Hi. I'm going to help out on a mission trip to Cambodia, but I am kind of apprehensive about the trip. I live in the U.S. and have traveled across the U.S. by plane 9 times or so, and I have no difficulty doing so. But I am a little nervous flying overseas for 14 hours with China Airlines (who from what I've heard do not have an excellent reputation when it comes to safety). I also have to fly with Bangkok Airlines, but I do not know anything about them. On top of all of this, I have never been outside the U.S. (except for Canada), and I have no clue what Cambodia is like. I am also a little nervous about the amount of disease in Cambodia. I am really excited, but I am kind of apprehensive about the trip. Any suggestions will be appreciated! Thanks!
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1 :
no, don't worry. traveled from cambodia 2 taiwan n from taiwan to usa. nothin happened only when the weatheris bad, like when the plane was trying to land in taiwan it was raining hard and fogs was in the way. but it's ok. don't worry avout the disease. let me guss, u gonna go teaching people in english right. more imformations at myspace.com/sovisal, or sovisalsameth@yahoo.com
2 :
Please don't worry -- you're going to have an amazing time. Cambodia is a fantastic country full of wonderfully friendly people -- sure, it'll take a few days to adjust, but I'm willing to bet that you won't want to leave after a while! First, to assuage your fears about flying, please know that China Airlines is a perfectly respectable airline, particularly for long-haul international trips. The service on Asian airlines is generally head and shoulders above that of U.S.-based airlines, so you'll likely be in for a pleasant surprise. And if it makes you feel any better, the "reputation" you speak of regarding safety applies far more to internal Chinese flights than it does to long-haul ones from the States, like the one you'll be taking. I've given you a link below to some (favorable) reviews of China Airlines -- hopefully that will set your mind at ease a little. And as for Bangkok Airlines, that's perfectly fine as well -- I've flown with them before and have had absolutely no trouble. Again, I think you'll be impressed with the service; Bangkok Airlines bills itself as Thailand's "boutique" airline. Again, I've given you a link to a review. As for the time you spend in Cambodia, you don't say where you'll be going, but Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are both definite musts, as well as the beach town of Sihanoukville, if you can make it there as well. Phnom Penh has fabulous markets, a beautiful river, the amazing Royal Palace, and tons of great dining options. Khmer food is something of a mix between Thai and Vietnamese (think rice and noodle-based dishes), and it's absolutely delicious. The national dish is called Amok, and I highly recommend eating as much of it as you can! You'll also want to see the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison Camp where Pol Pot tortured and imprisoned hundreds of Cambodians -- though these are both fairly harrowing experiences, and you may not want to do them on the same day. A tip: the Boddhi Tree Cafe opposite Tuol Sleng is a beautiful and calm place to have lunch or a drink before or afterwards. Siem Reap, of course, is home to Angkor Wat, and the dozens of other 11th and 12th century temples surrounding it. You'll want to rent a horse and cart for the day (should cost you about $10 USD with a little bargaining!) You'll need a passport photo to get your pass -- you can have one taken there, but if there's a line, it'll be quicker to just bring your own. Siem Reap also has great restaurants and bars -- and two excellent markets! If you can possibly eat in a place called the Khmer Kitchen, you'll be richly rewarded -- I went there several times on my trip, and Mick Jagger has even eaten there too! Finally, prices in Cambodia are cheap, cheap, cheap. You'll be using the U.S. dollar, but if you pay for something small (a can of soda, say) you'll be given your change back in the local currency, which is called riel. You can use your ATM card to get money out of local ATMs (check with your bank about how much you'll be charged; I banked with Wachovia and was charged a very small fee, about 1% of whatever I took out), and take comfort in the fact that, at least in the bigger cities, there's an Internet cafe on every corner, so you'll be able to keep in touch with friends back home. Remember also NOT to drink the water from the taps -- try to keep your mouth closed when you're showering, even. Bottled water is widely available and very cheap; but check the seal to make sure it's not broken. Hope this helps -- Cambodia is one of my favorite countries to visit, and I'm hoping to make it back this Christmas. The people are so friendly and open-hearted, especially considering the gruesome things they've gone through. You might want to invest in a guidebook -- we used the Lonely Plant Cambodia and were pleased with it. Honestly, don't worry about anything -- you'll have an absolute blast, I'm sure of it. Good luck! --Holly
3 :
You are going to have one amazing time in Cambodia. It is totally naturally to feel apprehensive about a trip, especially one that is 14 hours across the Pacific and the first overseas trip of your life! Be nervous, be apprehensive, but be an exciting nervous and apprehensive. The flight will be fine, trust me. And you will have your own interactive TV to watch movies, play games, send text messages, etc. the entire flight so it will go by "fast." I have been to Cambodia twice. The flight is long but it is worth every minute of it. Cambodia is an amazing country. I will be honest with you, it is still very poor, but the people there are so friendly and so warm that you will not even notice the struggles these people go through. Well, there will be many beggers always wanting you to give them a dollar and you will be bugged by motorcycle taxis for rides somewhere, but they mean no harm, just business. Learn a phrase or two or three or four in Khmer to say to them - they will love it! And in regards to disease and what not, well, everywhere has diseases. Prostitution is a big business in Cambodia, unfortunately, but I do not suspect you will have a problem with that. As for diseases when it comes to foods, I would personally stay away from street vendors who sell papaya salad because both times I went to Cambodia, I ate that. The first time resulted in horrible diarrhea that lasted well into a couple of weeks after I returned to the U.S. and the second time wasn't as bad because I experimented by only eating a little bit and I was fine in a day or so. But an overseas trip wouldn't be complete without some adventure and minor illness, right? So just be careful where and what you eat. The first time I was there for only 5 days and got sick the second day from the papaya salad; the second trip I went for 3 weeks and was really healthy and I can't wait to go back. You will absolutlely love the trip. Don't be too apprehensive; just be excited. Cambodia is a safe place. Being safe doesn't constitute negligence of common sense. As with any place, especially cities, there is always petty crime so just use common sense and keep valuable away from the public eye. Also, night time is not as bright as the U.S. seems with street lights and what not, so going around a dark alley at night may not be the smartest thing. Just have fun and smile at everyone because they will smile back. Tell everyone "Soo-a s'day" (Hello in Cambodian). No matter how bad you sound, it will make their day. I hope this helps. You're gonna love it! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and eat a spider! You'll know what I am talking about when you are walking up and down the Riverfront in Phnom Penh!
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