AsiaLIFE Cambodia October 2015

102015 ISSUE106

TOURISM LIFT OFF

note from the editor AsiaLIFE Group

Marissa Carruthers Like many expats, my first visit to Cambodia was as one of the millions of tourists who land in the country each year. With just a few days, we only had time for the usual Phnom Penh to Siem Reap route, taking in the typical tourist stop-offs, such as Angkor Wat, the Killing Fields and S-21.

That was six years ago. Since then, the country’s offering has drastically changed. An increased volume of flights are connecting Cambodia with the rest of the world, improved infrastructure makes it easy to access remote parts of the country, development is rapidly creeping across the coastline and islands, eco-tourism offerings are available by the bucketload, and the Kingdom is welcoming visitors other than backpacker and daring travellers.

For this month’s cover feature, Joanna Mayhew takes an in depth look at the country’s booming tourism sector. With so much to offer, from pristine countryside and jungle, to bustling beaches, idyllic islands and ancient temples, Cambodia is fast becoming the destination for many across the globe.

While tourists will always be welcomed across the border, fears have been raised that the exploding industry needs to be heavier regulated and steered in the right direction if it is to thrive, and survive, well into the future.

Elsewhere in the issue, we cover Cambodia’s first Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which saw almost 100 bikers step into their most stylish threads and set off on their classic motorbikes, all in the name of prostate cancer.

In another first, Phnom Penh welcomes its first Gin Jubilee from Singapore this month. And as media partners, we encourage all our readers to sample the gin-themed cocktails some of the capital’s bars have concocted as part of the event, and get voting for the winner.

Halloween and Pchum Ben fall in October so we have some spooky tales up our sleeve, so don’t save the magazine for bedtime reading. And to mark the launch of AsiaLIFE Cambodia publisher Mark Bibby Jackson’s novel To Cook a Spider, we take a look at some recently released reads set in the Kingdom.

www.asialifemagazine.com

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FOR SALES ENQUIRIES: Chantha Sorn Tel: 012 576 878 chantha@asialife.asia

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

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

Associate Editor: Joanna Mayhew

Art Director Cambodia: Joseph Slater

Siem Reap: Sarah Brown

Photographers: Charles Fox & Lucas Veuve

Accountants / Distribution Seang Seiha 012 887 118

Sales Director Cambodia: Sorn Chantha chantha@asialife.asia 012 576 878 010 730 685

Distribution: Son Veasna 096 222 7231 Printing: Sun Heang Printing House

Chhorn Ny chhanny@asialife.asia 015 604 405 Accountants: Sorn Rathana

Special thanks to: Darren Gall, Paul Dodd, SOS International, Ryan Drewe Taylor and Cambodian Living Arts – for their contribution.

On the Cover Design and Art Direction: Joe Slater Photography: Lucas Veuve AsiaLIFE is a registered trademark.

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

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

102015 ISSUE106

front

12 Picks of the Month 14 Openings

getaway

42 Temple in the Sky

food

46 Zino

style & design

48 Behind the Design

back

55 Listings

18 Street Smart 22 Phnom Penh Calendar 24 Photo Essay 28 Q&A: Remy Hou

on the cover

30 Tourism Lift Off

storyboard

36 Spooky Stories 38 Bookworms 40 The League of Gentleman

36 6 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

36 40

47 Chinese House

50 Fashion

86 Phnom Penh Map 94 PP Palette

42

Oct 2015

News & Events Inside/Out

The InterContinental is hosting a new art exhibition comprising of eight Cambodian and international artists’ work based on their experiences of Cambodia. Inspired by diverse motifs, the artists have explored many contexts to create these artworks. The environment, body image, identity, spirituality and the everyday realities of life in the Kingdom; all these and more are depicted in a variety of media. On display until Oct. 25.

Open Day at the French Embassy More than 180 people

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attended an open day at the French Embassy last month to mark European Heritage Day. Visitors were given access to the administrative buildings as well as to the Ambassador’s Residence and the park, famously the site of the eponymous portal, which gives its name to François Bizot’s memoir The Gate (Le Portail).

The French Embassy has witnessed many events over the last 60 years.

Spookfest

Rafflies le Royal is being transformed into Raffles Castle in time for a spook spectacular

Halloween's party. The event includes three hours of wicked freeflow drinks, a buffet, prizes for the best fancy dress, games and a Devilish disco. On Oct. 31, $50 from Infinity. Tel: 023 997 121.

Community Underwater Day

The CMAC Dive Team, iCAN British International School, the U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh and the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation hosted a community day at Olympic Stadium swimming pool last month. The primary aim of the day was to promote water safety

awareness. CMAC Divers and iCAN British International School hosted the water safety and SCUBA Diving demonstrations, which attracted about 75 people from three different schools. It included swimming tutorials and a demonstration of water safety techniques by the schools swim teams. There were water safety drills in and out of the water, so non-swimmers could participate.

Hong Kong to Cambodia Connection

The inaugural flight of the Hong Kong Express airline touched down at Siem Reap last month.

This makes Hong Kong Express the second carrier scheduling flights on the route. Siem Reap International Airport is thus increasing connectivity with two companies, including Dragonair, now scheduling daily flights.

Bruno Désveaux, GM of SRIA, says: “We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong Express, one of the fastest developing LCCs in the region. This is

indeed a very opportune time to [expand the] service [to] Siem Reap.” Among the 166 passengers on the Airbus 320 were the carrier’s CEO, Andrew Cowen, and Phan Peuv, Consul General of the Royal Consulate of Cambodia to Hong Kong and Macau who flew in to join the celebrations held at the airport.

Top Eats

Seasoned Singaporean chef Sam Leong hosted a dinner and cooking demonstration at InterContinental hotel on Sep. 23. With more than 25 years professional experience, specialising in the cuisine of China and Singapore, Chef Leong is a leading protagonist of contemporary Singaporean cuisine, has many media appearances and cook books to his credit and has cooked for a number of international luminaries. Recently he has expanded into the consultancy field, mentoring and educating the next generation of chefs.

A New Venue for Mercedes Benz

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz showroom and service centre on Road 60M, Khan Meanchay (next to ISPP School). A light breakfast and speeches preceded the groundbreaking itself after which there was a Q&A session to cover any matters arising from the expansion of business.

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Oct 2015

SR News & Events Sweet Treats for Good Cause

Last month, Siem Reap welcomed a brand new haven for the sweet-toothed among us in the shape of Project Y Frozen Yoghurt. Located on the street of the original night market, this technicoloured new addition boasts an array of

different yoghurt flavours and toppings, serving a perfect pickme-up on a sweaty afternoon or arduous evening trawling the market stalls. Best of all is Project Y is a social enterprise run entirely by students from the Cambodian Rural School Trust (CRST), providing real-life work experience opportunities as well as financial support for CRST’s educational projects.

Jol Moi!

While construction work continues to plod along at the site once occupied by Warehouse, the transformation of what was formerly Molly Malone’s seems to have been significantly speedier. This prime piece of Pub Street real estate

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is now the home of the aptly named Cheers – a locallyowned bar and restaurant boasting a blue-lit industrial interior that makes the previous traditional pub décor hard to imagine. There is also a beautiful monochrome Khmer-inspired mural adorning the length of one wall, and a new largely glass-built bar. Cheers is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, then, as the sun sets, transforms into a late-night club serving up creatively presented cocktails and shots.

Celebrating Local Art

Local art seems to be blossoming more than ever in Siem Reap, with more and more opportunities offering

a chance to celebrate and learn about the intricacies of Khmer culture, both new and old. Long-awaited Cambodian movie The Last Reel started screening in Siem Reap on Sep. 4, and consistently drew large crowds throughout the month – a classic in the making if you haven’t had chance to see it yet. There was also a one-off screening of Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten at 1961, which offered a fascinating look at prewar Khmer rock’n’roll. The everpopular Phare Circus premiers its brand new show Influence, and riverside restaurant Lave is currently hosting a beautiful exhibition called Harvest, which is a collection of works by local artist Nou Sary.

PICKS OF THE MONTH Get Arty: Yangon in Transition

Get Fit: Zumbathon

Painter David Richards’ exhibition, Yangon in Transition: Past and Present, reflects his passion for historic buildings.

The American artist has dedicated his latest exhibit to the British colonial architecture of Burma. He first visited the country in 2012, ostensibly for a short photographic trip to collect photographs on which to base new pieces. He was so impressed by the volume of heritage buildings, that he settled in Yangon long enough to immerse himself in the culture and thoroughly study the architecture. For three years, Richards photographed, sketched, painted and collected visual references to assemble a substantial body of work to celebrate the beauty of the colonial architecture and show the intriguing character of various aspects of Burmese culture as well as the Chinese. Yangon in Transition: Past and Present can be seen at The Plantation hotel from Oct. 21 to Dec. 6.

Fancy getting fit, having fun and raising cash for a good cause? If so, then sign up for the Kingdom’s first Zumbathon Pink Party, which aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programmes.

Organised by Advance Learning Academy, in collaboration with the Health Poverty Action organisation, all proceeds made from the event will go towards supporting the efforts of Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope. The hospital remains the only medical centre in Cambodia that provides breast cancer screening, diagnosis, education, training and treatment free to poor patients. The event takes place on Oct. 25, at the Cambodian Japan Corporation Centre on Russian Boulevard, from 3pm to 5pm. Ticket are $12 or $30, including an event T-shirt and a cap. Tel: 069 555 627.

Go See: Samritechak

Food Fix: Sugar ‘n’ Spice Garden Café

When Sophiline Cheam Shapiro presented the premiere of her original dance drama Samritechak at Phnom Penh’s Royal University of Fine Arts Theatre in 2000, the nowrenowned choreographer had no idea what impact it would have on her career or on Khmer classical dance. Having just received a grant from the James Irvine Foundation to adapt William Shakespeare’s Othello, she decided to transform it into a concert-length Cambodian classical ballet. The result was Samritechak, which was well received internationally – propelling her onto the global dance stage. To mark 15 years since the dance made its debut, Samritechak can be seen at ISPP’s Blackbox Theatre from Oct. 1 to 3 at 7pm, and Oct. 4 at 4pm. Tickets are $3 to $10 and are available from samritechak. eventbrite.com.

The Sugar ‘n’ Spice Garden Café is on the move. On Oct. 5, guests will no longer be able to enjoy a calming coffee and bite to eat at its home on Street 430.

Instead, it has relocated round the corner and can be found inside the White Linen Hotel, Street 442. While still serving up the popular selection of coffees, smoothies, snacks, light lunches and bakery goods, to celebrate it new home, all visitors to the cafe can enjoy a new $1 breakfast and $5 lunch specials menu. In addition, regulars can reap the rewards with the launch of a new loyalty card scheme where five stamps can be exchanged for $5 off a meal. For more information, email communications@ daughtersofcambodia.org.

Go See: Urbanism and Architecture The French Institute is hosting a jam-packed agenda of exhibitions, debates and screenings surrounding the topics of urbanisation and architecture. The events invite the audience to examine the question of living together, which is particularly topical in Phnom Penh, where population has dramatically increased over the past years. The first exhibition opens on Oct. 6 and is the results of an architecture contest the institute organised with eight schools in Cambodia. It presents the models created on the topic of the immeuble-villa – a famous habitat concept dreamt up by architect Le Corbusier. On Oct. 9 and 10, the French Institute’s movie theatre will also dedicate its programme to architecture, with two films. This is followed on Oct. 20 by a conference headed by Seng Vannak, Deputy Director of the Department of Urbanism at the Municipality of Phnom Penh, on the greenery of Phnom Penh.

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Bear Grylls A koala survives being hit by a car travelling at more than 60mph on an Australian motorway after becoming wedged in the front of the vehicle.

Unseen Beatles Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr publishes a book of 250 pictures – including some rare and unseen images of the band.

Environment Boost Environmentalists who have repeatedly tried to stop Shell’s drilling in the Arctic welcome news that the company will cease oil and gas drilling in Aslaska.

Supermoon The moon turns an eerie red and is covered in shadow in a celestial double whammy that won’t happen again until 2033.

Supersonic Car The world’s most powerful racing car is revealed in London in the form of the Bloodhound. It can cover one mile in just 3.6 seconds (1,000mph).

GOING UP GOING DOWN Arachnophobic Arsonist A dumb driver sparks a large blaze after trying to kill a spider by setting fire to it with his lighter while filling up his tank at a Detroit petrol station.

Mugabe Gaffe President Robert Mugabe, 91, accidentally delivers a month-old speech during the opening of Zimbabwe’s parliament.

Road Rage A South Korean smashes his $500,000 Mercedes Benz with a golf club after getting fed up with poor customer service from a local car dealership.

Faulty Drive Audi says 2.1 million of its cars were fitted with emission cheating software, on top of about 11 million Volkswagens.

Buzz Off Eighteen people seek hospital treatment after being stung by a swarm of bees that escaped from a truck carrying hives that crashed on a motorway in Turkey.

OPENINGS SOKEA SUITES

EXTENDED STAY

This modern-styled apartment building is aimed at young single professionals or couples and offers a mix of 21 apartments spread across seven floors. With its appealing central location, Sokea Suites has already secured 50 percent occupancy. With top quality furnishings and a contemporary European style, studios are available from $549, with the remaining one-bedrooms from $599 per month, aimed at extended stays.

Each apartment comes with high-quality furniture, queen size beds and mattresses, large flat screens, and spacious bathrooms. For those looking for a good sleep, each room has shutters offering true blackout conditions.

All of the apartments come with a balcony and terrace, and the building has shared communal space. Apartments are available to view daily from 8am to 5pm.

168 Monireth Boulevard, Phnom Penh. Tel: 012 517 590.

BODAIJU RESIDENCES

HIGH LIVING The largest Japanese residential development in Cambodia recently scooped the Best At Show award and Best Concept Booth at the annual Cambodia Property Expo 2015. The six apartment buildings include rooftop gardens, sky pools, al fresco cafes, private balconies, two levels of parking and a large playground. The recently opened showroom is showcasing the range of apartments, and properties are available to purchase off plan with construction due for completion by December 2017. With a variety of one, two and three-bedroom apartments available, featuring contemporary designs, landscaped gardens and promises of plenty of green space, Bodaiju is setting a high bar in the city.

269 Russian Boulevard, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 900 866.

Open daily from 9am to 6pm.

THINK BIG The giant decked out Lego walled store is a welcome relief for families looking for an alternative to keep children entertained and mentally stimulated in Phnom Penh. With access to large amounts of Lego, Kinetic Sand, Beads and Wavelay, Think Big aims to be an educational centre allowing children to explore their creativity and imagination while enhancing motor skills and allowing parents to relax over a coffee, sandwich or smoothie from the menu. Rates are $4 an hour per child but family coupons are available with 10-hour playtime ($35). Private room for functions such as birthdays are available for private hire and can seat up to 20 kids.

16B Street 302, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 964 170.

Open daily from 9am to 8pm.

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PLAY TIME

THE WINE AMBASSADOR

BOTTOMS UP

The well-lit and designed three-storey building houses a ground floor shop selling a huge selection of beautifully presented wines as well as high-end spirits and cigars. The first floor restaurant also includes two private VIP areas, which can seat up to 20 people. The third floor includes an open rooftop and bar. The menu presents a mix of French and Asian cuisine with choices such as the foie gras proving to be popular, costing close to $20. Steak, duck, pasta, bar snacks and desserts are also available, as well a range of wines and limited cocktails – the barman is currently working on some signature cocktails that will cost between $4 and $6.

The store and restaurant are elegantly presented and the wines come from countries such as Australia, South Africa Chile, Spain and France.

4 Street 294, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 900 365.

Open daily from 9am to 10pm.

ICHING

LUXURY LIVING

Having recently relocated to Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, the new store offers a larger well-spaced two-floor location. IChing has created a “space of ideas” with a diverse ensemble of colours, styles and living concepts.

A team of knowledgeable staff is on hand to assist with clients’ needs, which include bespoke pieces made in tandem with the in-house design team. The furniture is a mix of imported and locally produced pieces, ranging from beds, bookshelves, lamps, artwork and more with the style of a collection that is classic, modern, colourful and eclectic. Aiming to be more than an interior design company, IChing is a lifestyle company, helping to bring stylish and creative designs to Cambodia’s homes, offices, restaurants and hotels.

31 Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 214 285.

Open Sunday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm; Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

CHINESE HOUSE

ELEGANT EATING

The recently refurbished Chinese House brings a touch of rustic class to the more than century old heritage site. Offering a ground floor spacious bar setting, exquisite tapas is served, with the menu regularly shaken up to prevent punters from becoming bored. The cuisine is eclectic and global, with Chef Amy Baard and her team delivering fantastically presented, tasty dishes, with platters also available to share (from about $15 upwards).

Soon to be introduced, the Red Box lunches offer a three-course weekly changing menu, served within the space of an hour. The first floor has an elegant 51-seat restaurant for fine dining (mains run from about $15 to $50). The ambitious aims of the new management looks well on the way to delivering their promise.

45 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh. Tel: 092 553 330.

Kitchen open 10am to 10pm, Monday and Saturday, and 8pm on Sunday.

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PUZZLES

MEDIEVAL MADNESS Having opened its doors in August but planning a grand opening this month, this medieval themed bar has a large range of craft beers from Belgium, Germany and Scotland. With an airy setting and massive mural artwork created by local artists as the backdrop to the music stage, Puzzles promotes local musical talent on a daily basis before DJs take over late at night. The menu features a range of snacks, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pasta and steaks. There is also a daily happy hour and range of signature and premium cocktails, as well as beer towers available. Spirit coolers are big sellers among the hip young Khmer crowd, as are the craft beer selection. A private room is in the works, featuring an arcade console and large flat screen TV. National Assembly Street, Phnom Penh. Tel: 092 575 555.

Open daily, from 5.30pm to midnight.

TINI This small but elegant cafe/bar sits in the heart of fast-changing Tuol Tom Poung, and is designed by prominent local artist Sothea Thang.

Showcasing local art, the cafe plans to promote locally-made products and fly the caffeine flag by sourcing beans from Feel Good, ginger beer for its cocktails from Rumblefish in Kampot, and tea, jam, honey, cashew butter and pepper from small business. The coffee selection is superb, with beans from Chiang Mai and Dalat. Chemex Drip bar and cold brews are also on offer. Snacks include ice cream and local dried beef in addition to cakes and pastries. Those looking for something a bit stronger can opt for cocktails or Bok Beer (beer, chili, lime and salt), which is proving a hit.

Tini may be tiny but it’s started with a bang.

57 Street 450, Phnon Penh. Tel: 017 555 450.

Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 11pm; weekends, 9am to 11pm.

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TINY TREATS

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StreetSmart

P Simphony Music & Art School

243 Street 51

A musical escape from the rows of crammed coffee shops comes in the form of Simphony Music & Art School, which opened in 2010. Offering classical music training it aims to promote music education to the general public as well as offering lessons to students of all ages and abilities. A range of musical instruments are taught, including the guitar, piano, violin and saxophone. A showroom, range of activities and art courses offer a mix of education. For those who plan on staying in town for a while, this could easily become a second home while budding musicians learn to embrace their musical talents.

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Street 51

Street 51, or Pasteur, is very much the spine of the capital taking in a string of coffee shops to appease the coffee fix in BKK1 up to the Central Market cross section. Writer Steve Noble explores the diverse offering of cafes, restaurants, bars and entertainment spots. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

P Lotus Blanc Training Restaurant

152 Street 51 (between Streets 306 and 310)

As the brainchild of NGO Pour un Sourire d’Enfant’s (PSE) Hotel Training School, this restaurant offers Asian and Western cuisines prepared and served by students who gain practical firsthand experience working in the restaurant.

The food is good value for money around the clock, and local dishes, such as beef lok lak and mango salad, and desserts, including the pineapple flambé, come recommended. The restaurant can be sparse at times, however, this gives guests the chance to interact with the attentive and eager training staff. It’s a great cause and alternative to the international franchises that are starting to litter the street.

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owies S H

32 Street 51

An institution among the expat crowd, the small but hospitable bar is a welcome relief from the craziness of adjacent Golden Sorya Mall.

Well known owner, Howie, is often on hand to greet guests to his popular dive bar. The pool table is constantly congested, but be warned and watch out for pool sharks, especially the friendly staff, who are constantly challenging customers in a game of Connect 4. The music runs the spectrum but mostly takes in eighties and nineties rock and ballads. It’s a bar that’s far less sleazy than some of its neighbours, and regularly hosts a mixture of locals, backpackers and expats who pour in late at night.

R Samaky Restaurant

9Eo Street 51 (cnr Street 278)

Well located for people-watching, the enticing happy hour from 3.30pm to 7.30pm is enough to lure punters into the breezy, almost open-air setting situated opposite Wat Langka. Although the food varies and the menu is typically over-saturated in terms of choice, the food is good, cheap, and tasty, catering for both Khmer and Western choices. With the hustle and bustle of the street, it’s a great place to catch up with friends and soak in the mayhem that can be the capital.

R Conekla

168 Street 51

Aiming to offer something unique on a street cluttered with cafes, Conekla encourages visitors to embrace their inner child.

This entertainment bistro has a range of games and activities on offer, and a fun, sweet-themed decor that includes a giant lollipop, a candy and popcorn bar, and sweets a plenty, such as M&Ms, Gummy Bears and Skittles. Downstairs is an atrium-style room with water streaming down the glass roof, and plenty of light due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Upstairs offers rooms that can be hired, and feature large flat-screen HD TVs, couches and sound systems. Gaming consoles, such as Xbox 360 and PS3, are also available. There is plenty of seating throughout and although it’s already looking a little worn, it’s a nice alternative to the hordes of cafes on Street 51.

