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Travel Tips - March 2002Saturday March 23, 2002
Phnom Penh Cambodia's Internet Business Explosion - Shopping - Pon Luck - Newspapers The Internet explosion in Phnom Penh this past year has produced jobs for eager young Khmers. The results are more realistic prices for access to the Internet so one may communicate more readily with the outside world. Internet technology that eliminates telephone line charges and competition have helped drive the cost down. Just three years ago access to the Internet cost $10 an hour in Phnom Penh. It's now commonly available for a $1 an hour. In the Cambodia provinces Internet access remains high at $4-6 an hour. By comparison, Internet access in Thailand can be had for 15-20 baht (34-45 cents) an hour. New Internet businesses are opening up providing jobs for young Khmers. Young Cambodians are learning English and obtaining computer knowledge helping supply a knowledgeable work force. Two Internet shops in the bustling Sihanouk Boulevard area between Monivong and Norodom Boulevards that use the new technology are: DAILY WEB EQUIPMENT: Good COST: $1.50 per hour SCAN: Yes - 500 riel (12 cents) per picture or page PRINTER: Yes - 500 riel per page INTERNET TELEPHONE: Yes EXTRAS: Water served - candy for snacks 171 C, Street 63 * Tel: 012-831-323, 011-831-323, 016-831-323
INTERNET SHOP EQUIPMENT: OK- Good COST: $1 per hour SCAN: No PRINTER: Yes - 500 riel per page INTERNET TELEPHONE: Yes Corner of Sihanouk & Street 51 (Pasteur) * 012-870-621, 016-871-250
DINING: For great food at an excellent price PON LOK restaurant is as good as you can get in Cambodia. Excellent river view and service compliment the exceptionally tasty Khmer - Western - French food. #319-323 Sisowath Blvd. Tel: (23) 212-025 SUPERMARKETS: There are several markets that cater to the Westerners tastes. Lucky market has two locations. One is on Shianouk Boulevard near Monivong. A second is located at the Parkway shopping center on Mao Tse Toung near street 173. Big A Supermarket on Monivong and Street 178 has some items that Lucky doesn't carry.. MINI MARKETS: STAR MART is Cambodia's answer to 7-11. There are several throughout the country and many in Phnom Penh. They have a nice selection of items and we have found to be fresh. Star Marts are adjoined with the CalTex gas stations. Look for the green, white and orange signs. TOUR GUIDE BOOKS: Pick up a copy of Phnom Penh Visitors guide. It has an excellent city map. The publishers also have a guidebook for Siem Reap and Sihanoukville
NEWSPAPERS: The Cambodian Daily is keeps tabs on Cambodian news and some International coverage. The paper is a daily Monday-Friday and has a weekend edition for Saturday & Sunday. Cost 1200 riel. The Phnom Penh Post is a biweekly publication. It has a strong investigative journalism focus. Cost 3500 riel. News stands are located throughout the city. Newspapers and and mgazines may also be purchased at the Star Mart stores. Newspapers are also sold by children who walking around the streets. They are trying to earn some money and usually charge a little more than the cover price. Keep in mind that you would be helping them out enabling them to earn money to eat and help their families. © Copyright: National Radio Any use of these materials, whole or in part, is prohibited unless authorized in writing by National Radio. Contact: nationalradio@yahoo.com |
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