Hi everyone,

I am a German guy (38), normally based in China/Germany, and here (in PP) for a while for exploration (with an eye to doing business in Cambodia, although that would be probably 2 years away, and I am considering other countries as well).

I was wondering whether anyone wants to hang out for a relaxed beer (or coffee)? Maybe share some experiences about life (or business) in Asia, etc.

Incidentally, I am staying in a hotel on the river front with lots of bars nearby, but the area is really seedy and everyone is focused on making money off tourists. Any suggestions where it would be nicer to stay?

Vitamin_D

Hi! Thanks for the welcome!!

Translation and related services. I am doing that in China already but get a little bored there

I wish. China no like evil tool of Western infiltration...

Hi VD (that's a hell of a tag ) and welcome !

Depends on what you mean by seedy and all the hotels are there to make money - are you looking for a more upmarket place or more friendly ?

Things are more upmarket (ie expensive) along the riverfront toward the Post Office. There is also an area around Independence Monument which has boutique hotels and quite a good selection of restaurants and bars. Just off the riverfront there is St 172 which could be considered seedy, but there are some ok hotels and some cheap restaurants. (I'm sure that you have already heard about St 51 - if not someone will fill you in, but not me.)

Can't really help without knowing what you like, but I'm sure someone else can give you some better ideas if they know what sort of scene you are looking for.
You could also go to Kandal House on the Riverfront; it's a good place for a beer and food is also good, they have free copies of Phnom Penh Guide and newspapers - maybe that will give you some ideas.
Enjoy.

So now we have an OD and a VD... sounds like a party night on koh rong.

Oh-oh. Just arrived and already people are calling me names ;-(

Thanks a lot, Anchor Moy, for the detailed information. I hadn't heard about street 51 (sounds kinda like the precursor to area 52), but I did my research now (not really into clubbing). The problem with the area I was in before (riverfront at street 136) wasn't the price but the vibe. Google confirmed that this street is known for its "Girly Bars", a rather euphemistic way to call them (that's what I meant with "seedy"). I tried to have a quiet beer for myself but girls kept pestering me. Also it was impossible to walk without being offered tuk-tuks etc. every two meters.

I have seen aggressive begging before, but a boy here had taken it to the next level: he just started hitting me on the street and asked for a 1000 release fee :O

I am not really interested in the touristy areas, I want to get an impression of normal life here. I now moved to Anise hotel, away from the river near Independence Monument. Seems lovely so far and the people are very nice.

Cool! A new poster that is NOT a Franciscan sock puppet! Welcome.