“Aiming to offer something unique on a street cluttered with cafes”

Golden Sorya Mall

R RSD Tattoo

17 Street 51

Located just before the main nightlife hub of Golden Sorya Mall, RSD Tattoo started inking customers in 2005 as a temporary store. RSD was the first to offer tattoo designing in Cambodia and has welcomed a healthy roster of Cambodian tattoo artists over the years. Today, it still maintains a varied roster of local and international artists who specialise in different styles. Those looking to be inked can request a tattoo off the catalogue or spend time with one of the artists designing something unique.

The red sofas that line the shop are often a social setting for the staff and their friends but they are a welcoming bunch.

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Another mainstay and institution – yes, mainly for the wrong reasons, it features all the worst and best examples of nightlife in the capital. Housing lady bars, restaurants, cheap eateries, beer gardens and Pontoon, it attracts a diverse range of people from across the globe, from backpackers, expats and locals to the rich, poor and needy. It is undoubtedly a melting pot best witnessed firsthand. Be cautious, be adventurous, have fun, and stick this one in the memory bank.

R Katy Peri's Peri Peri Chicken and Pizza

Cnr streets 51 and 172

Katy Peri's was the first street food stall in Cambodia to have a wood-fired pizza oven on a tuk tuk, and it’s a challenge to find an expat who hasn’t soaked up the excess booze with one of the delicious pizzas after a night out. The pizzas are incredibly affordable with small or large sizes costing between $2.50 and $6. Whether it’s a stopover to refuel for the night or a bite on the way home, Katy Peri's is a landmark in the capital’s late-night eating, and the setting for people watching is unsurpassed for viewing the range of nightlife in town.

Have an event coming up?

Send information and dates to marissa@asialife.asia

CALENDAR OCT 01-05

OCT 02

Browse the racks of vintage clothing and bag a bargain at The History of Things To Come’s latest clothing sale. From 8am to 8pm at 21 Street 306, next to BKK1 Coffee Bean.

Celebrate German cuisine as Himawari Hotel Apartments presents the Himawari Beer Festival with a German themed buffet. Sample their own craft beers, made on the premises, including award winning pale ales, a sweet stout and a limited edition German Stein. The German Tapas menu continues until Oct. 4. $21 for adults, $10.50 for children, from 6pm to 10pm. Complimentary first beer.

OCT 03

Fire & Ice opening season tournament at Phokeethra Country Club, Siem Reap. $115 per player, including the golf tournament, buffet dinner, live music, lucky draws and more. For tickets, phone 012 882 882.

OCT 06

For the third consecutive year, the French Institute of Cambodia is organising a series of events focusing on urbanism and architecture, from Oct. 6 to Nov. 30. This includes two exhibitions, three conferences and three screenings. For more information, visit institutfrancais-cambodge.com.

OCT 21

Yangon in Transition: Past and Present by American painter David Richards.

The exhibition will be held at The Plantation’s Lotus Pond Gallery of The Plantation and will open with a traditional cocktail from 6pm. The exhibition continues until Dec. 6.

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OCT 25

Inside/Out Art exhibition by a mixed group of eight artists based on their experiences in Cambodia. At the Insider Gallery, InterContinental hotel.

OCT 29-31

Eat, drink and sei frölich as the Cambodiana Hotel celebrates Oktoberfest with a range of German themed cuisine and drinks as well as regional fare. There will be an MC and a live Bavarian band providing entertainment. Oct. 29, from 6pm to 11pm, $18; Oct. 30 and 31, from 4pm to 11pm, $21. All tickets include $10 F&B vouchers.

Lotus, Art Exhibition at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra in conjunction with The Small Art School.

Showcasing the work of students on the subject of the Lotus flower, a highly significant plant in many Asian cultures. All works are for sale, all proceeds going towards funding for and provided by The Small Art School. Runs until Oct. 31.

OCT 31

Lotus, Art Exhibition at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra in conjunction with The Small Art School. Showcasing the work of students on the subject of the Lotus flower, a highly significant plant in many Asian cultures. All works are for sale, all proceeds going towards funding for and provided by The Small Art School. Runs until Oct. 31.

The Chinese House will be transformed into a spook-fest in tribute to the master himself, Tim Burton. With three different floors decorated to bring to life three of the director’s films: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice and Sweeney Todd. Fancy dress is encouraged.

Enjoy champagne cocktails in the Explorer’s Tales Bar at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, Siem Reap. Throughout the evening, DJ Nok from Bangkok will be playing a smooth laid-back mix of tunes.

EVERY MONDAY

Mad Monday at The Empire, 6pm • Yoga Phnom Penh, 8am vinyasa flow, 12.15pm power yoga and 6pm vinyasa beginners • Margarita Mondays at Riverhouse Lounge from 7pm until late.

EVERY TUESDAY

Yoga Phnom Penh classes at 8am ashtanga, 12.15pm slow flow, 6.30pm power yoga and 6.30pm fly fit yoga • Swing dancing at Doors with lindy-hop specialist Janice Wilson from 7pm. Classes are $3 or $25 for 10 lessons • Latino Time at Cabaret on Street 154 at 6.30pm • Two for 2-sday at Riverhouse.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Trivia in the garden at The Willow, $2 entry and 7.30pm • Acoustic music at Kep’s Sailing Club from 6pm to 9pm • Classes at Yoga Phnom Penh at 8am ashtanga, 12.15pm slow flow and 6.30pm fly yoga • Wicked Wednesday at Riverhouse from 7pm • Tempting Thai at La Coupole, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, from 6pm to 10pm, $32.

EVERY THURSDAY

Art House Sessions at 8.30pm at The Flicks 1. Enjoy the secret treasures on the big screen for only $3.50 • Steak Night at The Empire • Movie nights on the beach at Kep’s Sailing Club from 7pm • All About Jazz at Cabaret from 7pm, wine and beer happy hour from 5.30pm to 7.30pm • High Heels ladies' night out at Riverhouse • Italian night at Willow Boutique Hotel from 6pm. Choice of pastas, pizzas, desserts and carafe of wine. All $3.50 • Ladies Night at Cambodiana Hotel's QBA. Buy one, get one free.

EVERY FRIDAY

Seafood Haven at Korean Grill restaurant, NagaWorld, from 5.30pm to 10pm. $20 per person excluding beer, $30 per person including free flow draft beer. Tel: 023 22 88 22, www.nagaworld.com • Rhythm sessions at Doors from 9.30pm • An evening of music with Sylvie and Senastien Jazz Acoustic at Knai Bang Chatt in Kep, from 5pm to 9pm.

• Yoga Phnom Penh, 8am fly yoga, 12.15pm yoga for well-being and 6pm hatha.

EVERY SATURDAY

Cine Saturday at Bophana Center, 64 Street 200, at 4pm • Art classes for children and adults at Romeet Gallery on Street 178, costing $8.50 per session or $65 for 10. Register interest with Sreymao at romeetgallery@gmail.com or by calling 077 55 07 59 • Yoga Phnom Penh. Vinyasa flow 10am and yoga for stress at 1pm • An evening of music with Sylvie and Senastien Jazz Acoustic at Knai Bang Chatt in Kep, from 5pm to 9pm • Dim sum brunch at Fu Lu Zu, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, $19.80/ $28.

EVERY SUNDAY

Escape at the InterContinental Hotel’s Regency Café from 11.30am to 3pm. Free-flow wine at $36 plus taxes • Phnom Penh Hash House Harriers’ run, 2.15pm at the railway station • Sunday Rave Party at Riverhouse, from 6pm.

EVERY DAY

Daily half day $55, full day $110, photography tours around Phnom Penh with professional photographer Michael Klinkhamer. Start at FCC, Sisowath Quay at 9.30am and 13.30pm. Tel: 060 873 847 or visit cambodiaphototours.asia.

EVERY MONDAY TO SUNDAY

A world of flavours international dinner buffet at The Pangea Fusion restaurant, NagaWorld, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm, adults $19.90 or $29.90 with free flow drinks. nagaworld.com. • Yoga Phnom Penh, 9.30am fly yoga and yoga for well-being.

EVERY WEEKEND

Fishing trips on the Tonle Sap river from 3.30pm to 6.30pm • Kids' films at The Flicks 1, Saturday and Sunday 10am.

MAKE EVERY REP COUNT

24 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Mick Soncharoen, is a Thai-born photographer with a passion for sports photography. He has been involved in documenting high-intensity training, globally known as CrossFit, for the last two years across Asia, capturing not just the exercise but also the community spirit it involves. As part of his work, he has travelled to photograph a series of major CrossFit competitions across the region, including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea. He says, “My style is to capture athletes’ facial expressions and body movement from extreme pain, maximum effort, like pushing themselves over the limit, as well as joyful moments from accomplishment. The beauty of sport photography is about capturing the moments that tell these stories; what’s on an athlete’s mind and how their body reacts from it. I found this fascinating, and it allows me to add creativity to every photo I take.” mick.soncharoen@gmail.com, facebook.com/ mike.soncharoen.photo AsiaLIFE Cambodia 25

26 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 27

Remy Hou Born in Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge reign ended, designer Remy Hou moved to California at the age of 10, where he was soon sewing for the stars.

Now based back home, he is inspiring a fresh generation of designers. Interview

by Marissa Carruthers. Photography by Charles Fox. fall asleep and no one would notice, unless I start to snore, but no one has caught me yet.

When did you first pick up a needle?

I knew how to sew when I was 12-years-old; it was something I had to do in order to help my mum. She was taking care of three kids and traditionally as the eldest you have a greater responsibility to help the family.

She was college educated during the early 1970s in Phnom Penh but the war abruptly changed her life. Education is the best investment, so I’ve always listened to her advice. I didn’t pursue fashion after I graduated high school; it was when I started working in Hollywood for Helio to handle their celebrity clients.

That’s when I started to put my sewing skills to the test, and finally made that leap in 2009 to establish Engineered by Remy as a men and women’s wear brand.

Describe your personal style?

My style is comfortable, confident, powerful, clever and original. I’m usually in a button up or collar shirt, mostly fitted trousers, slim ties, a fitted blazer and my reading sunglasses. Some say the sunglasses are too dark but I think it’s just right. I can 28 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

How do you come up with your designs?

Each collection is different, and each time I go into creation mode. I think of the future man or woman, through to future kids. What kind of life are they living? Are they happy, what do they embody, what are their journeys? When I fully understand them, then I choose colours, texture of fabrics etc.

There’s a theme to each collection, for Engineered by Remy it’s classic meets edgy.

What makes your clothing unique?

I think my clothes incorporate the “cool” factor, which is something that’s very hard to sell. You can try to always make it look good in photo shoots, but that “cool” factor comes from the fans. I believe the reason is relating the brand to my journey in life. People can relate to my story as a person and not just a nameless brand; it’s good to be able to relate to someone who can bleed and cry.

Everything in my photo shoots and campaigns are things I envision for myself. I either have them or aspire to have them, so it’s not something I am selling to a stranger. I am the customer and so I am no longer selling

clothes; I am living the Engineered by Remy lifestyle.

What inspires you?

Failure, hunger, family, friends, passion, love, pain, happiness, death. I’m here today because I was given an opportunity; a second chance in life to do something great. I believe my talent isn’t just my ability to sew or design, but my ability to see the world. There’s a purpose to my life and I am constantly reminded each day.

Who is your favourite designer?

Karl Lagerfeld is probably one of my influential designers. It’s probably because we share the same style of reading sunglasses; he’s probably daydreaming during one of his shows. All jokes aside, he’s one amazing creative director. His shows are incredible, and location and set designs are important to me. I also love DSquared, they have the ability to bring themes from collection to set designs.

Which celebrities have you designed for?

John Legend, MC Lyte, Kanye West, KD Aubert, Brian J. White, Bryan Dattilo, Tim Kang, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Justin Bieber, and many more. My favourite would have to be John Legend because I made him a jacket for his birthday, and it was also for his album tour, Evolver.

How was it being a judge on the first Cambodia’s Next Top Model?

I would have never dreamed of being a judge on CNTM, let alone consider myself a judgmental person. It’s an honour for me to be part of the judging panel, I feel I can make an impact by providing advice and tips on styling, fashion and grooming. The ability to educate others is one of my biggest goals, and to use CNTM in a constructive way has easily made this possible.

Can you describe the fashion scene in Cambodia?

There are many brave, courageous fashionistas and designers who don’t follow the norms of society. Without them my work would be very difficult.

You cannot create changes alone, to move a county to compete with the rest of the world you need a team of likeminded individuals. The fashion scene is changing because of their investment.

How would you like to be remembered?

Remy Hou, a man who has nothing but has everything.

Ready to wear and custom made clothing can be ordered at the Engineered by Remy office at Mito Hotel, 11 Street 174, Phnom Penh.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 29

TOURISM LIFT OFF

Over the past decade, tourism has grown in leaps and bounds in the Kingdom, which now offers varied travel experiences, from its coasts to its countryside, for increasingly diverse visitors. As high season starts, writer Joanna Mayhew takes a look at the booming sector. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

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t Cambodia’s southern shoreline, waves lap gently against one of Kep’s most prestigious and relaxing escapes – Knai Bang Chatt. The resort’s manicured lawn is dotted with cosy lounge chairs perched under aged, overgrown trees, and edged with a silky, opaque infinity pool. Throughout its colourful villas, no finishing touch is overlooked: the scent of frangipanis wafts through the 18 rooms, each uniquely designed with understated teak wood beds and rustic vases; and daily chef’s treats await guests for sunset viewings of the gulf from their balconies.

Started as a private holiday house in 2003, Knai Bang Chatt gradually evolved into a hotel, opening to the public in 2006. Set in remodelled and expanded villas from the architectural heyday of the 1960s, the resort combines the nation’s rich history with its current refined offerings, which rival any in the region.

Kep, too, is a microcosm for the country’s larger trends. The sleepy town has undergone drastic changes, emerging from its tumultuous past as a Khmer Rouge stronghold, to draw a steady stream of visitors, including locals, long-term expats and global tourists, with its ever-expanding guesthouses and crab shacks.

When Knai Bang Chatt CEO Jef Moons first arrived in 2003, there were very few outsiders. “I was white face number four,” he says. “It was pure adventure.” At that time, there were just 700,000 yearly tourists – and in 1993, when the country was reopening, only 118,000 visitors arrived.

Last year, Cambodia received more than

4.5 million tourists, representing a fourfold increase in the last decade. This year, the country is bracing for 5 million.

DRAW CARDS

From its southern beaches to its northern hills, the country now has serious pull for travellers. With spa and meditation retreats, quad bike escapes, luxury river cruises, wilderness expeditions, horseback outings, and sailing and dive trips, there is little the Kingdom does not offer.

“Diversity is one of the things that makes it so amazing,” says Carrol Sahaidak-Beaver, executive director for the Cambodia Hotel Association.

“You have to recognise the very high potential of Cambodia,” adds Try Chhiv, the government’s deputy general director of tourism, noting that the country’s recent relative stability has been a driving force for tourism. Visitors can also get more bang for their buck, he AsiaLIFE Cambodia 31

says, by dining in high-end restaurants and touring the country at a fraction of the cost of other Southeast Asian nations.

Much of the recent growth in tourism is also due to improvements in road and air connectivity. “As the roads open, so business development has followed, which has created tourism opportunities,” says Sahaidak-Beaver. “It’s gone out in waves.”

Increased direct flights, particularly across Asia, have contributed, with a second airline linking Hong Kong and Siem Reap as of August, as well as more domestic flights connecting visitors between Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. Also in August, the Cambodian and New Zealand governments made an air services agreement, as a first step towards establishing direct flights between the locations. And recently, Cambodia partnered with neighbouring Thailand to offer a single-visa option for tourists planning to visit both countries.

To keep up, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports are currently expanding their terminals, as part of a $100 million program launched in 2014 to double their capacity to 5 million passengers each, according to the Cambodia Airports. As part of the upgrade – and perhaps the most indicative symbol of growth – Starbucks will make its Kingdom debut, with a café set to open in Phnom Penh airport’s new wing this month.

COASTAL CULTIVATION

While tourism development is occurring across the country, nowhere is this more evident than its coastlines and outlying islands, which entice backpackers and high rollers alike.

Opened in 2011, Song Saa was the country’s first luxury private island, offering 27 all-inclusive villas perched amongst rainforests and tropical reefs, and costing $1,400-$5,000 per night, depending on room type and season. Joining the lavish circle will be a new private island, Akaryn, set to open in 2016.

According to the company, the “six-star” resort boasts 40 villas and a wellness centre, and suggests its guests travel by private jet from Bangkok to Sihanoukville to reach the island.

“The opportunity to have an entire island for development is rare,” says branding and communications director, Eugene Oelofse, adding special measures will be introduced to protect the untouched tropical rainforest that sits on the secluded island.

On land, Knai Bang Chatt also caters to well-heeled visitors, but Moons notes this is only a slither of the country’s guests.

“Not everyone coming to Cambodia is a high-end traveller.”

The remainder are flocking to less-exclusive islands, such as Koh Ta Kiev, Koh Rong Sanloem, Koh Russei and Koh Rong. The lazy escapes, with white sand beaches and turquoise waters, can compete with many of Thailand’s better-known islands. But in the past few years, the untouched paradises have gradually drawn bigger crowds from Sihanoukville’s party town.

“It has changed drastically,” says Paddy Robinson, owner of Koh Rong’s Monkey Island resort, which was one of only two guesthouses on the beach when it opened five years ago. Today, lodging options line the shore, and up to 400 people come to and from the island daily, estimates Robinson. Even television’s longest-running reality show, Survivor shot two seasons

“It’s a unique experience – being Indiana Jones and Angelina Jolie, running through the temples” 32 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

at the tropical location this year, a move the government hopes will further promote tourism.

Inland, riverside Kampot town is making an equal name for itself, rising as a foodie destination and offering kayaking, rock-climbing and stand-up paddle boarding. It also benefits from proximity to the capital, taking just over two hours by taxi.

The coastal areas are gradually making up a larger portion of tourists’ destinations, drawing numbers away from the country’s traditionally dominant attraction – Angkor Wat. In the first half of 2015, almost 14 percent of travellers visited these areas, compared to 44 percent in Phnom Penh, 41 percent in Siem Reap, and just over one percent in eco-tourism locations.

ANGKOR’S ATTRACTION

Still, Angkor’s temple complex remains the Kingdom’s biggest draw – with hoards of guests each day clamouring through the 9th to 15th century temples.

“Without stating the obvious, it’s spectacular,” says Jeff Strachan, owner of Siem Reap bed and breakfast, Maison 557. “It’s a unique experience – being Indiana Jones and Angelina Jolie, running through the temples,” adds Magnus Olovson, general manager for Heritage Suites Hotel.

Earlier this year, Siem Reap was voted the number one destination in Asia, and the second in the world, in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travellers’ Choice Awards. And wellknown hotels, such as Anantara and Marriott, are entering the city. “Brands aspire to be here, and that speaks volume,” says Strachan.

But the area is experiencing its own transformation, with the traditional

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 33

market of European and North American visitors steadily outnumbered by a new Asian market. “The growth has been mainly Asian, and mainly in tours,” says Olovson.

Overall, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Japanese guests top the country’s tourist numbers, says Chhiv. The government is also promoting inter-Southeast Asia travel, and aiming to attract additional Chinese tourists. Strachan estimates that in 2014, Siem Reap saw 900,000 South Korean arrivals and 850,000 from China. “Without a doubt, the tipping point has passed. There’s no turning back,” he says. “Now the challenge is balancing the march of the Asian tiger.”

Hoteliers say the changes have caused conflict within the tourism space, as different markets have different preferences, particularly when comparing Asian tour groups and independent European travellers. Managing these differences is crucial due to the town’s small size, and today’s instant Internet feedback. In response, industry professionals are urging the government to prioritise high-spending visitors over high visitor numbers. “You should want both, but you have to find a way to make that work,” Strachan adds. “So everybody talks positively about Siem Reap.”

ECO ESCAPES

Further afield, and for the more adventurous traveller, Cambodia has an increasing number of off-the-beaten track options.

In far-flung and mercifully cooler Ratanakiri province, rolling hills and powerful waterfalls beckon exploring, and visitors can choose between dirt bikes and elephants for getting around. A dip in the area’s serene and sacred Yeak Loam volcanic crater lake – almost perfectly round and surrounded by dense forest – alone makes the trip worthwhile.

In Koh Kong province’s Chi Phat, guests can sleep in hammocks strung up beside the top of the mighty O’Malu waterfalls, after a daylong trek through the Cardamom Mountains. Chi Phat is one of the country’s better-known community-based ecotourism projects, along with Kampong Speu-based Chambok. The Kingdom has become the leading country for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on community-based ecotourism standards, due to its success in implementing these projects, says Chhiv.

Member countries have now endorsed these standards.

Guests can also explore Koh Kong’s majestic Areng Valley through multi-day eco-adventure tours by local non-profit organisation Mother Nature, with mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and camping along the winding river. The lush valley, which has been under threat of a long-proposed and controversial hydropower dam, boasts some of Cambodia’s most elusive wildlife, from Siamese crocodiles and dragonfish to king cobras and gibbons.

“The Cardamom Mountains offer the best of Cambodia,” says Nick Marx, director of care for rescued animals at NGO Wildlife Alliance, which runs a series of eco-tourism ventures in the area. “Here, nature is at its finest, there is a wealth of rare flora and fauna, and it’s a real adventure in real Cambodia.”

