Cambodian Details... Crocks, Stilt Houses, & Markets

As mentioned previously, Matt and I are starting to think that south east Asian people aren't able to sell anything to tourists during the day since they ALWAYS seem to have a night market… maybe because its too hot for the tourists to come out during the day???




Aside from seeing temples during our stay at Siem Reap, we also visited a crocodile farm. Crocks are considered a valuable reptile to own as their eggs go for anywhere from $3–$ 8 USD which could be a small fortune when you consider how many eggs crocks lay and that a main course (at one of the cities best restaurants) sets you back around $4– $5 USD. Many people outside the city apparently have them in the backyard.. and if you  were unlucky enough to get a male, crock-skin boots and purses are popular – but if he has a pretty face, you could always stuff it and sell it as a statuary piece… options are endless!

Cambodian Road Kill...

This wee guy (less than a year) is actually kinda cute - watch for him in a store near you soon!

Crockie Pile! :)

At this crock farm, they are raised solely for their eggs and occasionally one will be sold for breeding… it was interesting, but super smelly!

Doesn't this just LOOK smelly?

We also took a boat trip out onto the Tonle Sap Lake and River System where a large population of traditional lake people live on boats/stilt houses on the lake. They migrate depending on the water level as the water level of the lake rises with the flood/wet season as many water sources coming from China, Laos, and Thailand flow into the lake. When we were there, there was a low water level (dry season) – most were living on boats just at the mouth of the delta to allow for easier trade with the people living on land. Naturally boats are the number one form of transport…

Example of Stilted Houses

This gives you a feel for how the community looks... sticks in the water are used as anchors.

The community basically has full facilities - here is the liquor store (and the owners laundry)

And lastly, there were several markets. There was a heavily commercialized “traditional craft” market which could have been really interesting except that it was almost a high pressure sales man approach which ruined the experience… but we did forage into the night market which had many of the usual items – but included some cute shirts, elephant stone carvings, and some friendly bartering.

One of the more interesting markets that we were able to visit was the food market during the morning.. it was definitely my favourite!

Market Overview - from the parking area..

Fresh Fruit.. these were very tasty!

An adorable little kid enjoying some sugar cane juice (it's really yummy btw)

This is a picture of a lady who is selling (rather successfully) rat meat.

We also took a trip down the “Pub Street” which was a meeting place for all of the foreigners to drink and eat cheaply.. it was fun – but totally reinforced to Matt and I that we're getting too old for that type of entertainment! (I would have been like, “.....is that cup clean???” LOL)

They even have signs... lit up and in English with beer pictures - for all those dumb tourists!