Looking for an adrenaline rush in Phnom Penh? Check out these high-energy activities guaranteed to channel all that inner hype!
Watch Cambodian Kickboxing (It’s Free!)
Cheap beer, fast-paced action, and a roaring crowd, explore the exciting local kickboxing scene live at a broadcasting studio. Everyone knows about Muay Thai, and while Cambodia’s own form of kickboxing (known as Pradal Serey or Kun Khmer) is less popular, that doesn’t mean it lacks the same vigour. Pradal Serey means “free fighting”, and that means that nearly every limb is used in a fight. Keep a lookout for the whipping elbow strikes that seem to flash in split seconds before a knockdown. Being a national sport, the crowds are always lively and tuk tuk drivers will know where to take you if you ask, they probably want to watch a game after work themselves!
The best part? Watching it live is free. That’s right, they won’t charge you for entrance fees. You can watch it at CTN where they broadcast the bouts on live television from 2 pm onwards every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You’ll find CTN at National Highway 5 near the Japanese Bridge.
Fire a Bazooka and Other Firearms
Always wanted to reenact that Rambo scene? Or maybe you’ve just had a rough day and you want to empty an entire AK-47 clip for catharsis. Pay the shooting range a visit! Yes, you can wield an actual bazooka and fire it at a tiny bamboo hut, a tank of gasoline, or both! They’ve got the classic guns that you see in the movies and video games. AK-47’s, M60’s (affectionately referred to as the “Rambo Gun” by the owners), and even grenades if you’re bored of the guns. You’ll be spoiled for choice at Phnom Penh’s shooting range.
The first on the list was free, but you’ll have to splurge for this one. Being roughly 90-120 minutes from the city, there is a minimum spending fee if you’re booking transport. Visit the website to contact them about your visit.
Also, you may have heard about shooting ranges like these offering animals as live targets. You’ll be glad to know that they’re strictly against that.
Snack on Creepy Crawlies
When people think about Cambodian food, insects, snakes, and other weird animals come to mind. The context of insect-eating in Cambodia actually tells a dark tale. Unable to access “normal” meat in difficult times, Cambodians turned to hunting alternatives like tarantulas and grasshoppers. That six-legged insect you’re eating actually has a lot of historical significance!
It’s safe to say that a majority of the tourists would get squeamish at the sight of skewered scorpions and tarantulas. You’ll easily find them as hawkers are always hanging around high traffic areas because they know tourists are interested. They also get a good laugh out of watching the horrified faces of the uninitiated traveller. The insects are deep-fried and put on a skewer. The worst part? They look exactly like when they were dumped in the vat of hot oil. No missing hairy legs, no dehusked exoskeletons, no corners cut. Dare to take the challenge?