The Kingdom also boasts an increasing number of adventure sport offerings, such as wakeboarding, and zip-lining over Angkor park or through Mondulkiri province’s Bou Sra Waterfall. “Cambodia is an emerging destination, so we still have authenticity,” Chhiv says. “This can attract people, to experience the real Cambodia – and the warm hospitality of the people and culture.”

GROWING PAINS

With predictions of a continued upswing in tourism, the government hopes to receive 8 million visitors by 2020, according to Chhiv. But with great growth comes great challenges. Already, Siem Reap hoteliers say the boom is adversely affected by infrastructural problems, such as electricity cuts and infrequent garbage collection. “We’re seeing a very unregulated, afterthe-thought process to build a tourism city,” says Strachan.

34 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

“Now the challenge is balancing the march of the Asian tiger” And hotel registration has lagged, with less than 500 registered but more than 2,000 on Agoda, says SahaidakBeaver. In addition, hotels and tour operators face a shortage of skilled staff, which may become a larger problem as Cambodia merges economically with ASEAN at the close of the year.

Perhaps more importantly, the country’s tourism development seems to focus exclusively on growth, at the cost of coordinated expansion and environmental sustainability.

“More people doesn’t necessarily equal more money into the community, [and] better experiences,” adds Strachan.

Many businesses have taken matters into their own hands by incorporating environmental and social programs for sustainable tourism. Knai Bang Chatt’s Hand in Hand project partners with a non-profit organisation and has provided almost $1 million to improve education, health and livelihoods in the resort’s neighbouring communities.

And Song Saa’s conservation and community program launched Cambodia’s first marine reserve, established a solid waste management facility, and supports research on the country’s marine environment, to protect the coastal ecosystem as tourism rises.

But tackling the issues will take coordination across the industry, which is why networks such as the Cambodia Hotel Association exist. “If one of those keys is not in tune, it all sounds bad,” says Sahaidak-Beaver.

The government is also attempting to lead the charge, by providing short- and long-term plans, and setting ASEANrecognised standards for clean cities and for the training of industry professionals.

With kinks still left to work out, the country remains a work in progress. But this may not be entirely bad. “That’s why people travel here,” says Moons. “To see something developing.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 35

Spooky Stories

As Pchum Ben and Halloween approach, writer Steve Noble looks at the spooky stories and superstitions that surround these eerie holidays. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

36 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

S

otheary Touch woke from her dream slightly stirred at the thought of her grandfather’s words.

“It seemed so real, but I told myself it had to be a dream,” the 28-year-old says.

Seconds after waking, the phone rang. “It was my mother, who told me my granddad Vannak had passed away during the night. I couldn’t believe it.”

Touch made her way to the kitchen and steadied herself as her flat mate, Sopheap Tho, bustled in and recounted a strange dream of her own, that someone was kicking her out of her bed. She could feel a presence but nobody was there.

Stories of spirits and ghostly presence are entrenched in Cambodian culture and will commonly be retold. Most homes and businesses display colourful replica miniature homes that resemble temples adorned in gold, green and red. These spirit houses are used to ward off bad spirits and provide a shelter for them. Regular tributes are also offered, including food and drink, to appease these otherworldly beings.

It’s not only Cambodians who share eerie experiences in the Kingdom. Australian Daniel Anderson recalls a spooky story while working in his Phnom Penh office late one night. “I was trying to meet some deadlines but I kept stopping,” he says.

“There was this feeling of being watched, an eerie presence, and although I couldn’t see anything I felt something tangible and haunting.” Anderson felt so uncomfortable he went home.

The next day, when Anderson told his colleagues, one of them dropped her coffee cup, shattering it on the floor. She collected her things and left the office with no explanation. A few phone calls later and the majority of the Cambodian staff had vacated the building, refusing to return until monks had been called, Ghostbuster style, to exorcise the office – a ritual that was carried out.

“I couldn’t quite believe how strongly the Cambodian staff reacted to my story, and I found it a little funny at first, my boss less so,” Anderson says. “It’s then I realised how sensitive my Cambodian colleagues were to spirits and ghosts. I

Popular culture only further provokes Cambodian’s staunch belief in ghosts. In 2005, CamPro Film production released The Haunted House, with the country’s strong superstitions contributing to the horror film’s success.

But despite profiting from the widely-held beliefs in ghosts, the cast insisted on a Buddhist prayer being prepared to ask any spirits to leave the alleged haunted house before filming began.

Similarly, producers of Khmer musical TV series, Roneat Snea, which aimed to promote traditional instruments, claimed the crew and actors were taunted by

this time, souls and spirits are believed to come to receive offerings from living relatives.

On the macabre side, it is believed that some of the dead receive punishment for their sins and burn in hell. Families want to provide offerings so these tortured spirits can have some relief from their suffering. This period is also important as some ghosts have the opportunity to end their period in hell, whereas others leave temporarily, returning to endure more pain.

Halloween also falls on Oct. 31, and the Western holiday has gathered momentum in recent years across Cambodia.

A number of venues host parties and encourage fancy

“I remember speaking to him so clearly and he was telling me how much he loved me and my family but he was so tired” don’t know how to explain exactly what I felt, and I’m a cynical person, but there was something in the office with me that night but I couldn’t see anything, it was freaky.”

Superstition and the belief in sorcery, harmful ghosts and spirits regularly lead to accusations and, even murder.

In August, three people in Oddar Meanchey province allegedly murdered a 60-yearold woman, who was accused by a local family of practicing sorcery. Days earlier, a 49-yearold man was hacked to death in Kampong Chhnang province by three neighbours who believed he was involved in black magic.

spirits during early shooting.

They said the director and actors were possessed by a spirit because they chose the wrong place to hold the prayer ceremony prior to shooting.

Eventually three ceremonies were held before production could continue unimpeded.

Pchum Ben is Cambodia’s equivalent of the famous Mexican Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), and this year lands in mid-October. The 15-day religious festival sees many Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives of up to seven generations. This includes visiting the pagoda to honour the tradition. During

dress as ghosts, ghouls, witches and zombies. This sight can potentially lead to some cross cultural sensitivities, but younger urbanised Khmers are increasingly embracing the celebration.

As for Touch’s dream about her grandfather, “I remember speaking to him so clearly and he was telling me how much he loved me and my family but he was so tired. He just wanted to lay down and rest.

Without really thinking, I told him to go lie down in the bedroom next door – the same room and bed as Tho. I never told her about that dream, it would scare her too much.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 37

Ghost Money

By Andrew Nette Australian writer Andrew Nette’s debut novel is set in Cambodia. It’s 1996, and the long-running Khmer Rouge insurgency is fragmenting, and competing factions of the coalition government are scrambling to gain the upper hand. Missing in the chaos is businessman Charles Avery. Hired to find him is Vietnamese Australian ex-cop Max Quinlan. But Avery has made dangerous enemies and Quinlan is not the only one looking. Teaming up with local journalist Heng Sarin, Quinlan’s search takes him from the freewheeling capital Phnom Penh to the battle-scarred western borderlands. As the political temperature soars, he is slowly drawn into a mystery that plunges him into the heart of Cambodia’s bloody past. Ghost Money is not just a crime novel; it’s also about Cambodia in the mid-1990s – a broken country, and what happens to those trapped between two periods of history, the choices they make, and what they do to survive. It cleverly interweaves Quinlan’s quest with the Kingdom’s turbulent past, resulting in a page-turning read.

The Cambodian Book of the Dead

By Tom Vater

It’s 2001, when Cambodia is in the midst of reemerging from decades of war, genocide, famine and cultural collapse, and Detective Maier lands in Phnom Penh, tasked with finding the missing heir to a Hamburg coffee empire. As soon as the private eye and former war reporter arrives in Cambodia, his search for the young coffee magnate leads him to the darkest corners of the country’s history and back in time, through the communist revolution to the White Spider, a Nazi war criminal who reigns over an ancient Khmer temple deep in the jungle. Maier uncovers a tale of mass murder that reaches from the Cambodian killing fields back to Europe’s concentration camps.

But it is an unfinished tale, and Maier soon realises that, if he is to prevent more innocent lives from being destroyed, he will have to write the last terrifying chapter himself.

38 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

When Clouds Fell From the Sky

By Robert Charmichael

Released in April to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the fall of Phnom Penh to the Khmer Rouge, this poignant prose follows the lives of five people and spans five decades. Slotting into the non-fiction category, the book covers pre-Pol Pot Cambodia in the 1960s, the 1970 to 1975 civil war, and the Khmer Rouge’s genocidal reign from 1975 to 1979, through the subsequent decades before ending with the trial of S-21’s Comrade Duch. Starting with the disappearance of a young Cambodian diplomat in 1977, the narrative follows a man returning home to Cambodia whose people are dying in vast numbers in one of history’s bloodiest revolutions. He is never seen again. Back in France his disappearance marks the start of a search for answers by wife Martine and daughter Neary. Decades later, their perseverance pays off when they testified at the war crimes trial of Comrade Duch, head of the notorious S-21 prison.

When Clouds Fell from the Sky takes readers on a truly compelling journey into the causes and consequences of the Khmer Rouge’s savage rule.

Bookworms

Home to colourful characters, a unique and diverse expat scene, a laidback tropical climate, a dark history, and heaps of “Only in Cambodia” charm, the Kingdom of Wonder makes the perfect setting for a book. Marissa Carruthers opens up some recently released Cambodian-set books for readers to sink their teeth into.

Mrenh Gongveal: Chasing the Elves of the Khmer By Keith Kelly

Mrenh Gongveal: Chasing the Elves of the Khmer is an enchanting photo essay that delves into a common, but lesser understood, Cambodian belief. While learning about the culture and customs of the country – Keith Kelly’s adopted home of 10 years – the author was especially fascinated by Khmer folklore. During his research, one particular type of shrine dedicated to the Mrenh Gongveal, or Elves of the Khmer, caught his imagination. Commonly found outside homes and businesses, these “houses” provide protection to elves or spirits, preventing them from unleashing havoc on humans. As a personal project, Kelly started documenting the more interesting houses he came across during his travels. While talking to people, most could give little explanation for them other than they “brought luck”. Wanting to know more led the author on a five-year journey collecting photos and information, which is colourfully presented in this book.

To Cook a Spider

By Mark Bibby Jackson

There’s not much in Cambodia that’s conventional so it’s only fitting that To Cook a Spider sits in the unconventional love story bracket. When recently retired entrepreneur Don Oake accepts a mysterious Facebook invitation from long-lost school friend, George Defaux, to visit him and his family at their hotel in Battambang, the bland Brit is expecting some relaxing time out. However, what starts off as a light tale soon takes a sinister twist as the seedy underbelly of Cambodia infiltrates, dragging George to the gutter, and leaving his wife and schoolmate time to bond. Spanning the shores of both Cambodia and the Thai capital of Bangkok, To Cook a Spider is packed full of all the elements that make a riveting read, and takes readers on a journey of deceit, betrayal, forbidden love, drugs, prostitution, blackmail and murder – all laced with a delicate seasoning of humour. Perfectly depicting the highs and lows of expat life, the trappings, and the quirks and nuances, all foreigners who have called the Kingdom home will be able to relate to the colourful characters and the paths they take.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 39

The League of Gentlemen

In a first for Cambodia, almost 100 dapperly dressed bikers mounted their beasts for the country’s first Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Words by Marissa Carruthers. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

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deafening roar reverberates down the road, cutting through the sleepy Sunday morning silence, as the refined ladies and gents fire up their engines.

A line of gleaming custom and classic-style motorbikes pull away in single file as they set off on their 243-kilometre ride to raise cash for research, and awareness, of prostate cancer.

Minutes earlier, the mix of foreign and local riders – and a handful of females – gathered at Cafe Sito on Street 240. The neatly lined up bikes, including Harleys, Hondas and vintage Vespas, caused traffic to stop and stare; the sight of the group – all dressed to impress with tweed, leather, gingham and a healthy amount of moustaches being the fashion of the day –

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caused jaws to drop with shock.

Making its Cambodian premier, the worldwide Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is now in its fourth year.

Taking place this year in 408 cities, and this year seeing rides in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Kampot, the rules are simple: bring the right bike, dress dapper in swish clothing, and abide by the rules of the road.

The ultimate aim is to unite stylish avid bikers, showcase a range of spectacular motorcycles, from café racers and rats, to street trackers and scramblers, and raise money towards finding a cure for prostate cancer. “I love custom bikes and I love my prostate so it made sense to join all the other countries taking part and set up a ride in Cambodia,” says organiser Patrick Uong, co-founder of Moto Cambodge,

which is behind the event.

Given strict rules to abide by – it’s not a race, helmets must be worn at all times, ride behind designated group leaders – the impressive row of bikes snaked away into the distance as they set off on the four-hour ride. From Street 240, they headed over the Japanese bridge to complete a circuit of Chroy Changva peninsular, stopping off briefly at Sokha Hotel for a few snaps. The group then made its way to Takhmeo in Kandal province before returning to the capital for a celebratory street party at Bassac Lane.

Expat Cecelia Marshall decided to mount her Kawasaki as soon as she heard about the event. “My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” she says. “He never got tested and it’s something that can be caught early on. When I heard

about this, I knew I had to sign up. It’s something more than just wearing a t-shirt and going for a run. You’ve got a good group of people together and good fashion so it’s a unique experience.”

This year’s worldwide DGR aims to raise more than $3 million for prostate cancer research.

The deadly disease kills 1,300 men every day, the equivalent of one man each second globally.

As well as raising funds, DGR aims to raise awareness about the importance of men above the age of 40 getting annual medical check ups. “It’s an issue that needs to be taken seriously,” says Oung, who was riding a customised 1993 Yamaha SR400.

Upon arriving at the post-ride barbecue, a charity auction was held at Hanger 44, with items including rum from Samai distillery, a stool

“I love custom bikes and I love my prostate so it made sense to join all the other countries taking part and set up a ride in Cambodia”

from Alchemy Design Co and ties designed by Remy Hou, going under the hammer, raising more than $1,500. In total, the ride raised more than $3,500, with fundraising efforts continuing until Oct. 16 – a larger amount than that raised in Thailand and Vietnam.

“This was much more than expected,” Oung says. “We are super stoked about that; the spirit was great. We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their donations. We couldn’t have done it without their support.”

With a strong biking crew already prevalent in the Kingdom, thanks to groups such as Moto Cambodge, launched by Uong and pals Justin Stewart and Paul Freer in 2013 to serve the growing community of bike fans who like tinkering with their beasts, the premier event was hailed a

hit. And plans are already underway to make the ride even bigger and better next year.

“This was the first year and we hope to have made notice. We will make even more notice next year. It was a great, fun day out. It is an excuse to get dressed up, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

And this is all for a fantastic cause,” Uong says.

“This certainly wasn’t our intention but it definitely gives a positive impact of bikers away from being hooligans,” he adds. Watching the stream of stylish riders tweak their moustaches and fix their bow ties, Oung is right, the ride has definitely helped smash stereotypes.

For more information, visit gentlemansride.com/rides/Cambodia or find them on Facebook.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 41

Temple in the Sky

Having recently been removed from the UK Foreign Office’s watch list of places to avoid, Preah Vihear is gearing up for a steady tourist stream.

Editor Marissa Carruthers takes a trip to the ancient site that has been at the centre of a century-long border dispute with the Thais.

A

sense of serenity comes coupled with the views from the 625-metre summit of Dangrek Mountain; a sweeping ocean of green takes in both Cambodia and neighbouring Thailand, interrupted only by the smooth rise of hills on the horizon, a haze and then a sky of unspoilt blue.

Unlike its celebrity sister, the at times claustrophobically congested Angkor Wat, here a handful of locals mill about on the stone plateau taking selfies in front of the breath-taking backdrop. Some lay incense sticks at the small shrine that sits at the peak, while others seek solace from the relentless midday heat, enjoying a picnic in the dappled shade of the many trees that dot the area. Visiting with my Khmer friends, I am the only Westerner in sight.

The last two hours have been spent slowly making our way up the mountain that is home to the ancient temple complex of Preah Vihear. At its base, we jumped on board one of many open-back jeeps waiting at the visitor centre to take those who choose not to tackle the 2,242 stairs to the temple’s first level.

The exhilarating 15-minute drive along at times almost vertical dirt tracks, snaked through small villages and battered stone army barracks, up to ear-popping heights before dropping us off near the border with Thailand.

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Until recently, fighting over the area surrounding Preah Vihear temple in northern Cambodia led to the area being deemed unsafe for visitors. In 2013, the International Court of Justice declared the area Cambodian and ordered Thailand to withdraw all soldiers.

Despite the declared end of any conflict, Cambodian soldiers are permanently posted to guard the border – a flimsy mesh fence topped with menacing knots of barbed wire that juts through rugged jungle. However, they remain jovial, and happily hand over their weapons to visitors wanting to strike a menacing pose for the camera – especially when handed cigarettes.

“They sit here all day and night with nothing to do,” one of my Khmer companions said, dipping his hand into a plastic bag filled with packets; something he repeated as we continued on our journey.

Paying testament to the great architectural achievement, elite engineering and exquisite landscaping achieved by the Khmer Empire, Prasat Preah Vihear (temple of the sacred mountain) is a series of impressive structures, built between the 9th and 12th century by several kings. Stretching more than 800 metres up the gentle slopes of the mountain, the archaeological feat is spread across four levels, each containing four courtyards and four grand gopuras (entrance pavilions).

As the levels near the summit, the architecture grows grander and the views more astounding. And while time has taken its toll on many of the crumbling structures, conservation efforts to maintain the iconic religious ruins are at least in their infancy, and will, hopefully, improve with the anticipated hike in the volume of visitors. However, this only adds to the rustic charm; being able to ramble across the boulders that block narrow corridors, teeter down uneven worn steps, and soak in the surroundings from crooked stone windows – pretty much alone.

Hopes are high that with the removal of the area from watch lists, the tourist boom sweeping across Cambodia will start to trickle into the province. Signs of this sit in the recent opening of the nearby town of Sra Em's first hotel that sits within Western standards, Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel, and the imminent launch of the EcoGlobal Museum, offering a historic insight into the region.

However, if you enjoy eating anything other than Khmer cuisine then you are going to starve because the typical roadside restaurants found scattered across the countryside are the only offerings.

Standing atop Preah Vihear, the tranquillity of the religious land and its surroundings sit in stark contrast to the looming

armed presence. Remaining under military control, the pristine sunsets and sunrises are off bounds, with the site only open between 8.30am and 4.30pm. Lone young soldiers sit in stone enclaves that dot the landscape, binoculars and guns aimed at Thailand, and throughout the rural province, peaceful paddies are interjected with rows of new white stilted houses, strategically situated out of range of potential Thai attacks, for families of serving soldiers.

Rich in history, both recent and ancient, untouched panoramas, almost deserted temple ruins, all laced with a slight sense of edge, and Preah Vihear looks set, for better or worse, to become a hot spot on tourists’ hit list.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 43

Gin O'Clock T

he combination of gin and tonic is a drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. To celebrate the quintessentially British tipple, 10 Phnom Penh bars are taking part in Cambodia’s debut East Imperial Gin Jubilee. AsiaLIFE finds out more.

Winston Churchill once declared, “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.” A bold statement but one that’s true, if you take just a few steps back in time.

Emerging as a palatable cure for malaria in the early 19th century, the affectionately known tipple, G&T, was introduced by British soldiers serving in India, where the disease was

prevalent. With the bitter tasting quinine – found in the bark of cinchona trees – known to be a natural way to prevent and treat malaria, officers started adding water, a sprinkle of sugar, some lime and a dash of their gin rations, to make the remedy drinkable. Et voila, the G&T in its earliest form was born.

Fast forward two centuries, and gin and tonics are enjoyed across the world in all shapes and sizes. Spain has even pretty much replaced sangria as its national drink with its take on the beverage – served in balloon glasses.

Throw into the recipe the science of mixology, and todays take on the classic cocktail is full of sipworthy surprises.

To celebrate all things G&T, the East Imperial Gin Jubilee takes place this month – mak-

ing its Cambodian debut having built up a strong following in Singapore, where it’s now in its third year. Running from Oct. 19 to 24, the jubilee will see bartenders from 10 venues shake their stuff to create a range of cocktails from 12 world class gins.

Throughout the event, each bartender’s masterpiece will be available to guests, who can cast their vote for the tastiest combination. Masterclasses with renowned international mixologists and tasting sessions are also planned. The jubilee will culminate in a grand pop-up gala at Raffles le Royal hotel, along with five sister pop-ups hosted in various venues across the capital.

To nominate, use the hashtags #EastImperial #GinJubilee2015 #(bar’s name) and #LaFamilia when posting on social media.

BARS

EVENTS

Raffles le Royal’s The Elephant Bar SOHO Che Culo Chez Flo Cicada The Common Tiger FCC Hotels and Restaurants Chinese House Bouchon Oskar

ELBOW ROOM POP-UP Venue: The Mansion at FCC Time: Oct. 19, from 6.30pm to 11pm THE FINE ART OF THE PERFECT GIN & TONIC Venue: Masterclass – La Casita, Street 244 Time: Oct. 21, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm Cost: $15 Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Take a journey through the diversity of gin, from the classic style to modern expressions, and pick up tips from guest speaker Jason Williams, creative director of Proof & Company Spirits, Singapore.

