"Make your own tour" Cambodia Off The Beaten Path Tip by David92382

I have been to western, northern, central, eastern and southern Cambodia. Most who have been there of course go to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and perhaps Sihanoukville. If you are off to one of these locations Cambodia .... or even to another place.... on your first or perhaps even a second trip and want to see some of the "real Cambodia" then try doing as I have done as described in the next paragraph.

After checking out the standard tourist spots in say Phnom Penh, or elsewhere for a day or two, I try and find a friendly english speaking motorcycle driver and tell him "I want to see the real Cambodia. I do not want to see tourist places. I want to see where the everyday people live, sleep, play, work, worship, eat, etc. The smaller towns, the places of work. The schools and open countryside. Once you are confident the driver understands what you want, then negotiate a price for a day of sightseeing......or a set number of hours and you are on your way for a great experience.

I have done this numerous times and have rarely been disappointed. In Siem Reap I was told several places I was the first white guy to ever eat there or be there. In Phnom Penh, I saw the slums, the real local markets, an orphanage with the most beautiful children, and some small factories outside the city. Great memories.

Good luck.