pitch. optimistic thoughts that Creativity is something that Liverpool might cost their way the other side of Manchester to the title, and that United has in abundance – although were there for the taking. In St. 145 perhaps they need to brush truth, all such title speculation up on their penalty430taking is premature. As mentionedSt.in147 St. St. 155 skills. But dropping five an earlier column, the title race points away at Spurs and does not warm up properly ) home against while until after Christmas. A swift St. 163 71Everton, t. 2 . (S lvd suggests that no disaster, glance at the table will show in B m u ho k P honeymoon might be Pep’s only two points separate the ara em Kh top four (at time of writing), Yothapol over. Let’s hope not. From an outside perspective it’s far with Mourinho’s team a further more pleasing to watch Pep three points adrift. talk than José moan, both on What the game highlighted and off the pitch. was how difficult it is for one With Arsenal and Spurs team to break its opponents on the surge, and talk of down when it only has one Conte’s early Chelsea bath thought in mind – not to be proving premature, the capital beaten – especially when the is well-placed to challenge team trying to win is lethargic the northwest giants for in its approach play. this year’s trophy. However, However, Liverpool are Leicester’s poor start makes allowed an off day, and picking a repeat of last year’s fairy tale up a point at home against most unlikely. Although with their oldest rivals is not the three wins out of three in the worst result. But let’s not Champions League, perhaps forget United have done the there is a second act in store double over them for the past for us played out on an even two seasons. greater stage.

It also served to

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Bus Parking and Premature Predictions Mark Bibby Jackson

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AsiaLIFE Cambodia 81

Sala Baï Since launching in 2002 in Siem Reap, Sala Baï has been transforming under-privileged Cambodians lives while providing the tourism industry with a much-needed boost. Photography by Régis Binard

A

rmed with the aim of tackling some of the issues that are rife across Cambodia, in 2002 French NGO Agir pour le Cambodge decided to take action and equip impoverished youngsters with the tools to change their futures.

To help it hit its goal the organisation decided to fill an ever-widening gap in the hospitality market by opening a vocational training centre in the form of Sala Baï Hotel and Restaurant School.

Since then, the vocational courses have offered a new lease of life to more than 1,300 Cambodians, who have been snapped up to work in the increasing number of four- and five-star hotels opening in Temple Town.

“Sala Baï was created to fight poverty and human trafficking, through social and professional insertion of young underprivileged Cambodians, with a priority given to girls,” says the organisation’s communications manager, Anne-Laure Bartenay.

Offering one-year vocational training courses in cooking, front office, restaurant service, housekeeping and, most recently, beauty therapy training, Sala Baï’s success has seen it rise to the ranks of the country’s top hospitality training school, with prestigious establishments clamouring for one of the 108 annual graduates – about 400 people apply each year.

“We have 100 percent job placement within one month after graduation,” says Bartenay, adding that fresh graduates 84 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

receive three times more than their family’s average income.

With the goal of training 120 students, aged 17 to 23, annually in 2017, and 150 by 2018, last year Sala Baï moved to new school premises to help it hit its goal and provide students with a quality setting to test their skills with real clients.

Nestled on the outskirts of Temple Town, the school comprises of three quaint wooden buildings that capture traditional Khmer style.The first focuses on food and is home to a 65-seat training restaurant that is open during weekdays for breakfast and lunch. The second houses six classrooms, where students study subjects, such as English and maths, as well as a library and IT room. The third boasts six contemporarily designed guestrooms, including a suite and junior suite, and a training spa.

“These are new professional facilities for the students,” says Bartenay. “Sala Baï strives to be a benchmark technical training centre that meets the requirements of the hotel industry in a country where tourism has been growing in leaps and bounds.”

Sala Baï has done just that, with as many as 90 percent of its graduates landing jobs in top-notch establishments thanks to its partnership with 18 four- and five-star hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap, including Sofitel, Amansara, Heritage Suites Hotel and Raffles.

Sok Kimsan was one of the first batch of students to enroll with the organisation. “I was raised with the idea that I would never

be able to study. My family lived in such poverty that it was unthinkable. But then Sala Baïschool opened, and I was admitted.”

After graduating, she went on to work in various luxury resorts, as well as represent the country in international cooking contests, and is now chef at Siem Reapbased gourmet restaurant, The Embassy.

“Sala Baï brings so much hope for the poorest,” she adds. “I’m still very attached to Sala Baï that gave me the opportunity to make my dreams come true. That’s why I want to continue to support the school.”

With plans to further expand in the future, Sala Baï looks set to continue providing some of the country’s finest hospitality staff for years to come.

“It is a very efficient training programme,” says Bartenay. “The staff, all Cambodian, are completely devoted to the students, who are highly motivated and always try to do their best. They really deserve this new life. They taught me a wonderful life lesson.”

For more information, visit salabai.com.

t h e p l a c e t o e at

OYSTERS

oyster lovers be tempted one dollar each everyday 6 to 8 First Floor, maline apartment building, street 214, between norodom & street 51 tel: 092 776 552

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 85

We can all use a little more mindfulness in our lives, so why not let our technological enslavement devices help us out even more than they already do. These apps can take you from zero to zen with a little discipline and practice.

Stop, Breathe & Think (Free) | This app is a perfect introduction to the basics of meditation, featuring a wide range of exercises.

Taking in everything from mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness meditation, to the body scan practice, it’s pretty ideal for short practices at work and even longer sessions at home. The non-profit Tools for Peace originally created the app for students and staff in their kindness and compassion programmes, but the app’s popularity in the Apple store has taken SBT to a more mainstream crowd.

Yoga tools from Sadhguru (Free) | This is a set of seven five-minute Upa-Yoga practices.

