16/02/2026
Feb’12 (Day12)
/Flyoung in Cambodia 2026
💬 Darren :
As we took the final car ride back to Siem Reap, passing familiar houses and roads, a sense of sorrow filled my heart, alongside a deep sense of contentment, knowing the happiness we had brought to the kids at each school we visited. I’ve been to Cambodia several times before, but this trip felt noticeably different. This time, I became truly present. In the past I was simply too young to notice all the different aspects of the environment and culture in Cambodia.
After this trip I realized I was no longer the same person, because my mindset had grown. In the past, I used to hate teaching children, viewing this just as a meaningless chore. However, as I grew older, by observing the world more closely, I began to see life from perspectives different from my own. I started to recognize the bubble of comfort I had been living in. Growing up in a safe country with food on the table every day. In contrast, many kids in Cambodia face poor health conditions and do not even have the certainty of eating food every day. Understanding this shift in perspective made me cherish every moment I spent teaching them and sharing even a small sense of happiness.
💬CJ :
As we travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, I can feel the atmosphere gradually shifting. In Siem Reap, people speak with warmth and kindness, creating a friendly and relaxed environment. In contrast, Phnom Penh feels more like a fast-paced business city, where interactions are more direct and transactional.
For example, in Siem Reap, a tuk-tuk driver was willing to let five of us squeeze into a four-person vehicle without charging extra, reflecting the easygoing and accommodating nature of the city. However, in Phnom Penh, we were asked to pay additional money for the same situation, highlighting the more business-oriented mindset there.
I would describe the difference as similar to that between Tainan and Taipei. Just as Tainan is known for its slower pace, rich traditions, and warm community atmosphere, Siem Reap feels welcoming and relaxed, with people who prioritize friendliness and hospitality. In contrast, Phnom Penh resembles Taipei’s fast-paced and business-oriented environment, where efficiency and direct communication are more common. This comparison helped me better understand how the role and development of a city can shape the behavior and attitudes of the people who live there.