Why I like Cambo better than Thailand

[hellodolly]

Why don't you try a longer trip next time see if you feel the same way.

I also tend to prefer Cambodia to Thailand but have only ever spent a few weeks at a time over there so can't say if I would recommend it as a full time place to live.

How about a pros and cons list for both places?

I don't think there is any thing in the rules stopping you from posting one.

I did notice in Siem Reap that mo9re English was spoken. but about the same as here for understanding it. Frustrating when they tell you some thing in decent ?English and when you ask a question they get that puzzled look on their face.

[DGIE]

Well,cannot afford to just spend time to countries like Cambodia and Vietnam without a work.

It would be nice to try if they can offer better job than here in Thailand

[sadhukar]

Cambodia is a trashy place...garbage everywhere...

I did not find the Cambodians more accepting of foreigners than the Thais

Try Vietnam also...has everything plus the people are nicer than either Cambodia or Thailand...and cheap

Girls are friendly...and not nearly so overt in trying to separate you from your money...

Lived in Thailand for 2 years...was glad to leave...have no plans to return...

I know...all you Thai apologist...take your best shot...

I am not a thai apologist but what gave you the idea that this forum is full of thai apologists? You only need to view any news topic from about 6 months ago to see how much 'apologising' these thai 'apologists' are, before admins started clearing up the house - for a good example look at the topic where a farang lady asked for advice on getting a marriage visa with her thai partner...the topic had twice as many pages before the mods started deleting!

My sig isn't because I hate this forum: its because this was the reality as recently as 6 months ago when.

[chiangmaisurprise]

you will find if ur living there ( i did for 10 months)

• it is not cheaper to live
• the selection of places to live is very limited compared to Thailand
• the local/street food is not nearly as good,
• electric, internet more expensive
• not as varid choices in the supermarkets for western food
• Medical care far below Thailand
• Traffic in PP on main roads is same as Bangkok
• the politcial sitiuation is very bad right now in PP since last elections an even getting worse now with the Garment worker strike

Yes visas are easier if ur under 50 and are not working legally

yes, drinking and smoking cigs is cheaper

You are so kind to even take time to explain him anything...

Maybe you forgot what these forums were actually designed for? Imagine someone actually getting helpful advice from the more experienced vs. condescending sarcasm.

[chiangmaisurprise]

Cambodia is a trashy place...garbage everywhere...

I did not find the Cambodians more accepting of foreigners than the Thais

Try Vietnam also...has everything plus the people are nicer than either Cambodia or Thailand...and cheap

Girls are friendly...and not nearly so overt in trying to separate you from your money...

Lived in Thailand for 2 years...was glad to leave...have no plans to return...

I know...all you Thai apologist...take your best shot...

I am not a thai apologist but what gave you the idea that this forum is full of thai apologists? You only need to view any news topic from about 6 months ago to see how much 'apologising' these thai 'apologists' are, before admins started clearing up the house - for a good example look at the topic where a farang lady asked for advice on getting a marriage visa with her thai partner...the topic had twice as many pages before the mods started deleting!

My sig isn't because I hate this forum: its because this was the reality as recently as 6 months ago when.

Love the sig. I couldn't agree more. Kudos to you for saying it like it is!!

[Wimbledon]

