People

Cambodia is amongst the poorest countries in the world, it is a country that is slowly recovering from the Khmer Rouge atrocities just 35 years ago and still run by a government that despite claiming taxes provides zero public support. Be it medical, financial, work, housing or education. To get a child into school for one day it costs one American dollar. To put that in perspective, the average income of a family is just over 1 dollar per day. So, in most cases it is a choice between education and food.

As such, the level of child poverty and homelessness is one of the highest in the world. It is a very difficult place to visit coming from such an affluent background in comparison.

Despite all this, I have never before met a more friendly, accepting, interesting nation of people. Everyone speaks fluent English, even the 5 year old children trying to get you to buy some of their bracelets, books etc. They are always willing to help you, give advice (for a tip!) and look out for you. Understandably, tourism is the main trade for Cambodia and the people know that. We come to their country with money and they are more than happy to take it off you! But there is no resentment, no hostility and no aggression towards the tourists. Yes, the hassle can get unbearable but when you understand how life is for these people, you see that there really isn’t much of an option.

It is hard to really explain why I loved the Cambodians so much without sounding pretentious and hippy, man. But they truly are amazing people, and if you can go anywhere in Cambodia – make it Siem Reap. Home of Angkor-Wat and the incredible ancient temples.