The Scenic Route--Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia is HOT. Cambodia is HUMID.

My friends and I had a long vacation for Chinese New Year, and after much deliberation, we collectively decided that Cambodia would be our destination for the 10-day holiday. There were five of us in total, but Nick and myself were the first to arrive, landing the night before the rest of our motley crew.

Phnom Penh served as our home base for the majority of the trip. While most focus on the wonders of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, we found the capital to be just as much of an adventure. Buddhist monks in saffron robes, street hawkers, and tuktuk drivers populated the public spaces, creating an atmosphere much more unique to the locality than I have grown accustomed to in Shanghai's cosmopolitan sprawl.

The city contains plenty of affordable hostels for travelers, many with beautiful views. Our own (I believe it was called "Panorama") featured a sweeping view of the Mekong Delta from the 6th floor balcony that also housed a bar. The hostel only cost about $7 per night.

The first day was spent exploring the royal palace, rooftop bars, "happy" pizza restaurants, night markets, and was filled with numerous tuktuk rides to and fro. We did a lot of pretty amazing stuff, but every time I think back, I don't know if you can beat a $1 tuktuk ride offering new sights and a cool breeze. I actually looked forward to every ride.

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