ELBOW ROOM POP-UP Venue: Samai Distillery Time: Oct. 22, from 8pm to 11pm FINALE: GIN JUBILEE POP-UP GALA Venue: Raffles le Royal Time: Oct. 23, from 6.30pm to 11pm Cost: $8 to $12 per cocktail

44 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

TRY AT HOME SOMETHING GOOD 50ml of St George’s Dry Rye Gin 2 bar spoons of minted cucumber jam* 2 dashes of rose water East Imperial Burma Tonic In a cocktail shaker, combine the measure of gin, jam and rose water. Add ice and shake until all ingredients are mixed together and chilled. Strain over ice in a lowball glass and top with Burma Tonic. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

MINTED CUCUMBER JAM 4 large cucumbers (peeled and seeded) 2 medium sized limes (zest and juiced) 100 ml of fresh squeezed lime juice 75 ml of apple cider vinegar 200g of fresh mint leaves 45g of pectin 780g of sugar Blend together the lime, vinegar and cucumbers until smooth. Strain through a sieve over a bowl to catch the liquid. Discard the pulp and place the liquid in a medium sauce pan.

Bring to a rolling boil, add the mint and pectin, and return to a boil for two minutes. Add the sugar and bring to a boil once more. Allow the mixture to cool and strain into a sanitised container. Leave to rest in the refrigerator for about two hours until the jam sets.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 45

ZINO 12 Street 294, Phnom Penh // Tel: 023 998 519 Open daily, from 11am to midnight

Sophisticated wine bar Zino offers tasty dishes on par with its wide drink selection.

Writer Joanna Mayhew and photographer Lucas Veuve sample the varied fare.

Wine takes centre stage at Zino, with more than 170 bottles on offer and one of the capital’s most impressive ranges of wines by the glass. The venue’s large bar is appropriately prominent in the calm, lounge-like space, and made all the more inviting by perfectly placed lighting and soothing jazz.

But the restaurant’s expansive Mediterranean-themed menu offers more than palate-clearing snacks, and deserves attention, with or without the drink of the gods. Topping house favourites are the large sharing plates, such as the charcuterie platter ($11) and cheese platter ($9.50 to $13.50), with brie, livarot, comte, roquefort and camembert. The eatery’s large selection of pasta, from angel hair with tiger prawns ($8) to seafood 46 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

lasagne ($8), is also popular.

At lunch, set menus include a starter, main course and tea or coffee ($9). On a recent visit, the just-right-sized artichoke salad starter incorporated tomatoes and chickpeas topped with sprouts and a healthy portion of artichokes, soaked in a sharp vinaigrette that contrasted nicely with the light veggies, and served with slivers of pesto-topped toast.

The main dish, grouper skewers with vegetable-stuffed tomatoes, featured parma ham-wrapped cubes of light fish. While flavours balanced nicely, the onion sauce was overly salty, and the grouper slightly overcooked.

Veering off the set menu, the beef burger ($7) exceeded expectations. Just greasy enough, the thick patty was topped with a thin layer of grilled onions,

along with brie and bacon. Accompanied by a handful of crispy potato wedges, the toasted bun and thick-cut tomatoes worked well, adding a welcome crunch and offsetting the soft cheese.

Further indulging, the picturesque tiramisu ($7.50) was served in layers of chocolate and vanilla, coated with a thick sprinkling of cacao powder, and topped with chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks.

While lacking overall coffee or Kahlua flavour, the puddinglike offering was nonetheless moreish, with moist ladyfingers tucked amidst the cool layers, alongside thick chocolate sauce.

Opened in 2013, Zino has so far shown sticking power.

Its classic décor features drape curtains, comfortable fabriclined chairs and taupe-coloured walls, with portions of ex-

posed brick and rows of wine bottles showcased in glass.

But the space remains more of an evening favourite; at lunch, it sat mostly empty. That should at least change on weekends. On Saturdays, Zino offers $3 glasses of sparkling and specials on fin de claire oysters ($1.50/each or $8/6). Diners can choose between Kilpatrick-style cooked oysters, or fresh oysters with Argentinian Chimichurri salsa or a spicy Koh Kong sauce, made of chilli, fish sauce and garlic shallots.

Weekend brunch is also offered, with standard fare such as eggs benedict and crepes ($3 to $7).

Throughout the week, happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm.

But specials aside, with bottles ranging from $18 to $170, Zino seems to have a wine – as well as a main – for everyone.

CHINESE HOUSE 45 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh // Tel: 023 991 514 // Open daily from 10am

Fine dining stripped of the pretention is being served up with success at the revamped Chinese House.

Editor Marissa Carruthers samples the new menu. Photography by Charles Fox.

Fusion food is a phrase that is commonly banded around restaurants, and as the new fad, it’s certainly making its way across Phnom Penh with hurricane force.

Having taken a short break to undergo a recent revamp, thanks to new management, refined fusion food is something Chinese House has got off to a tee. Despite being a fresh-faced 24-year-old, executive chef Amy Baard’s expertise in the kitchen deceptively extends well beyond her age. Born and raised in Capetown, she has worked her way across the region, in some of the finest hotel restaurants in Vietnam and Thailand.

Given free range to unleash her creative culinary skills in Chinese House’s kitchen, Baard has called upon the use of

ingredients, styles of cooking and mix of flavours picked up during her multi-cultural cooking career, throwing a healthy dash of her playful personality into the mix, to create a mouth-watering menu.

Having scooped the prestigious Iron Chef Thailand award last year while working in the capital’s Sofitel So Hotel, it is only right that her winning pasta dish sits proudly on the menu. The seafood tortellini ($16.50) sees soft puffs of pasta filled with differing textures and tastes, taking in soy garlic roast vegetables on quinoa, with amok curry coconut sauce adding a real richness to the flavour, and the sweet chili packing a mild punch.

The beef tenderloin might weigh in at a pricey $29.75

but, for a treat, is well worth splashing out. With each bite of the well-aged tender meat melting in the mouth, and oozing with flavour, the Tasmanian beef is served with a sweet vanilla mash, pomegranate reduction and garlic soy and greens. “I really wanted to experiment with the vanilla mashed potato,” Baard says of her subtely sweet creation.

While fine dining exists to its full potential upstairs, the ground floor is home to a centre bar serving up craft cocktails and tapas. The sharing platter is one example and is a feast of excellently presented finger food, such as cauliflower croquettes and their crispy outer layer filled with a creamy, flavoursome centre. Then there’s the fresh vegetable spring rolls, and the

spinach and fish parcels that have a great balance of both.

The cocktail list is about as impressive as the menu.

Designed by house mixologist, Pierre Van der Naam, exquisite combinations present concoctions such as the pungent Explorer’s Punch ($5.75).

Made with local ingredients, including Samai rum, jackfruit and pineapple, the drink is innovatively served in a glass bottle with a deep-fried cricket on a skewer added.

With new owners, a new menu and new look – soft light adds warmth to the lofty rooms, white wash walls and distressed wooden floors give a vintage feel, and contemporary art collides with that of the orient – Chinese House’s latest chapter looks set to be a success.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 47

BehindtheDesign

Silvertown Metropolitan

Words Marissa Carruthers Photography Charles Fox 48 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Veasna Meas declares the two-bedroom apartment his personal favourite of Silvertown Metropolitan‘s sumptuous offerings. And as the man tasked with the not-so-arduous task of individually testing each of the units ahead of its 2014 opening, he should know. “I spent a good couple of months living here,” recalls the managing director of Naki Group, which manages the property. “The two-bed has a functional layout, brings in lots of natural daylight, and looks and feels good.”

With plans for the luxury apartment complex first mooted five years ago, plans to design a living space to reflect Phnom Penh’s rapid modernisation were launched, and construction started three years ago. “The aim was to create serviced apartments close enough for residents to call their pampered home,” Meas says.

The result is a modern offering of 110 mixed studio, one- and two-bedroom units, ranging from $1,300 to $3,000, spread across 13 floors, with ample parking space provided. The rooftop boasts a fully-equipped gym, sprawling terraces with seating, a bar, and the pièce de résistance sitting in the form of a stunning infinity pool with 360 degree views of the surrounding cityscape.

Nestled on the top floor of the building is the penthouse suite, a sweeping space that takes in an entire floor with three spacious bedrooms, a maid’s room, large kitchen and dining area, living room, multiple bathrooms that are home to tubs with fantastic views, and outside space to relax.

“When we came onto the market, we were already part of a growing trend of modern apartments,” Meas says. “What we wanted to do to stand out was bring a standard that is internationally sound. We wanted to give people that same feeling they would find at home.”

Incorporating contemporary and Zen elements, the result is a clinically clean, lofty space, fit to wheel the suitcase right into. Exterior walls have been replaced with ceiling to floor glass offering stretching views across the capital. This, coupled with high ceilings and white walls, ensures each of the bright rooms is filled with lashings of light, adding to the spacious atmosphere.

Each of the units comes fully furnished, with plush sofas, beds, plasma TVs, plenty of storage space and other amenities provided. “People can literally turn up with their luggage and move straight in. They have everything they need.”

Residents’ safety also played a key role in the design, with structural and MEP engineers called in to ensure every last detail was taken care of. Wide corridors and spacious lifts have been installed to cater for emergency services, such as a paramedic’s stretcher, fire prevention systems have been implemented, and the building is home to two fire escape stairways. Round-the-clock security and concierge services also run, and intercom services can be found in each apartment.

“Designing serviced apartments is an equal task to designing a hotel room, where every square inch is tediously being overseen to make sure everything is completed to the highest satisfaction,” Meas adds.

Located on prime land in the heart of BKK1, Silvertown has already proved popular with tenants, with a healthy number of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and some locals, clamouring to enjoy their new home away from home.

251 Street 63, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 959 959.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 49

HEART BREAK HOTEL Photography Luke Ding Models Leng Sean and Nada Kurahashi Styling Ryan at The Dollhouse Location Kuala Lumpur

Green zig zag print dress Armada

Navy blue dress The Guestlist at Paperdolls

Black dress The Guestlist at Paperdolls

Bronze/gold dress Armada

LISTINGS

hotel & travel Airlines & Agencies

Air Asia Domestic Terminal Arrival Office NยบA17, Phnom Penh International Airport Tel: 023 890 035 Asiana Airlines Room A16 at Phnom Penh International Airport.

Tel: 023 890 441 Bangkok Airways 61A, Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 722 545 Cambodia Angkor Air Branch Office in Phnom Penh #206A Preah Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 6666 788 Cebu Pacific Air No. 333B, Preah Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Orussey 4, Khan 7 Makara, 12257 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 161 China Airlines 32, Preah Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 056

China Eastern No. 68, st. 606, Sangkat Beung Kak 2, Khan Toul Kork, Phnom Penh Tel: 016 985 668 304, Steung Thmey Village, Siem Reap.

Tel: 063 965 229

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 424 300

China Southern Room F-G-H-I, Ground floor Nยบ53, Phnom Penh Hotel, Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 588

Jet Star Asia #333B, Monivong Blvd., Phnom Penh Tel: 023 220 909

Discover the Mekong Suite 1844, Canadia Tower 18th Floor, Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 962 468 dmc@discoverthemekong.travel www.discoverthemekong.travel Discover the Mekong is an innovative Tailor-makes trips across Cambodia to suit individual needs. Offering unique adventures into the heart of Cambodia, we make your travel dreams come true.

DragonAir 168 Monireth Boulevard,

Eva Air Suite 11-14B, Street 205, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 911

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, free water. Departs hourly at Night Market Shuttle Bus to Genocide Museum & Killing Fields: 9am & 11am from Night Market.

Korean Air #254, R03, Monivong Blvd., Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 2240 47-49 Lao Airlines 58B, Preah Sihanouk Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 956

Malaysia Airlines #35-37, Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 218 923-924 Myanmar Airways International No. 90-94Eo, Charles de Gaulle (St. 217), 12257 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 866 404 Qatar Airways Ground floor, Intercontinental Hotel, Phnom Penh. www.qatarairways.com Skywing Asia Airlines IOC buld, Monivong Blvd, Beoung Riang, Doun Penh.

Tel: 023 217130 Silk Air Regency Complex C, Suite 2-4 Samdach, Monireth Blvd, S.k. Tomnoubteouk, Khan Chamkarmorn Tel: 023 988 629 Thai Airways 294 Mao Tse Toung Blvd., Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 214 359

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Tiger Airways No. 296, Mao Tse Toung (St. 245), Intercontinental Hotel, Suit 16B, 12306 Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 5515 888 Vietnam Airlines #41, Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 215 998

Battambang

Cafe Eden Located along the River Tel: 053 731 525 www.cafeedencambodia.com Eclectic cafe with incredible food that overlooks the river. EspressoWifi- A.C.-Local Art. Non-Profit that focuses on training Cambodian People. Boutique with handmade local crafts. Happy hour 3pm-7pm. Open Wednesday - Monday 7.30am-9pm Bambu Hotel Phum Romchek 5 Tel: 053 953900/053 953 905 bookings@bambuhotel.com www.bambuhotel.com 16 rooms arranged in four traditionally inspired buildings with swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Battambang Resort Wat Ko Village, Battambang Tel: 012 510 100/053 666 7001 info@battambangresort.com www.battambangresort.com Jaan Bai restaurant Road 2 near Psar Nat Market Tel: 097 398 7815 Jaan Bai is a home for folks who share a love of gatherings around the table, a passion for food and an interest in supporting Cambodian youth. Using seasonal organic produce sourced from

56 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

own kitchen garden, local farmers and neighboring markets. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 9pm.

Kinyei cafe Street 1 and 1/2, Phum 20 Osaphea Tel: 017 292 119, www.kinyei.org Social enterprise, best coffee in town, serving snacks, lunch, breakfast and other drinks, friendly staff, free space for small open workshop. Won the National Barista Championship two years in a row 2012 and 2013. Open 7am-7pm, 7 days.

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

Sangker Villa Hotel Pool Restaurant 200 Street, Romchek4 Village, Ratanak Commune Tel: 097 764 0017 www.sangkervilla.com Sangker Villa has 7 rooms and 1 Balcony Suite. It is located 10 minutes walk from the city center. 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: 033 932 314/ 017 712 062 www.bokorlodge.com Beautiful French colonial building situated on riverfront with well-fitted air-conditioned rooms. Has a good restaurant and bar.

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

Open from 7am - 6pm.

Les Manguiers 2km north of Kampot.

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

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

Kep

Knai Bang Chatt Resort Tel: 078888 557 www.knaibangchatt.com An exclusive resort offering personal service in private grounds housing a collection of remodelled 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, minibar, fan and safe.

Rikitikitavi Riverfront Tel: 012 274 820/012 235 102 www.rikitikitavi-kampot.com Western food served in large portions in this river-facing restaurant, bar and three-room guesthouse. A more upmarket venue for Kampot, the upstairs seating affords great sunset views. Restaurant and bar open 7 days a week.

Spring Valley Resort/Mr. Mab Kep City, Cambodia, Tel: 036 666 6673 www.mr.mab.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 new restaurant, Mr. Mab... very delicious, takes a fresh look at traditional Khmer street food.

Rusty Keyhole This British pub is the place for expats to chew the fat over a pint. Friendly British owner has recreated the atmosphere of a rural pub in outer Kampot, or at least as close as it gets.

The ribs remain as good as ever.

Open 8.30am until midnight.

Villa Dharma Pepper Street (Right before Kep Lodge entrance) https://bit.ly./VillaDharma, albertworry@hotmail.com Tel: 077 660 841/012 785 324 Retreat in a secure, fully equipped, private Villa with swimming pool and

tropical garden. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Kep Gulf and Bokor Mountain, savouring the dishes from the Cambodian and SouthEst Asia tradition.

(Villa Dharma is located 100m below Kep Lodge and near Masada Resort).

Price per night is 100$ low season and 120$ high season.

Villa S’aat Tel 017 38 31 85. www.villa-kep.com Your holiday home in Kep! Elegant and spacious villa for rent in Kep during holidays and weekends. Located around 2 km from the crab market, with spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchen, swimming pool, large terrace, garden and household staff. Maximum capacity of 12 guests.

Mondulkiri

Mayura Hill Resort (Mondulkiri 4 star Boutique Resort) Phnom Penh Office: 225 Sisowath Quay Tel: 017 711 177 / 017 811 188 www.mayurahillresort.com Mayura Hill Hotel & Resort located in Mondulkiri Province has 14 exclusive private Bungalow villas embodying the north eastern lifestyle. The first eco-tourism resort in Sen Monorom city located just 1 Km from downtown, surrounded by wonderful views of the highlands.

Pailin

Memoria Palace Resort Pailin Province sales@memoriapalce.com Tel: 015 430 013 / 014 www.memoriapalace.com Memoria Palace Resort is located in Pailin, Cambodia. And features 16 beautiful bungalow, 3 unique Eco-lodges, a hilltop saltwater swimming pool, restaurant, bar & conference room.

The perfect environment for a peaceful relaxation or adventurous outdoor activities Cardamom Mountains.

Phnom Penh – Deluxe

Bellevue Serviced Apartments 68 Tonle Sap Street.

Tel: 023 432 999 www. bellevueservicedapartments.com www.facebook.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.

InterContinental 296 Mao Tse Tung.

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

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

Season Residence Apartments 109-133, Street 144 Tel: 023 990 628 / 012 457 408 www.seasonresidence.com Season Residence is self-catered accommodation located only 9 km 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 neighborhood of Phnom Penh, the fully serviced apartments takes everyday living and lifestyle at the highest quality and features a tranquil rooftop Skybar and an infinity swimming pool.

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

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

Phnom Penh – Mid

Chateau the Meliya 10B Street 264 T: 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 www.thebillabonghotel.com, Tel: 023 223 703 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 a host of recreational offerings.

Mito Hotel 11, St.174, Corner Monivong Blvd (North of Wat Koh Pagoda) Tel: 023 213 999/220 188/220 199 E-mail: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. Hotel is the preferred choice for business and leisure travelers.

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, 5mn walk from Independence Monumnent. 26 rooms with unqiue and classy design.

Rambutan Resort 29 Street 71, BKK1. Tel: 017 99 22 40 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.

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.

The Artist Guesthouse (Mid-Range) 69 street 178, Tel: 023 213 930 www.the-artist-guesthouse.com Located across from the National Museum, The Artist is your place.

The 11-bedroom guesthouse has a modern feel.

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The Quay Sisowath Quay.

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

Cafe Sushi serves up proper, 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 favorites, with both locally-caught and rare, imported fish, or go for more westernized choices… even dishes for those who don’t eat sushi.

Open daily from 11am to 2pm & 5.30pm to 10pm.

LISTINGS

Sokea Suites Extended Stay 168 Monireth Boulevard www.sokeasuites.com PIED-A-TERRE…the 21 apartments ranging from 37 m2 to 95 m2 are design with one idea in mind : Make you feel at home in Phnom Penh.

Mick & Craig’s Restaurant Serendipity Beach, Sihanoukville 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.

siem reap

Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower – The H22 Phnom Penh Tower, 22nd Floor Tel: 023 964 020 www.d22h22.com Many of the guest rooms feature large windows allowing you to easily take in the beautiful city view from your room on the 22nd floor of PPT. Room available from $35.

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

TAMASA Serviced Apartment Located next to Cambodia Country ClubTel. 023 995 594 FB: TAMASA Serviced Apartment There are 26 rooms which all have different designs and 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.

TEAV Boutique Hotel 14 Street 310, Phnom Penh, Tel: 023 981 818 / 017 989 191 www.teavboutiquehotel.com, stay@ teavgroup.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 Street 302, BKK1. Tel : 023 221 644 www.villa-samnang.com Boutique hotel with 14 rooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

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

Phnom Penh - Budget

California 2 79 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 077 503 144 www.cafecaliforniaphnompenh.com New guest house and bar on the river front with well-priced rooms.Downstairs bar has great Tex-Mex food and pool table.

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, Sihanoukville Tel: 012 777 476(Khmer/English) 0975 165 727(Japanese)

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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: 0976 495 131 www.secretgardenotres.com Modern beachside air-con bungalows with hot water, TV, WiFi and Otres Beach’s only 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.

Exotissimo Travel No. 66, Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 218 948 www.exotissimo.com Excellent French-owned agency specialising in adventure tourism, flight bookings, package holidays and a range of tours of Southeast Asia.

Helicopters Cambodia 10 Street 310.

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

Intrepid Travel 468 Sivutha Blvd.

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

Scuba Nation Lane off road to Serendipity Beach Tel: 012 604 680/012 715 785 www.divecambodia.com Five-star PADI centre offering daily trips to the area’s many islands and reefs including the decent dive sites at Koh Rung Samloem and Koh Kon .

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.

decor and books. Drinks are available in the garden and on the terrace.

Happy Cambodia Gallery 2 Hospital Street, between Psar Chaas and Pub Street Tel: 063 963 114 www.happypainting.net

Siem Reap - Bars

AHA The Passage.

Tel: 063 965 501 Sophisticated and beautifully designed wine bar selling a wide range of wines from around the world and tapas, as well as great cheese and Lavazza coffee.

Open 10.30am to 10.30pm.

Angkor What?

Pub Street.

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

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

Open 6pm until late.

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

Mezze 13a (1st floor) Street 11 Tel: 097 7667343 mezze.siemreap@gmail.com www.mezzesiemreap.com Escape the heat and dust to be warmly welcomed by attentive staff at one of Siem Reap’s unique venues. Enjoy signature cocktails, original cuban cigars, fine champagnes, luxury shisha and fusion tapas. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Miss Wong Lane off Pub Street.

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

Nest Sivutha Blvd.

Tel: 063 966 381 A step up for Siem Reap, Nest is high level drinking and dining, serving light Mediterranean and Asian food in a unique, highly stylised setting, with loungers and table settings.

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

Siem Reap - Galleries

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

McDermott Gallery I & II FCC Complex Pokambor Avenue, Alley behind Pub Street.