I can't speak for work wise , but Cambodia has appeal .If you dig in, meet expats and khymer good ones you find a bundle that you would not if you are just surfing a country .here is my experience . Shopping is available , however thailand has big c etc ,and so cambodia does not look as impressive . however from 4 fair size stores in Phom Penh , you get everything you would in thailand , and your coffee, liquor, are far more reasonable . bookstores more prevalent in PP in english ... I joined a club at Cambodia hotel and have access to saunas ( 2 types) pool, modern gym,) tennjs ( synthetic grass) so easy on the body ) on the waterfront for 50 us a month . I met an expat who has been coming to cambodia for 4 years and he put me onto several restaurants that are so decently priced and good quality , that for all my desire to cook my own food , its mighty tempting to forget it daily . I also get a 3 dollar massage that equals what you pay 50 us in western worlds and was way better than what I got in Thailand ( experienced in thai may have similar too) phom penh has taxis , cheap and good quality ( as a previous post was inferring there was not) obviously the visa situation is a lay down for way easier here in Cambodia . Thai and khymer woman are nice.. I have travelled to Kampot , and sihanoukville and had good time in both and great food and accomadation in both . more variety for shopping for furniture in Thailand , however personally i have found a little better accomadation price wise and location in PP. Thailand is more sophisticated generally and the airport is a nice one , In PP ,the airport basic... With the membership i have at cambodia and central accomadation that i have at a good price here in PP , and meeting afew good people , my budget goes much better, and I personally have for now ,having a better experience lifestyle than I managed in Thailand after 6 months . but thatsme

[David48]

He Mr Wimbledon ... I'm coming to visit ...

You sound like you have it nice and sussed.

.

[KuhnPaen]

In PP, the apartments are cheaper on the upper floors because that requires you to walk up these dreaded things called "stairs".

I concur, girls much nicer in Cambodia, and they are more of my type as well. The most beautiful girls I saw in Thailand had some Khmer in them.

That said, the street food in Cambodia cannot even compare to Thailand. All I ever saw in Cambodia was fried rice and noodles, and some cryptid meat on a stick. Although if you have a yen for fried tarantulas--you'll be in hog heaven.

Street urchins can be a drag too (pull out your cel phone and pretend to talk when you pass them--this creates a force field of sorts).

Even with these gripes, I would still consider moving there.

If you are a gun lover--Cambodia is a dream. Everything from AK's to B-40 rockets at the range.

Most of the country is on the US Dollar--most menu items are $1 or $2

Cheap apartments "with character" in PP

Siem Reap is beautiful on so many levels--from the rotting French Colonial buildings to epic temple sites.

Do it! Post how it goes, or how it blows.

[louse1953]

I

Ive been living in Thailand for 4 years now and am thinking about a move to Cambodia. I have just returned from 10 days in Siem Reap,PP and Sihanoukville.1) I find the Khmers much more friendlier than the Thais.Here in Thailand farang are barely tolerated.2) Cheaper cost of living .3)Better visa options.4) Not as much traffic.5)Better selection of restaurants. Of course Thailand has lots of pros compared to Cambodia but with the current political situation here a move I think would be for the better.

Good,cya.

[phuketrichard]

you will find if ur living there ( i did for 10 months)

• it is not cheaper to live
• the selection of places to live is very limited compared to Thailand
• the local/street food is not nearly as good,
• electric, internet more expensive
• not as varid choices in the supermarkets for western food
• Medical care far below Thailand
• Traffic in PP on main roads is same as Bangkok
• the politcial sitiuation is very bad right now in PP since last elections an even getting worse now with the Garment worker strike

Yes visas are easier if ur under 50 and are not working legally

yes, drinking and smoking cigs is cheaper

You are so kind to even take time to explain him anything...

Maybe you forgot what these forums were actually designed for? Imagine someone actually getting helpful advice from the more experienced vs. condescending sarcasm.

Like i said, i lived there and travel there frequently by car and i have seen most of the country as i have a Cambodian gf living with me here.

We own land there as well.

Outside of the main 3 cities, PP, SR an SHV is it very behind the times,

• you will not find any supermarkets selling western goods
• No 7/11's or any type convnvience stores ( something u find everywhere in Thailand)
• The selection of accomodtions is very poor compared to Thailand. I would image there are more houses for rent for Farangs/Barangs in Phuket than all of Cambodia ( not talking about the 2nd,3rd floor walk up chinese style shop houses with the bedroom without a window, where most people end up living in Phnom Pehn)
• Condo's are being built in PP and SR but for the most part are over $800 for a decent 2 bedroom one
• Roads a few years ago were getting better to very good BUT now most are really bad ( the road from SR-PP was great 4 years ago now its shit)
• Personally i find it dificult to eat in a restaurnat and have people approach me for money
• Much more begging and poverty in ur face than Thailand
• Politcial situation grows worse an worse each day
• Country run by a mad man with no regard for the locals
• Poor selection of schools for western kids outside PP ( Northridge is the best but will cost you more than the best school in Bangkok)
• Very poor medical care and almost non existent outside the 3 main cites
• Poor transport throught the whole country ( cambodia u can only fly 3 places only, no trains )

