Checking-in to a hotel in Cambodia

(A conversation between you and the receptionist at the hotel)

You: Suors'dey, ta ni'yek me'un ban'tob tom'nay té? (Hi, Do you have any rooms available ? )

Receptionist: Baa, me'un. Ta ni'yek trou'gar ban'tob kray muoy, roo kray pee? (Yes, I do. Do you need a double or a single room?)

Y: Kray Pee. Ta weir tlay phon'maan? (A double room, please. How much is a double room?)

R: M'pay bram pound, som'rab ban'tob kray pee. (£25 for a double room.)

Y: Oh Ok, Ot Pa'nya'haa. Kh'gnom trou'gar ban'tob muoy. (Oh ok, No problem. I need one double room.)

R: Som bomb'peng, lee'kut Nee, howie signé? (Could you please fill in this form and sign?)

Y: Baa, Som'jam muoy plet.... Nee lee'kut. (Yes, one moment, please. ...Here is the form.)

R: Kh'gnom trou'gar lee'kut'cha'long'den Ro'boss loork? (Can I have your passport, please?)

Y: Baa, Nee ..Loork. (Yep, here you are)

R: Or Kun. Ban'tob me'un rom'taing a'ha pail'pr'ut. A'ha pail'pr'ut jap'pee mo'ang bram pee dou mo'ang dop. (Thank you. The room includes breakfast. Breakfast is from 7:00 to 10:00 am.)

Y: Ah, La'or Nass! A'ha pail'pr'ut me'un away klaa? (Oh, great! What do you have for breakfast?)

R: Me'un café, tie, tu'k pli'cher, nhom'paing, Sigh'chruk, Pong'mo'an, nung sigh kroc. (We have coffee, tea, fruit juice, bread, bacon, eggs and sausages. )

Y: La'or. Or Kun. (Sounds good. Thank you)

R: Som tam kh'gnom dou ban'tob ro'boss ni'yek. weir now jcho'ann tee muoy. (Please follow me to your room. It is on the first floor.)

Y: Baa. (Yes,ok)

R: Nee ban'tob ro'boss ni'yek. Weir me'un machin trou'jet, too'ra'toor, tuk g'dow howie boul trou'gar away, som too'raa'sap mork yung, tam lake nee. (Here is your room. This room has airconditioning, TV, hot shower and if you need anything else,please call us on this number.)

Y: Or Kun ch'rann. (Thank you very much)

R: Som snak'nou dowie Rit'ree'ay. (Enjoy your stay!)

Taxi from the Airport

(Talking to a Taxi driver at the Airport)

You: Kh'gnom trou'gar taxi (I need a taxi.)
Driver: Ta ni'yek jong dou’na? (Where do you want to go? )
Y: Kh'gnom jong dou Son’ta’gear Le Royal. (I want to go to Le Royal Hotel)
D: Baa ot pa'nya'haa. (Yes, no problem)
Y: Tlay phon'maan? (How much do you charge?)
D: Dop Doll’aaar. (10 Dollar USD)
Y: Ohhhhh, Tlay Nass. Bram Bay Doll’aar, Ban Té? (Ohhh that’s too expensive. Is 8 dollars ok?)
D: Baa ot pa'nya'haa. Som jam muoy plet. Kh'gnom dou york lan. (Please wait here, I will go and fetch a taxi)
Y: Baa ot pa'nya'haa. Or Kun ch'rann (Yes no problem. Thank you very much)

Something to be aware of about Cambodians

- Cambodians think all western nationals are Ba'rang (French, even if they're not!)

- Be prepared to speak to the locals if you plan to travel to the countryside in Cambodia: Children will always say hello to you. Be friendly and say hello back to them!

- Cambodians are so excited to hear foreigners speaking Khmer. (They will probably laugh in a friendly way because they are not used to foreigners speaking their language!)

- More than 95% of Cambodians are Buddhist.

- Cambodians eat everything (I mean, most things)

- Remember! 'A'ping' is not considered a spider by Cambodians. (But it is spider! infact it is a tarantula). Many Cambodians enjoy eating them as a snack.

- All items you buy will include an unofficial foreigner tax! You have to pay extra because you are foreigner. End of story ;- )

- People like starring at you (foreigners). It is not impolite but they are just curious. Don't be shy! If you want them to stop starring at you. You should stare back at them !

- Most Cambodians think that all foreigners are Christian, even if they are not.

to be continued!

Angkor Wat: the 8th Wonder of the World!

Even though Cambodia has been through many terrible civil wars, its glorious cultural heritage left behind by Khmer ancestors is still attracting millions of tourists.

Angkor wat and the surrounding ancient temples are the greatest unexhausted assets of Cambodia. They contribute significantly to both the Cambodian economy and culture.

Cambodia has reaped the benifits of tourism since its integration into the global community in early 1993. The number of tourists has increased and will continue to increase every year. The tourism industry is playing a very significant role in creating more job opportunities for thousands of Cambodians.