SIEM REAP BROKE MY HEART | Honeymoon Vlog Cambodia
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- In this video I give a brief summary of our time in the city of Siem Reap and what I learned about Cambodia while we were there. Unfortunately this includes a debriefing on a handful of heartbreaking historical events, so if you are feeling depressed or if you have small children with you, it may be better to watch this video at another time. If I seem detached, sarcastic or humorous during portions of this video, I hope you understand that is sometimes how I deal with tragic situations.
Any money made from the monetization of this video will be taken from my own pocket and donated in $20 increments to a Cambodia-based NGO that supports education, for now it will be Water Of Life but my NGO of choice may change depending on circumstances. Thank you for your support! If you have any recommendations or knowledge about non-profit efforts for the betterment of Cambodia, please comment that information and associated links below! (Update 8.30.17 - this video has FINALLY made more than $20 in ad revenue!! I've decided to make donations to the Cambodian Children's Fund)
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There's a saying, you'll go to Cambodia, fall in love with it, than it'll break your heart. Great job with the explanation about why Cambodia is so poor and the current condition.
I so agree with that statement.
Lauren Without Fear is there a glassblowing shop in country
Something I always say as well. Been in Siem Reap for 4 years. Good video
There is a guy who does glass blowing in Siem Reap, he can be found around the Pub Street/market area where he sets up a curbside stand.
Thank you for your notice and overview of Cambodia through your travels. I agree that the corruption rate is high during the time you visited. However, the government has been trying to make a lot of reforms to deal with this issue, and there are only some of the government officials in some sectors that commit those disgusting things. Therefore, I can tell that we are getting better as time goes by and we're actually trying our best to build a good image of ourselves.
when I went to Angkor Wat, I saw this little girl trying to sell things a tourist. not knowing what language he speaks, she switched from english to french to german before she got it right. and it broke my heart thinking how far she could go if she ever get to go to school
Yes, many kids in Cambodia would have so much potential if they had access to education. It would take them so far in life, as seen by how the little girls knows so many languages as a mean of surviving.
Yeah. I had a little Cambodian boy try to pick pocket me. Little shit. No morals equals no morals.
Palika Siddhisorchai wow I myself am Cambodian lol
I dnt like seeing dose small gal rounding to sell silly things till late at night
Was in Angkor wat 3 weeks ago. I don't Have much, So I brought some pens, mechanical pencils , highlighter For kids who Can use it. I Gave it to a 15 Yrs old boy who was painting in water color inside the Tomb Raider' S Temple. His father said hes going to evening school. I also bought thier painting the Next day after watching him started painting it on my 1st visit( I had the 3 day pass )
Thank you for sharing our Story and current political atmosphere. More people need to hear about it. On the flip-side, please please visit Cambodia. It may be corrupt, but your presence in the country empowers the people and tells them there is a prosperous world out there.
I agree! People should still go visit despite the corruption!
Lauren Without Fear corruption doesn't border the tourism. So who say people can't visit Cambodia. Every country have their own weakness and political problem
To be honest though, from the perspective of this single tourist and value for his time/money, Cambodia does not come even close to offering a superior (or even "pleasant") experience when compared to many of its neighbors -- Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Laos, etc. I went twice, and especially after this second stay, I told myself never again to Cambodia. Hoping your country's elite read this comment and truly think about how they can stop their own corrupt ways (or, if they actually are not corrupt help to battle the corruption), so that funds can be better spent on the people and providing assistance in quality infrastructure (ROADS, HYGIENE/SANITATION, etc) and better products for their own people and the tourists they hope to entice.
The last thing any foreign tourist should do is visit Cambodia.
Why?
As a Cambodian citizen, I’msincerely thankful to you for your sharing and learning deeply into Cambodia’s history. This means a lots to me...
it's true there is a lot of corruption, however that is one aspect that should not distort the view of the country's and its lovely people. I have not been there for nearly 5 years but it's people, there culture, outlook on life and even there music is so lovely. I fell in love with the place, and it's my favourite place in SE Asia. and I have been to most countries there.
to anyone Cambodian reading this special message ... kunyoom Sro lang Kampuchea, tomtom. hope I remembered that correctly :-)
We met some great people in Cambodia as well!
Wow, you actually wrote khmer in English form. អរគុណច្រើនសម្រាប់ក្ដីស្រឡាញ់អ្នកចំពោះមាតិភូមិខ្ងុំ. Thank you for your love to our nation, May god bless you, brother ❤️🇰🇭.
Thanks for love Cambodia 😊😊
I am Cambodian. I love you too, thank you for visiting Cambodia.
Wow ! u can actually wrote this sentence correct and the beautiful meaning. Thank u very much for supporting and visit Cambodia.❤❤❤❤
I just visited Cambodia 2 weeks ago, and you were right, I fell in love with the place and the people but I went home heart broken, I've talked to a Cambodian friend there, and everything you said was all correct...
