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  • Phnom Penh air quality

    The air quality in Phnom Penh can vary depending on the time of year and the specific location within the city. In general, the air quality in Phnom Penh is considered to be poor. The city experiences high levels of air pollution, particularly during the dry season, when dust and sand from nearby construction projects and agriculture can contribute to poor air quality. In addition, there is a lot of vehicle traffic in Phnom Penh, which can also contribute to air pollution.

    It isn’t possible to say definitively what the air quality in Phnom Penh will be like throughout this year. Air quality can fluctuate due to various factors like weather, seasonal changes, and human activities.

    Factors that can affect air quality in Phnom Penh include emissions from industrial activities, traffic, and open burning. The city’s population and economic growth, as well as its location in a low-lying area, can exacerbate the air pollution problem.

    You check the air quality index before planning outdoor activities in Phnom Penh, and to take necessary precautions such as wearing a mask if the air quality is poor.

    How polluted is Phnom Penh?

    Recent research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that the largest sources of pollution in Cambodia today are transport, electricity generation, industry, and residential development.

    Phnom Penh has grown rapidly in recent years in terms of economic development, among other things. However, this growth has also led to increased air pollution in the city. The burning of fuels such as petroleum, diesel, and coal in the transport, household, industrial, and energy sectors all contribute to the air pollution problem in Southeast Asian cities. In 2018, Cambodia ranked 164th out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for air quality.

    How bad is air pollution in Phnom Penh? According to Leakhena Hang and Lorn Soklis of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), in their “Assessment of People Perception on Air Quality in Phnom Penh, Capital City of Cambodia,” published in November 2020, “Fine particulate matter PM2.5 is a big concern parameter among other air pollutants which can cause effects to human health in the short and long-term.”

    Should air pollution in Phnom Penh be a concern? Given the potential health risks associated with exposure to PM2.5 and other pollutants, it is important for both residents of Phnom Penh and visitors to the city to be aware of the air quality and take steps to reduce their own contributions to the problem, if possible.

    How bad is air pollution in Phnom Penh?

    According to IQAir, which publishes latest air quality index (AQI), Phnom Penh came in with an average yearly reading of 21.1 μg/m³. This reading put Phnom Penh into the ‘moderate’ pollution bracket, one which requires a PM2.5 reading of anywhere between 12.1 to 35.4 μg/m³ to be classified as such. “This shows that whilst Phnom Penh does not have an overtly bad level of air pollution, it could still stand to improve its air quality, coming in at 818th place out of all cities ranked worldwide.”

    What is the air quality in Phnom Penh? Phnom Penh’s districts like Chamkar Mon, Chroy Changvar, and Toul Kork are among the highest concentration and AQI of PM2.5.

    How to know more about the air you breath in your home?_ Actually, you can check the air quality based on particles (PM2.5) with this simple, easy-to-use air sensor VINDRIKTNING. And you can also use it with FÖRNUFTIG air purifier.

    This VINDRIKTNING sensor checks the air quality by detecting particles (PM2.5) in your home. A light indicates 3 levels of air quality – green (good), yellow (ok), and red (not good).

    How to improve indoor air quality and reduce air pollution in your home? It’s a fact, not a fiction that air pollution in your home can be just as bad – or even worse – than it is outdoors.

    1. Invest in an air purifier.
    2. Change your AC filter.
    3. Use cooking vents.
    4. Keep your rugs and carpets clean.
    5. Control humidity in your home.
    6. Keep it clean. A clean house is a healthier house.
    7. Keep the greenery outdoors.
    8. Get indoor plants to freshen the air. Essentially, plants are nature’s natural air filters.

    When living in a city like Phnom Penh of Cambodia, improving your home air quality means that you take a small yet significant step to protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation.

    Also good to read:

    – Cambodia paving the way for cleaner air
    – Easy ways you can improve indoor air quality: Reduce indoor allergens that can trigger respiratory problems and other issues (Harvard Health Publishing)

  • What is the best guidebook for Cambodia?