They are based on the science of Upa-Yoga, which is oriented towards physical and psychological benefits.

Whether you’re seeking health and joy or peace and love, success or inner exploration, these simple practices are designed to help you walk through life with ease. This app really balances bodywork yoga practice with breathing and meditation techniques, and is an ideal way to start your day.

86 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Calm (Free) | Calm evolved out of Calm.com, a free web app where users select background scenery and sounds. Now in app form, Calm includes a “7 Steps to Calm” guide.

The guide is slightly lengthy and instructions are vague at times. For instance, the step about posture veers into an impromptu discussion on how “we’re so busy doing that we forget about being” that you’re not learning about posture anymore. Calm is not ideal for learning meditation, but it is good for catching a few blissful moments to do absolutely nothing.

Mindfulness Training App (Free) | Created by Sounds True, this app gives you a taste of teachings from key mindfulness instructors.

If you’re new to meditation, this app is a great opportunity to get a more intimate understanding of what it’s all about. Seasoned practitioners might be drawn to the extra talks concerning the science of mindfulness, varying definitions surrounding the practice, neuroplasticity, and happiness. A great addition to your Smartphone.

boxoffice

A STREET CAT NAMED BOB

FANTASTIC BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM

TROLLS

MAX STEEL

Homeless and a recovering drug addict, James Bowen (Luke Treadaway) is running low on luck. He’s given a last chance to turn his life around by his support worker Val (Joanne Froggatt), who helps him to finally get his own bedsit to live in. As James attempts to build a life by busking in Covent Garden, he struggles to gain any traction as the London crowd passes him by. Returning home one day, he finds a ginger cat outside his door. Thinking it belongs to a neighbour, he ignores it but during the next few days, the cat continues to linger outside. James discovers an infected wound on the animal’s leg and takes the cat to be treated by the RSPCA. From then, the two lives become entwined. The film is based on the book of the same name by James Bowen.

When the Harry Potter series wrapped up, Hogwart fans were left with a gaping hole in their hearts that JK Rowling just had to fill, and here it is. Set as a prequel to Harry Potter, the year is 1926, and Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures.

Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them is the first in a series of five instalments. The question on everyone’s lips is, will it be as good as its predecessor.

I can just about remember the troll trend. They were everywhere. Their tufts of brightly coloured hair on necklaces, fashionable dummies – yes, they were a thing – and the ends of pens. However, as with all fads, the troll trend seemed to die down... until now. Two decades after the Trolls escaped from the Bergens, who eat Trolls, Princess Poppy throws a party that attracts the attention of banished Bergen Chef, who captures Biggie, DJ Suki, Satin and Chenille, Cooper, Guy Diamond and Creek. Feeling responsible, Poppy enlists disgruntled survivalist Branch to help save Troll Town’s population from the Bergens. Their prince, Gristle, plans to serve the Trolls to his kingdom, oblivious to the romantic infatuation of his scullery maid Bridget.

Based on the eponymous toy line, Max Steel chronicles the adventures of teenager Max McGrath and alien companion Steel, who harness and combine their tremendous powers to evolve into the turbo charged superhero Max Steel. McGrath (Ben Winchell) discovers that his body can generate the most powerful energy in the universe. Steel (Josh Brener) is a funny, slightly rebellious, techno-organic extraterrestrial who wants to utilise Max’s skills. When the two meet, they combine together to become Max Steel, a superhero with unmatched strength on Earth.

They soon learn to rely on each other when Max Steel must square off against an unstoppable enemy from another galaxy. It is directed by Stewart Hendler and written by Christopher Yost.

COMING SOON MOVIE RELEASES Platinum See platinumcineplex.com/kh for screening schedule Max Steel Nov. 03 A Street Cat Named Bob Nov. 04 Trolls Nov. 09 Deadstock Nov. 17 Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them Nov. 18

Legend Cinemas See legend-cinemas.com for screening schedule Doctor Strange Nov. 03 Ouija Nov. 07 Trolls Nov. 09 Shut In Nov. 11 Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them Nov. 18

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 87

1. What is the name given to a female swan?

2. What was the capital of England before London?

3. What was the name of the butler in the 1970s TV series Upstairs, Downstairs?

4. Where on a horse would you find the ‘gaskin’?

5. In fashion, what does FCUK stand for?

6. Name all four houses in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

7. What is the national currency of Iceland?

8. Who is the lead vocalist of British rock band Mumford & Sons?

9. The adjective ‘malar’ is used to refer to which part of the human body?

10. If an insect is ‘xylophagous’, what does it feed off?

11. In which British newspaper did the cartoon strip ‘The Perishers’ appear, between 1959 and 2006?

12. ‘The appliance of science’ was an advertising slogan used by which manufacturer of household electrical goods?

1

3

13. Which river flows through Settle, Clitheroe and Preston?

14. On which date of the year do the French celebrate Bastille Day?

15. Which British sitcom was set at the fictional Bayview Retirement Home?

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20. The lead singer of the band Madness is known generally as Suggs - what is his real name?

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Pub Quiz Answers

19. Sir Dave Brailsford is a famous British coach of which sport?

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1. Pen 2. Winchester 3. Mr Angus Hudson 4. On its hind leg (upper part) 5. French Connection United Kingdom 6. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin 7.

Icelandic króna 8. Marcus Mumford 9. Cheek/side of head 10. Wood 11. Daily Mirror 12. Zanussi 13. Ribble 14. July 14th 15. Waiting for God 16. Africa 17. Nick Hornby 18. James I19. Cycling 20. Graham McPherson.

18. Which English king was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots and Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley?

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16. On which continent is the State of Eritrea?

17. Who has written novels entitled High Fidelity, About a Boy and A Long Way Down?

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