I like the way you touched on everything you saw in Cambodia. So many young people are reporting their awesome drone footage, or drinks in a bar, jumping into pools, etc. But I have been to Asia and seen what you are talking about. Throughout my 25 year career in the apparel manufacturing industry, I've been down some very sad, very dusty and lonely roads in SE Asia. At the end of last year, I said goodbye to all that. In September, my husband and I are taking our 2 teenaged kids travelling for a year. The temples of Angkor are a top pick on our list and although I've not been there before, the story you tell of the poverty cycle is a common theme in the region. Your video has officially started me down the research path, because I agree with you - not enough is being said or done to help. "All boats rise on a high tide".
Cheers,
-CW
The more we can learn from history the less likely we are to repeat it. I'm glad to hear you're taking your teenagers traveling :) Sounds like a really great way to share what you've learned and also show them all the beauty in the world! The temples of Angkor are so incredible!!
Angkor in Cambodia and Petra in Jordan are my top 2 sights on a decent list of others. Will be interesting to test our assumptions after we are finished!
I wonder how many people know that their $50 T-shirts are being made by people earning $100 a month. Cambodia produces clothing and shoes for many leading designer, and sportswear companies; unfortunately all the factories are government owned, and the workers are tied to a poverty level national wage. i know some people boycott items produced in Cambodia etc, but that unfairly affects the average worker, more than it does the multi-million dollar corporations.
Gordon Lister: Factories in Cambodia are NOT Government owned, stop spreading lies, they are ALL privately owned and many are Chinese owned, but NOT by the Cambodian Government.
This is a great bunch of information. Tragic and difficult to listen to but very important. I was in Cambodia in 2014 and I felt utter sadness while in Angkor Wat and the major cities. The poverty of the locals and how they desperately clung to the tourists made me feel like they were lying to me about what they needed. After a little while, I realized that each person there had suffered more than I would ever know. I did fall in love, then I got really sad. Now, I am angry that a government can be so evil. The war museum and the men that worked there was the most eye opening for my husband and I. We were standing in front of real, live people that were treated so horribly. I cried during our entire museum visit. When I returned home, I did lots of research and realized a lot more about what is going on. I was and still get frustrated because I did buy as much as I could from people on the streets. I want them to eat. Little children sold me flutes and fans and I was happy to help. School for those children would be best. Good education. A meal. Healthcare...things we really take for granted in the west. Lauren, great video. Made me think about this again. We will go back. Not sure when but I will continue to help.
Well told, I lived and survived the genocides. I'm returning to Cambodia for the first time in 42 years. Thanks for telling the story.
I was in Siem Reap and Battambang just last year. Cambodia, but more Cambodian people are etched in my heart, it's a beautiful country with so much potential. The children and youth really are the future of Cambodia. Please please please if you visit Cambodia as a tourist take the time to look closer at the people and not be distracted with the tourist destinations alone. We built a house for a family in a rural commune whose children had never known their own home!! Another family lived on ant infested pallets with a scrap tin roof and had to beg neighbours to give them shelter when the rains were bad. Nobody needs to live like this, especially children, I wish I had the answers, but we can all play a small part when visiting this wonderful country.
Thank you so much for this video, you should be really proud of this and how you presented the facts.
Stay safe, stay happy.
I can't thank you enought for this video! It means a lot for us cambodians!!! Everything you mentioned is exacly what happened these day in Cambodia.Thank you !!!!!!!! Bless !
I'm really happy you left this comment :) You're welcome, and thank YOU for taking the time to write me!
Great video! I just came back from Cambodia, I was there almost a month and I Love love love the country so much!! I can't wait to travel there again.
Your vlog was just on my recommended page and I immediately clicked on it. I was in Cambodia a month ago, well only in Siem Reap. I came mostly for the temples but knew about the history beforehand and I thought I was prepared for what I would see and experience. I completely agree with you on every aspect and I've had basically the same encounters, experience and thoughts about my visit. I started researching about organizations that offer "sponsorships" for children or families where you get reports about the family and what the organization did to improve the family's life. I think it's a good way of knowing what your money can achieve. And right now I'm trying to convince some friends and family to join me in my plans.
So thank you for the very educational video. I think it's important that more people especially travellers going to Cambodia know about this. Also I'm definitely planning to go back to Cambodia as soon as I can!
I love your video. It's very educational and fact. I'm Cambodian.
Nary Leang me tooooo or like I was born there but my mom is Cambodian and I go there every year cuz my family is there lol
Thank you for shining light & educating ppl on Cambodia!!! ... many times ppl have no clue.
Thankyou for sharing this. My husband was born in a refugee camp in Thailand after escaping the communist take over in 🇰🇭 Cambodia. His family later was accepted into America. But must of his family is still in Cambodia and Thailand. The Cambodian Genocide is absolutely horrific.
