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Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
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  • Teaching ESL
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  • Travel Insurance

killng fields

    Visiting the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

    Visit the Killing Fields: What to Expect

    by Nick & Raychel June 28, 2019

    Once you enter any touristic area of Phnom Penh, you will see signs plastered everywhere – “visit the Killing Fields!”, tuk tuk driver’s offering their best bargain for a Killing Fields/Tuol Sleng (Genocide Museum) combo, and other forms of loud advertisements. 

    We once had a friend visiting us in Cambodia who was somewhat bothered by the blasé (and sometimes even bright) attitude surrounding the ads for the excursion, criticizing that he felt as though he was being sold tickets to an event or festival. Though we can admit it’s easy to misread, the truth of the matter is that the Cambodian people have an inspiring and admirable outlook towards visiting the Killing Fields. The general consensus is that though the Khmer Rouge was undoubtedly one of the most heartbreaking events in history, it is absolutely necessary for people to be aware and educated on the topic.

    We personally believe the rest of the world should take a page out of Cambodia’s book and understand the importance of educating the world on their history. We cannot sweep the tragic events under the rug, no matter how traumatizing. The saddest truth is: this is real – and though we cannot change the past, we can work towards a better future.

    Below you will find our tips for when you visit Killing Fields.

    If you are going to Cambodia, we really suggest that you don’t miss it.


    Book a tuk tuk driver the night before 

    Book a driver near your hostel/hotel and settle on the price the night before.  This way, you won’t need to haggle first thing in the morning. $15-$20 USD for a tuk tuk to take you there, wait, and take you back is more than enough. 

     


    Plan to visit early (before the sun)

     As we know, Cambodia gets hot. In dry season, it will be sweltering hot around 10am. In wet season, you’ll usually get a downpour around 11am or 12pm. That’s why, regardless of the season, we recommend that you get to the Killing Fields right when it opens – around 8am. 

    The entire experience is already heartbreaking and uncomfortable as it is – so the last thing you want is to also be fighting the intense sun beams and humidity as you walk through the fields.

    The majority of the tour is outside, so don’t plan for any A/C. Get there before the sun gets unbearable – and make sure to pack water.


    Dress appropriately 

    Just as you would at any other important site, we advise that you dress respectfully. In Cambodia, this means that means covering both your shoulders and knees.

    You will still be allowed entry regardless, but as a general rule, this is the simplest way to show respect.


    You don’t need to read up before you go 

    In fact, one survivor we spoke to advised against it. The audio tour is included in your admission price, and is filled with everything you need – including the history of the Khmer Rouge from start to finish, as well as poems, songs, and stories. 

    You will hear true, first hand experiences from the tragic time as the entire audio tour is created by survivors. It is very well done, and it is important to hear the stories from real people who actually experienced the events. 

    If you would like to read up on the Khmer Rouge before you visit the Killing Fields, be sure to read books written by survivors. 


    Make sure to eat breakfast 

    … and use the bathroom before you visit. The great thing about the audio tour is that you can go at your own pace. Personally, we spent a few hours there. We really wanted to take our time and pay our respects.

    Make sure you are fed and comfortable before the tour in the case that you are there for longer than expected.


    Be prepared for a heavy experience 

    Though this may seem obvious, many people we’ve spoken to will admit that they underestimated how heavy the tour is. If we have any advice, it is to leave your problems at the door, bring tissues and allow yourself to feel any sadness that comes over you.


    It’s OK to not do Tuol Sleng right afterwards

    If you decide you are up for it, then carry on. That said, if you decide you feel too sad, angry, or ill after the Killing Fields experience, you do not have to push yourself to go to the Genocide Museum immediately after.

    Many people that we’ve spoke to, in fact, have said they wish they didn’t do both in the same day.

    Trust your gut and only take on as much as you can at one time.


    Don’t plan anything else for the rest of your day

    We would not suggest signing up for a beer pong tournament on the same day. Think about how exhausted you may feel afterwards and plan for that.

    What we did? Stayed close to friends and spent the rest of the day relaxing at the pool. We wouldn’t have had it any other way.

    —

    Making a trip to Phnom Penh? Read: 15 things to do in the capital city

    Looking to get some shopping in? Find our guide to the MARKETS in Phnom Penh

     

    OR if you prefer to watch (not read), find our Youtube Channel above.

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Nick & Raychel
Nick & Raychel

In 2018, we sold everything we owned and moved to Cambodia to teach English.

Let’s make this clear: this journey didn’t start with money. This journey started with a desire to see the world and to do something different for a change.

We’re not going to fool you with photos of floating breakfasts and private jets. We know what it’s like to be on a budget. Although we like to take pretty pictures, we aren’t going to wake up at an ungodly hour to give you unachievable travel jealousy. We aren’t going to censor ourselves or lie to you.

What we are going to do is stay in cheap hostels, find ways to make money, give the advice that we would want to hear, and share our experiences with you honestly.

Are you in?