Tel: 092 668 181 www.mcdermottgallery.com Two galleries devoted to photographic works. with permanent exhibition of photographs taken by John McDermott.

Open 10am to 10pm.

Siem Reap - Hotels Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa T: +855(0) 63 96 77 55 F: +855(0) 63 96 77 56 www.lynnaya.com A luxury resort equipped with swimming pool, spa and restaurant.

Kingdom Angkor Hotel Tel: 063 760 526 / Fax: 063 760 527 Email: reservation@kingdomangkor.com or info@kingdomangkor.com Website: www.kingdomangkor.com Rambutan Hotels & Resorts Phum Wat Damnak, Kum Sala Komreuk, Krom 10, Siem Reap Tel: 012 654 638 / 063 766 655 bookings@rambutansr.com, www.rambutans.info The former Golden Banana resort has been rebranded but contains the same deluxe suites & villas in modern Asian style build around a salt-water pool.

Private balcony or terrace with outdoor bathtub/splash shower. Gay-friendly.

Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa Sivatha Blvd Tel: 063 763 888 www.princedangkor.com, info@ 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 and undiscovered treasures of Cambodia.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Vithei Charles de Gaulle Tel: 063 964 600/ 610 www.sofitel.com Ultimate in comfort and refinement, combining the traditional architecture of Cambodia with elegant French colonial style. 5-star accommodation,, swimming pool, spa and international standard18hole 72-par golf course Sokkhak Boutique Resort Kok chork village, Trorpeang Ses commune, Wat thmey, Siem Reap Tel: 063 76 56 97/ 63 76 56 98 www.sokkhak-boutiqueresort.com We welcome you to experience a new way of life in Siem Reap by staying in either one of our 2 suites, 4 junior suites or 5 uniquely deluxe rooms and one classic standard room, decorated in a boutique and homely styles that offer simplicity, comfort and relaxation.

Siem Reap - Leisure

Angkor Silk Farm Puok District (20min from Siem Reap downtown) Open daily from 8am to 5pm Tel: 063 5555 768 www.artisansdangkor.com Learn about the meticulous process of silk-making and traditional silk weaving.

A free shuttle bus departing from Artisans Angkor’s shop in Siem Reap center to

the Angkor Silk Farm is available daily at 9.30am and 1.30pm.

siem reap

Body Tune 293-290 Pokambor Av. (next to the old market along Riverside) Tel: 063 764 141 www.bodytune.co.th When you need to re-balance and rejuvenate your body in between daily routines, BODY TUNE is the perfect place to regain your energy. Open daily 10am - 10.30pm.

Helicopters Cambodia 658 Hup Quan Street.

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

Pagodas for Pchum Ben Sarah Brown While Water Festival and Khmer New Year are pretty hard to ignore in Siem Reap (think closed roads, grid-lock traffic, blaring speakers, two ton sticky rice cakes, and mountains of Angkor beer cans), Pchum Ben has always – for me at least – felt like it flies under the radar. Yet, stretching across 15 days, this is Cambodia’s longest annual festival, and warrants the same amount of public holidays as its considerably more conspicuous cousins in April and November. After a shameful four years of this celebration essentially passing me by, I thought it was high time I paid more attention and learned some more about what is many people’s favourite Cambodian holiday.

Pchum Ben (literally sticky rice ball) is the last 15 days of the monks’ three-month rainy retreat (joal vassa), this year falling in the first two weeks of October. It is a uniquely Khmer holiday, though finds its roots in the traditional Buddhist offering of food to monks while they dedicate their time to chanting and meditation for the duration of joal vassa.

Over time in Cambodia, however, it has come to be believed that for the last 15 days of the monks’ retreat the gates of hell are opened, offering ‘hungry ghosts’ an opportunity to roam the earth looking for food.

The ghosts are apparently hungry because they either do not having living relatives to offer food to their memory

throughout the year, or they have bad karma that has cursed them to an eternity of hunger. Cambodian people believe that if these ghosts are not able to find food that has been dedicated to them during Pchum Ben they will curse those who failed to feed them. To sate these hungry ghouls and save their souls people visit the pagoda before sunrise, where they listen to the monks chanting and throw around sticky rice balls for the ghosts to eat.

As much as early mornings and curses from beyond the grave might sound offputting, the atmosphere at pagodas every morning is celebratory, with the ghostfeeding essentially resembling a food fight that your parents are actually letting – even encouraging – you to have.

The idea is that you have to visit seven different pagodas within the 15 days, all culminating in three days of feasting, food offerings, and family time on the last three days of the holiday (this year Oct.11 to 13).

There are countless beautiful pagodas dotted around Siem Reap, all of which are welcome to anyone wanting to join in the fun. Personal favourites include oldie-buta-goodie Wat Bo, riverside Wat Preah Enkosai, and Wat Svay Romheat, which overlooks the Baray. You’ll need to arrive at around 5am to enjoy the chanting and rice-throwing, but I promise the early morning alarm will be worth it.

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. Emotion guaranteed every night for only $15.

7.30pm daily.

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.

Sam Veasna Centre Wat Bo Area.

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

Siem Reap - Medical

Royal Angkor International Hospital National Route #6 Phum Kasekam, Khum Sra Ngea.

Tel: 063-761-888.

Fax: 063-761-739 www.royalangkorhospital.com Royal Angkor International Hospital is part of the well known Bangkok Hospital Network. We offer high quality care for all eventualities from routine care to emergency treatment 24 hours a day.

Siem Reap - Pharmacies

U-Care Pharmacies Old market in front of Pub Street.

Tel: 063 965 396; Inside Lucky Mall.

Tel: 063 966 68; Siem Reap Airport. Tel: 063 766049; Sivatha Street. Tel: 063 763 399 international cosmetic brands, leading imported health & beauty products, only certified medication. Open 8am to 10pm.

Siem Reap - 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 wood-panelled space, despite the informal and relaxed ambience it has the menu to even satisfy high-rollers.

Chanrey Tree Pokombo Ave. Tel: (855) 63 76 79 97 www.chanreytree.com Traditional Khmer food in a beautiful contemporary setting.

Alongside the river, 50m brfore Preah Phrum Rath Pagoda. Open daily. Lunch 11am-2.30pm, dinner 6pm-10.30pm.

Hot Stone Cafe Old Market area, next to Angkor trade center, Tel: 012 926 562 / 063 966 966 info@hotstonecafe.asia www. hotstonecafé.asia

The hottest culinary concept in town, with two dining options, cook yourself BBQ selection and Khmer dining.

King’s Road Angkor 7 Makara Road, Achar Sva Street (opposite Old Market bridge along the river) Siem Reap.

Tel: 093 811 800, www.kingsroadangkor.com A unique dining and shopping village in Siem Reap, comprising of 15 restaurants and cafes and a dozen boutiques. .

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

Open daily 11am – 10pm.

Lava, Sushi Plus, Rio Tel 085 330 093/063 962 952 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.

Mahob Khmer Cuisine Tel: 017 550 206/063 966 986, 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 tantalize your tastebuds Marum 8A-B Phum Slokram, Siem Reap (Between Wat Polanka & Catholic Church).

Tel: 017 363 284 Featuring a winning mix of creative local cuisine. Open daily from 11am -10.30pm (Kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

Palate Angkor Acha Sva Road, Wat Bo Village www.palateangkor.com Tel: 063 965 252 Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar, the newest addition to the Siem Reap culinary scene. Serving delectable Pan Asian cuisine. Open daily from 11.30am-11pm.

Siem Reap - Shops

Artisans Angkor Boutique and Workshops Stung Thmey Street (2min from the Old Market) Open daily from 7.30am to 6.30pm Tel: 063 963 330 www. artisansdangkor.com Boutique offering collection of handmade souvenirs such as high-quality silk scarves, clothing and accessories, wooden and stone sculptures Free guided tours of the handicraft workshops.

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

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

Siem Reap - Spas

Sokkhak Spa Sok San Street, Old Market Area Tel: +63 763 797, A nature-inspired décor with a tranquil atmosphere to relax, refresh and indulge.

Open daily 11am - 10pm.

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recipe

LISTINGS

food & drink Arabic

Beirut Resto-Café 117 Sisowath Quay, (after night market) Tel: 023 720 011/092 483 759 The only authentic Lebanese halal cuisine and Sisha Lounge in the town.

Offering middle east flavours including mezze tapas – hummus, shish kebab, baba ganouj, falafel, vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebab wraps. Delivery, takeaway, catering.

Open daily 10am until late.

TELL Restaurant, 13 Street 90, behind Raffles le Royal, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Tel: 023 900 650 Baked Fish Filet with Herbs Ingredients: 150g fish filet (boneless) Mixed Italian herbs 2 tomatoes 2 medium sized cooked potatoes 100g leaf spinach, cooked Olive oil Garlic 100ml Tomato Sauce Methods: 1. Mix the Italian herbs with olive oil to create a paste. If fresh Herbs are used, put in blender with olive oil.

2. Cut the tomatoes and potatoes in quarters.

3. Roughly chop the spinach.

4. Put olive oil into a frying pan, when hot add the tomatoes, potatoes and spinach together with the chopped garlic. Cook on medium heat without colouring for two to three minutes to blend ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Put the tomato sauce into an ovenproof dish, add the tomato/ potato /spinach mix from the pan, and place the fish filets on top of the mix. Put a generous amount of the mixed herb/ olive oil paste on the fish.

7. Place in the pre-heated oven, at 160C. Bake for about 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets.

8. Serve in the oven dish, together with some fresh bread and/ or salad.

Recipes provided by members of:

Harem 157 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 015 868 104 Let us transport you to a world of opulence that inspires relaxation in the authentic and lavish setting of our Shisha lounge. Harem is the perfect place to find yourself again. Operation from 2pm to 3am.

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.

Cambodian

Dot Grill 8 Street 144 conjunction Sisowath Quay 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 center. The menu includes the best of local cuisine as well as international all time favourites. Open daily from 7:30am – 22:00pm.

Garuda Khmer Restaurant No. 21, Street 466, Phnom Penh 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 11:30 – 14:30 & from 17:00 – 22:00.

Khmer Surin 9 Street 57. Tel 012 887 320 Elegant restaurant featuring wood and silk décor with a tropical garden that serves Cambodian and Thai favourites.

Dishes are well prepsred and large enough to share.

K’NYAY The Terrace on 95, 43 Street 95 (corner of Street 348) Tel: 093 665 225 www.knyay.com Modern Khmer restaurant tucked away off Monivong Blvd, with a menu including a selection of freshly prepared vegan dishes, along with traditional Cambodian specialities. Offers a selection of cakes, ice creams and sorbets, using all vegan ingredients. Open 12-9pm (Tue to Fri), 7am-9pm (Sat & Sun), closed Monday.

La Table Khmère 11E Street 278.

Tel: 012 238 068 Taste the flavour of traditional Khmer specialities and fusion cuisine in a stylish ambience and atmosphere on Street

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278. Also serving Western dishes.

Open daily 11am to 11pm. www.la-table-khmere.com 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, Phnom Penh 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. All of this plus a pool, free WIFI, a family area and a gift shop means a visit is a must. Open daily from 11am10:30pm (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 dinning rooms, specializes in Peking duck and dim sum.

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

Open from 11am - 3pm, 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, 6.30pm - 10.30pm. Dim Sum weekend from 8am - 2.30pm.

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

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

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, incuding duck, pork and goose. Open 21 hours, serving Hong-Kong-influenced food.

Open daily from 6am to 3am.

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

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Yi Sang Chinese Restaurant 128F Sothearos Blvd.

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

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

French

Armand’s 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 5pm 11.45pm.

Comme à la Maison 13 Street 57.

Tel: 012 951 869 www.commealamaisondelicatessen.com Sophisticated French restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace area at the front, yet secluded from the street. One of the best French kitchens in town.

Small delicatessen at the back of the restaurant.

Open daily from 6am - 10.30pm.

The D22 Dining & Bar Phnom Penh Tower 22nd Floor – Inside Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tel: 023 964 021 FB: d22h22 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 6:30-22:00, Bar 16:30-25:00

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 12pm3pm and 6pm-10pm.

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

Open from 6.30pm-10.30pm.

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

Topaz 182 Norodom Blvd.

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

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

Van’s Restaurant 5 Street 102.

Tel: 023 722 067 French fine-dining in a grand setting awaits at Van’s, located on the second floor of a well preserved colonial era building near the city’s Post Office. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm.

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

Also has free WiFi. Open 6.30am until midnight.

Indian Sub-Continent

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.

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.

La Residence Restaurant 22/24 Street 214.

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

Le Bistrot 218, Street 184.

Tel: 012 495 841, email information@institutfrançaiscambodge.com.Nestled inside the entirely renovated spaces of the Institut français, Le Bistrot will now be open for who wants to enjoy a coffee break or a convivial lunch and dinner. Le Bistrot is between the media library, cinema, exhibition gallery and garden of the Institut français. Open from Monday to Saturday from 8am-10pm.

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

Dosa Corner 15 Street 51.

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

Air-conditioned.

Open 7am-10pm.

Indian Delight 115Eo Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 724 885 / 098 776 543 Delicious North Indian tastes served at a modest yet clean and bright on riverside.

Opposite Titanic restaurant.

Open everyday 11am – 1pm.

Indochine

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

Open 11am - 11pm.

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. Meaning delicious, the ambience makes up for it.

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

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 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.

Cafe Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 Wicker armchairs and marble tables covered with crisp white tablecloths create the perfect place to relax and linger over a delightful alfresco breakfast, lunch or dinner. Western and Asian cuisines are available buffet-style or a la carte. Private rooms are available on request. Buffet from 6am - 10am, 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm, A la carte from 11am - 11pm.

Doors Restaurant 18, Street 47 & 84. Tel : 023 986 114 www.doorspp.com Is the newest hub for music, art,nightlife and food. Experience world class Spanish cuisine and mouth watering Tapas cooked by our resident chef Cristia Nou Picart. Open 11am until late Duplex 3 Street 278, www.duplex.com.kh A trendy spot for expats and tourists to hang-out. It has a cafe, a restaurant, a bar and a club. All this is under one roof in the heart of the city (Wat Langka).

FCC Phnom Penh 363 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 724 014 The first stop for newcomers and it’s easy to see why. Set in a beautiful colonial house with sumptuous views across the river on one side and the National Museum to the other, it’s best to come at sunset when the streets below are most crowded, the cocktails are half price and draft beer goes for $1. Open daily from 7am to midnight.

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, Phnom Penh 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).

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

Open from 8am - 12am.

Irina Russian Restaurant 22 Street 29 Tel: 012 833 524/092 833 524 www.irinacambodia.com Russian restaurant of iconic Phnom Penh status. If you can walk out of the restaurant after hitting the vodkas then you are doing well. Open daily from 11am until the vodka runs out.

Java Cafe & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 987 420 www.javaarts.org Great coffees, salads, mix-and-match sandwiches and juices served in an elegant setting. The upstairs terrace, overlooking the Independence Monument, is a good place to watch the chaos below, while the downstairs space is a great place for coffee and catching up on your emails. Has exhibitions both upstairs and down.

Open 7am to 10pm.

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 until late.

La Plaza Spanish Tapas Bar 22b Street 278, nr cnr Street 57 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

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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 to 2pm,5pm to 10pm. All day on the weekend.

LA ROSE Restaurant 164b Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 211 130 / 080 900 900 www.larose.com.kh Revive your strength and restore your health with La Rose Restaurant’s healthy option menu. Cozy ground floor restaurant with experienced chefs serving both Asian and Western cuisine.

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

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

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

Lone Pine Cafe 14 Street 282 (Free delivery) Tel: 078 949 398/095 949 398 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 to 2pm, 6pm to10pm (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 to 10 pm.

Ludwik German Restaurant 28 Street 350 (near Toul Sleng Museum) Tel: 084 444 888 Ludwik is a German restaurant and authentic beer garden where you can hold major events, celebrate with friends or simply relax and enjoy an ice-cold beer under the shade of the trees. We serves Paulaner (Munich) and Cambodian beers, alongside a range of German and regional cuisine. Open daily from 11am until 10 pm.

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 to 11pm.

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Hugely popular burger bar that serves food with plastic knives and forks and equally plastic French fries with cheese sauce. Ideal for those who believe that American culture starts with a Mc. New York Steakhouse 264 Street 63 cnr Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

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

Open Daily from 11am-2pm and 13pm-midnight.

Ocean 11 Street 288. Tel: 017 766 690 European managed Mediterranean restaurant that dishes up some of the best fish and seafood in town.

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

One More Pub (see bars) 16E Street 294. Tel: 017 327 378.

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

Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023990321. www.paddyrice.net (see bars) Public House Street 2401/2. Tel: 017 770 754 Offering fresh, simple and delicious cuisine set in a modern take on a pub. Open daily, from 11.30am to late (Saturdays from 10.30am and Sunday brunch).

Regency Cafe InterContinental Phnom Penh 296 Mao Tse Toung 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 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 (see bars) 20 Street 178. Tel: 012 970 718

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

Open daily 9:30am - 1am.

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.

Mike’s Burger House Russian Blvd, inside Sokimex Petrol Station. Tel: 012 633 971

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.

(Nr Independence Monument).

Tel: 023 222 599 Experience the unique Brazilian Churrasco way of cookingwith a large variety of meats skewered and roasted to perfection and served piping hot direct from the skewers to your plate! Open daily 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10.30pm.

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

Steve’s Steakhouse 8 Street 240.

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

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

Open daily 11am to 10.30pm.

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

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

The Exchange/The Vault 28 Street 47.

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

Open daily, 10am to midnight.

The Quay 277 Sisowath Quay.

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

Open daily 7am to 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 owned by the former owners of Talkin To A Stranger 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. Come find The Lost Room and ring for directions.

Open from 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Kitchen closes at 10pm. Closed Sundays.

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 fines wines and cocktails to accompany the dinner menu. Customers have access to the nearby swimming pool, making it the perfect place for families.

Kirirom Pine View Kitchen Tel: 078 777 284, www.vkirirom.com The restaurant is surrounded by pine trees, located in Kirirom National Park.

Our chef’s will serve you special Khmer and western dishes, overlooking this beautiful nature. Open daily from 7am to 10pm.

Zino Wine Bar and Restaurant 12 Street 294.

Tel: 023998 519 FB: www.facebook.com/zinowinebar 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 week. 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.

Cafe Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

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

Caravan Restaurant and Fine Dining 68 Sihanouk Blvd., Tel: 023 966 600 Indulge in fine dining and fresh Italian food, from home-made pasta and tiramasu to American-imported lobster and prime kobe steak. A range of wines, whiskeys and cigars are also on offer.

Open daily, from 10am to 11pm.

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.

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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.

Le Seoul 62 Monivong Blvd.

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

Italian House 2 Street 312 (end of Street 9.)

Tel: 092 230 207 Italian chef. Wooden fire oven.

Pizzaeria, antipasti, pasta, salads, desserts. We offer delivery and catering around BKK I area.

Open daily from 5:30pm – 10:30pm.

Ninja Dining & Bar Ninja 1 BBK #14b, 278st, BBK1, Phnom Penh Tel: 0977721556 Open Hour 11:30~24:00

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

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

Open daily 11:30am- 2:30pm, 6pm- 10:30pm 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, woodfired pizza and contemporary Italian cuisine. Great selection of wine from climate controlled cellar. Now also offering brunch on weekends.

Open 11am-11pm Mon-Fri and 9am–11pm Sat & Sun. 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 now available at yourphnompenh. com last orders at 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 Italinan restaurant and Deli shop. Open daily 12pm-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.

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Ninja 2 Toul Tom Pong #54, 454 Street, Toul Tom Tong, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 0963906091 Open 11am to 11pm.

Noodle Bar Osan 27b, Street 294, BKK1 Tel: 0979 327 067 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.

Business Hour: Lunch 11.30am2.00pm & Dinner 5.30pm-11.00pm.

Origami 88 Sothearos Bvd. Tel: 012 968 095 Up-market, contemporary Japanese restaurant with a spacious air-con area downstairs and four private rooms upstairs. Specialises in sushi and tempura, and has Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo beers. Open daily 11.30am - 2pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm.

Pepper Lunch AEON Mall, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 015 888 178 www.pepperlunch.com.kh/ Tasty Sound on the Hot Plate. Wellknown beef pepper rice, curry with meat, combo menu of meat and fish and so on.

Open daily from 9am - 10pm Udon Café Green Bowl 29B Street 288.

Tel: 086 426 530 Freshly made Sanuki-style udon noodles offer a real taste of Japan.

Noodles and accompanying soups and sauces from are prepared from scratch using traditional methods and fresh ingredients. Open from 11am-2.30pm and 5.30pm-9pm.

Closed every 2nd Wednesday.

Yuzu 1 Street 360. Tel: 095 600 400.

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

Mexican & Tex-Mex

Alley Cat Café Off Street 19 (side street behind Royal Art School) Tel: 012 306 845 Small, friendly patio café serving good Mexican food and claiming to have the biggest burgers in town. Hard to find, Alley Cat is tucked down an alley at the back of the National Museum, the first on the right if you are coming from Street 178.

California II 79 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 077 503 144 American-style bar with some of the best Mexican food in town, the excellent pool table and great tunes make this a good place to while away a few hours on the riverfront. Open 24/7 with good rooms upstairs.

Freebird 69 Street 240.

Tel: 023 224 712

Aircon American bar with neon lighting, a variety of memorabilia, comfortable seats and rock music.

International menu with good lunch offers, an excellent range of bottled sauces, excellent International, Mexican food and burgers. Be prepared for some good solid R&R. Open 7am - midnight.

