Phnom Penh

[Amanut]

Hey guys,

Am I okay leaving my passport at the hotel or should I keep it on me at all times?

When I have traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia I have simply brought a large handful of photocopies of my passport. When I checked in I just handed them one of the photocopies. I do the same for other things when a passport is requested. I have never been asked to leave my original passport when I simply provided them a copy at check in. I think most countries advise their citizens to never ever release possession of their original passport. That's a citizen's ticket home. If any hotel insisted that I turn over my original I would simply find another place to stay.

The ladies always dutifully handed over their original ID cards to the front desk receptionist except in Hoi An where the owner simply took a picture of her ID card. She then immediately handed it back to the lady.

The lady I stayed with in Phnom Penh was never asked for her passport at all, however she arrived early in the day so perhaps it was just overlooked later as I had booked double occupancy.

[Blanquiceleste]

Leave at the hotel and take copy with you.

Needless to say, in a safe with other valuables such as spare cash, laptop, etc.

If there is no safe, keep inside your luggage and lock it. No need to carry it with you for any leisurely reason.

[Liggi1]

Hey guys,

Am I okay leaving my passport at the hotel or should I keep it on me at all times?

Leave at the hotel and take copy with you.

[Kyra89]

Hey guys,

Am I okay leaving my passport at the hotel or should I keep it on me at all times?

[Ekspat]

Eric Kayser is fantastic, a bit pricey though. Love their salads, sandwiches and quiches. And the coffee is great too.

Yes, indeed a great shop. My favorite is the sourdough bread.

[Blanquiceleste]

Another option is eric kayser by the river. A french bakery with nice baguette, then there is lucky market with cheese dairy cold cuts.....

Eric Kayser is fantastic, a bit pricey though. Love their salads, sandwiches and quiches. And the coffee is great too.

[Nazgylg15]

I have also read that medical facilities in Cambodia aren't that great and most tourist get airlifted or prefer to go Bangkok for treatment in case of emergencies. I would buy a travel insurance that covered airlift and has decent hospitalization benefits. Not to induce panic but just to be on safer side. I have visited Cambodia twice and bought the insurance both times. Doesn't cost much. The restaurants on the riverfront serve decent Western food. Stick to breads, bagel and pizza. Most times, especially on St 172 , the restaurants are run by family where family members work as waiters, cooks, cashiers etc. They might not be trained for such situations and I think the onus would be upon you to go through the menu and select the proper dish. Be vigilant and wish you enjoy your trip.

[Sam Sanuk]

Also a great place for good food and service, and whilst I have no allergies, the staff here all hold a strong command of English that you should be right in communicating any concerns with certain dishes should you need to ask questions!

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Resta...hnom_Penh.html

Enjoy your trip and have fun.

DingoD.

I have no idea about Larry's incorporating peanuts in their food. But, having eaten there many times, I can highly recommend it for it's moderate pricing, ambience, service and tasty food.

DingoD. Good recommendation!

SS.

[Kyra89]

Thanks for the food reccos! Please keep them coming if you guys remember any more.

I've been reading mixed reviews about Point Boutique hotel about AC not working, not being clean, them being overbooked. I was curious to see what you guys thought about going for the higher options to try and avoid these issues. I was going to either book the Deluxe Queen with window or the Junior Suite- King bed. Have any of you stayed At both or either that can provide me with some distinctions between both?

Thanks!

[Forever69]

Another option is eric kayser by the river. A french bakery with nice baguette, then there is lucky market with cheese dairy cold cuts.....

[DingoD]

Thanks a bunch man!

I'll check those places out and I've sent out emails to them as well as the big chain restaurants. Don't know why I didn't think to do it before.

Also a great place for good food and service, and whilst I have no allergies, the staff here all hold a strong command of English that you should be right in communicating any concerns with certain dishes should you need to ask questions!

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Resta...hnom_Penh.html

Enjoy your trip and have fun.

DingoD.

[Kyra89]

I suspect that "chains" in general should be good in that it is likely there is an employee on the premises who speaks and understand English. (Chains are usually franchise operations licensed by Western firms.) For starters, KFC and Pizza Company come to mind, although I believe Pizza Co. Is a Thai company that emerged from a dispute with Pizza Hut a couple of decades ago. If you are "adventurous" enough to stray from a "chain", I highly recommend Lone Pine Caf. Owned and operated by a California man and his Khmer wife who are both on the premises during hours of operation and very "hands on". https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...hnom_Penh.html Also, Mike's Burgers. Have been told that a Khmer dude who immigrated from the USA Started this place. No idea if he is still associated. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...hnom_Penh.html I know from personal experience and word of mouth that both Lone Pine and Mike's are well patronized by expats, tourists, and Khmer locals.

SS.

Thanks a bunch man!

I'll check those places out and I've sent out emails to them as well as the big chain restaurants. Don't know why I didn't think to do it before.

[Sam Sanuk]

...Or if there are any other fast food chains that would be a good option?...

I suspect that "chains" in general should be good in that it is likely there is an employee on the premises who speaks and understand English. (Chains are usually franchise operations licensed by Western firms.) For starters, KFC and Pizza Company come to mind, although I believe Pizza Co. Is a Thai company that emerged from a dispute with Pizza Hut a couple of decades ago. If you are "adventurous" enough to stray from a "chain", I highly recommend Lone Pine Café. Owned and operated by a California man and his Khmer wife who are both on the premises during hours of operation and very "hands on". https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...hnom_Penh.html Also, Mike's Burgers. Have been told that a Khmer dude who immigrated from the USA Started this place. No idea if he is still associated. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...hnom_Penh.html I know from personal experience and word of mouth that both Lone Pine and Mike's are well patronized by expats, tourists, and Khmer locals.

SS.

[Kyra89]

Peanut is a staple food in Asia. They make sauces, use in curries, roasted and mixed in fried foods. You should stick to salads without dressing. Fruits as is. Fast food joints may mix peanuts in their fare. Just because it said McDonald's or Burger King does not mean it is the same as USA. All brands vary their food according to local taste.

I suggest you carry epipen.

Thanks for the heads up about the fast food places. I will be carry a couple epipens with me at all times!

[Kyra89]

You should be good sticking to strictly Western fare. Take different photos of peanuts in various forms and show them to the waiter / waitress and then cross your arms and vigorously shake your head to indicate "NO PEANUTS".

Stay safe and report back on your trip.

Another word of advice. The girls. Now they will eat peanuts. Local Khmer food uses peanuts in plenty of ways. If you are going to visit bars and expect to DFK girls, that could become a problem. Think about a strategy to overcome that.

Thanks for the tip about having a picture. Definitely won't be any DFK and I'll probably buy some mouth wash to leave in my hotel bathroom for them to rinse. Do you think the girls will be okay with that? Don't want them thinking I put something in there.