In Phnom Penh there are more things to do than visiting the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.
For a more joyful experience visit one of the art shows performed by street children. You'll not only have a wonderful time but supporting a good cause at the same time!
The Apsara Arts Association (AAA) is a non-governmental organization in Cambodia created on October 2, 1998 by a goup of classical and folk dance teachers of the University of Fine Arts and other Departments of Arts in Cambodia.
Its purpose is to conserve, propagate and carry on the Cambodian arts, especially Khmer classical and folk dance and drama.
They have a dance school to teach Khmer classical and folk dance, music and drama to poor and orphan children. Now they have 23 teachers and about 200 students.
Apsara Arts Association
#71, Street 598
Not many tourists wander around Street 240 in Phnom Penh, and they really miss something.
This cozy, tree-lined street is just behind the Royal Palace and full of boutiques and shops selling quality silks, arts, crafts and gifts.
To name just a few of the shops on Phnom Penh's Street 240:
Art Steel
Fine wrought iron furniture and accesories
#87, Street 240
D's Books
Good selection of second-hand fiction and non-fiction
#79, Street 240
Sông Boutique
Tunics, sandals, bed linen and quilts
#75, Street 240
Jasmine
Hand-woven clothes and accesories
#73, Street 240
Phnom Penh Souvenir Shop
Range of Cambodian souvenirs from different provinces
#71, Street 240
Le Lezard Blue
Traditional and contemporary art, decor, furniture and sculptures
#61 Street 240
Cambodia Souvenir
Furnishings and handicrafts from tribal villages in Ratanakiri province
#52, Street 240
Couleurs d'Asie
Asian silk and silk products, art, curios and antiques.
#33, Street 240
Bliss Boutique
Unique handcrafted quilts, clothes and home wares.
#29, Street 240
Is cuisine at the heart of local culture? Well, one of the students at the Cambodia Cooking Class said to her it surely is.
Taking a cookery course at the school certainly not only gives you a unique opportunity to master the art of Khmer cuisine, but you'll also get an insight into Cambodian culture.
The teacher-cook at the Cambodia Cooking Class is a young Khmer called Heng (meaning “Lucky” which is his nickname). A former streetkid, he was educated by the well-known organization Friends to become a professional chef.
Now, he transfers his knowledge and skills to tourists and expats in Phnom Penh.
He is very entertaining and a real professional, as he is passionate about cooking traditional Khmer fare, like the very tasty Fish Amok, pictured below.