Café El Mundo 219 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 012 520 775 Affordable and stylish riverside café and restaurant with adjacent apartments for short-term hire. Seating available on the mezzanine lounge, groundfloor restaurant and on the streetside terrace. Open 6.30am - 10.30pm.

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).

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 Mon Sat, from 7am to 7pm.

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. Jark chicken.Enchiladas.Tapas $3 Corona.

Margaritas. Mojitos $3 & for vegetarian food! Open 11am 14pm & 5pm 11pm Closes Tuesday.

Sunrise Taco 171 Street 63 (corner St 282, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 077 85 45 45 Daily from 5pm-7pm buy1 get 1 free margaritas. Open daily from 11am10pm.

Vegetarian

K’NYAY (see restaurants Cambodian) The Vegetarian 158 Street 19 Tel: 077 900 210 / 012 905 766 With a lush garden space in the heart of Phnom Penh, The Treez provides a relaxing dining experience.

Whether it be amok, curry or tom yam, The Treez, creates vegetarian versions of popular Cambodian, Indian and Thai dishes.

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

Vego’s 3E0 Street 51 & 21b Street 294 Tel: 012 984 596 Salad bar offering bagels, salads and wraps with a wide array of super fresh toppings. Choose from readymade or d.i.y. options. Also on offer are a vegetarian soup of the day as well as fresh-squeezed juices, yogurt and granola.

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 Siem Reap’s favourite café also offers 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 they 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 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, Phnom Penh 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.

Open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Sweet treats galore at this cute, specialist cupcake shop.

Daughters of Cambodia 65E0 Street 178.

Tel: 077 657 678 130A Street 430 www.daughtersofcambodia.org The cafes serve light lunches, a few main courses, home baked goods, desserts, coffee and some original smoothies. The cafe is a place for vocational training, where trainees will train and then have the opportunity to graduate into working in top end restaurants and hotels. Value for money. Free Wifi. There’s also a shop selling clothing, accessories and jewellery made on site. Or relax in the spa which offers head, shoulder, face and 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 cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 420 (see restaurants, international) Kiriya Café No.174, St.51 Cnr St.370 Tel: 016 363 730.

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 Chic delicatessen, bakery and small restaurant serving excellent bread and pastries, with take-away menu. Open from 7am to 9pm (closed Sundays).

imbibe

Tasmanian Devil Darren Gall Tasmania is sometimes called the Apple Isle and was once known as Van Diemen’s Land; it sits off the Southeast coast of mainland Australia and is a sparsely populated island, with large tracts of virgin forest, uninhabited by man. Its beauty lies in its quiet, open spaces, its crisp, cool air, its pristine forests, clean waters, slower pace and the sheer quality of its produce: from proteins, such as beef, seafood and cheeses, to vegetables, truffles and, of course, its incredible wines.

Many years back, when Julian Alcorso still made the wine at Moorilla Estate and then afterwards when he no longer did – but friends of ours ran the property – I used to stay at either the old house down in the vineyard or, in a hotel not far away. Visits to Tasmania were spent working in the trade, wining and dining at Moorilla or exploring the food and wine around the island -fond memories indeed.

For the most part, the island’s agriculture is still made up of small, hands on, family businesses, people with great passion and commitment.

People that, more often than not, are there because they love what they do and endure; they are not farmers in order to make great wads of money. It’s a lifestyle for these folk and the reward is in the sheer quality and uniqueness of what they produce: cool climate, clean air, handmade, unspoiled, highest quality product, which is becoming hard to find elsewhere.

While the entire island can still be classified as ‘boutique’, the artisans do not get it

entirely to themselves and mainlanders have begun moving in with their investment dollars and corporate structures, focused on their bottom lines. Yet, there is still plenty of charm and plenty of quality to be had in sourcing food and wine from Tasmania.

The island’s ultra-cool climate and long, dry winters – with their long cool daylight hours – are just perfect for producing exceptional quality Pinot Noir, and some of Australia’s very best come from Tasmania. The finest Tasmanian Pinot Noirs have an elegance and complexity all of their own, which puts them at the very top of the order of Australia’s best regions for this variety.

The Piper’s River wine region in the Northeast is home to some of the preeminent wineries in the country. I recently tried the 2013 Dalrymple Pinot Noir and was immediately reminded of why – on the rare occasions I get to try them these days – I enjoy the wines from this region so much.

Like a big dollop of wild strawberries, maraschino cherries, boysenberry and clotted cream, with hints of spice, mushroom, undergrowth and some volatile acidity. This is a light to medium bodied Pinot Noir with lashings of flavour, a creamy entry, good length and nice complexity; the acetate notes add to the complexity to some degree, thankfully they are merely an accent here, not a major character. This wine is very easy drinking and just perfect with duck or pork dishes, preferably prepared with Chinese spices or Thai curry.

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.

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The Shop 39 Street 240, Tel: 092 955 963 / 023 986 964 Stylish café, with a wide range of fresh bread, tempting patisseries and juices, excellent salads and sandwiches.

Crowded at lunchtime, but the small, cool courtyard at the back creates a perfect haven from the sun. Has a Chocolate Shop three doors along, and a second outlet in Tuol Kork. Open 7am to 7pm (Mon. to Sat, 7am to 3pm Sun.)

Bars

Apros Pub 21Eo Street 322 (between 51 & 57) Mr. Sothea Tel: 097 6085 050 Aristocrat Cigar Bar NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park.

Tel: 023 228 822 Club aimed at attracting wealthy expats and Khmers who like a good cigar and glass of wine. Not as stuffy as you might imagine with cigars from $10. Open daily from noon to midnight.

Bar.sito Street 2401/2.

Tel: 077 960 413 Cocktail bar, serving especially designed cocktails, ice-cold beers, red and white wines, champagnes and spirits. Open seven days, 5pm until 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.

California II 79 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 077 503 144 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) Cantina 347 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 222 502 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) 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 hosted by the lovely Chanrina. Open Monday - Saturday 5pm - 12pm.

Chow 277 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 224 894 Contemporary and sophisticated riverfront restaurant that serves Southeast Asian cuisine, a wide range

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of cocktails, juices and Illy coffee. The rooftop deck with spectacular views of the river is a great place to have a drink during its half-price 4pm to 8pm happy hour. Open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Elephant Bar Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 Flamboyant carpet, comfortable wicker chairs and hotel pianist provide a sense of a time gone by, you can imagine Jackie Kennedy drinking here.

Its many signature cocktails, including the femme fatale make this a popular place with expats especially during the two-for-one happy hours (4pm to 8pm).

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

Est Bar 19z, Street 214, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 998 227 Email: indulge@estbar.com Web: www.estbar.com Cocktail bar | supper club offering sophisticated indoor and outdoor drinking and dining (tapas and charcuterie) from 6pm to 2am Monday to Saturday.

a fine selection of comfort food, tapas, champagnes, wines, premium spirits and large selection of coffees and teas.

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

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.

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

Seibur Street 308. Tel: 092 839 440 Aperitif room. Open seven days, from 5pm to 11pm.

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

Open daily from 10am – 11:30pm.

FCC 363 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 724 014 (see Restaurants, International)

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd, 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 till midnight. Closed Mondays.

Freebird 69 Street 240.

Tel: 023 224 712 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants)

Metro Café Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 023 222 275 (see Restaurants International)

Grand River Restaurant Corner of Street 178.

Tel: 023 220 244/ 012 962 616/012 248 694 Khmer and Wesern Food Variety of wines and cocktails.

Happy hour4:30pm-7:30pm Open daily from 7am to midnight.

One More Pub 16E Street 294.

Tel: 017 327 378 English-style bar with comfortable wooden bar stools. No hip hop or techno, only great classic 60s & 70s music. Has terracotta-tiled terrace and 3 guest rooms upstairs.

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

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

Open 7pm to 6am.

K West 1 Street 154 (Cnr. Sisowath Quay), Tel: 023 214 747 (see Restaurants, French) Le Bar Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, 26 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 999 200 A modern colonial style lobby bar with

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

Rising Sun 20 Street 178.

Tel: 012 970 718 English-style pub with reliable breakfast, meat pies and hamburgers. Has a

Riverside Bistro Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148, Tel: 012 277 882 / 023 213 898 (see Restaurants International)

Sharky Bar 126 Street 130. Tel: 012 228 045 , www.sharkybar.blogspot.com A place where anything can happen, especially if you get a bit too close to the local clientele. Serves good Mexican food, and has frequent live music. Open 4pm to 2am, take away 5pm til late.

The Chinese House 128 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 356 399 Decadent cocktail bar set in beautiful old Chinese house. Has art exhibitions, film nights and parties downstairs and opulence upstairs. Open from 6pm until late, closed on Tuesdays.

The Tap Room Kingdom Breweries 1748 National Road 5. Tel: 023 430 180 www.kingdombreweries.com Sate of the art European brewery specialising in premium pilsner. Tours of the facility are organised on a regular basis, culminating in frothy cold ones at the brewery’s bar overlooking the Tonle Sap. Touk Restaurant and Bar 357 Sisowath Quay, corner of Street 178. Tel: 023 219 059/ 012 248 694/017 486 786 Every Saturday & Friday lives band with buffer salad and BBQ. Friday $10 per person Saturday $12 per person including a free drink. The coupon is available at the hostess counter Happy hour from 4:30pm to7.30pm Zeppelin Bar 109C Street 51.

Tel: 012 881 181 Over 1,000 vinyl albums played by stonefaced DJ owner in small bar next to the infamous Walkabout. Remarkably good food considering the setting, especially late at night. Try the dumplings. Open daily 5pm - 4am.

Wine Bars

Bouchon Wine Bar 3-4 Street 246.

Tel: 077 881 103

Sophisticated wine bar with a very French ambience and a wide range of French wines and bar food. Often has music as well as a mellow jazz sound track. Open noon until midnight.

Oak is currently the number one gay bar in town. Chic décor makes this one of the coolest bars in town. The drag shows on Friday and Saturday are an additional draw. Open 5pm until late.

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

Has outside dining area. Open daily 7am - 11pm.

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

Zino Wine Bar and Restaurant 12 Street 294. Tel: 023998 519 FB: www.facebook.com/zinowinebar 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 week. Kitchen closes at 11pm.

Nightclubs

Gay-Friendly

Arthur & Paul Males Bar and Spa 27 Street 71, BKKI Tel. 023 212 814/077 892 256, www.arthurandpaul.com The first gay (men-only) SpaBoutique-Hotel-Restaurant-Bar in Phnom Penh. For everyone who would like to relax after a harassing day of work or intensive visiting, the steam baths and sensual showers are at your disposal. Ease muscle tension, chat, have a Jacuzzi or just relax in one of the private rooms. After using our facilities or swimming, you can enjoy a drink in the bar or just 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

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

D-club 3 Street 278, Tel: 010 268 278 www.duplex.com.kh, www.facebook.com/dclubpp Stylish and energetic.

D-club combines the allure of worldclass decor with pulse-pounding sounds to create the most dynamic nightlife destination. Open Sunday - Thursday 9pm – 2:30am, Friday and Saturday 9pm – 3am Darlin Darlin NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park. Tel: 023 228 822 Top-end nightclub with live music popular among the high-flyers of the city. Semi-private booths in a chic environment make for an unrivalled experience. Open daily from 7pm until late.

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

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LISTINGS

pets’ corner

culture Dry Nose Donabelle Zuzart A question that is often asked is whether pet owners should be concerned if their little loved one’s nose is inflamed and runny?

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of an animal’s nose while sinusitis refers to inflammation in the nasal passage. Both these conditions can cause a mucus discharge to develop, and bacterial infection is common with prolonged inflammation. Older pets often experience the growth of dental disease, which can also cause inflammation.

Rhinitis and sinusitis can occur in both dogs and cats. There are a variety of symptoms which can be seen in dogs, such as sneezing, facial deformity, loss of appetite, nasal discharge (mucus), decreased air flow (stuffy nose) in one or both nasal passages and reverse sneezing.

Some of the more common factors, which can lead to this condition, include parasites, fungal disease, tooth root abscess, viral or bacterial infections, neoplasia (abnormal tissue growth), congenital abnormalities (cleft plate), presence of foreign object within the nose and nasal polyps (tissue or tumor growth) Diagnosis by the vet is based on history, physical examination, radiographic finding (CT), rhinoscopy, nasal biopsy, deep nasal tissue culture and elimination of other causes of nasal discharge & sneezing.

In mild or acute causes,

Cinemas supportive treatment may be effective, but in severe cases of rhinosinusitis, kittens or adult cats may require parenteral fluids to prevent dehydration and nutritional support.

Animals who do not respond to medical therapy may require surgery consisting of sinustomy or rhinotomy, lavage and biopsy to reestablish definitive diagnosis.

Checking your pet’s nose should be a normal part of your at-home wellness exam. So getting yourself acquainted with the look and shape of your pet’s nose when it is healthy is important because then you can determine when a problem pops up or it seems unhealthy. You can then watch out for signs such as nasal discharge, especially if you are seeing other signs of illness.

Stay alert for excessive dryness, crusting, or loss of pigmentation. I recommend you certainly need to make an appointment with your veterinarian if these symptoms occur, especially if coupled with a drastic change in you pet’s breathe.

Dogs and cats are nose breathers when at rest. If the nostrils flare more than normal, your pet could have a breathing problem.

Do not self medicate your pets with creams and salves as they can be fairly irritating to your pet’s nose. It’s best to apply what has been prescribe by your veterinarian.

Donabelle Zuzart is the owner of Pet Grooming Cambodia, a pet boarding and grooming service, which offers stateof-the-art spa and other treatments for your pets. Visit petgroomingcambodia.com for details.

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The Flicks 1. 39b Street 95 (BKK3) 2. 85 Street 136 (Daun Penh) 3. 8 Street 252 (Chaktomuk) www.theflicks.asia Local expat oriented movie houses with revolving schedule of international films and art house films, screened in comfy air conditioned movie rooms. Also offers possibility for movie parties, with option to hire the movie room for a private session (max 30 people). Minimum two screenings per day. Cover charge $3.50.

The Cineplex 5th Floor Sorya Shopping Centre, Tel: 017 666 210 www.thecineplexs.com International-standard three-screen cineplex featuring the latest Digital 3D technology and the most recent Hollywood and international releases, located in the heart of downtown with ample parking, shopping and eating options. Open 9am to 10:30pm.

Le Cinema French Institute, 218 Street 184 Tel: 023 213 124.

100-seat cinema shows International art house and mainstream movies with occasional films in English. Children’s cinema on Saturday mornings at 10am.

Cinema on Saturday mornings at 10am.

Legend Cinema 3rd Floor City Mall, Monireth Blvd.

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

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd., (opp. Phnom Penh centre). Tel: 012 607 465 Movie shorts and documentaries from Cambodia and the rest of Asia. Movies normally start at 7pm, closed Mondays.

Galleries

Bophana Audiovisual Resource Centre 64 Street 200. Tel: 023 992 174 Preserving much of Cambodia’s audiovisual material, has regular exhibitions. Open 8am-6pm Mon - Fri, 2pm-6pm Sat.

French and Khmer culture. Onsite shop Carnets d’Asie offers a selection of French books.

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

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 010 312 333 Short films, documentaries and art films from Asia and the ret fo the world screened daily. International food also served, regular DJs perform throughout the week. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm to 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 arts.

Romeet 34E Street 178. Tel: 092 953 567.

Romeet is a dynamic space for Cambodian contemporary art, presenting exhibitions, talks, workshops, local collaborations and international exchanges. The galllery was founed by Phare Ponleu Selpak in 2011.

Open Tues - Sat, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 6pm, and 2pm to 6pm on Sundays.

Sa Sa Bassac 18 Sothearos Boulevard, Upstairs.

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

Performing Arts

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

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

Open from 7.30am - 10.30am Cambodian Living Arts 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 7am - 11.30am and 2pm - 5pm (Mon. to Fri.).

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.

Chenla Theatre Cnr. Mao Tse Tung & Monireth Blvds.

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

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

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

French Institute 218 Street 184. Tel: 023 213 124 Formerly the Alliance Française, the French Culture Centre (CCF) offers cultural activities including exhibitions, festivals, and film screenings to promote

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.

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 to 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.

Parkway Square 113 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Ten-pin bowling alley and dodgem track.

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

At 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 airconditioned setting. Morning classes include a visit to the local market. Open daily, classes start at 9am and 3pm.

Capoeira Home of English, Building D 10B Street 57, Tel: 012 960 076 Capoeira lessons are held every Tuesday & Thursday 6.30-8pm. All levels catered for. Classes are free of charge. For more information visit Facebook page “Capoeira Kampuchea”.

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

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

Music Arts School 9A Street 370.

Tel: 023 997 290 www.music-arts-school.org New NGO school providing music training for Cambodians and expats - of all ages and levels - at affordable tuition fees. Learn guitar, piano, violin, vocals, and tradtional

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

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

Wide variety of daily drop-in yoga classes & monthly workshops in many styles with international qualified teachers. Your yoga class contributes to our NGO yoga programs for local kids. Stretch your body while feeling great about reaching out to Cambodian youth.

Photography Tours 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.

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 2 days in Sihanoukville on the boat.

We conduct refreshers, try dives and kids’ pool parties as well as the full range of courses. Open 9am-6pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm.

Simphony Music School No. 243, Street 51.

Tel: 023 727 345 / 097 888 8787. www.simphony.com.kh Simphony Music School is the first official music school in Cambodia recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Royal government of Cambodia. The faculty is composed by experienced and qualified music teachers from overseas, speaking fluent English, Chinese, and French. Our curriculum is based on USA curriculum following Orff and Kodály music teaching methods.

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; 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 8am to 10pm.

Counselling Services

Alcoholics Anonymous 11 Street 420. Tel: 012 813 731 www.aacambodia.org Meets on Friday, Wednesday & Sunday.

wellness

What is Wellness?

By Margaret Ulrich Wellness is quite the buzzword these days. As a blossoming industry, it’s amassing an enormous following, but defining who actually falls into this category and who needs it can be a bit tricky. Since it’s used to describe anything from yoga to protein powder, meditation to massage, the differing of opinions lies mostly in what this word actually means – the state or condition of being in good physical and mental health – which, in some shape or form, is something everyone needs.

We all start from a wide variety of physical and mental set points. While one person might have difficulty losing weight, another person might struggle with overwhelming stress. Some people might have injuries that limit their mobility and others might be striving for a finely tuned, athletic physique. Since we’re all working with a unique combination of factors that make us who we are and play a huge role in our daily lives, treating these seemingly contrasting conditions can be a bit daunting.

Working with a wellness coach can help pinpoint specific areas that need attention. Addressing what level of wellness someone is looking for then helps practitioners find appropriate treatment. Like the aforementioned examples, some people are only hoping to increase mobility after an

injury while others are hoping for a total mind body wellness balance. A coach will be able to identify underlying issues as well as recommend effective treatments such as a combination of massage, acupuncture, and individual nutrition guidelines.

After these initial stages, the next step is actualising a plan. Having a knowledgeable team is invaluable, no matter what the desired outcome.

Even if it’s just losing five pounds, being surrounded by people who are supportive and informed can make the experience a life changing one. The simplest steps toward personal wellness can sometimes be the most challenging, so finding that community is key. They will help in not only the initial process, but in seeing it all the way through.

Rather than viewing wellness as one specific category, its true benefit is that it’s all encompassing, taking more of a holistic approach. It recognizes the broad spectrum of prevention, immediate relief, and cure to fully address health issues.

Something as common as shoulder tension would be discussed thoroughly to identify daily stressors, posture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. It utilises both quick fixes and long-term solutions, having everyone in the wellness field work as a team rather than as isolated specialists.

Margaret Ulrich is a certified wellness coach and yoga instructor. She works at Samata Health and Wellness Studio, 54 Street 306, Phnom Penh. Tel: 077 760 960.

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Capoeira Home of English, Building D 10B Street 57, Tel: 012 960 076 Capoeira lessons are held every Tuesday & Thursday 6.30-8pm. All levels catered for. Classes are free of charge. For more information visit Facebook page “Capoeira Kampuchea”.

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

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

Music Arts School 9A Street 370.

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

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 to 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.

Parkway Square 113 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

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Ten-pin bowling alley and dodgem track.

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

At 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 airconditioned setting. Morning classes include a visit to the local market. Open daily, classes start at 9am and 3pm.

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

Wide variety of daily drop-in yoga classes & monthly workshops in many styles with international qualified teachers. Your yoga class contributes to our NGO yoga programs for local kids. Stretch your body while feeling great about reaching out to Cambodian youth.

Photography Tours 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.

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 2 days in Sihanoukville on the boat.

We conduct refreshers, try dives and kids’ pool parties as well as the full range

of courses. Open 9am-6pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm.

Simphony Music School No. 243, Street 51.

Tel: 023 727 345 / 097 888 8787. www.simphony.com.kh Simphony Music School is the first official music school in Cambodia recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Royal government of Cambodia. The faculty is composed by experienced and qualified music teachers from overseas, speaking fluent English, Chinese, and French. Our curriculum is based on USA curriculum following Orff and Kodály music teaching methods.

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; 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 8am to 10pm.

Counselling Services

Alcoholics Anonymous 11 Street 420. Tel: 012 813 731 www.aacambodia.org Meets on Friday, Wednesday & Sunday.

Indigo Psychological Services 28 Street 460. Tel: 023 222 614, indigocambodia@gmail.com Professional counselling services in English, French or Khmer for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. Assessment and intervention services for children and adolescents with learning and developmental difficulties.

Narcotics Anonymous 11 Street 420.