Debunk the more engish bookstores Bullshit

• good temp accomodations for $100-200/month in the 3 main cites but outside that u will be liivng Khmer style
• Visa easy, $285 or so for a 1 year muti entry
• Drinking, smoking cigs (both of which i do not do) cheaper
• Bars cheaper
• OK,nothing to write home about, western food $4-7/meal
• easy to work but the salaries are small compared to Thailand
• Used Cars a bit cheaper, gas more
• More hummers. lexus, 4wd BMW's, Audi's than Thailand!!
• Plenty of cheap hotels ( under $10) but dont expect Thailand
• Great for photography!!!
• Some great islands to visit
• Cheap cable ( they steal True vison form Thailand)
• Electronics a it more than Thailand but not the selection
• you might think more english spoken, but its very very limtied ( try an get anywhere in PP by moto even though he says he speakes english without you knowing where your going)

I like Cambodia to visit but not for living Cambodia

End of the day, yes u can live cheap in Cambodia BUT u could live cheaper in a nicer place with access to more western goods nearby in THailand

Its a personal choice

Edited December 29, 2013 by phuketrichard

[Frank James]

"Everywhere you go, there you are."

--Unknown author

[mrdome]

While I like Cambodia a lot, 10 days are nowhere near enough to form a lasting judgement. It's like having met someone 10 days ago and declaring that you "like them better" than your current love/ex.

[jinners]

Cambodia is a trashy place...garbage everywhere...

I did not find the Cambodians more accepting of foreigners than the Thais

Try Vietnam also...has everything plus the people are nicer than either Cambodia or Thailand...and cheap

Girls are friendly...and not nearly so overt in trying to separate you from your money...

Lived in Thailand for 2 years...was glad to leave...have no plans to return...

I know...all you Thai apologist...take your best shot...

really interesting topic. Fair enough, I only had 1 trip to Vietnam, and it was Saigon, but I found it quite expensive, particularly the girls and didn't like their food either. Great for a visit tho

[ozyjon]

What i remember about Cambodia,,

The beautiful beaches

(Some) Beautiful women

Beggars

Dirty streets

More beggars

Pot holes everywhere

Great restaurants

50 cent beers

Beggars

Victory Hill

Nai Nai Bar

[ozyjon]

Did i tell you about the beggars

[hellodolly]

I can't speak for work wise , but Cambodia has appeal .If you dig in, meet expats and khymer good ones you find a bundle that you would not if you are just surfing a country .here is my experience . Shopping is available , however thailand has big c etc ,and so cambodia does not look as impressive . however from 4 fair size stores in Phom Penh , you get everything you would in thailand , and your coffee, liquor, are far more reasonable . bookstores more prevalent in PP in english ... I joined a club at Cambodia hotel and have access to saunas ( 2 types) pool, modern gym,) tennjs ( synthetic grass) so easy on the body ) on the waterfront for 50 us a month . I met an expat who has been coming to cambodia for 4 years and he put me onto several restaurants that are so decently priced and good quality , that for all my desire to cook my own food , its mighty tempting to forget it daily . I also get a 3 dollar massage that equals what you pay 50 us in western worlds and was way better than what I got in Thailand ( experienced in thai may have similar too) phom penh has taxis , cheap and good quality ( as a previous post was inferring there was not) obviously the visa situation is a lay down for way easier here in Cambodia . Thai and khymer woman are nice.. I have travelled to Kampot , and sihanoukville and had good time in both and great food and accomadation in both . more variety for shopping for furniture in Thailand , however personally i have found a little better accomadation price wise and location in PP. Thailand is more sophisticated generally and the airport is a nice one , In PP ,the airport basic... With the membership i have at cambodia and central accomadation that i have at a good price here in PP , and meeting afew good people , my budget goes much better, and I personally have for now ,having a better experience lifestyle than I managed in Thailand after 6 months . but thatsmeimage.jpgimage.jpg

