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2 Years In Cambodia — It’s Been The Best Time Of My Life, I Love It, And So Will You!

I arrived in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, in late December 2021. I had no idea what to expect — my expectations were low after spending 3 disappointing years in Bali.

Rob Hourmont by Rob Hourmont
November 1, 2023
in Travel
2 Years In Cambodia — It’s Been The Best Time Of My Life, I Love It, And So Will You!

A beautiful place to chill and work from right on the Riverside called The Fishmarket. Sadly, now, it's in the process of becoming a Starbucks! Photo by Rob Hourmont

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I arrived in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, in late December 2021. I had no idea what to expect — my expectations were low after spending 3 disappointing years in Bali.

I came to Cambodia at the time as it was the only country in Southeast Asia that opened its borders for international travel while the pandemic was still ongoing.

The government had the foresight to make it easy for international travelers to enter, unlike its neighboring countries, which still upheld quarantines or complicated and expensive procedures.

I’m in the 22nd month in Cambodia, and I have no plans other than staying.

It’s the best country I’ve visited and lived in. I’ve lived in 7 countries on 3 continents over the past 4 decades. I’ve also traveled to many other countries for business or pleasure.

I believe that qualifies me as a seasoned international traveler and an experienced expat.

My Cambodia Uncovered Story So Far

I’m not close to finishing exploring Cambodia — I’ve only scratched the surface to better understand the country and its people.

That’s the main element of establishing a successful and happy life in any country —understanding its culture, practices, traditions, how things tick, and how to interact with people.

You can only function well as an expat in any country if you grasp and practice those basics.

Unfortunately, many expats worldwide don’t bother — instead, they remain in their bubbles with each other and don’t care about the country they’re living in or how its people see them.

And that’s why expats are often unpopular, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Stage 1. Phnom Penh

I knew nothing about the city, where to go, and what to do. So I just threw myself right into the heat of the action.

From what I’d read, it was supposed to be a dirty, overcrowded, disorganized, and somewhat dangerous city.

Of course, like all cities in SE Asia and most of the world, it does suffer from trash issues in some areas, but it’s not at all bad.

Positives:

  • The central residential areas are clean
  • Traffic is not that bad
  • Fantastic international and local restaurants at affordable prices
  • Great nightlife with live music or DJs
  • Easy to get around by Tuk-Tuk, taxi, or motorbike
  • Quality supermarkets, lots of organic meat and vegetable suppliers
  • Easy-going, friendly expats and locals
  • International Airport

Negatives:

  • Not enough green space or parks for walking and relaxing
  • Air pollution
The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. The 1 great walking spot! Photo

Rob Hourmont

In Summary

Phnom Penh is a hustling and bustling, easy-to-live in fast-paced city.

There’s a good mix of expats, and the Khmer people are extraordinarily helpful, polite, and friendly.

It’s one of the coolest cities I’ve lived in.

Stage 2. Kampot

After spending 8 months in Phnom Penh, I started longing the country life and wanted to explore nature. So, I packed my bags and moved south to the popular, eclectic little town of Kampot.

Kampot’s is so compact it’s more like a big village than a town. Nestled along a small river, it’s a quiet place. Only a few tourists were to be seen when I was there.

Most aging expats have lived there forever and will until they pass — because they love it there.

It’s an easy-going, super low-key place where you can get on with life and not care about anything else in the world.

That’s why I rate it as a better place to live for older retirees rather than younger people.

There’s plenty of exploring around Kampot — Mount Bakor offers excellent walking trails and views. There are several waterfalls, cages, and creeks to visit nearby.

Kep, a quaint little fishing village famous for its crab market, is only a 30-minute drive away and definitely worth a day or two’s stay.

Beautiful sunsets in Kep. Photo by

Rob Hourmont

Positives:

  • Peaceful and laid back
  • Nice nature day trips
  • Kep Beach is close by
  • Friendly expats and very pleasant locals
  • Lots of sporting options

Negatives:

  • Not much going
  • It can get a little boring
  • Everybody knows everybody and their business

In Summary

Kampot is a lovely place to visit for a few days to explore nature and culture.

There are a few top-rate hotels and resorts to spend a wonderful vacation, and plenty of affordable guest houses if you’re on a budget.

Kampot is an excellent place to retire if you want to live in nature and have peace and quiet.

Stage 3. Siem Reap

I knew the famous Cambodian temples are located in Siem Reap Province, and I’d heard they’re quite spectacular.

But I’m not much of a culture buff, so Siem Reap wasn’t on my radar. I went to Kampot instead, seeking nature.

What a mistake that was! Siem Reap caught me off guard and blew my mind.

Elephant statues by the Siem Reap River. Photo by

Rob Hourmont

One day I said to myself:

“Rob, you are here in Kampot, bored out of your skull. Go up north to Siem Reap and explore – and so I did!

The next day I was on the bus to Siem Reap.

When I drove into town with the Tuk-Tuk, I was amazed at what I saw — a beautiful, well-groomed colonial city center with a lovely, tree-lined river gently flowing through it.

I didn’t expect it to be so pretty.

And not just that — the people were much happier, open, and friendlier than anywhere else I’d been.

My first walk through town, exploring its streets, markets, bars, cafes, and restaurants, told me this was the place for me to be.

After only 3 days, I decided to settle down and make Siem Reap my new home.

Positives:

  • Compact, busy yet stress-free, and peaceful small city
  • Happy, friendly locals and expats
  • Vast choice of excellent international and local food
  • Gorgeous resorts with beautiful pools to work from and relax
  • Angkor, with its temples and grounds, is magnificent and mind-boggling
  • Lovely hiking in Kulen Mountain
  • Elephant Forest
  • Beautiful waterfalls
  • Sports: Golf, Wakeboarding, Tennis, Badminton, Archery, and more
  • A massive lake with a floating village
  • International airport
  • Lots of day and nighttime activities

In Summary

It’s a beautiful place to visit for a short or extended vacation and the perfect spot for expats of any age group to live, work, or retire.

Stage 4 – Kampot again!

After 10 months in Siem Reap and a brief trip to Pattaya in Thailand, I again felt a bit bored and missed the beach and nature. So, I decided to give Kampot another try.

I came back to Kampot to spend more time in nature and have a working vacation from the cities. A year later, Kampot has evolved a lot. It’s far busier but still quiet, and plenty is going on. I’ve spent a month here so far, and am thoroughly enjoying the easy-going and slow lifestyle.

It’s inspirational and motivational for my work, life, and happiness.

Please read my related Cambodia story about the Khmer Rouge era here:

The Truth About The Atrocities Committed in Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge and Its Allies

Final Thoughts

Next on my exploring calendar:

Sihanoukville, the Islands, Mondulkiri Province, the mountains of Mondulkiri, and the elephant sanctuaries.

I can only strongly recommend you visit Cambodia soon. You will not be disappointed! 

Rob

MBA from Robert Kennedy College & University of Cumbria, UK.

Certified Nutritionist & Health Coach | Trainer | Blogger | Copywriter | Author 

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Tags: bali lifestyleCambodiahappinesshealthhealthy lifestylelifestylemental healthmindsetnaturetravel
Rob Hourmont

Rob Hourmont

Writer, Metabolic Health Coach & Former Olympic Athlete, Modern Nutritionist. It’s my goal to Inspire, Inform and Motivate others to Live a Healthy Life by Following Natural Principles

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