    Some of the best Cambodia travel guides books:

    Lonely Planet Cambodia is a comprehensive guide to the country, covering everything from Angkor Wat to the Mekong Delta. It includes detailed maps, practical information, and recommendations for places to stay, eat, and visit. This comprehensive guidebook provides detailed information on popular tourist destinations, cultural insights, accommodation options, transportation, and practical tips for traveling in Cambodia. It includes maps, suggested itineraries, and insider recommendations.

    Remember to check for the latest editions of these guidebooks, as information and recommendations may change over time. Additionally, consider supplementing your travel guidebooks with online resources, such as official tourism websites and travel blogs, for the most up-to-date information on attractions, accommodations, and local tips.

    Best Sellers in Cambodia Travel Guides

    DK Eyewitness Cambodia and Laos is a visual guide to the country, with stunning photographs and illustrations. It provides in-depth information on the history, culture, and natural attractions of Cambodia. This visually appealing guidebook offers a wealth of information about Cambodia’s attractions, history, and culture. It features detailed maps, stunning photographs, and expert advice on exploring various regions of the country.

    The Rough Guide to Cambodia is a well-written and informative guide to the country. It includes detailed coverage of all the major tourist destinations, as well as some lesser-known gems. This guidebook offers a mix of practical information and cultural insights. It covers major cities, historical sites, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and provides recommendations for accommodation, dining, and transportation. It also includes background information on Cambodia’s history and society.

    Cambodia: Temples of Angkor is a guide to the Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It includes detailed maps and descriptions of the temples, as well as information on how to get there and what to see.

    Cambodia: Culture Smart! is a guide to the customs and culture of Cambodia. It provides insights into Cambodian society, religion, and etiquette.

    Fodor’s Essential Cambodia: with Siem Reap & the Temples of Angkor by Fodor’s Travel: This guidebook focuses specifically on Cambodia’s most famous attraction, the Angkor temples, and the nearby city of Siem Reap. It provides in-depth coverage of the temples, including suggested itineraries, historical context, and practical tips for visiting the area.

    Cambodia: A Concise History by David Chandler: While not a traditional travel guide, this book offers valuable insights into Cambodia’s history, culture, and society. It provides context and background information that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the country during your travels.

    These are just a few of the many great Cambodia travel guides available. The best guide for you will depend on your interests and travel style.

    Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a Cambodia travel guide:

    Budget: Some guides are more expensive than others.
    Length: Some guides are comprehensive and cover the entire country, while others focus on specific regions or activities.
    Style: Some guides are written in a more formal style, while others are more casual and conversational.
    Age range: Some guides are aimed at a general audience, while others are specifically geared towards families or adults.

  • Books about Phnom Penh

    Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, has a rich history and culture that has been captured in a variety of literature. These books are not only focusing on Phnom Penh, but also Cambodia’s history, culture, and its people experience during war and complex time. They offer a deep understanding and insight of the place and its people.

    Phnom Penh’s rich history and culture have served as inspiration for many authors. Here are a selection of books that explore different facets of this fascinating city.

    Five must-read books that provide an in-depth look at Phnom Penh and its people:

    1. “When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge” by Chanrithy Him: This memoir tells the story of a young girl’s life during the Khmer Rouge regime and its aftermath. It gives a powerful and personal account of the devastation and trauma that the Cambodian people endured during this period, and the resilience and strength they demonstrated in overcoming it.

    When Broken Glass Floats is a harrowing and powerful memoir by Chanrithy Him, detailing her experience as a child growing up under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Here’s a breakdown of the book’s strengths and some points to consider:

    • Vivid First-Hand Account: Him’s personal story offers a raw and unfiltered perspective on the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. Readers experience the fear, hunger, and loss firsthand through a child’s eyes.
      Resilience and Hope: Despite the bleak circumstances, Him portrays an inspiring strength and will to survive. The book highlights the enduring human spirit even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
    • Simple yet Effective Prose: The writing style is clear and unadorned, allowing the gravity of Him’s experiences to speak for itself.
    • Historical Importance: The book serves as a valuable historical document, providing personal insight into a dark period in Cambodian history.

    Points to consider:

    • Emotional Difficulty: Be prepared for a heart-wrenching read. The book deals with violence, starvation, and loss, and can be emotionally challenging.
    • Limited Context: While powerful, the memoir focuses on Him’s personal experiences and may not delve deeply into the broader political context of the Khmer Rouge regime.