Hi Lauren you are the first person who tell everything right about Cambodia.
Thank you for the video. Agree 100%. Despite the corruption and the sad history, I was proud to see how far it comes. During my visit in 2017 I found the people to be very pleasant, loving, and welcoming. I was sick most of the time when I was there, but from the little fun that I had, the memories were amazing. I left the country feeling very humble. I hope to go back soon.
Wow, I'm a Cambodian teen and what you've said about Cambodian history and government currently is soooooo true. I have mixed emotions of angriness, feeling upset and bad for our nation but it's the truth.
Dude! Thanks for standing out! Not many is brave enough to talk about it or just care about Cambodia. As a Cambodian I want to thank you as behalf of my people for telling everyone about all this because none of us can talk about it.
As Cambodian, I am really thankful for you. They just wanna survive in their home country.
Thank you Lauren this is eye opening, for me as a fellow Cambodian I am aware that the country is corrupt but like you am not sure of how to help. Like you say it’s one child at a time. I have only been there one time in 2010 but was not enough time to see the raw of it all. Hope Cambodia can rise to its glory once more.
girl, you're spot on.
Okay, this is going to be a long post.
As a Cambodian, ill try to answer your questions through my observation and what I have learned, not that any of your info wasnt true or anything.
-why do we use USD? - as a result of genocide, our economic was shit, basically we had nothing, as a solution, UN decided to introduce US dollars into the country and pegged Khmer riels to dollars to give us a "push" in the economic sector.
- why are there so many tuk tuk drivers who go no jobs? - if you take a look at tuk-tuk drivers, they're mostly men above 30s, men who dont have the privilege to finish school, therefore, got nothing to put in their resume. another reason would be, tuk-tuk industry requires little skills and little start-up cost. the people can use their motorcycle to work in the day time, and as a mean of transportation for their family at night time.
- why cant people cant find work? this is a complicated topic. There are MANY factors to this topic. From the way our culture is, the way society function, the amount of SMEs, education, post-genocide and ofcourse, our average wages. The number of jobs will increase tho. We're still in a state where we're shifting from agriculture-dependent and production-base country into a more industrialized country. Unfortunately, right now most jobs are labor intensive jobs and not everyone wants/can do it.
- why are there people begging on the street? dont every country have beggers? ofcourse we have alot more, especially in Siem Reap. y in siem reap? because its a tourist province. and there's this stigma in which Cambodian believe westerners tend to be more empathetic towards beggers. the capital city, which is less touristy, have 1/3 of what you see in siem reap.
- why are there children selling things in angkor wat? - again, to my previous point, cambodian people assume that westerner are more empathetic towards children vs. 30 years old male/female. Its also a way for the family to earn more money. Furthermore, Cambodian (in the countryside) do not value education as much, most children often stop school around 5th grade. They would do whatever they can to earn money. like you said, we're agriculture dependent, kids who stop going to school would help their parent around the rice field.
tbh, if you only visit Siem Reap, its hard to see the full picture of Cambodia.
you kno whats more f*cked up? the micro-finance industry in this country. they literally suck the blood out of lower income families. Little loan, high interest rate, and they promote themselves as NGOs.
and what's more f*cked up than that? Our government. they constantly keep on making deals with foreign investment with little benefits. so we're poor, with large amount of debt, with less resource, and with a bunch of un-skilled people with little education. Not only that, the investment money barely gets injected back into our economic.
btw, there's more than two political party in Cambodia, however, the other party, Sam-Rainsey is a chicken, hes been the opposite party for decades, main competitor too, but he keeps on running away from the country when its time to stand-up. He's all talk and little action. Apparently, he's best-friend with Hun-Sen now. So, no one got the balls to go again the government at this point, not even potential candidates :/
anyways, kudos to you for investing your time to learn about Cambodia. if you want to check out Phnom Pehn for a different perspective, holla at me. I dont want your memory of Cambodia to be a negative one.
My memory of Cambodia is mostly of the wonderful local guy we had the pleasure of speaking with while there :) He's an activist and brought up a lot of the same points as you, but you actually cleared a lot of it up for me, so thank you! Cambodia seems to me to be full of people like him and like you who are demanding change and not giving up on the country they love. I definitely want to see more of Cambodia. Not sure when it'll happen, but if I do head that way any time soon I'll absolutely message you on UA-cam! It'd be amazing to grab a coffee or a meal together and talk more. Thank you for your thorough comment. I genuinely learned a lot :)
My absolute pleasure :) you seem like a very nice person and I hope you would visit Cambodia one day again (whenever it is). Hopefully, the next time, We would be able to present to you a "better" Cambodia. Cheers!
ps. again, i very much enjoy your videos.
