In our latest edition of ‘Talking Travel’, we check in with our LUXE Cambodia resident editor, Marissa Carruthers, who’s based in Phnom Penh as a writer, editor and all-around wordsmith. Read on to find out where she’s been since 2021, her latest PP discoveries and tips for COVID travel!
What was your travel highlight of 2021?
Finally flying to England to see my family after two years – even if Omicron ended up cutting it short! Spending Christmas with them – sadly, minus my sister due to her catching Covid ahead of her flight from Spain – after such a long time was incredibly emotional and special.
Something new you discovered in your city during COVID?
Staycations are so much fun! I’m lucky to live in Phnom Penh, which is home to a bounty of cute boutique hotels. I certainly took advantage of the lower rates and spent many weekends with friends exploring what’s on offer.
See also: A Designer’s Guide to Phnom Penh
Your current fave hangouts in Phnom Penh?
1. Juniper: who doesn’t love a cool rooftop bar specialising in gin that overlooks the Mekong?
2. Trattoria Bello: a cute Japanese-owned eatery that serves the best pizza and pasta at rock bottom prices.
3. My Way: a recently-revamped bar and diner that’s packed full of friendly faces. Expect dancing on the tables once the kitchen has closed!
4. Baitong: one of my staycation faves! Baitong means green in Khmer and this hotel has a great tropical vibe going on – and a super-cool pool with a waterfall that’s become a popular selfie spot.
What are your lockdown essentials?
My laptop, Netflix, a good book, a bottle of wine and a fridge full of yummy food.
Book/podcast/show recommendation?
I know I’m biased but I have to recommend a book I recently contributed a chapter to: The Stories Women Journalists Tell. It features a mash-up of essays from 22 fabulous female journalists working across Southeast Asia.
Other than that, I’m a Netflix fiend and binge on Narcos, Ozark, Maid, Sex Education… the list really does go on and on and on.
Tips for travelling during COVID?
Be flexible, be organised, double check what documents you need every step of the way – and not just in your final destination. Yes, I did get caught out by not having Covid-19 insurance to transit through Bangkok!
Any travel plans for 2022?
I’m hoping to finish off the trip Omicron rudely cut short and return to the UK in the summer, and visit friends in Spain, Poland and the Netherlands. When travel eases in this neck of the woods, I’ll take a trip to northern Laos.
Follow Marissa’s adventures on Instagram @marisjc!
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