    When Broken Glass Floats is a significant and thought-provoking memoir. It offers a harrowing yet important look at the human cost of war and tyranny. The book is recommended for those interested in Cambodian history, war memoirs, and stories of resilience in the face of adversity.

    2. “First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers” by Loung Ung: This memoir tells the author’s story of survival during the Khmer Rouge period, when an estimated 1.5 million Cambodians died from starvation, disease, or execution.
    3. “The Gate” by François Bizot: This memoir tells the story of French anthropologist François Bizot’s experiences during the Khmer Rouge period, including his capture by the Khmer Rouge and his interactions with their leader, Pol Pot.
    4. “Phnom Penh: A Cultural and Literary History” by John Tully: This book provides an overview of Phnom Penh’s history and culture from its foundation in the 14th century to the present day. It explores the city’s literary and intellectual heritage, as well as its role in shaping modern Cambodia.
    5. “Phnom Penh Noir” edited by Christopher G. Moore: This is a collection of short stories by various authors set in Phnom Penh. it explores the darker side of the city, giving readers a sense of the crime, corruption, and complexity of modern-day Phnom Penh through fiction.

    Since its foundation in 1372, Phnom Penh is uniquely known for its historical architecture and great attractions. Many centuries later, there are more and more books written about this city (aka Paris of the East or even the Pearl of Asia). There are reasons for those nicknames. Written mostly by those who fell in love with the city, I also picked some Phnom Penh books authored by Cambodian writers.

    Recommended, curated books about Phnom Penh

    [From Phnom Penh with Love](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FP5TWZF/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20) Glen Felgate has lived in Phnom Penh for years. In this novel, the former foreign correspondent told about a journey into the heart and darkness of Cambodia, a country he felt in love with. This is the author’s first book about his life experience. His upcoming book is about Myanmar.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of working in media in Cambodia, a country with a turbulent history and a rapidly evolving media landscape. The author shares his experiences of navigating the political, cultural, and economic challenges of working in media in Cambodia, while also highlighting the rewards of living and working in such a dynamic and culturally rich country. Through his personal stories, readers are given a glimpse into the workings of the media industry in Cambodia and the impact it has on society. Overall, “From Phnom Penh with Love” is an engaging and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in media, journalism, and the challenges and rewards of living and working abroad.

    THREE DAYS IN PHNOM PENH: Resilience, Genocide and a City That Breathes

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085WYC7WC/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

    The author is very passionate about Cambodia after his visit to the country. In this book, he mixed with historical context and his personal reflection. You can also check out his [blog about Cambodia](https://cambodiaetc.blogspot.com/) here.

    “Grappling with the enormity of Cambodia’s trauma, Nishikanta Verma embarks on a quest for a greater understanding of one worst crimes of the 20th century. This search has resulted in this deeply heartfelt and compassionate account of his journey to Cambodia and the heart of the Khmer Rouge killing machine. A passionate story of one man’s quest for the truth.”

    – Killing Time in Phnom Penh (South East Asia Thriller) by Robert Jamieson
    – Phnom Penh: Architectural Guide

    [Buy it on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3869224347/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

    – Zero Hour in Phnom Penh
    – Hunters in the Dark (2015)
    – Nick Seeley’s Cambodia Noir
    – The Cambodian Book of the Dead
    – Ghost Money (2013)
    – Angkor Tears (2016)
    – Mekong Shadows: Tales from Cambodia (2017)

    It seems there are so many proud locals and expats who contributed to this city architectural guide by Moritz Henning and Walter Koditek.

    – [Off the Rails in Phnom Penh: Into the Dark Heart of Guns, Girls, and Ganja](https://amzn.to/2Plclh0) by Amit Gilboa
    – [Phnom Penh Noir](https://amzn.to/2nTZndz) by Christopher Moore, James Grady, and Roland Joffé
    – [Phnom Penh: A Cultural and Literary History (Cities of the Imagination)](https://amzn.to/2OMSo1O) by Milton E Osborne
    – [Moon Angkor Wat: With Siem Reap & Phnom Penh](https://amzn.to/2Mrmasc) (Travel Guide) Paperback – October 2, 2018

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