Good post

What you say is also true of Thailand. It comes down to a personal choice. Both countries have much to offer. For myself I prefer the easy access to western type things. Lot's of shopping malls and not that hard to get to them. I am a movie fan so here in Chiang Mai I get my feed on them.

Had to laugh at my Thai wife. She says no way would she ride a bike there. If there was a rating system on bad driving Cambodia would win hands down. That is coming from a person who spent 64 years in countries where they drive on the right side of the road.

As for affordable housing I am very sure it is there but so is it here in Thailand. Learning the language might be easier. All in all it comes down to a matter of choice we all most all want a foreign culture with some contact to the western culture some more than others.

Spent very little time in PP 7 years ago and about 4 years ago. Would like to go back and spend more time. The last time I was there I was very disappointed with the development along the river. But there is much more to see. What I could see was that the city had been laid out nice and some of the streets were wide with boulevards. All we did was go around a park on a hill that looked like it would be a nice place to spend some time. Might add in the cost of girls and booze means nothing to me. I have a wife and I don't have to drink. those two seem to mean a lot to a lot of people.

One other thing people should take into consideration is age the older we get the more we are apt to need medical attention. Lonely Planet said if needed go to Thailand.

[Jip99]

went to siem reap for a couple of days about a year ago

it was interesting (and sad) see how people live there

can't understand anyone choosing to live there unless they want to help the locals

Where did the sad part come in ?

it is like going back in time to the middle ages when most people were peasants with very basic lives comparable to modern house pets (except with less food and worse medical care)... to see fellow human beings lacking many of the basic human rights, security, comforts and pleasures most of us take for granted is really very sad

You do realise that Siem Reap and the Angkor community is considered to be wealthy.

I see more poverty in my neighbouring Thai village here in Isaan than I see around Siem Reap. I agree about the rather wonderful 'middle ages' feel - in actual fact it is more reminiscent of Thailand 30 odd years ago (according to several Thai wives).

Waitresses earning $100/120 per month are considered to be well paid and bus drivers are typically paid $2/3 per day.

[F4UCorsair]

What i remember about Cambodia,,

The beautiful beaches

(Some) Beautiful women

Beggars

Dirty streets

More beggars

Pot holes everywhere

Great restaurants

50 cent beers

Beggars

Victory Hill

Nai Nai Bar

I worked in Cambodia back in 2003, and went back for a visit in 2008 for a few days. The beggars drove me nuts, and they were so aggressive.

I'd bought a gift for a former colleague's son, but on realizing it was too small for him, just offered it to a beggar, and I was under siege, not unlike the Italian gypsies. I was lucky to get away unscathed when I told them I had nothing else for them.

ozyjon, there are (some) beautiful women in every country, but in my opinion, there was a higher percentage of beautiful women in Cambodia than most places I'd been, but it may have just been the industry I was in that sought them.

\I'd like to go back and spend some time looking around again.

[RigPig]

I was told by a couple of expats over there at different places that the thing seemed to be to have medical insurance that would fly you out of there to Thailand for treatment. They all said the best hospitals there (PP) were just places to go to die !!!

That was enough for me

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

Phuketrichard pretty much nails it. I lived there for 6 months in 2011-2012. It was a good experience. Then I moved to Vietnam and it was eye opening. Crossing the border was like moving from a brown country to green one (we're talking ground cover either natural or agriculture). Same going to Thailand. Cambodia is decades behind in most things.