내가 영어를 잘 못해서 한글로 쓰는데. 2014, 2015년도에 캄보디아에 갔을때는 정치적인 이슈에 대해서 현지 사람들이 말도 안하고 그래서 뭐 싫어하는가 보다 했는데, 이번에 가니까 사람들이 먼저 훈센 싫다고 말하고 그래서 놀랐음. 사회가 변하고 있구나 하고 체감함! ㅋㅋㅋ 무슨말인지 모르겠지? 나는 캄보디아말 공부할꺼야.
SPOT ON
I was in Siem Reap a couple of weeks ago and I also left with a heavy heart.
Thank you for sharing this. I cried several times. I am now armed with valuable knowledge. I feel motivated to help. I appreciate you sharing this information it is SOOOOOOO important.
thank you for come to cambodia and you know alot about problems in my country welcome to cambodia 🙏🙏
As a boy going through the years of the Khmer Rouge and now growing up in American, your comments meant a lot to me. I wish people would get to know the bad and the good things about a small country like Cambodia. The peoples are friendly and don't want much from westerns. I miss my home country very much. Thanks for your comments!!!!
I want to go back to Cambodia and talk to more locals! I'm glad what I said wasn't wrong or out of line :)
Don't apologize for this video, it's not negative- it is honest, a real eye opener. I heard about "the killing fields" but did not get the context of the situation, you explained it well. Even with such a history the people are still so resilient it's amazing. I am falling in love with Cambodia and would love to visit someday. People do not know Cambodia's history and it is great that you highlighted it, this video is so informative, I hope if I am ever a teacher in Cambodia to help others break from the cycle of poverty as well.
Cambodia is amazing and the history is sad all the lives lost and land, and still perceived as a poor country through everything it has been through struggling.
I live in Thailand and I'm planning my first trip to Siem Reap soon. Your information is valuable. Everyone should know about the facts you have shared.
Thank you!! I'm so glad you found it informative :)
This was an extraordinary video to see from a tourist. While some of the details were a bit off, you articulated the broad strokes of history quite well and provided a decent overview of the development realities. I was surprised that you knew of Kim Ley, who was a very good man and much loved, and about the significant level of land conflict here. Cambodia is my adopted home. I've lived here 25 years. My friends are among people you describe (on all sides.) I write this during elections, which I hope will be peaceful. Thank you for caring so much!
I learned about Kim Ley from a local we met at our hostel! I'm so thankful we had a chance to learn about him from someone who was so invested.
Lauren, I applaud you for taking the time to do some research on Cambodia, and for using your VLOG to help inform others. At the same time it saddens me that the plight of Cambodia, and the Cambodian Genocide has become a forgotten issue; and like the Holocaust this Genocide should never be forgotten.
Like everybody that visits Cambodia I found the Tuk Tuk situation overwhelming, but having visited many times I now take a different view. Firstly unlike the Tuk Tuk drivers in Thailand, you are unlikely to get scammed, and certainly wont end up at an Indian Tailors or Gem shop. Instead these drivers are generally people with very little education, who are doing their best to support their families; and often struggling to put food on the table. So that $1 Tuk Tuk ride could very well mean the difference between eating and not; and I think this is something that we who are privileged enough to travel find hard to comprehend.
My advice is to use a Tuk Tuk to visit the temples, and actually take time to get to know your driver. Maybe invite them to join you for lunch. I did this on my first trip, and have used the same driver for transportation on all my subsequent visits. We became friends, and now e proudly consider each other as brothers, and are in almost daily contact. I help him by correcting his English, setting up a TripAdvisor account, and Advertising on Facebook; and he simply enriches my life through conversation. Then a few years ago I decided to pay for his daughter to attend a school that has an English curriculum, as I knew the small amount of money involved would have a huge impact on her life, and future.
Where you say Cambodia left you it tears, and it broke your heart. I leave each time in tears because Cambodia has captured my heart. Though the sight a 6'3, 150 kg, heavily tattooed man crying as he parts with his Cambodian brother must be quite amusing :-)
If anyone is considering a visit to Siem Reap, please check out my brother Navuth Ou's reviews at Angkor Driver Private Day Tours on TripAdvisor.
This is beautiful :) Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for putting this out there for those of us who tend to get our information about Cambodia from video blogs that just show the fun and food or may only mention quickly the horrible history and goverment.
Few days ago I was in Cambodia the hotel staff was very nice I love talking to them, the night market and pub street is lively and tried angkor beer. I rented a bike and roam around siem reap.
I love your video clip! You talk straight to the points. In many cases, I do agree with you. I stayed in Cambodia more five years. I love the people and the the cultures. Angkor Wat is the most amazing place on earth. This place is heart of Cambodian culture, architure, nature, and spiritual. It is amazing! I highly recommanded anyone to visit this place. Also, I'm glad that you talk about your personal belief on religion. Some Christain believers looks down on Cambodian cultures. Because Cambodians are Buddhist. Christain non-profit organizsation tried to brainwash or convert Cambodians to be Christains. I think that is wrong! They should respect their cultures and their believes. I knew a non-profit organization that you can trust to help empower children in Siem Reap Province. The organization called "Build the Future Today" or known as BFT. If any one intrested in donating money to support the children or interested in volunteering at the center contact them on this website. facebook.com/BFTCenter.Cambodia/
Bravo, well done! Probably the best and most honest video on Cambodia out there right now.
