Holidaying to Cambodia

Cambodia with all its exotic charms, becomes its own attraction for travelers. Angkor Wat temple is the most popular. However, before vacationing to Cambodia, you should know the following things, so that your tour can be wiser.

1. The Khmer Rouge and its trauma

The sadness of the Khmer Rouge in the past has apparently left trauma for the Cambodian people and their descendants. The action of genocide against more than 2 million Cambodians, known to be terrible, even to the world. Not only the actions of genocide, forced labor, torture, deprivation and famine, add to the horror story.
Although the Khmer reds declared collapse in 1979, but they still exercised control over Cambodia, at least until 1996.
The trial of crimes against humanity is still ongoing. However, the surviving Cambodian community is experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome. Children born after the Khmer Rouge, not immune from taruma, should live in stressful families, lack of education, starvation and also escape from harassment .
As tourists or tourists, we can help by buying local products on offer. At least, it could help the Cambodian economy.

2. The ruins of Angkor are also temples of worship

Angkor, is a tourist attraction. Its beauty as an old building, becomes its own attraction. But, as tourists, we should not forget, Angkor is a temple where Buddhists worship.
Although many collapsed from some sides of Angkor, but still actively used to worship. Therefore, we are required to be polite. No shouting, excessive laughter or partying. Clothes are guarded, must cover the arm, not pants too short.
The officials of Angkor's board, will sort whoever enters, especially the attention is courtesy.

3. Find information prior to blind masseuse or orphanage

More than 150,000 Cambodians experience blindness. Usually caused by accidents due to active land mines or malnutrition. The work they can do is massaging. Unfortunately, many massage parlors take advantage of their blindness, by selling services without providing their payments. Therefore, try to find a legitimate massage parlors. Although it may be the owners of massage parlors perform 'naughty' pratik.
Even when visiting the orphanage. In 2005, the number of orphanages in Cambodia shot up to 65%. It's all because Angelina Jolie is bringing the world's attention to orphans in Cambodia.
Unfortunately, then these orphanages will become a tourist attraction. Parties will show off the poor children to be selected. Some, even wandering the streets to become beggars. Children even become away from the word prosperity. They do not go to school, learn, play or even sleep well.
Organizations such as The Life and Hope Association (http://www.lifeandhopeangkor.org/) or HUSK (https://www.huskcambodia.org/) will help notify the legitimate orphanage, which is intended for the welfare of orphans the strays.

4. Think first if you want to be a volunteer

When the heart is tapped and wants to volunteer in Cambodia, think about it a thousand times will be good and bad, because it will not be easy.
Be sure to get the right training and knowledge of Cambodia. English skills are the main ones. Mental readiness is next. Infrastructure worthy, such as bathrooms, defecation, safe room, internet, air conditioning, clean food and drinks are also feasible, it can all be at an exorbitant cost. If not able, then simplest simplicity that can be.
The Cambodian people, especially the children, do not need volunteers to stop by the alias for just a short time or short term. Coming just to teach the words "hi" and "thank you" is a waste. Children and those who are helpless need a long-term relationship, where there is a pattern of nurturing, mentoring and training.

5. Do not buy or give to children

Children are trained. They would approach the tourists, guess where they came from, and then vigorously reveal the fascinating facts that would amaze them. Then, they will ask tourists to buy postcards or gum with claims as school fees.
Once fulfilling their wishes, it will continue the cycle of poverty in Cambodia. They will choose begging instead of going to school. Apart from that, the more mature people will hire them to beg, some even organize well.

6. Careful when wanting to help

A cute child, a very young woman with her baby, will approach a tourist and ask for money to buy milk or anything. For some tourists, will choose to buy only their needs. But as they pass, the organization or cartel, will take the stuff, sell it back in the store. The store will buy it for a very cheap price, and the cartel only rewards, enough to buy a drink, if lucky, can also buy food.
The horrible thing is, the babies are in a sling. They will generally be sedated, just so as not to fuss.

7. Explore Cambodia wisely

Just an introduction, Cambodia is not just Angkor temples and a museum of exhumation in Phnom Penh. There are many interesting sights to explore.
In northeastern Cambodia, dolphins can be found almost extinct. In the mountains Kapulaga, there is a waterfall that is very stunning. There is also Battambang which is an art city and also a link between Thailand and Cambodia.
Cambodia also has seven national parks to visit. If Angkor temple is full of crowds, in Kompong Thom and Koh Ker it offers the peace of a temple as a place of worship. Sihanoukville Beach, will make you feel have their own beach. If you want to feel any relaxation charm, small towns Kampot and Kamp Cham is the best choice.
Also recognize the manners in Cambodia. Never use your left hand to eat, point at something, or touch. It is considered an insult, because the left hand is a dirty hand, which is the activity of cleaning themselves in the bathroom, done with the left hand.
If you receive a business card, gift or valuable item, be sure to stretch out both hands.
When in a public place, do not do 'show affection'. Holding hands, hugging, holding hands, can offend Cambodians.