Photo courtesy of Julian Abram Wainwright Photography
When we think of destination weddings, some of the top runners that come to mind are Bali, New Zealand, Japan, China, and Sicily too, but for the bride who wants to take the path less traveled, why not consider the exotic country of Cambodia?
Home to one of the seven wonders of the world, rich in history and exquisite architecture, Cambodia’s economy has recovered significantly from the effects of the civil war that racked the country during the latter part of the 20th century.
And who better to take us on a tour than WGA vendor, The Wedding Planners, the brainchild of two well-established wedding planners from Malaysia, Eileen and Leticia. With 15 years of experience between them, and offices in both countries, the two are passionate about showing brides why they’ll fall in love with Cambodia as they did.
Photo courtesy of Julian Abram Wainwright Photography
Why Cambodia?
The scenery – Imagine Angkor Wat as your pre-wedding photos backdrop. Absolutely divine!
Its affordability - Snack on the street or chow down in the market, with meals starting at just 1000r or so, or indulge in a banquet for a couple of bucks. Fancy a road trip? There is now a healthy selection of bus companies connecting towns and cities throughout Cambodia and prices are rock bottom.
The history – Once part of the Khmer empire that ruled the entire Mekong River valley, the area was controlled after the 15th century by the neighboring kingdoms of Siam and Annam. Cambodia became part of French Indochina in the 19th century and proclaimed its independence as a kingdom in 1953. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1970, Cambodia commenced a long period of political and social disruption, especially under the Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot, which was responsible for more than a million deaths from 1975 to 1979. Of course they’ve risen from the ashes and have come a looong way since then.
The people & the cuisine
Eileen & Leticia: Cambodians are warm, friendly and eager. Sometimes, they are just so polite that they dare not say no – even if they don’t know the answer. So you might get into a taxi and the driver knows squat about the place you want to get to, but he’ll still say “yes, yes, I know….” and you end up driving round and round!! Perhaps too polite at times!
While Cambodian cuisine may not be as well known as that of its neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, it can certainly compete with the best of them. You’ll find that it is a mix of Thai and Vietnamese – but definitely less spicy. However, very flavourful and aromatic.
Photo courtesy of Julian Abram Wainwright Photography
Most scenic spots to tie the knot:
Eileen & Leticia: When it comes to Phnom Penh, consider the Mekong river, at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Le Mansion, Sofitel Phnom Penh Pokeethra, National Musuem, any of the outdoor parks and the Central Market.
If you prefer Siem Reap, then you’ve got Angkor Wat, Hotel de la Paix, any of the outdoor parks, the Night Market.
Photo courtesy of Julian Abram Wainwright Photography
Are destination weddings in Cambodia affordable?
Eileen & Leticia: Well, for starters F&B is cheap here and alcohol is cheaper than Coke. So, you could have quite a nice reception in terms of F&B for your guests. However, for other service costs – it is expensive because often you’ll have international vendors flown in as the standard of quality offered by some local vendors is still not up to par with what foreigners are used to.
What’s the wedding industry like there?
Eileen & Leticia: Definitely growing. We just had the Nagaworld Bridal fair where it went splendidly well. It was the first time in Cambodia that a hotel held a wedding fair. And for the wedding industry, this is an educational process for the people of Cambodia – on weddings and how we hold weddings that we are used to. It’ll likely take a few more such wedding fairs before people grow accustomed to international styles and flavours that are modernized. The next fair would be the Luxury Wedding Fair at the Hotel Sofitel Phnom Penh Pokeethra.
For those of us who have never been, what is it like in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh? Is it safe?
Eileen & Leticia: It is generally safe, but as with anywhere, snatch thieves, mugging and robberies occur too, so avoid dark alleys, dark areas, walking alone, etc. It’s also easy to hail a tuk-tuk, but it’s best to negotiate the fare before getting in. You can easily hail these tuk-tuks, but the communication problem would prevent them from taking you to where you want to go, which could make it very unpleasant and frustrating. The best option is that we help you coordinate the logistics. We usually arrange transportation for our clients and their guests.