Very educational. Thank you.
Hello Lauren, first off... this is the first video I've ever seen from your channel. I am actually researching on how to go around Siem Reap because I am going there with a friend next month. I literally know nothing about Cambodia and it's history, so this video was very eye opening. It's pretty refreshing to see a vlog like this since it talks about the other side of the coin, not just a "OMG traveling is a positive thing". I also come from a third world country, the Philippines. However I can definitely say that I cannot even imagine how hard it must be to be a resident of Cambodia. I also agree that education is one of the keys to slowly grow out of poverty and I am happy with your initiative. :) I'm currently saving money because of the trip but I will definitely keep in mind to find a way to donate in the future.
Thank you for this video. I also subscribed to your channel and look forward to more videos!
I love that this video educated you as best as I was able to at the time and that you came out of it wanting to help! I'll be making a donation really soon :)
Thank you for posting this. I will look into Water of Life.
First of all thanks for bringing this information.Salute to you. I will be visiting Cambodia next month.
You have summed up my feelings on visiting Cambodia so well. These issues and experiences all feed off of one another, and it can be difficult to put them in to words.
Cambodia is a truly beautiful country with welcoming people and a rich and recently tragic history, but I am so happy I've spent time there. It changed my life-- how I think about government, economics, the privileges I have been granted by being born in the right place at the right time, etc.
Thank you for ending the video by discussing how to help. That is good information to have.
I'm Cambodian. It's true as you said. We want to change ,but we dont know how to because the supreme authority has been control. Thanks for sharing this to world.
Thank you, Lauren dear! I happen to be in Battambang, Cambodia this week. I so appreciate your courage and compassion in describing the situation here! I just participated in bringing a Natural Healing Workshop, run by my friends in Bangkok, to some of the university scholarship students here, who then go on to work in rural areas after they graduate. I know that the Cambodian Village Healthcare Fund is a legitimate non-profit run by volunteer Cambodian villagers who attend to the elderly and sickly in their homes, in about 130 villages.
travelled Cambodia in 2002 siem reap was a few shops and a couple of bars anchor was pretty empty but amazing but even more amazing is the people there story and there resilients such poverty I had not seen anywhere in se asia I had bad food poisning in phonon penn and a bike taxi guy checked on me every day bought me water fruit ect out of his own pocket as I was to ill to get cash felt like he saved my life I was greatful most rural villages had not seen foriegners just seen a few blogs and wow what a change just hope Cambodia does not loose Cambodia ,it needs tourists but I went to see Cambodia not a load of bars and bright lights I feel privaledged to have been before the change and often think how the taxi guy is and all the other beautiful people I met on my travels
Wow girl! That was good!! My sister lives there now, working with a NGO sponsorship group. This video is very spot on to what I have heard a seen. Thank you! ❤❤
great info. thank you. i like the background and reality of it.
I'm so happy I came across your blog. So very informative!! I'm going to Cambodia in a few weeks and am staying with my 8year old son in an orphanage and the best thing is, that all the money I will pay for that stay will go towards the kids. Now I have a question. I'd love to bring some stuff for those kids, any ideas apart from books for teaching English? Thank you xx
Soccer balls! Or footballs if you're from the UK - haha. You could bring them deflated and bring a small hand pump. Also crayons and notebooks, flip flops, sunglasses :) Have an amazing time bonding with your son!
Thank you ever so much for your beautiful response.. Ive spread the news about my trip to my friends and since Im very limited with my backpack I cant take much so my friends have given me to take 2 cameras, two laptops, English books and money so I can buy ingredients for dinner for the kids every day Im there. If I sqeeze it all well and still find some space in my backpack ( im packing my stuff and my son's into one backpack so its easier with transportation), I will try to fit in some footballs or tennis balls :) x again thanks ever so much for the footballs suggestion;) x
Monia pe: Believe it or not but you can actually buy Footballs, Soccer balls, all over Cambodia as well as Tennis balls, Cambodia is not as backward as many people on this comments section seem to think but then if you have never traveled much outside of the Western World then you dont know how the vast majority of people in the World live on a daily basis...and that can shock you in reality. Taking your 8 year kid to stay with you in an orphanage may not be the best idea Ive ever heard but thats you kid and your decision. Just remember one thing, never travel with something you cant afford to lose...
HAHAHA nice one NO 1 is that nice LMAO LMAO LMAO
Just ran into your video. Thanks for posting this. I've learned so much more from this video more than anything else I've read/seen. Lets continue to Spread the word!
