Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 3213–26 August 2016 3 www.goxploretravel.com.au General enquiries (03) 9417 7610 Editor: Mary O’Brien mary@goxploretravel.com.au National Advertising Director: Chris Jefferson Jnr chris@goxploretravel.com.au Design: Artifishal Studios Printing: AIW Printing Pty Ltd Distribution: Salmat Pty Ltd Published by GOxplore Pty Ltd ACN 612 161 609 140 Johnston Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065 Australia While every attempt has been made to ensure information is correct at the time of going to press, the publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in content. California Dreaming Competition Every month we’ll be giving away amazing prizes to help you Ωxplore… We are offering one of our lucky readers a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to California, courtesy of Collette Travel. This includes two return airfares to San Francisco PLUS a 9-day Collette Treasures of Northern California tour for two, worth $10,500! An experienced tour leader will take you and a friend to iconic destinations including Sacramento, Napa Valley and its world-famous wines, Lake Tahoe, and the spectacular Yosemite National Park. Treasures of Northern California Tour Highlights: San Francisco • Yosemite National Park • Sacramento • Lake Tahoe • Santa Rosa • Sonoma Wine Country • Napa Valley Wine Train To enter, just tell us in 50 words or less ‘Why California needs ME’ …convince us why you should be chosen from 24 million other Australians! HINT: Make the judges laugh out loud. Enter via our website at www.goxploretravel.com.au/win-trip/ by 5pm, 26 August 2016. Terms and conditions apply. See www.goxploretravel.com.au/win-trip/ I was born in Scotland, grew up in Australia and worked for 26 years in the film business (including 11 years in Los Angeles, where I was president of 20th Century Fox International). I have lived for the past 11 years in Cambodia — years which have involved me criss‑crossing the world to fundraise. I have seen a lot of the world but I’m still excited by the energy of my home, Phnom Penh. BEST TIME TO VISIT November — as the temperatures are cool and the rainy season is drawing to a close. You can still expect occasional downpours but there are fewer tourists around. BEST TIP Along with the temples of Angkor Wat, the thing most visitors talk about are the people. They truly are the warmest, friendliest, most welcoming people, and remarkably cheerful in the face of challenges. Meet the locals by heading to the Olympic Stadium at sunset as hundreds gather to dance, exercise, eat and socialise. It’s fun, fascinating and free. CULTURE FIX Meta House puts on wonderful exhibitions and shows fascinating documentaries in an outdoor movie theatre. If you want something more traditional, Cambodian Living Arts dancing, hosted at the National Museum, is a vivid reminder of a culture that was almost lost. GREAT OUTDOORS For a glimpse of a more traditional Cambodian way of life, Silk Island — in the centre of the Mekong River — is just 40 minutes away. Beautiful crumbling temples, silk weaving, tiny villages — it’s like time travel, only more convenient and less risky. FAVOURITE SPOT I probably spend too many evenings at the Black Bambu restaurant — partly because the Cambodian Children’s Fund runs it and it trains some of our students — but it’s genuinely a cut above the rest. The interiors are gorgeous and the food is some of the best in Phnom Penh. Another great way to experience Phnom Penh is at Maline Sky Bar, where you can take in the city, which is shifting from low-rise charm to high-rise grandeur. Insider track on Phnom Penh Scott Neeson Founder, Cambodian Children’s Fund cambodianchildrensfund.org