3 Days in Phnom Penh
The square by the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Birthday Celebrations in Phnom Penh
A new country, a new city, and a new vibe, and we liked it from the get-go. I had read another blogger describing Phnom Penh as more laid back compared to Ho Chi Minh City and I would say he is spot on.
Blue Corner Boutique Hotel
The Blue Corner Boutique Hotel is a three-and-a-half-star property with 100% - would recommend - on Expedia. We agree. We booked three nights and ended up staying for four. More about this is below. The nightly rate was $36.00.
Street vendor in Phnom Penh
With temperatures hovering around the mid to high thirties, we clearly underestimated how refreshing a dip in the pool would be after sightseeing in the heat. Combine this with a couple of happy-hour Angkor Wat local brews and I am sure you can imagine the bliss.
The service was superb at the Blue Corner Boutique Hotel. When I told the staff I used to work at a hotel in Canada they asked for suggestions. I told them they had it all figured out. It was personal service at its best.
It is the small things that make a difference; acknowledging us every time we walked through the lobby, asking if we were feeling better and if we needed anything. Another five-star rating was in the making.
Flower market in Phnom Penh
Birthday, Shopping, Dining, and Exploring in Phnom Penh
We celebrated Di's birthday on Sunday and it was a superb day. While shopping at the central market we found new colorful shorts, a patchwork skirt, a flowered dress, and a necklace for Di.
Lunch was fish Amok, a Cambodian dish, at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Mekong River. A small temple along the waterfront was the scene of blessings as many offerings were made to Buddha and we experienced it all up close. Flowers, fruits, and birds. Candles and incense were lit and musicians played traditional instruments.
Blogging from our office at the Blue Corner Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh
Di’s birthday dinner was in a beautiful old mansion restaurant near our hotel. The staff was marginalized youth under training. We had a traditional Cambodian meal, a drink, and dessert to follow.
And that wraps up the fun part of Phnom Penh. We probably let our guard down for Di's birthday and did not give much thought as to what we were eating and drinking or perhaps we just felt invincible. A great feeling; but one you sometimes pay for later.
For the next day or two, we paid the price with the traveler's stomach. Oh boy. We extended our stay at the Blue Corner for another night as the mere thought of the six-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Siem Reap was unsettling.
We are happy to report, we survived the ordeal, and thanks again to the staff at the Blue Corner Boutique Hotel for helping us through good and not-so-great times.
Travel Photography From Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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The photos in this article are made using a Fujifilm X-Pro2. Lenses: XF 14mm f/2.8 R - XF 35mm f/1.4 R (links to my camera and lens reviews). Editing was done in Lightroom. I have used Fujifilm film simulations in some of the photos.