As I'm one of Cambodians who live in the country, I'm so disappointed and unhappy to live here because of corruption of our government, and the worse thing than that is there are some countries still hate Cambodian people and want to steal our land territory. Why and how can they do that?? Cambodian people are suffering enough from corruption. We can't speak out what we know. We want peace, love, encouragement, caring from every person from all over the world.
Wow girl I love your brain ;)) u have given me information that I haven't come across after watching so many vlogs, thank you so much I feel you are doing a great job keep it up.-) thank you thank u
Lauren! This was an incredible video! Thank you for being real and for educating us on Cambodia. Water Of Life sounds like an amazing organization! Hope you have a great rest of your day :)
Thank you so much for your kind words :) I was so nervous about putting this up.
Lies!
Thank you for the enlightening vlog, and the courage to say it like it is. The Cambodian people deserve so much better.
really really really enjoyed this video! I was quite impressed at how much you have learned from your visit and how you turned the trip into an educational one. I have always encourage people to travel because you learn so much more than just sitting in a classroom. Your video, your experience you described is definitely why I say travel educate people. Isn't it crazy how much of a difference ones perspective could be after a trip to a place like this? also to add to your video...no need to apologize because the world need to learn to take the hard truth and not pretend everything is okay when we have children starving everywhere and countries like Cambodia still suffering despite the genocide being over decades ago...although if you speak to some people there htey will tell you that the current situation is just as bad as the khmer rough time with how suppressed the people are by the government. just look at the average life span now in cambodia...people even die of starvation, traffic accident or murdered by the government officials. I'm glad that an outsider like you can see what's going on from your trip. I'm about to go back for a visit and i often plan to help out children in need buy giving them school supplies and such because like you stated..it's difficult to find a trust worthy charity. lastly...i just want to simply say thanks :) thanks for the video. thanks for visiting my homeland and thanks for acknowledging our hardships and struggles while able to pass on the message to others.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I can't even express how much I agree with you - I've learned more from travelling than I ever did from sitting in a classroom!! I love the idea of giving school supplies to kids in Cambodia! I want to do that next time I'm there :) You're very welcome - making this video was something I had to do and I'm glad it struck a chord with people.
I clicked on this video and I’ve never been so happy. The videos of Cambodia on other UA-cam Channels are just like oh Angkor wat and what not. But my grandparents came over bc of the Khmer Rouge and stuff and they still have days where they can’t do it. Talking about it is so hard for them. I love this bc it actually tells the truth, rather it it just being the beautiful temples and stuff.
everything you said, was on point...Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Lies!
I love how you describe the politics in Cambodia so much. I’m so surprised that you actually knew so much about Cambodia. Anw thanks for visiting Cambodia and learn a lot about this country.😍
Fantastic vlog, Lauren! I know it will strain my heart too when we get there.
Thanks, Aly! I'm glad I can spread some awareness, and I hope you have the pleasure of chatting with some of the locals like we did.
Lauren, thank you for this video. I agree that people need to be educated about what is going on in Cambodia. I think is awesome that you brought up Water of Life. They are in need of help, We have did research on their ministry and God is GOOD!
Hi Lauren, thank you for very helpful information.
So sad what's going on in Cambodia :( Thanks so much for sharing this, it's so important that people share real videos like this and not just the positives from travelling. love your channel you make really great vlogs and informative videos :)
Thank you so much for the kind words, Heather! I'll keep the vlogs coming :)
I don't see that as a negative vlog, it's very educative! Thank you for sharing!!
Ok good!! :) Glad you enjoyed it.
I appreciate these information. Thanks.
You are right about Cambodia history.
The sad reality is that education does very little for the children because there is hardly any opportunities for advancement. Getting a degree in Cambodia is not the same as getting a degree in USA. My family survived the Khmer Rouge regime and I just got back from visiting Siem Reap and Phnem Penh. I truly believe that the way to break out of poverty is for the government to allow the children a chance to travel abroad, establish residency in another country, and then send money back to their parents. That’s already happening with my cousins. They send back money to my aunts and now my aunts have money to spend. When you have money to spend, it gets the economy going and perpetuates a positive cycle.
Gal you’re amazing. I’m Cambodian. Planning to go Siem Reap next year. Thx u for ur educational about Cambodia.
Can’t wait to bring my son to Cambodia next year to show him where mommy’s come from😍
Hi Lauren. I just want to say Thank You for the Vlog that you did on Sept 25, 2016 about Cambodia and Siem Reap... and about a Christian organization called Water of Life. I have contacted the Director and for sure will donate some money to it. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE VLOG.
You are keeping it real this is the best information on Cambodia 🇰🇭 I've heard thank you again
You are the first foreigner that I see who care about the Cambodia history👉👍👍
thanks this is amazing !!
very well curated !!
Hi Lauren, thank you for sharing, it's inspiring to see how much you care about this despite not having any direct ties to the country! Our world need more people like you!
