All smiles in Cambodia

My first visit to Cambodia was in 2017 when I participated in a school-based volunteering activity. Even though it’s been almost 10 years since the trip, I still remember the moments with the Cambodian people vividly.

Volunteering activities:

I participated in various volunteering activities such as painting murals in a school, building water tanks for villagers, and teaching elementary and high school students the English language. Without making this blog sound like a school reflection journal, I really enjoyed the English lessons with the students. The students were curious, fun-loving, and yet serious learners. Even though there were language barriers, the students communicated their curiosity and willingness to learn through their actions – such as asking questions and participating actively.

A picture of the elementary school where I volunteered

The people:

Through the volunteering experience, I realised the Cambodian youths are driven, vivacious and present-in-the-moment. While many of them had not even travelled overseas, I bonded with them really easily through warm interactions and games. Talking to the Cambodian youths, especially the high school students, was refreshing. Despite a tough life, they looked forward to the future with a sense of energy, purpose, and vigour that I’d admit even some youths in developed countries lack.

I still remember making friends with a youth named C. (full name redacted to respect any privacy concerns). He enjoyed football and aspired to be a community doctor to give back to his villagers. His simple life and lofty ambitions had got me reflecting on myself – I used to define success as tackling complex societal problems and getting into positions of power. It made me realise that sometimes, the most fulfilling lives are those which are simple.

Me conducting an icebreakers session in English

Afterthoughts:

This experience had made my heart full in a way that some other volunteering activities did not. Maybe it’s time for us humans to redefine giving back and the concept of volunteering. Is volunteering simply the act of giving your money and/or time? Without venturing too deep in this debate, I’d say my overseas volunteering experience had opened my eyes to a generation of youths who, despite growing up in an under-developed country, lived their lives to the fullest.

My interactions with the Cambodian students (and other adults) left me with a deep impression that the warmest, kindest, and most vivacious people often lived their lives to the fullest, so that when someone else (e.g. a foreigner) comes along, they are so ready to share their energy, kindness, and happiness.

Cambodia is a country which I’d definitely want to travel to again – hopefully to re-connect with my friend C., and to interact with even more locals. While their country has potential to progress even further, the people, in my opinion, are already so advanced – in terms of living their lives to the fullest.

Cultural tips:

Currently, I notice that Cambodia is still a relatively “low-key” tourist destination. From my travel experience, Siem Reap is a lively place to visit, with the Old Market a must to visit. The city was relatively safe, even for my female friends, and I’m sure it’d be similar for you as long as you keep the usual safety precautions.

The bustling area was, and I presume still is, the precinct bound by Krovat Kuong Road (hope I got the spelling correct there) and National Highway 6. Back then, there were already vintage stores and cafes, with some pubs (which I was obviously underage for).

Cambodian stallholders who run market stalls or souvenir stalls (i.e. stalls/shops which are not fixed-price) are generally open to price bargaining. Culturally, the Cambodians are an “indirect” bunch, whereby “No” is communicated in more convoluted but friendly ways (similar to the Thai people). So, if you’re bargaining with the stallholders, always be respectful and mindful of THEIR views too. You as a traveller don’t always need to get away from the bargaining table with a HUGE win.

My Bussin rating: OK

If you want an off-the-beaten path travel destination which combines history with culture, Cambodia is the place to be.

Tangibles:

• Safety: I must caveat that my experience was 10 years ago, and things could have changed since then. Based on my experience, it was generally safe in the city (Siem Reap). If you stick to the city center at night, I don't think you'll have a problem with safety. That said, do cross the roads with care and caution!

• Convenience/transportation: Back then, I was ferried around in a bus (as part of the school trip), so I can't say much in terms of transportation/convenience.

• Food/shopping: Back then, I already noticed a lively food scene - with local and foreign options available throughout the city center. Cambodian cuisine has parallel similarities with Thai cuisine, so if you enjoy Thai, you'll probably enjoy Cambodian food, too.

The volunteering experience was an eye-opener to me, both as a volunteer and a tourist in Cambodia. It enriched my soul deeply (and I hope it did too for the Cambodian students) and got me going "Wow, I'm just a small part in a big world!"