Tel: 012 813 731 NA meets on Monday, Thursday at 8pm and Saturday at 7pm.

Hairdressers

Dental

De Gran Japan 52 Street 306 near Monivong Blvd., www.degranjapan.com Tel: 011 354 700 (Reservation only) New De Gran sets up at a nice villa with high skill and experience experts from Japan which is focused on four categories included haircut, nail, eyelash extension, reflexology & acupuncture.

Open Wednesday - Monday (Tuesday is holiday) from 10am – 7pm.

MALIS dental clinic 445 Monivong Blvd.

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

The Dollhouse 46AE0 Street 322 Tel: 010 329 999 / 016 620 907 www.dollhousecambodia.com Salon offers cutting, colouring and various treatments, including the Brazilian Keratin Treatment with Collagen to replenish the condition of your hair.

Western hairdresser with international experience. Open Tues – Sat 9am- 7pm, Sun 11am-7pm, closed Monday.

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

ROOMCHANG 4 Street 184, Phnom Penh 10, Block 252 Bassac Garden City (inside Rose Condo), Phnom Penh 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. General check-ups are free!

Shigeta Dental Clinic 25 Street 294 cnr Street21 Tel: 023 223 225 / 010705083 Email: info@shigetadental.com Faebook: shigetadentalclinic www.shigedental.com High-end Japanese Dental Clinic that caters your dental needs. Open from Monday to Sunday, 8am - 8pm.

Gyms

The InterContinental Fitness Center 3/F Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, Tel: 023 424 888 ext. 5000 A sophisticated retreat from the crowds, The InterContinental Fitness Center is the place to attain peak performance and wellbeing. Pump up with a full body workout on state-ofthe-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 until 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 nonguests. Open 6am - 10pm.

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 to 10pm.

The Gym at The Place 90 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 999 699 Modern establishment featuring a fully equipped gym and weekly classes in dance, yoga and aerobics.

Open 6am - 10pm , Mon – Fri, 8am 10pm Sat/Sun

The French Element Himawari Hotel Unit D, 313 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 077 283 332 www.thefrenchelement.com Over-looking the Tonle Sap, wonderful spot to relax and pamper yourself.

Offering all hair services such as highlights, colour, cut, Brazilian Keratin Treatment and more. International hairdresser. Open 10am to 8pm, closed Sunday.

Grow Tokyo 1st Floor St. 63 corner Street 322 Tel: 023 987 330 Look good and feel good, thanks to our 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. Tp sop stylists from around the globe provide a full range of services including hairstyles, skin care and Dermalogica Microzone treatments. Open Tue:sday 11am to 8pm. Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm.

Toni & Guy Aeon Mall first floor, Tel 023 901 190, Facebook toniandguycambodia 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 until 8pm.

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

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(between St. 21 and St. 9), Phnom Penh 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.

Tel: 023 996 921 aziadee1@yahoo.fr French-run spa offering a good choice of treatments, a range of massages, scrubs, facials, floral baths, manicures, pedicures and waxing in relaxing and tranquil surroundings. Open 9am-9pm.

Bi Nail Salon 213a E0 Stret 310 Tel: 023 6324 524 / 097 798 1122 Bi Nail is a full service nail salon, for 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.

Global provider of medical assistance and international healthcare. Expat and Khmer doctors offer general practice, specialist and emergency medical services. Appointments 8am - 5:30pm Mon – Fri, 8am - 12pm, Sat. Open 24/7 for emergencies.

Physiotherapy Phnom Penh I & II 45C, Street 456, Toul Thom Poung II 60, Monivong Blvd, 3rd floor, Office 311 Tel: 023 996345 / 092 485 593 / 012 722104 / 012 979 354 International Physiotherapy and Acupuncture (T.C.M.) Center Specializing in Manual Therapy, Rehabilitation and (sports) Physiotherapy, Neurological (Pediatric) Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Personal Training and Clinical Pilates.

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.

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-English) Tel emergency 24/7: 012 779 674 (Khmer) www.agrovet-cambodia.com Managed by a French team and following

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European standard. Experienced French surgeon performing orthopedic and abdominal surgeries.Used to organize documents for pets travelling oversea.

Mon-Fri: 9am-12noon & 3pm-7pm.

Sat: 9am-12pm.

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

Pet Grooming Cambodia 4 Street 604, Bengkak 2, Toul Kork, Phnom Penh Tel: 89 491 039, petgroomingcambodia@ gmail.com Open Monday – Saturday from 9am – 6pm Pet Resort Tel: 012 679 164/012 916 512 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 owners 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, Phnom Penh (near the corner of St. 63).

No. 23, Street 294

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 anti-aging and brightening, as well as body treatments such as body scrubs and massage. Open daily from 10:00am – 7:00pm.

LA ROSE Spa 164b Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 211 130 / 080 900 900 www.larose.com.kh Professional, experienced, qualified therapists offer a tailor-made range of remedial, relaxation and nutritional advice. High-end natural products and a wide range of homeopathic remedies, creams, flower essences and signature organic massage oils.

Master Kang Health Care Centre 456 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 721 765 Health centre next to Man Han Lou Restaurant offers foot massage in public or private rooms, with both Chinese and oil massage. A grand piano is played in the evenings. Open 10am - 12pm.

Ms Chhuon 182, St 63, junction St 294 Tel: 016 992 199 Ms Chhuon is 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 to 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, Boeng Keng Kang 1, Phnom Penh. Open 9am - 10pm.

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.

Raffles Amrita Spa Tel: 023 981 888 Raffles Amrita Spa offers relaxation and rejuvenation through a wide selection of services and facilities including treatment rooms, outdoor lap and fun pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, sauna and steam room. Open daily 6am - 10pm.

The Spa at NagaWorld Hun Sen Park. Tel: 023 228 822 This luxurious spa promises to bring the ancient Cambodian spa therapy to the world, and claims to be the only all-suite unisex spa in Cambodia. Therapy rooms with sauna, steam and flower bath are inviting, and the spa uses Tomichik flowers as part of its treatment. Open 10am-3am.

So SPA 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 10am to 10pm.

Villa Spa 456 Monivong Blvd. (cnr. Street 466) Tel: 023 721 765 / 012 357 561 www.asiagarden.com.kh Aromatherapy massage in private boutique VIP rooms (villa and bungalow style) from professional Chinese and Khmer therapists from Master Kang; women customers only.

Waterlily Spa N42, 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.

Tattoos and Piercing

Black Star 5A Street 90, Phnom Penh www.blackstarcambodia.com Tel: 070 200 900/078 753 697 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

www.asialifemagazine.com For Sales Enquiries: Chantha Sorn | 012 576 878 | chantha@asialife.asia

LISTINGS

family Cafés & Restaurants

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. Highchair is available on request and babychanging 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

Cambodian Country Club Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla, Tel: 012 231 755 Sports centre and a peaceful heaven providing tennis, swimming, badminton, fitness centre and horse riding in an amazing landscape 15 minutes away from the city. Dedicated to leisure, rest and entertainment, CCC is suitable for children.

Open daily 6.30am until late.

Kids City

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162A Sihanouk Boulvard. www.kidscityasia.com Indoor entertainment centre with climbing walls, ice skating, laser tag. toddler town and other attractions.

Monkey Business Paragon Department Store, Second Floor. Tel: 023 319 319 Kids can rejoice now that this indoor children’s play centre offers clean, safe facilities. Available for private parties.

Open daily 9am - 8pm.

to the pursuit of excellence in education.

Eton House is represented in 10 countries with over 56 pre-schools and schools around the world. In our early years program we offer a play-based, ‘Inquire, Think, Learn” pedagogy. This programme has been inspired by the I.B program and the Reggio Emilia schools of Northern Italy. Ages: 18months - 6 years. Full and Half Day Programs

International Schools

Footprints School 220 Street 430, Tumnub Teuk, Tel: 077 222 084, www.footprintschool.edu.kh Established in 2007 Footprints School offers nursery (age 2) through Secondary and has 4 campuses.

The curriculum is designed for the dynamicneeds and interests of our students and staff are hired for their experience and love for children.

Eton House International School 16 Mao Tse Tung Blvd Tel: 023 22 8818 www.ehis.co Eton House is committed

Giving Tree Pre-school Baby Playgroup 6 – 12 months; Main Program 12 months to 6 years old.Languages: English, French, Japanese, Khmer.

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

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.

Canadian International School of Phnom Penh Bassac Garden, Norodom Boulevard Tel: 023 727 788 / 077 503 778 www.cisp.edu.kh Offers a Canadian curriculum in English, certified through the Canadian province of Alberta.

The Giving Tree Primary Grades 1, 2 and 3; 6 to 9 years old.

We follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) - a worldwide recognised curriculum.

Secondary Branch: 50, Street 322. Tel: 017-997-112. registrar@thegivingtreeschool.com 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, St. 315, Boeung Kak II, Toul Kork, Phnom Penh Tel: 095 222 557 / 095 222 558 / 095 222 559 www.learningjungle.com, https://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 146 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 213 103 www.ispp.edu.kh Founded in 1989, this non-profit, nonsectarian international school currently has over 600 students from Pre-K to Grade 12. The largest international school with over 70 professional teachers, and a fullyauthorized IB programme.

Lycée Français René Descartes Street 96.

Tel: 023 722 044 French school offering primary and secondary level education, extra-curricula activities include basketball, football, rugby.

Nira International School Near the French Embassy Tel: 023 454 5006/ 023 454 5007 Pre-school that delivers affordable, high-quality, early childhood education.

Oriented with new technology, using the IPC curriculum, classes are taught in an international environment. Its unique and spacious central garden favours creativity, development and enables students to express themselves.

Northbridge International School 1km off National Road 4 on the way to the airport.

Tel: 023 886 000. www.nisc.edu.kh Founded in 1997, NISC is a fullyauthorized IB World School with a growing enrollment of 500 students age 3 to Grade 12. 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 info@rmispp.edu.kh International standard school from Singapore which invites you to let your children experience the beauty of 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 This is a not-for-profit pre-school, established over ten years ago, which emphasises learning through creative play in a supportive environment forchildren aged 18 months to 5 years.

Open daily 7:30am - 12pm. An after

school program offering a range of fun activities is available 2:30pm - 5pm daily.

Sambo’s Tots www.sambostots.com Playhouse and playschool provides fun edutainment experience for babies and toddlers from 3 months to 5 years where imagination comes to life.

Tchou Tchou 13 Street 21 Tel: 023 362 899, www.tchou-tchou.com Kindergarten and pre-school for 18 months to 5-year-olds, open from 7.30am to 12pm (Mon to Fri). French is the main language, although English and Khmer is also practised.

Shops

Little Phnom Penh 194eoz Street 306 Tel: 017877471 French and Italian designers for kids fashion brand produce children’s wear from new born to 16 years old, using local fabrics and mixing it with their taste of European fashion. The collection includes printed T-shirts with graphic designs that recall beautiful Cambodia’s icons. Open daily from 9.30am to 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 name toys and games.

Open daily 7.30am to 8pm.

Shade 7 Outdoor Living Co Ltd Showroon; Borey Chamkarmon Tel: 077 962 467 david@shade7.com www.shade7.com www. springfreetrampoline.com Supplier of Shade7 premium aluminium umbrellas and exclusive distributor of original Springfree range.

World class products now available in Cambodia! Stock in country for immediate supply.

Toys & Me 159A Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Tel: 023 212 081 / 016 808 676 www.toysnme.net Established in 2007, Toys & Me is a leading toys shop in Cambodia. A 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.

kids corner Sun Heang Rainy Season, Rainy Noses Anna Glazkova So my children were not an exception and got a common cold like many others at school.

This time instead of rushing to the drug store, I decided to go for the home-made, old recipes. And guess what? It is so easy to treat a common cold at home.

Remember that the annoying symptoms your child might experience are part of the natural healing process, the evidence that the immune system is fighting illness.

For instance, a fever is your body’s way of trying to kill viruses by creating a hotterthan-normal environment.

This hot environment makes germ-killing proteins in your blood circulate more quickly and effectively. Thus, if the child endures a moderate fever for a day or two, he may actually get well faster.

In case fever increases, you might want to use the apple cider vinegar to reduce it. Put your little one in a warm (never hot) bath with one cup of apple cider vinegar, or add one cup to a footbath and soak that way.

Coughing is another productive symptom; it clears the breathing passages of thick mucus that can carry germs to the lungs and the rest of the body. Elevate your child`s head for sleeping to prevent coughing and help clear the nose pathways.

Even that stuffy nose is best treated mildly. Some decongestants might restrict

flow to the blood vessels in the nose and throat. But often you want the increase blood flow because it warms the infected area and helps secretions carry germs out of your body. It’s important to blow the nose regularly rather than sniffling mucus back into the head.

Salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion, while also removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose.

Here’s a popular recipe: Mix quarter a teaspoon of salt and quarter a teaspoon baking soda in eight ounces of warm water. Use a bulb syringe or nasal irrigation kit to squirt water into the nose. Hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain.

Repeat two to three times, and treat the other nostril.

A small dab of mentholated salve under (not inside) your child`s nose can help to open breathing passages and restore the irritated skin at the base of the nose. You can also make your own hot or cold nose packs, either temperature works. Apply heat by taking a damp washcloth and heat it. Test the temperature before applying.

A small bag of frozen peas works well as a cold pack.

Foods to consider: hot ginger tea with organic honey and lime; coconut oil - antibacterial properties; bananas and rice to soothe the bellies; lots of fluids (non-diary).

Get well soon!

Anna Glazkova is a mother to 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 prenatal, regular and radiant child yoga programs.

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business & services Architecture, Interior Design & Construction

Beyond Interiors 14e Street 306 Tel: 023 987 840 / 012 930 332 ww.beyondinteriors.biz Managed by Australian designer Bronwyn Blue, this interior design showroom can provide the ultimate design solution. 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: 023 220 873 / 012 558 000 / 092 660 746, Boutique interior design shop offering advice on architectural work and interior design, as well as providing custommade furniture, home accessories, kitchenware, lighting and bedroom suites. Open 9am - 6pm, closed Sun. Lorenzo Martini Interiors www.lorenzo-martini.com inquiry@lorenzo-martini.com 012 773 514 Our studio provides services ranging from interior design to property development concept. We look at interiors as living experiences and ensure that our designs are tailor made to you.

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.

Car Rental

Bikes & Mechanics

ACC Car Rental Services 43 Street 160z Toul Kork Tel. 012 456 003 / 015 456 003.

Professional, prompt and organised rental service that provides vehicles for rent with or without a driver. ACC also rents a range of buses that seat from 12 to 45 people.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

Asia Vehicle Rental 27 Street 134.

Tel: 078 666 557 www.avrcambodia.com With the motto “leave your driving to us”, the rental service offers sedans, pick-ups, SUVs and minibuses in 2WD or 4WD for self-drive or with driver.

Insurance offered.

Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136. Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours can be arranged by appointment.

Expat Motorbike Cambodia 38Eo, Street 322, Tel: 089 491 436/089 518 867 Email:emcjapeng@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/ RentalMotorCambodia We offer 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.”

Business Groups

Australian Business Association of Cambodia (ABAC) 20 Street 114 (cnr. Street 67) For information, contact Derek Mayes.

Tel:012 385 157. abacambodia@gmail.com

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

Acleda Bank 61 Monivong Blvd. Tel: 023 998 777 www.acledabank.com.kh Specialises in micro, small and medium loans to people throughout the country.

ANZ Royal Bank Main Branch, 20 Street 114 www.anzroyal.com Cambodia’s major commercial bank has brought international standards of banking to Cambodia, with a large number of ATM machines around Phnom Penh. Can arrange money transfers.

CIMB Bank PLC 20AB Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 988 388, 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 un Sar Street 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.

Bikes & Mechanics

Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136, Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours can be arranged by appointment.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

British Business Association of Cambodia (BBAC) 35 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 012 803 891 Contact enquiries@bbacambodia.com Chambre de Commerce FrancoCambodgienne Office 2nd floor, 33 Street 178 Tel: 023 221 453. www.ccfcambodge.org Canadian Cooperation Office Cambodia Commissioner Service .50 Street 334.

Tel: 023 215 496 www.cco-cambodia.org Malaysian Business Council of Cambodia Unit G21, Ground Floor, Parkway Square 113, Mao Tse Tung Blvd. mbcc.secretariat@gmail.com

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services

LISTINGS

services

money matters

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.

IT & Software

Cresittel Co., Ltd. Office 705, KT Tower, 23 Street 112. 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.

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Many people are frightened of their finances but running scared is no way to get them in order. Here are some of the biggest financial fears that haunt people, and how to face up to them.

Debt – Trick or Treat?

Debt can be used in a sensible way to make considered investments which will leave you in a better financial position in the long term. A mortgage or a student loan might fall into this category.

These ‘good’ debts should be well researched to benefit from the best interest rates on the market and repayments should be scheduled, which are regular and affordable.

Bad debt is a trick, which will always line the pockets of the lender. An example is credit card spending on that luxury holiday you don’t really need. Don’t go there – live within your means. If you are already there, cut up those cards and plan a payment schedule you can stick to, starting with the debt with the highest interest first. You could also try switching cards to make the most of interest free periods for new customers.

Spooky Spending There is no hocus pocus to getting your books to balance, but budgeting is key. While it may send you into a cold sweat of terror, sitting down and taking stock of exactly what goes in and

out of your bank account will give you a framework to use your money in a more purposeful way and work towards your financial goals.

The Demon of Death No one likes to ponder the moment the Grim Reaper comes calling but sadly, he will come for us all. Avoiding thinking about what will happen to your family, and your assets is about as sensible as asking a vampire to bandage your bleeding finger. There are steps you can and should take to prepare for the worst. The first is taking out life insurance to protect those you leave behind.

Secondly, a will is essential to ensure your assets go to the people you want them to.

Petrifying Pensions Are you saving enough towards your pension? The skeleton in the cupboard of many of us is that we are not saving enough, or in some cases, anything at all. That’s a recipe for ghoulish golden years. It is best to start saving towards retirement as soon as you start earning but if you didn’t, better late than never. Whatever your situation, staggering towards retirement without a plan like a zombie is not the way to go.

If these things make you want to howl in horror, find someone to hold your hand as you face your financial fears. A professional financial adviser can be invaluable in helping you tackle your demons and face a future that is magical rather than morbid.

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.

80 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

KTOP 4th Floor, Sorya Shopping Center.

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 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.

in foreign investment, joint ventures and advising entrepreneurs.

Sciaroni & Associates 24 Street 462 Tel: 023 210225 Sciaroni & Associates is a leading professional and investment advisory firm serving Southeast Asia since 1993.

Based in Cambodia with legal offices in Laos and Myanmar, it provides skilled counsel, knowledgeable business insights and experienced guidance to many of the world’s leading companies, governments, economic think tanks, global development investment funds to help maximize the value of clients’ investments.

For more information contact info@saasia.com or visit www.sa-asia.com

Media & Design

Anon Creative Energy Tel: 089 812 123 anoncambodia@gmail.com Internationally trained advertising talent at your service. Strong, strategic ideas.

Available for freelance art and copy writing projects.

Asia Media Lab Tel: 012 818 917 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

Internet Provider

EMAXX 99 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 999 818 EMAXX offers fast internet access via WiMAX, Optical Fiber and Satellite.

Sunbird Angkor Co. Ltd. 78 Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 023 98 3333 / 023 99 1010 sunbirdangkor@yahoo.co.kr Worldwide Hotel Reservation, Car Rental Service, Worldwide Medical Service, Convention, Marketing.

Open Mon~Fri 8am ~5:30pm & Sat 8am~1pm

Insurance

Post Office

AG Cambodia Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Sovanna Sisowath Quay Tel: 017 360 333. nfo@agcambodia.com Professional insurance agent offering health, home, car, factory, employee and hotel insurance packages.

Forte Insurance 325, Mao Tse Toung Blvd, Phnom Penh, 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. www.bnglegal.com Tel: 023 212 671 / 023 212 740 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

Main Post Office Cnr. Streets 102 & 13 The place to go if you want to send something overseas or get a PO Box. Open 6.30am -9pm.

Photography

AsiaMotion Tel: 092 806 117. www.asiamotion.net Photographic agency established in November 2008 as a cooperation between local and international photographers. i3 Studio Tel: 017728895/095666817/092709596 www.facebook.com/i3studio Photography services: event, prewedding, 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.

Printing

Sok Heng Printing House 1297B Street Luo 5, Stoeung Mean Chey Tel: 011 939 255 / 012 939 255 Modern print house providing a full range of printing services. Graphic design available.

Real Estate and Property Services

CB Richard Ellis (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. 9th Floor, Hyundai Phnom Penh Tower 445 Monivong Blvd. Tel: 023 964 099 www.cbre.com.kh The world’s largest commercial real estate services company offering premier quality real estate, valutions, consultancy, investment and property services.

services Property Care Services (PCS) 2A Road 7. Tel: 017 555 203 Solution for property support services, including waste management, security, pest control and cleaning. Only company to clean high-rise windows with abseilers.

Relocation, Shipping

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. expat2cambodia Call Sophie: 066 200 767 www.expat2cambodia.com Your personal consultant offering services from expat to expat in the client’s own language: city orientation, house hunting and utilities, health care, cars/motorbikes, recreation facilities, networking, shopping, administration.

Home Connect Cambodia 86 Street 160.

Tel: 023 88 56 85 www.homeconnect.asia Home search company, dedicated to making the home search process easy and specializing in finding rental homes for the expatriate community. Best of all for our clients, our services are FREE.