One charity that is not associated with any religion and has been very effective in breaking the cycle of poverty is The Cambodian Children's, Fund. Founded by Scott Neeson, the former president of 21st Century Fox who has given up his Hollywood life and dedicated his whole life to lifting over 2,000 children and their families every year out of poverty: www.cambodianchildrensfund.org/
Another issue that very prevalent in Cambodia as well is "brain drain". Where highly educated people emigrate overseas and permanently leave the country. Human capital - a talented workforce - is one of the key ingredients that pushes a country's economy forward. This is why it's inspiring to see people like Laura Mam (a Cambodian-American looking to make a difference with music) and Richard Yim (a very good friend of mine here from Canada working to address the landmine issue) both who have left Cambodia but returning to help our country.
If you're interested in any of these things that I've mentioned, here are a couple links:
Scott Nesson - rtd.rt.com/films/cambodias-hollywood-dad/
Richard Yim - ua-cam.com/video/351UGouHZ5g/v-deo.html
Laura Mam - www.khmertimeskh.com/news/7446/laura-mam-draws-on-cambodia---s-heroes/
P.S. If it's not clear by now, I've also emigrated to Canada a while ago as a family. Now with one exam away from finishing my undergraduate studies, I look to return home and do my part in helping the development of Cambodia.
Once again thank you for sharing Lauren!
- Munin
Thank you for this thoughtful, detailed comment, Munin!! This is amazing. I'm looking into the charity you recommended right now! Keep being amazing and best of luck with everything :)
Good on you lad... :)
I'm also coming to stay in Cambodia ~
I visited Siem Reap back in '11 as part of multi-centre Asian holiday. Angkor Wat was truly stunning. I'm very fortunate to be going again in 6 weeks. This time around I intend on being a conscientious traveller by supporting reputable local establishments/people. Thank you for uploading your Vlog... very insightful!
You are AWESOME!! I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a very rewarding trip back to Siem Reap.
Thanks you and warm welcome back to Cambodia 🇰🇭
That pretty much sums everything with fine details..good job!!
Wow, I'll be visiting in a week. Thank you for this honest review of Cambodia. I don't travel just to party but to also experience the people and learn about the history and country as it is today. This was eye opening. My heart hurts just watching this. Sad, but it needs to be said and seen. Much appreciated.
I love Cambodia Culture and people
From the perspective of someone who has been to Siem Reap and Cambodia as a whole twice, once in 2002 and then in 2015; I can say that there's been an improvement in the lives many people in the last few years. Of course it's not enough, Siem Reap actually is in a privileged situation since it attracts so many tourists. I think that political change is very elusive and the help coming from international organisations does and will always be very important for Cambodia
Welcome to Cambodia 🇰🇭♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Attagirl! I am so impressed by your video because you have stepped away from ego-centric or narcotic vlogs that populate You Tube, and have a made a sincere, serious attempt to understand and share that knowledge. Best Wishes. By the way, my wife and I are planning to visit Cambodia in January.
I am Cambodian and yes this is super brocken heart 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Thank you for sharing what is going on back home. my grandparents were originally from srok kmher (Cambodia) and they tell me stories about how they escaped and what it was like there.
I'm so glad you chose CCF for your donations! I sponsor a little girl there. She goes to school and hopefully will make it to college. The work Scott does there is awesome and will help to change this country!
One aspect of Cambodia's problems you did'nt mention was that during the Vietnam War and the Pol Pot period millions of landmines were laid. They are still there killing and maiming people. In the Vietnam War the USA deposited thousands of tons of ordanance, in the form of artillery shells & bombs. Over a third of this failed to go off. It's still there and still killing and maiming. When we were there last year, a woman went out on her land to pick fruit and lost her leg in the process. Do not walk off established roads and tracks in Cambodia. This is a very real and present danger!
Good info to know but i'm so excited to visit there. The environment plus the food and structure makes me want to visit there.
It always surprises my how the people in the most oppressed countries seem like the best quality people. This is true of Cambodia, Nicaragua, Honduras, and especially Haiti where I lived for years. Thanks for the piece - it is honest, which is a novel idea these days...
As Cambodian,,, I am appreciation with your video breaking news of real Cambodian life and we really need help we try to do anything to save our people but anyhow thanks for your video,,,
Hey Lauren! I just wonder how could u know a lot about stuffs in Cambodia. It's kinda impressing me. It's just more than travel. Love ur video :) Thxs
I learned by talking to locals and researching online :) I'm so glad you appreciate this video!
Hiya flower, far from being negative this has to be the most positive I have ever seen on the situations here in the kingdom of wonder. Thanks for encapsulating all that I have come to learn about this country, wonderful. On my 5th 4month trip now and there is progress I think but also in the wrong way as far as justice, land rights back handers, logging, just plain madness and unfortunately I can only see it imploding if not very careful. Thanks again, a wonderful video.