I was recently considering moving back to Phnom Penh but after three tries this past fall couldn't find the right apartment for the right price. Which means it's more expensive there for the same accommodation you can get in Thailand. In fact, modern somewhat westernized apartments were very overpriced. $500/month and way up!

But I still have a soft spot for the place and will return.

To the OP: Live there for 3-6 months. Remember, you can always return to Thailand or move anywhere else.

[phuketrichard]

I alos thought about moving back in 2012, spent time back in SR, PP, Kep, Kampot, Battambang and couldn't find anything that felt like somewhere i would want to live,

In 2008 i lived in Phom Penh on the other side of the Japanese bridge, Had a great apt overlooking the Tonle sap but it was $450/month and the city had heart which has changed in the past few years

[Wavnarok]

you will find if ur living there ( i did for 10 months)

• it is not cheaper to live
• the selection of places to live is very limited compared to Thailand
• the local/street food is not nearly as good,
• electric, internet more expensive
• not as varid choices in the supermarkets for western food
• Medical care far below Thailand
• Traffic in PP on main roads is same as Bangkok
• the politcial sitiuation is very bad right now in PP since last elections an even getting worse now with the Garment worker strike

Yes visas are easier if ur under 50 and are not working legally

yes, drinking and smoking cigs is cheaper

You are so kind to even take time to explain him anything...

Maybe you forgot what these forums were actually designed for? Imagine someone actually getting helpful advice from the more experienced vs. condescending sarcasm.

I dont see where is the problem on his reply , if you and the OP are willing to see the reality , not just birds flying .....

Edited December 30, 2013 by Wavnarok

[slipperylobster]

you will find if ur living there ( i did for 10 months)

• it is not cheaper to live
• the selection of places to live is very limited compared to Thailand
• the local/street food is not nearly as good,
• electric, internet more expensive
• not as varid choices in the supermarkets for western food
• Medical care far below Thailand
• Traffic in PP on main roads is same as Bangkok
• the politcial sitiuation is very bad right now in PP since last elections an even getting worse now with the Garment worker strike

Yes visas are easier if ur under 50 and are not working legally

yes, drinking and smoking cigs is cheaper

You are so kind to even take time to explain him anything...

Maybe you forgot what these forums were actually designed for? Imagine someone actually getting helpful advice from the more experienced vs. condescending sarcasm.

I dont see where is the problem on his reply , if you and the OP are willing to see the reality , not just birds flying .....

Cheap Beer in Cambodia !

It is understood that there are many people that spend the majority of their time in a bar. For those (hopefully few), it sounds like heaven. That certainly would make Cambodia a viable option, as their savings (on that sort of entertainment) would offset the other, higher expenses. There was a time in my past when I pretty much spent most every day in a bar, spending almost half my money there. For me, it was a matter of life or death to get away from that.

Politics has not relevance, really, just stay away from the hotspots. When tourists become political targets, then it would be time to leave. That just has not happened yet. Perhaps you may be inconvenienced, but surely to hiding out in some hotel room with no power and gangs of angry revolutionaries trying to hunt you down. There is probably a higher risk of being mugged or having your house broken in to.

Searching for a relationship there might be more fun, for a single man. I watched my buddy, who has been actually looking for a wife, lose most of his wad of savings trying to buy into a marriage/girlfriend here. He would tell me stories of flying into a place to meet a lady, then having her show up with 3 or 4 friends/relatives for a shopping trip to the mall. After a few days of this, she would just flat out tell him that 2B Gold was the "buy in" price to be a boyfriend. I am sure this goes on in Cambodia, but I had this feeling that Internet/bar girl/wife buying was more subtle.

[Ajaan]

Thailand, for all it's quirks, is a step up. Cambodia reminds me of the Philippines...as far as the poverty. I always had an uneasy feeling walking around in Cambodia....and those little communist clubs on almost every street corner, full of guys with dubious histories. Might make a visa run, but only for a few days. I like the shopping, beaches, girls, and variety of Thailand. If Burma opens up, I might try that.

