To say that motorbike drivers here in Phnom Penh scares me is an understatement! It really gives me the shakes to drive around the city with motorbike riders who seem to think they are invincible. It’s normal to see people on motorbikes driving on any lane they prefer, wherever they are going, to U-turn when its not allowed, to go when the traffic light is red, driving at night without headlights… I think they could all double as stunt men and women!

Traffic here never really ceases to amaze me, and to top all that you can still see a lot of motorbikers holding their mobile phones texting or making a call, with the other hand holding the motorbike and going at full speed. It’s quite natural and expect to see a lots of  road accident here in Phnom Penh. Since I came last October, I actually lost count already of how many motorbike accidents I’ve encountered.

Whenever I see someone driving and talking on a mobile phone I just wish they would just do others a favor by simply stopping or they could get themselves a Bluetooth headset! I know some people might say, that could be expensive but hey having an accident could be more costly. I wonder though when I could ever get used to all this… Anyway, I wish these drivers would be more cautious and practice safe driving..

The Khmer (or Cambodian) language is the official language of Cambodia and it is spoken by majority of Khmers. Though English is fast becoming the second language specially of younger Khmers, it is still great if those taking Cambodia vacations know a little of Khmer. It’s a great help in learning and gaining more understanding of Cambodia culture. This is particularly helpful if you are traveling independently and it goes a long way when you are bargaining in the markets.

A little intro: The Khmer language has 33 consonants and about 24 vowels and diphthongs. The Khmers have also retained French pronunciation of the Roman alphabet and of some words. When it comes to grammar, the language is quite simple. Adding a few words can make a sentence tense to past, present or future.

Learning the language can be a bit tricky and difficult but a little Khmer will really go a long way. The Khmers just love it when foreigners show the effort to speak in their language. Here’s some basics for every Cambodian visitor:

Greetings and other Basics:

Hello – jum reap sour (formal) | sua s’dei (casual)
Goodbye – jum reap lear (formal) | lia suhn hao-y
See you later – juab kh’nia | th’ngay krao-y
Thank you – ow-kohn | ow-kohn charan
You’re welcome – awt ei te | sohn anjoe-in
Excuse me / I’m Sorry – sohm-toh
Yes – baat (for men) | jaa (for women)