Day 12: Phnom Phen, Cambodia - 3 Star French Restaurants for $5, Best Selling Car in Cambodia?

A short 2.5 hour bus ride took me from Kampot to the Capital of Cambodia, Phnom Phen.  I had decided to skip Kep as I wasn't in the mood to do any more islands during this trip.  #thirdworldproblems I know.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was surprised about the amount of traffic in the city.  The funny thing is, meeting traveler's who have just came up from Vietnam, they had the exact opposite observation. They were actually relieved how less crazy the traffic was.  Hearing that made me decide once and for all that I wouldn't enjoy Vietnam as I don't enjoy being around traffic, and craziness.

One really strange thing I noticed about Cambodia is that their best selling car is the Lexus RX300 SUV, which is a relatively expensive car for a poor country.  When I was up in Siem Rep I noticed it, but down in Phnom Phen it was almost ridicilous.  Here's a short video I filmed in less than a few minutes. That illustrates the insanity.

Where to Stay in Phnom Phen?

I got a private room at The Mad Monkey Hostel.  I had my old room, in suite bathroom and although it was very basic, it was clean, and social.  They have a roof top bar as well as a good restaurant, although it's overpriced for what it is.

Luckily, I discovered a "Hotel Training Restaurant" a block away that served 3 star French Food for around $5 a plate.  I ended up eating there for Dinner one night and then Breakfast and again for lunch the next.  It was that good.

Breakfast was $2.50 US

Bacon Potatoes with Chicken in Champignon Sauce - Incredible.

A group from the Hostel "Splurging" on a night out.

Pork Chop with Steamed Veggies - $5.50

I wonder if there are hotel training restaurants in other cities.  I've heard of it for massage schools, and hair stylists, but as far as food goes, this is a fun way to have ten people serve you with fantastic service, delicious food and for super cheap.  

Aside from that, I didn't do much in Phnom Phen.  I walked around, saw some monuments but didn't want to go to the Killing Fields and I don't like putting myself in negative, depressing places.  My favorite places in Cambodia are definitely Siem Rep and Koh Rong for sure.

Cambodia has been fun, but I'm excited to head back to Chiang Mai, it's the only city outside of the U.S. I feel like I can call home.  

Warm Regards,

Johnny

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