What the HELL are you talking about?! Cambodia has not been communist--state socialist, really--for over 20 years now!

[slipperylobster]

[slipperylobster]

Thailand, for all it's quirks, is a step up. Cambodia reminds me of the Philippines...as far as the poverty. I always had an uneasy feeling walking around in Cambodia....and those little communist clubs on almost every street corner, full of guys with dubious histories. Might make a visa run, but only for a few days. I like the shopping, beaches, girls, and variety of Thailand. If Burma opens up, I might try that. HELL

What the HELL are you talking about?! Cambodia has not been communist--state socialist, really--for over 20 years now!

ok, but not the main point. i suppose i was referring to some old khmer rouge holdouts. but what the HELL, you are right,it has all gone away.and everbody is just fine. stiill not feeling cozy there.

here is an interesting article that may shed some jight on my opinions. not arguing about the form of government, just the elements that exist in the background.

http://www.peoplesoftheworld.org/individuals/khmer%20rouge/

[Zodaka]

Thailand, for all it's quirks, is a step up. Cambodia reminds me of the Philippines...as far as the poverty. I always had an uneasy feeling walking around in Cambodia....and those little communist clubs on almost every street corner, full of guys with dubious histories. Might make a visa run, but only for a few days. I like the shopping, beaches, girls, and variety of Thailand. If Burma opens up, I might try that. HELL

What the HELL are you talking about?! Cambodia has not been communist--state socialist, really--for over 20 years now!

ok, but not the main point. i suppose i was referring to some old khmer rouge holdouts. but what the HELL, you are right,it has all gone away.and everbody is just fine. stiill not feeling cozy there.

here is an interesting article that may shed some jight on my opinions. not arguing about the form of government, just the elements that exist in the background.

http://www.peoplesoftheworld.org/individuals/khmer%20rouge/

Your report was published in 2004 and is obviously out of date.

[F4UCorsair]

PP was a wild town when I was there back in 2003, but a whole lot wilder when I first visited in 1996. Back then tourists were advised/almost prevented from taking anything but a flight to Siem Reap. The most risky travel permitted was a fast boat on Lake Tonle Sap.

I frequented a bar called the Cat House, up near 1A Street, or was is A1 Street? My apartment builidng was either # 1A on A1 Street, or A1 on 1A Street....can't remember. There was a sign on the Cat House door notifying patrons that they must leave firearms with the security guard!!

Sharkey's Bar was also a favorite, sitting on the balcony overlooking the street, and the beer was cheap. I loved the place.

Edited January 2, 2014 by F4UCorsair

[Sheryl]

It has changed enormously since 2003.

No problem to travel by road to Siem Reap or for that matter to just about anywhere in the country.

[slipperylobster]

Thailand, for all it's quirks, is a step up. Cambodia reminds me of the Philippines...as far as the poverty. I always had an uneasy feeling walking around in Cambodia....and those little communist clubs on almost every street corner, full of guys with dubious histories. Might make a visa run, but only for a few days. I like the shopping, beaches, girls, and variety of Thailand. If Burma opens up, I might try that. HELL

What the HELL are you talking about?! Cambodia has not been communist--state socialist, really--for over 20 years now!

ok, but not the main point. i suppose i was referring to some old khmer rouge holdouts. but what the HELL, you are right,it has all gone away.and everbody is just fine. stiill not feeling cozy there.

here is an interesting article that may shed some jight on my opinions. not arguing about the form of government, just the elements that exist in the background.

http://www.peoplesoftheworld.org/individuals/khmer%20rouge/

Your report was published in 2004 and is obviously out of date.

So what? The main point I was making was not about the government at all. Try reading it again. I just said I was not comfortable there.

Anybody can pick an argument about dates, details, etc...but still not change my opinion.

Anything else to add?