This week we will be taking a long flight to visit Cambodia. The 28-hour flight might turn you away, but upon touching down in Cambodia you will be greeted by majestic temples and colorful markets. I will be traveling to Cambodia this summer as part of a Penn State Maymester. It is amazing how many travel opportunities are available through Penn State. This allows you to travel the world while gaining credit and experiencing new cultures. There are also many scholarship opportunities available to fund these travels. If you are interested in studying abroad I encourage you to visit the education abroad website and look at all of the programs Penn State offers. 

While in Cambodia I will be learning about nonprofits that are set up to support youth by providing them opportunities to further their education or passions. I will begin my trip by flying into Siem Reap. This bustling city is known for its endless market scene and historic temples. Our first dinner will be at a restaurant called Haven. This restaurant is unique because it provides jobs and training for young people who aspire to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Their name comes from their mission of providing a safe haven for Cambodian youth. 

One of the many temples we will be visiting is Angkor Thom, which translates to “Great City”. It is a Buddhist structure that was one of the longest-surviving capitals of the Khmer regime. Another incredibly popular temple that we will be visiting is Angkor Wat. This temple honors the god Vishnu. It can get very busy during the day so it is important to get there early to avoid the crowds and the heat. It is also important to wear appropriate clothing to visit the temples, covering both the knees and shoulders. This is seen as a sign of respect for Cambodian culture, and they will not let you enter the temples if your shoulders and knees aren’t covered. 

While traveling in Cambodia is it important to be aware of the safety concerns. Many Cambodian women are victims of sexual assault and violence. This should not stop you from visiting this beautiful destination, but it should cause you to be aware of your surroundings. A few tips to stay safe while traveling are to avoid going places alone, do not leave your drinks unattended, and do not accept drinks from strangers. 

Transportation is also an important part of traveling. The main means of transportation are tuk-tuk, motorbike, and cab. It is important to bargain when deciding on the price of transportation. This may feel uncomfortable, but it is a common practice in Cambodia. They also have ride-share apps that are similar to Uber or Lyft. 

The last must-see destination in Siem Reap is the street markets. These markets span for blocks and are filled with food, clothes, jewelry, and many other handmade pieces. The vibrant colors are amazing and the food is exceptional. Similar to transportation, it is very common to barter for goods.