Re: Cambodia question for Fuzzy Ken

[Fuzzy Ken]

As this is Makha Bucha today, I wanted to mention that I visited the local shrine earlier today to witness some 400 monks collecting alms. The Bo Tree Shrine is just around the corner from where I live.

Remember to visit us at https://fuzzykensblog.com

[Mosquito]

Fuzzy Ken,

Made the mistake of making a trip to Phnom Penh this month.....right at the start of Chinese's New Years.

How bad is the Chinese invasion of Cambodia during the Chinese's New Years?

Already have airline tickets and hotel reservations, so that's not a problem.

Mainly worried large groups of Chinese's tourists.

[Fuzzy Ken]

Chinese New Year 2026 in Phnom Penh

There is no Chinatown as such in Phnom Penh, and it is not a public holiday.

Chinese New Year's Eve is on the 16th February, with the 17th being New Year's Day. However, various events in different locations may take place over several days. Many Chinese businesses, large and small, may be closed for the duration.

Celebrations will most likely take place in the area of Orussey Market, where there are many Chinese-run businesses. This is the place to purchase Chinese lanterns, red clothing and a selection of typically Chinese gifts.

Wat Phnom is also likely to host various events. Visit the area of the Naga World casinos on Sihanouk Blvd., where there are usually large, elaborate and brightly lit depictions of Chinese dragons and this time, the Red Fire Horse.

The 16th and 17th are weekdays, so the river walk will not be operating. However, over the weekend of the 14th and 15th, I will not be surprised to see typical Chinese clothes, toys and gifts in abundance and maybe some Chinese dancing too.

I will be in Phnom Penh for a few days, and really looking forward to witnessing what is usually a very happy, problem-free and colourful festival.

May I ask when and where you will be staying in Phnom Penh?
Good luck, Fuzzyken
https://fuzzykensblog.com

[Mosquito]

19-24 Feb. Harmony Hotel.

[tamada]

Seeing that the Chinese tourist count increased over 40% in 2025, and Sihanoukville airport showing the biggest Chinese traffic increase at over 30%, I think as long as you're visiting Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and not Sihanoukville, you probably won't see the seething, hawking, spitting and shouting hordes of the Chinese great unwashed. Also, they may be a bit 'gun shy' this year and visit Vietnam or Malaysia instead.

https://agbrief.com/news/cambodia/03/02 ... p-over-40/

[Kenr6583]

19-24 Feb. Harmony Hotel.

You picked a good hotel. If you're a night owl just make sure you take a tub-tuk back to the hotel. If you've never been there before it's located on 148 between riverside and street 5, and around midnight everything pretty much shuts down and it gets pretty dark on that and other streets. Depending on where you are coming from t's actually closer if you go down from 5 to 148, but the market is also shut down at that time and lighting is not all that great. Outside of streets 118 to 136 in that area, lighting is pretty dismal that late at night on most of the streets. If you are familiar with the area, disregard everything I said, LOL, you already know.

Chinese? I wouldn't worry about that even if there were an abundance of tourists from China around now, never had an issue. You will see a shitload of people from India around now though. Apparently since Cambodia began cracking down on these scam centers there has been a serious uptick in Indian nationals in large groups walking the streets aimlessly, apparently with no where to go.

Anyway, safe travels and have a good time.

[Mosquito]

Yes, very familiar with the area. Don't mind the dark back street, as I normally have an escort to see me safely back to the hotel. The only danger is stepping in water puddles left from the cleaning of the market and giant rats. If you step in a puddle (yea, they are easy to dodge, if you're sober....but who's sober at 2am in Phnom Penh).....best to take a shower once back at the hotel or at least wash your feet.

Was hotel shopping for the coming trip, but Harmony ticks all my blocks and I feel comfortable there. Really like their Suite with balcony room, only negative is the bathtub is a little small. Both day and night reception staff are friendly and helpful. Breakfast above average and they have a very nice coffee machine.

On Chinese visitors, I like playing poker at Naga for a few hours a day and some of the Chinese players are really annoying, along with them cutting in line every chance they get.

My last Vientiane visit while crossing the border (at Lao Immigration) I was at the window handing my passport and $$ to the custom officer when 3 Chinese guys just rushed the window and passed their passports thru the same window trying to cut in front of me and the guy behind me. I did say "****** Chinese" loud enough for them to hear me...custom officer might of also heard me. Anyways she took my passport and $$ first, guy behind me wasn't as lucky. Stink eye from me and the other guy while we were both waiting for our stamped passports. BTW, guy behind me was Singaporean Chinese and spoke English and Chinese.

[Mosquito]

Last post might be a little biased, but I'm old and have done a decent amount of traveling and don't remember any run ins or sightings that have painted a Mainland Chinese tourist in a positive light.