Thank you for the information, I've learnt a lot from it. I'm living in south east Asia, but sadly to say that I only know about Angkorwat in Cambodia and nothing else. It's scary how the media nowadays can be so ignorant about this.
Tragic, horrible history! I have been to Siem Riep and talked at length with our tuk tuk driver who made more as a driver of tourists than as a teacher. It's very sad. Great video.
I really applaud these local Cambodians who open themselves up and make themselves vulnerable to tourists so that they can share the real history of their country with us. It's so important that we're aware of tragic history so we don't repeat it!
Very informative.👍
I just made it back from Siem Reap last week with my gf, barely. This video popped up on my UA-cam page, but I followed the advice and did not watch this video yet because I doubt I can handle it as we are still a bit shaken. I will never set foot in Cambodia again. I would prefer Afghanistan or North Korea at this point. We left with nothing. Once we can buy new phones and replenish our life savings, which was drained by Cambodian mafia and police, we will happily take our next vacation in basically any other country on the planet. Thanks for shattering our lives, Cambodia!
Now I have seen the video. Great work! Yeah, the buying drugs from tuk-tuk drivers is what happened to us, except I had no intention of buying anything and refused several times as we were followed on foot down Pub Street. Later the same guy came up to me while we were sitting at one of those little outdoor bars (I think they are called tuk-tuk bars) and told me my gf could wait there and I could go with him. After I refused again and ignored him, he walked away and in less than three minutes, fake police walked up to me and asked what was in my pocket. What happened after that was terrifying and too much to write here, but we lost our life savings and both of our phones, missed our flight the next day and had to pay for new tickets and another night at the hotel (thankfully I had money in Paypal), and both missed work. Sorry for a negative story, but visiting Cambodia is like playing Russian Roulette and I feel that people should know that. This is not an isolated incident. The manager of our hotel and several of the staff members said this happens all the time, and confirmed there are mafia pretending to be police and the scam is between the tuk-tuk drivers, the mafia or police, or all three. This was certainly all three together. Be safe all, choose your vacation destinations wisely. Don't go to Cambodia.
Hi Keyser, I am so so sorry this happened to you. I agree that Cambodia has a lot of progress to make in the world of friendly tourism, but I think that it's still a place people should visit. Tourism empowers the people of Cambodia and helps to make this progress possible. At least that's how I see it. But either way, what happened to you is downright wrong and I wish you the safest of travels in the future, my friend. Yours is certainly a cautionary tale that shouldn't be hidden from others.
Lauren Without Fear Cambodians are not empowered by tourism. Like more or less everywhere else, tourism supports an exploitative industry of very low paid jobs. Tourists tend to destroy what they go to see. It has not improved Cambodian society at all. Rather the opposite. I lived and worked there from 1991 for 11 years. I have seen the damage.
Welcome to you again
I feel you and it make me feel sorry for the Cambodian people to live in like this...my heart broke. Thanks for sharing.
Don't ever apologize for a "negative" video, this isn't negative at all! You are sharing some very important truths with us and I appreciate that very much. The truth usually isn't pretty, but it's important. I prefer this over a mindless, happy saccharin travel vlog any day.
Hi Lauren
I left Cambodia 1979 I am going to Cambodia this June 12. This is my first trip back home.
Thanks for sharing.
Wishing you happy and safe travels, my friend!
Thanks for visiting but don’t believe this girls words or else your going to end up hurting the country instead of helping it safe travels
Thank you for this, I really loved your video. I feel like this is what great vlogging can be. Love the perspective and humanity of it... not depressing, real. 👏👏👏
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this :)
That pretty much sums up my experience of Siem Reap , i felt so much for the people , they absolutely have to make money and some touristes complain about getting ripped off or scammed . Poverty does this to people and a goverment that doesnt reinvest or create a decent infrastructure , I spoke to a tuk tuk driver over a beer and he explained to me his life........... well done putting this video up
You are amazing Lauren! I had to subscribe :) Thanks for sharing your heartfelt experiences in Cambodia! I've done voluntary teaching in Cambodia during my Unibreak and I too believe that education is the way to go to breaking the cycle of poverty.
I'm so flattered! Thank you for subbing and welcome to the Fearless Fam :)
how could anyone dislike this? you're just being real. thank you for sharing. I've been looking for a legit foundation but so many corrupted one.
First visit in 2001. Great place. Visited 5 more times until now and now I'm here for 8 months already. Each of the 5 times it got worse. Especially Angkor. That's why I posted a video named Overrated Angkor on my channel. Anyone who like to give a well based opinion should actually first read the book Cambodia's Curse from writer Joel Brinkley. He worked and lived and did his research over 40 years. Shocking information bt it explains all that you need to know about this country.
As someone who lives for nearly 20 years in Asia in 4 different countries, I have to say that the Thais are at the bottom of the list regarding being warm, being pure, being helpful, having a heart, etc. Something the ordinary Cambodians do have and should keep.