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ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL

About Us Hi! We’re Nick & Raychel, the Canadian travel couple behind the brand ‘Not Luxe’. Far before we were married (and on a mission to see the world), we were working…

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  • Working to TRAVEL✈️🚐

If you’ve been following along with our vlogs and stories, it will come as no surprise to you when I say that our days are long right now. When we chose to start travelling, we signed up for a work-save-travel-repeat cycle and have been living in for the past 4.5 years. 

We chose this life.
But we still get tired. 

And between fixing up the van, preparing for our next adventure and working full time in that Southern Ontario heat - it’s a lot. But our minds are set on travel, on exploration, on adventure, culture, and learning. So we adapt to the seasons and understand that this point in the cycle is  just that - a season -  and we are so damn grateful to be doing it together.

📍 Traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas.
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Tags: #notluxe #worktotravel #travelcouple #vanlifecouple #traveldiaries #vanlifediaries #travelgram #livetoexplore #vanlifeculture #budgettravel #worktotravel #traveljobs #travelblogger #vanlifestyle #vanliving
  • **CLOSED** GIVEAWAY!! 🎉

We are giving away a Bluetti EB70 portable power bank. Having a power station on hand is a sweet backup for those who are already set up completely for off-grid living and/or a good start for weekend campers looking to try out van or camper van life. We are stoked to have another way to work outside, charge more appliances and get out adventuring.

The winner will win ONE Bluetti EB70 power bank & charging cables. 

Specs:
• 716Wh capacity and 800W rated wattage
• The ultra-stable LiFePO4 battery chemistry,2500+ life cycles
• 4*110V AC outlets, 2*100W PD ports, 2*5V/3A USB-A ports, 2*regulated 12V/10A DC outputs, 1*12V/10A car port,1*15W wireless charging pad.
(Note: does not come with solar panels)
-

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Like this post 
2. Must be following @nickandraychel & @bluetti_official
3. Tag a friend in the comments below (more tags = more entries)
4. Bonus entry - share this post to story for 5 extra entries! 

Open to USA & Canada residents. Giveaway closes on June 22, 2022. 
Winner will be announced on 06/25/22. 

-

Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

The contest period will run from 06/15 to 06/22 2022.

— 

Tags: #vanlifecouple #vanlifeing #notluxe #vanlifediaries #vanlifegiveaway #campinggiveaway #campervan #vanconversion #camperliving #tinyliving #tinyhomeonwheels #tinyhomes #vanlifenewbie #vanlifers #livinginavan #livingoffgrid #offgridliving #vanlifedreams #travelinspo
  • Slowing down 🚐 

The whole appeal of van life and many alternative living options is the freedom to take a go at your own speed.

But sometimes it feels like you just want to see it all.
And we’ve seen SO much in the past twenty months. 

Especially in the past six.

As Canadian travellers, I find that our slow season is the opposite of others. We escape the cold weather and have been abroad for many Christmases and snowfalls. During those times, we’re cliff jumping, waterfall hopping, cruising, skatepark hunting, friendship building…

Then, when lake season rolls around we’re ready to take on a more conventional work schedule, to save up to do it all again.

But we have to tell ourselves to relax, to enjoy the downtime, to take in the peaceful moments just as much as the epic ones. To soak up the sun, to drink water, to slow down.

It’s a constant learning process.

📍Traditional Hohokam, Patayan, and Yavapai land ⁣

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  • But how do you SHOWER? 😅

This photo is from the most ridiculous YouTube thumbnail we’ve had to date. We took so many funny photos this day, we couldn’t NOT share. Or maybe we could. Oh well.

But let’s answer the question while we’re at it.

🚿 We primarily go to Anytime Fitness which is a little pricier than Planet Fitness. In our opinion, however, the equipment is way nicer, there are usually less people, they’re all over Canada & the US, it’s open 24/7, and the showers are private.

🚿 When we’re not near an Anytime Fitness (this has only happened one time when we were in Quartzsite), we find a truck stop shower to go to.

🚿 And that’s about it. We bought a camping shower at the beginning of van living and only used it one miserable time.

Do you think a shower is necessary in a van build?

___

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  • We have been doing so much stealth city camping lately that we felt like we needed a break. When we first moved into our van, we set off to Vancouver Island, where we were constantly surrounded by nature - and even though we had no idea what we were doing, it was just easy to be outside.

As you guys know, we’ve lived all sorts of van life. From brick & mortar jobs, to off-grid living, to city dwelling, to full-time travelling. Lately, we’ve seen A LOT of cities and while we’re grateful to have covered so much ground, we knew we needed nature. 

So we nestled ourselves into Starved Rock State Park and reset.
Full video is on YouTube. Link in bio.

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  • “The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have” – Anna Quindlen

I can’t imagine committing to being the person I was 5 years ago for the rest of my life. I can’t imagine committing to one mindset or one way of life. 

It would be impossible to put into words how much we’ve changed through travel and meeting people. And as we start to hype ourselves up for our next big journey, we’re excited to dive head first with an open mind. 

Whether you’re building a van, starting a new job, buying a plane ticket, or even walking out of the house every morning - you have no fucking idea what’s in store.

Travel has a special way of changing you. 
And the best thing you can do is allow it. 

📍 Traditional Kumeyaay land
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