I didn't like Cambodia. Even being honest about my real experience I still can't believe I've been somewhere I didn't like. When I was looking at different places to visit for vacation, I was so excited about visiting the Angkor Wat Temples,cooking classes,seeing my Spelman Sisters in Phnom Penh. Honestly as I look back now,I really didn't enjoy my experience. Let me tell you why.
My biggest problem was that I was uncomfortable all of the time. I have never felt uncomfortable traveling as a solo black women. I am always hypersensitive to my surroundings and don't like to going out at night by myself. In Cambodia, It didn't matter how hyper conscious I was,Siem Reap and Phnom Pehn were overcrowded by men.I never saw unaccompanied women,unless they were working at the market.That in itself made me uncomfortable. Groups of men with Tuk-Tuks( the only real way to get around) at the markets,and when the sun went down there seemed to be more than usual. In China,even with the 1 woman to 10 men ratio I never felt unsafe or that my life was in danger. Unfortunately, there I felt unprepared and when the sun went down I immediately went back to my hostel. I never felt safe.
I was also homesick and lonely. I went to Cambodia hoping that I would be able to cope with missing home but it didn't work. I was constantly on the phone with a family member of mine for hours. I felt lonely and was wishing that there was someone I loved with me. I have never felt homesick while traveling and was unsure of how to cope. I continued to push off the feelings by distracting myself with activities,and pretend that they didn't exist. It was when I was at the temples, learning new cooking recipes,and meeting with different families traveling through southeast Asia It hit me. I was tired of asking random people to take my picture and being unable to share such amazing experiences with someone.More specifically my mom. I have seen so many black mom and daughters traveling together in Asia and It made me so sad. I have done many trips as a solo traveler and I have loved it, but now,I regret going by myself.I am realizing that I really need a travel buddy.
If you do plan on going to Cambodia, as a woman, go with someone else. This is not a country I would recommend going as a solo women traveler. Cambodia is a beautiful place with many interesting things to do,cultural activities,and the beautiful Angkor Wat temple.
Safe Travels Always.
My biggest problem was that I was uncomfortable all of the time. I have never felt uncomfortable traveling as a solo black women. I am always hypersensitive to my surroundings and don't like to going out at night by myself. In Cambodia, It didn't matter how hyper conscious I was,Siem Reap and Phnom Pehn were overcrowded by men.I never saw unaccompanied women,unless they were working at the market.That in itself made me uncomfortable. Groups of men with Tuk-Tuks( the only real way to get around) at the markets,and when the sun went down there seemed to be more than usual. In China,even with the 1 woman to 10 men ratio I never felt unsafe or that my life was in danger. Unfortunately, there I felt unprepared and when the sun went down I immediately went back to my hostel. I never felt safe.
I was also homesick and lonely. I went to Cambodia hoping that I would be able to cope with missing home but it didn't work. I was constantly on the phone with a family member of mine for hours. I felt lonely and was wishing that there was someone I loved with me. I have never felt homesick while traveling and was unsure of how to cope. I continued to push off the feelings by distracting myself with activities,and pretend that they didn't exist. It was when I was at the temples, learning new cooking recipes,and meeting with different families traveling through southeast Asia It hit me. I was tired of asking random people to take my picture and being unable to share such amazing experiences with someone.More specifically my mom. I have seen so many black mom and daughters traveling together in Asia and It made me so sad. I have done many trips as a solo traveler and I have loved it, but now,I regret going by myself.I am realizing that I really need a travel buddy.
If you do plan on going to Cambodia, as a woman, go with someone else. This is not a country I would recommend going as a solo women traveler. Cambodia is a beautiful place with many interesting things to do,cultural activities,and the beautiful Angkor Wat temple.
Safe Travels Always.