Taxi Services

Giant Ibis Transport Phnom Penh Phnom Penh: 3 Street 106, next to Night Market Tel: 023 999 333 www.giantibis.com Siem Reap: 64 Street Sivatha, Mondol 1, Svay Dankum. Travel in “Affordable Luxury” to Siem Reap and other destinations in brand new 2012 buses with reclining seats, spacious leg room, A/C, Wi-fi, complementary snacks and pick-up service.

Telecoms

Emaxx Corner St 214 and Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 818 We provide a national, high-quality, 4G communications network service for Internet and multi-media services including commerce, entertainment and education for development of Cambodia.

Ezecom 7D Russian Blvd. Tel: 023 888 181 www.ezecom.com.kh Internet service provider that promises boundless internet packages suited to everyone’s needs. Good packages for those looking for unlimited downloads.

Mobitel 33 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 012 801 801 Largest ISP in the country. Major mobile phone company which issues the 012 SIM card.

www.asialifemagazine.com

For Sales Enquiries: Chantha Sorn 012 576 878 chantha@asialife.asia

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 81

LISTINGS

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 72c street 174 (between St. 63 & St. 51) and 197a Street 19 Tel : 012 826 186, www.facebook.com/estampe. phnompenh1 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 Monday - Saturday from 11am to 7pm.

Hanuman Fine Arts 13B Street 334, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 211 916 tradition@hanumanfinearts.com High quality, beautiful antiques and objets d’art from all over the Kingdom.

Furniture, ornaments, silverware, jewellery and more are well 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

82 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Beauty Products

Raffles Amrita Spa Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh spa. phnompenh@raffles.com Distinctive collection of Raffles Amrita spa private label and international spa products are available for purchase. Open 6am - 10pm.

Books & CDS

Carnets d’Asie French Cultural Centre 218 Street 184.

Tel: 012 799 959 French-language bookshop has sections on Cambodia and Asia as well as general fiction, with a good range of French magazines and newspapers. Open 8am - 8pm D’s Books 79 Street 240 & 12E Street 178 Tel: 012 726 355 www.facebook. com/ds.books.shops 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 to 9pm.

Le Phnom Shop Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh, Small shop offering books and souvenirs including recipes from the hotel’s pastry chef. Open 7am - 9pm.

Monument Books 111 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 217 617 Extensive range of new Englishlanguage books in town including recent releases and sections on Asia, Cambodia, travel, cuisine, design and management. Good children’s section as well as a wide choice of magazines and newspapers.

Open 7am - 8.30pm.

Crafts & Furniture

Artisans Angkor 12AEo Street 13 (in front of Post Office) Open daily from 9am to 6pm Tel: 023 992 409 www.artisansdangkor.com Boutique with a wide range of traditional and contemporary handmade pieces produced at Artisans Angkor’s workshops in Siem Reap province: silk scarves, clothing and accessories, home furnishings, lacquer paintings and tableware, stone and wooden sculptures, silver-plated ornaments and silk paintings. Special commissions and custom orders welcome.

Artwood 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 to 6 pm.

DeCosy 219 Street 19.

Tel: 023 219 276 Stocking charming knick-knacks and furniture,is the place to find the things to make your house a home. Open daily from 9am to 7pm.

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 Monivong Blvd, #705Eo Tel: 012 228 868 www.oppein-camodia.com OPPEIN is the leading cabinetry brand in Asia-pacific, we offer high quality and affordable kitchen cabinet, wardrobe, home furniture, wooden doors, bathroom cabinet. Open daily from 8am to 6 pm.

Pavillon d’Asie 24, 26 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 012 497 217 Antique lovers dream, a large array of well-restored furniture and decorative objects. Wooden cabinets jostle for space with Buddha statues and old wooden boxes. Upstairs are pieces from the French colonial era. Open 10am - 7pm, closed Sun. 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

food | wine | experiences

Subscribe online to TheTastes of Asia

www.urban-avours.com

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 83

37 Street 178.

Tel: 023 217 935 The high-end fashion designs created

by Cambodian designer Romyda Keth are popular all over the world, this beautiful colonial building makes the perfect setting for the city’s most glamorous design shop. Also has men’s fashion. Open 10am - 6pm, closed Sun. Back to the Future No. 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, Facebook: bambouindochine High-quality T-shirts, Polo shirts and comfortable clothes in original designs.

A full-range of sizes for men, women and children. Open daily 8am -10pm.

Beautiful Shoes 138 Street 143. Tel: 012 848 438 Family-run business measures your feet and designs the shoe exactly as you wish. The shop also caters for men.

Open from 7am to 6.30pm.

Bliss 29 Street 240.

Tel: 023 215 754 A beautiful colonial building houses this exquisite shop with funky patterned cushions, quilts and an excellent clothing line. The health spa at the back of the shop also sells Spana beauty products. Open from 9am to 9pm (closed Mondays).

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 www.couleursdasie.net info@couleursdasie.net Established in Cambodia for more than 15 years, Couleurs d´Asie has developed a full range of textile products for home decoration, clothing and fashion accessories. Jewellery, essential oils, soaps and more are on offer. A custom service for existing products is also available.

84 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

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 jewellery, plus loose gemstones. New Zealand/Khmer ownership. All manufacturing done in Cambodia. Open 9am to 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.

Kool As U 141 Street 19 (north of Street 172) | Phnom Penh Tel: 012 735 991 www.koolasu.com, www.facebook. com/koolasu.com Specialises in men’s fashion & tailor with all clothes designed and made

by Khmer. The clothing is casual, but designed for partying or work. Business Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9am7:00pm.

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 Monday - Saturday Lim Keo 9 Street 222.

Tel: 012 941 643 Pret a porter by Lim Keo, son of Sylvain Lim, the master of Cambodian fashion.

Luna Boutique 13Eo Street 282 Tel: 012 212 365 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 9:00-18:30.

Luna Boutique 8E1 Street 278. Tel: 023 220 176 13E0 Street 282 www.lunaboutiquephnompenh.com 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, in front of Anise Hotel, while its sister shop - Luna Shoes - is just 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-à-porter shop Kaprices is located upstairs. Open 9am - 7pm.

SentosaSilk Uniform 33 Sothearos Blvd, cnr Street 178 Tel: 012 962 911/ 023 222 974 sentosa@online.com.kh Well known for its professional management ability, SentosaSilk gives clients efficient and reliable service through quality systems and procedures that consistently enhance product quality and reliability.

Sobbhana Boutique 23-24 Street 144/49 Tel: 023 219 455/ 023 219 452 www.sobbhana.org, A not for profit organisation founded

by Princess Norodom Marie, offering a range of colourful, handwoven silk products. Profits fund training, medical care and education of weavers.

Smateria 8Eo Street 5. Tel: 023 211 701 7 Street 178. Tel: 023 214 720 www.smateria.com Boutique specialising in accessories made from recycled materials including a range of bags and wallets made from old fruit juice cartons, plastic bags and mosquito nets.

Subtyl 43 Street 240. Tel 023 992 710 www.subtyl.com Up-market boutique selling Cambodian handmade women’s clothes, scarves, shoes, bags and other accessories in contemporary and interesting designs, the Subtyl collection combines class with colour. ChilliKids children’s clothing is also stocked at the shop. Open 9am - 7pm.

Food & Wine

AusKhmer – The Pantry Shop 125 Street 105 Tel: 023 993 859 /023 214 478 This small deli features a variety of well priced wines, Australian beers, and French delicacies, cheeses, antipasti, and cold cuts. Open 10am - 8pm.

Camory – Premium Cookie Boutique 167 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 224 937 Makes cookies using produce from the provinces such as cashews from Kampong Cham and Mondulkiri honey.

A portion of the profits fund education for a local orphanage.

Open 9am - 8.30pm.

Celliers d’Asie 62B & 98 Street 432.

Tel: 023 986 350 Wine supplier with the largest quantity of retail stock in town, has been providing wine to most of the top hotels and restaurants for over ten years. Open 8am -12pm, 2pm - 6pm, closed Sun.

Comme a la Maison 13 Street 57. Tel: 012 951 869 Decidedly sophisticated French restaurant has a small delicatessen and bakery at the back of the restaurant ideal for that morning baguette or croissant with your coffee. Open from 6am - 10.30pm.

Dan Meats 51A Street 214. Tel: 012 906 072 Phnom Penh’s man of meat, Lanzi, supplies his strictly non-vegetarian products to many restaurants around town. Open 7:30 - 6:30, closed Sun. Kurata Pepper Cnr. Streets 63 & 322. Tel: 023 726 480 Selling organic Koh Kong pepper and associated products, Kurata is one of the more unusual shops in town.

Open daily 8am - 7pm.

Le Marchéh 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 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 to 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, trufflesand bars.Open 9am - 7pm from Monday to Saturday & 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 to 8pm MI-A JAPAN Street 271 (100m after Stung Meanchey bridge). Tel: 023 6444 531 The store provides a variety of products from gardening tools to dining materials. The 100-yen 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.

www.asialifemagazine.com

Silks & Accessories

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 Russian Market and Romdeng restaurant as well. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.

For Sales Enquiries: Chantha Sorn | 012 576 878 | chantha@asialife.asia

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 85

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AsiaLIFE Cambodia 87

Nationa

l Road

1

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

Emperor of China

Spotlight 88 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Samai

soundfix album review

DENGUE FEVER

TOKAY (VIDEO FOR SINGLE) TUK TUK RECORDS

The ever popular Dengue Fever continues its relentless touring in support of the Cambodian band’s latest album, The Deepest Lake.

Single ‘Tokay’ proved popular when it made its video premiere, featuring stills from old black and white Bettie Boop cartoons interspersed with members of the band viewing shots through the iconic Viewmaster. Cambodian lead singer Chhom Nimol and her band continue to dish out beautiful moody music that is 100 percent Cambodian fusion. Tokay is a type of gecko whose cries can commonly be heard across the region, and in Cambodia feature in the game of young lovers wanting to find out if they are destined to be together. Sticking to the band’s signature style, the song screams American psychedelic meets classic Cambodian-pop, with surf guitar licks that define the band and the Golden Age revival that has placed Dengue Fever on such a deserved pedestal.

90 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

by Steve Noble

A FAT COMP:

A FAN​-​MADE TRIBUTE TO FAT WRECK CHORDS DANGER RECORDS This is a fan-made tribute compilation to Fat Wreck Chords, one of the most productive and recognisable punk labels still going today.

The compilation is available as a free download and all the bands that contributed are big fans of the label. Embracing the punk ethos this comp is 100 percent DIY, and has been put together by the Fat Wreck fan community.

For anyone who grew up in the 1990s on a staple diet of bands such as Lagwagon, Strung Out, No Use For A Name and a string of other, will enjoy these tributes that take listeners on a nostalgic rollercoaster ride. Some notable songs include Big D and the Kids Table cover of Propagandhis’ ‘Ska Sux’ and Rude Kings’ version of Screeching Weasels’ ‘Cool Kids’. A definite for fans of punk rock, ska, pop punk.

DR. DRE

COMPTON (ALBUM)

Dr. Dre’s first album in 16 years is billed as a soundtrack to coincide with the new N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton.

The album has received general acclaim from music critics since its release, with production for the album spanning a lengthy four years. The contributor list features A list guest appearances from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Cold 187um, The Game, Ice Cube, and Xzibit, among others.

Continuing his trend for feeding off others to inspire his musical genius and cement his legacy in showcasing talent, this is a very personal and communal enriched album. Its energy and Dre’s abilities to produce and put out something new creates fresh layered sounds that encompass his career, making it fitting for what is seen as a farewell record.

MISS SARAWAN BAND SNOW TRAIN (SINGLE)

Miss Sarawan Band has been gigging consistently across Cambodia for a while now, and the quirky quintet, fronted by adorable identical twin vocalists Lay Mealea and Mealai has recently seen the addition of French drummer percussionist KCM Nayabinghi to band regulars Tro and Joe Wrigley.

The band has been part of the revivalist movement of the Khmer rock and roll scene, but thankfully, in addition to performing fantastic classics made famous by legendary Cambodian singers, such as Ros Sereysothea and Pan Ronthey, have their own original songs in the form of new single ‘Snow Train’. This hit is a beautiful fusion of Khmer vocals and Joe Wrigleys easygoing style, a haunting throwback but simultaneously a modern twist on a sound that refuses to go away, and rightly so. Let’s hope we get a full album soon from this talented group.

topten

endorsed

Top 10 US Grossing Films 01 Hotel Transylvania 2 02 The Interm 03 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials 04 Everest 05 Black Mass 06 The Visit 07 The Perfect Guy 08 War Room 09 The Green Inferno 10 Sicario

iTunes Top 10 Single Downloads 01 Hotline Bling – Drake 02 What Do You Mean – Justin Bieber 03 Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift 04 Writing’s on the Wall – Sam Smith 05 What Dreams Are Made Of – R. City 06 Stitches – Shawn Mendes 07 Watch Me – Silento 08 Can’t Fell My Face – The Weekend 09 Alive – Sia 10 Ex’s and Oh’s – Ellie King

Kindle Top 10 Reads 01 Flesh and Blood – Patricia Cornwell 02 As the Crow Flies - Damien Boyd 03 Head in the Sand – Damien Boyd 04 I Let You Go – Clare Mackintosh 05 Swansong – Damien Boyd 06 Kickback – Damien Boyd 07 The Martian – Andy Weir 08 Make Me – Lee Child 09 After You – Jojo Moyes 10 After Anna – Alex Lake

Destry Rides Again (1939) Kate Burbridge As the rain pours down and the floods rise up, it’s time to sit back with a classic blackand-white movie and wait for the waters to subside. It might seem an odd choice but Destry Rides Again is an expertly mixed filmic cocktail: humour, romance, show girls and gunslingers, redemption and pathos, even garnished with a little tragedy. Not to mention Jimmy Stewart and Marlene Dietrich simmering with onscreen chemistry. It also manages to avoid much of the saccharine sentimentality, which too often beset later Hollywood blockbusters.

Even as the opening titles roll, the pace of the movie is set, gunshots and whoops are heard and we’re off. We are at once thrust into a riotous, rollicking evening in the Last Chance Saloon, a hotbed of drinking, dancing, dodgy poker games and dodgier land grabs. The town of Bottleneck is in trouble.

The sheriff is killed by the small group of corrupt but influential inhabitants who run the place and have set up the town drunk as a puppet in his stead. The new sheriff confounds their schemes by sending for “the man who cleaned up Tombstone”.

Jimmy Stewart is in top mild-mannered form as Tom Destry Jr. Initially jeered by the town as “that lady-fingered deputy” Destry’s strength of character slips out in myriad encounters with the villians of the piece. These moments are a joy to watch, knowing that

your reading is more accurate than the unwitting bad guys.

Opposite him, Dietrich’s Frenchy is everything one would hope for and more, gloriously brazen, ballsy and beholden to no-one; with the voice of an angel, a fallen angel. A characterisation that resonates very closely with some of the most contemporary heroines. Oh and there’s an all out, noholds-barred chick fight very early on that would grace any action movie today.

For me Destry set the bar for comedy westerns and laid the ground for many an affectionate homage or reference, not least of which is Mel Brookes’ quintessential Blazing Saddles. It remains at the top of its field, having established and immortalised many of the staples of that genre. The humour is much subtler than Mel Brookes’ (nonetheless hilarious) in-your-face gags and off-piste interludes. It has a sophistication perhaps unexpected of its vintage and genre, it’s clever, it’s in the details, like a private joke that not everyone sees. Countless deft touches let the audience know who’s who and what’s what. Subtle signifiers of character traits and plot twists, dryly self-referential hints, achingly smooth scene changes all pepper the action and keep even the shortest attention span engaged.

So find an appropriate download, kick off your spurs and see what the boys in the back room will have.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 91

appchat Shutta

SHUTTA ANDROID & IOS Photographers need not worry about missing the perfect shot because Shutta allows users to pull high definition stills at the frame rate that the video was recorded. That means up to 240 photo opportunities a second with iPhone 6+ or GoPro footage.

Hello Heart

HELLO HEART ANDROID & IOS Too many honking horns and deep fried food can be hell on the blood pressure. At no cost, Hello Heart provides real-time explanations of what your blood pressure readings mean, and tells you how you’re doing overall.

Strava

STRAVA ANDROID & IOS This should be the go-to app for those serious about running or cycling. Allowing users to track performance, set goals and see daily progress updates, the free app is a gem. It also includes leaderboards and challenges to add a competitive edge. And for those unsure of which route to take, there is a search option for user-created routes.

92 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Microsoft Translator

MICROSOFT TRANSLATOR ANDROID This free app helps you break the language barrier wherever you’re traveling or have a need to translate anything in your daily life. Quickly translate phrases from 50 languages on your Apple watch, or use the companion Android phone app when it’s more convenient.

Ninja Jam

NINJA JAMM ANDROID & IOS Independent label Ninja Tune allows users to download this free app and tap into its stable of artists for songs and samples that can be remixed, or mixed into new tracks of your own

Pocket

POCKET ANDROID & IOS Ambling through Cambodia’s countryside can often mean no internet, However, this doesn’t have to mean you can’t read websites. Thanks to the free Pocket app, users can save articles, news stories, blog posts, videos and much more, enabling them to be read and watched offline.

boxoffice

KNOCK KNOCK

ATTACK ON TITAN: PART II

PAN

THE WALK

The volume of horror films screening at the cinema this month is indicative that Halloween is looming. Knock Knock is a dubbed a ChileanAmerican erotic horror, featuring Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo and Ana de Armas.

When a devoted husband and father is left home alone for the weekend, two stranded young women unexpectedly knock on his door for help.

What starts out as a kind gesture results in a dangerous seduction and a deadly game of cat and mouse. Directed

by Elli Roth, Knock Knock is an update of Peter Traynor’s 1977 film Death Game.

The sequel to Attack on Titan hits screens this month, to the delight of manga fans. Loosely based on the manga series of the same name, the Japanese fantasy horror epic was split into two halves, with the first released in Japan in August. Set in a world where remorseless, flesh-eating giants have all but wiped out humanity, whose remnants are forced to live within a country surrounded by three enormous walls. The story follows the attempted survival of the human race.

Ever wondered how Peter Pan became the eternal child? If so, then Pan has the answer.

Living a bleak existence at a London orphanage, 12-year-old Peter (Levi Miller) finds himself whisked away to the fantastical world of Neverland. Adventure awaits as he meets new friend James Hook (Garrett Hedlund) and the warrior Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara). They must band together to save Neverland from the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). Along the way, the rebellious and mischievous boy discovers his true destiny, becoming the hero forever known as Peter Pan.

As a boy, Philippe Petit dreams of performing daring feats for dazzled crowds. As an adult (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), his life’s ambition comes true when he becomes a high-wire artist who stares death in the face with every step. Under the guidance of mentor Papa Rudy, the daredevil devises a plan to walk on a tightrope attached to the north and south towers of the World Trade Centre.

With help from his team and against all odds, Petit attempts the seemingly impossible stunt on Aug. 7, 1974.

COMING SOON MOVIE RELEASES Platinum See platinumcineplex.com/kh for screening schedule Knock Knock Oct 8 The Walk Oct 9 Attack on Titan: Part II Oct 15 Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension Oct 23 Pan Oct 23

Legend Cinemas See legend-cinemas.com for screening schedule The Walk Oct 9 Attack on Titan: Part II Oct 15 Pan Oct 23 Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse Oct 29

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 93

pp palette arts review

AS THE WORK OF 20 CAMBODIAN ARTISTS TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE AT LILLE’S INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL, RENAISSANCE, ASIALIFE TAKES A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES.

Phnom Penh and its artists have been thrown into the spotlight after their work went on display at the famous French festival last month – great recognition for the dynamism of Cambodia’s burgeoning artistic scene.

Running until Jan. 17, the main theme for this year’s annual exhibit is rebirth of cities, and presents work from the Cambodian capital as well as Seoul, Rio, Detroit and Eindhoven.

Philong Sovan 94 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Em Riem

The presence of Cambodia’s capital city in this prestigious festival is no coincidence. Phnom Penh offers the only example in contemporary history, of a city whose entire population was forcefully removed and which remained more or less abandoned for almost four years.

Although close to 90 percent of artists and intellectuals disappeared during this period, the return of its inhabitants after 1979 and the “rebirth” of Phnom Penh has inspired many

Cambodian artists who have developed an original approach in various artistic fields, such as video, performances, photography and sculpture.

Famous international artists, including Rithy Panh, Sopheap Pich and Leang Seckon, have been invited to take part in the event, which will also provide great international exposure to Cambodian artists who have otherwise little opportunity to be seen outside of Cambodia.

In addition to the exhibition, a special event dedicated to the city of Phnom Penh will take place from Jan. 8 to 10, and is organised by Christian Caujolle, who has been working with Cambodian artists for a long time through the PhotoPhnomPenh festival.

The work of artists presented in the city of Lille will offer an overview of the diversity and the dynamism of the artistic scene in Cambodia with the participation of: Chhay Moeun, illustrator; Vila Hiek, graphic designer; Ken Svay, painter (deceased); Thealy Chov, painter; Sopheal Neak, photographer; Anida

Yoeu Ali, performer; Em Riem, designer; Seckon Leang, collage; Philong Sovan, photographer; Sockchanlina Lim, video maker; Ti Tit, photographer; Vannak Khun, photographer; Lina Pha, photographer; Sopheap Pich, sculptor; Hak Kim, photographer; Rithy Panh, movie director; Mang Sareth, sculptor, director; Remissa Mak, photographer; Kimchean Koy and David Myers, street artists.

For more information, visit renaissance-lille.com/fr.

Hak Theanly