A three-hour drive from Phnom Penh unlocks two very different escapes: Kampot's riverside cafés and famously gentle durian, and Kirirom's cool mountain air and glamping under the pines. A Japanese resident of six years shares her favorite weekend spots beyond the capital.

From weekend night buses to Angkor sunsets and handmade rice paper drying in the sun, this episode explores Siem Reap and Battambang beyond the postcard views—where Prahok ferments in market stalls and daily craftsmanship still shapes local life across Cambodia's provinces.

In Vol.3 of “Cambodia Today,” Asami Iida answers the most common questions about life in Cambodia. From the festive energy of Khmer New Year to the realities of safety, the shift from USD to Riel, and the rising cost of living under a weak yen, get practical insights on what it’s truly like to live and work in this evolving nation.

In Vol.2 of “Cambodia Today,” Asami Iida shares the charming, everyday scenes of Phnom Penh. From vibrant early morning food stalls and the rapid rise of convenience stores to peaceful weekend evenings near the Royal Palace, discover a side of Cambodia beyond the temples—defined by its energy, youth, and heartwarming everyday kindness.

“Cambodia Today” begins with a closer look at Phnom Penh — a city that has transformed dramatically over the past six years. Through the perspective of a Japanese banking professional living in Cambodia, this article explores the country’s rapid digitalization, improving infrastructure, and the unique pace of development that sets Cambodia apart from Vietnam.