And lastly, where to stay:
Hotel de la Paix, Siem Reap
Hôtel de la Paix, , Siem Reap
Hôtel de la Paix is a coolly elegant oasis set in the middle of this busy town, comfortably sealed off from the chaos outside its walls. The original Hôtel de la Paix opened on this site in 1957, and as the name suggests, was French owned and operated. It set a new international standard and led the way as one of the finest hotels in Siem Reap. The 120,000sq ft boutique hotel comprises; 107 rooms and suites, Meric restaurant, the fire garden, Café de la Paix, Spa Indochine, the swimming pool, Arts Lounge and function room, Kandal.
Raffles Hotel le Royal, Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel le Royal, Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a crossroads of Asia’s past and present, a city of extremes of poverty and excess, of charm and chaos, but one that never fails to captivate. Browse the city’s markets for a bargain or linger in the beautiful boutiques that are putting Phnom Penh on the style map. Street-surf through the local stalls for a snack or enjoy the refined surroundings of a designer restaurant. Whatever your flavour, no matter your taste, it’s all here in Phnom Penh.
The 78-year-old Raffles Hotel le Royal, is one of Phnom Penh’s prime gathering spots. This is the best high-end hotel in Phnom Penh. Built in 1929, it is the city’s most atmospheric hotel, an authentic Art Deco and colonial classic. Everything from the vaulted ceilings in the lobby to the classic original central stairs breathes history and charm. Rooms are done with fine-tiled entries, high ceilings, indirect lighting, a sitting area with inlaid furniture, and ornate touches like antique wall sconces and soft drapery. The Raffles is luxury with a price tag, but it is all well worth it. There are some interesting theme suites named for famous visitors, including Charles de Gaulle and W. Somerset Maugham. Even Jacqueline Kennedy has a room dedicated to photos and memorabilia from her 1967 visit.
Knai Bang Chatt, Kep
Knai Bang Chatt, Kep
Kep is a tantalising combination of faded French Indo-China glamour, Asian and French cuisine, and the clear waters and white sands of the tropical beachside. Kep’s earlier fame is evident in its seaside promenade, which is dotted with villas surrounded by lush gardens. Some stand abandoned, burned and empty, a legacy of the country’s troubled recent past. But many have been restored and converted into boutique resorts that offer a mixture of French style and Cambodian hospitality.
Knai Bang Chatt is the most glamorous option. It’s Belgian-owned and housed in three seaside villas built in the 1970s by protégés of Vann Molyvann, a pupil of the world renowned Le Corbusier. The whole resort is made up of eleven rooms that are individually decorated with its own identity and taste.The villas are designed with large terraces open to breathtaking views of the sea and islands. The surrounding garden space is perfect for yoga and meditation.
Nataya Round House Coral Bay Resort
Nataya Round House Coral Bay Resort, Kampot
Along with its relaxed ambience comes a host of friendly locals and an excellent selection of places to stay, from cheap backpacker-orientated guesthouses through to some fine flash-packer and mid-range hotels. Kampot also boasts plenty of decent places to enjoy Cambodian and Western food and just hang out.
Located 16km from Kampot and at the foothills of Bokor Mountain, Nataya Round House Coral Bay Resort sits on the beach of Coral Bay. Comprising of 8 beachfront bungalows, the resort provides tranquility from the hustle and bustle of life. When you’re not hiking to the waterfall, strolling down the private beach front or swimming in the infinity pool, you can relax under the coconut trees on the beach or in their beach-side huts. A favourite pastime of resort guests is relaxing in the stilt huts off the 300m pier where they stargaze, read, or on hotter days, dive off to snorkel or swim. It is thought that the coral bay used to be frequented by dugongs, a rare and endangered species.
Angkor Wat
WGA Top 5 reasons you should be there:
Because Angkor Wat (one of the seven wonders of the world btw!) isn’t even the coolest temple in Siem Reap.
Because when else are you going to be able to try cricket, snake, beetle, rat, dog, or scorpion? 
Because you can eat and drink like a king for less than $20 a day.
Because you can swim under waterfalls.
Because your wedding pics will be one of a kind!
Photo courtesy of Julian Abram Wainwright Photography
* There you go readers, if you want to be utterly relaxed, laze on quiet beaches, eat crab, drink wine and watch the sun rise and set, go now and experience the tranquil and undiscovered coast of Cambodia. And if you need a reliable wedding planner to help you put it all together, then drop WGA vendors The Wedding Planners (Eileen & Leticia) a line via their website or LWB page. And thank you to Julian Abram Wainwright for providing these stunning pics.
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