Hey Guides!
Sometimes, a place becomes memorable not only because of what we do there, but also because of the little moments we experience along the way.
On 16 September 2026, I visited Hotel Cambodiana in Phnom Penh to join and cover the Phnom Penh Internet Forum (PPIF) 2026, themed “Digitalisation for Inclusive Development and Human Rights in Cambodia”.
I spent time listening to discussions and learning from different perspectives, especially during the panel on “Freedom of Expression and the Evolving Digital Landscape in Cambodia.” These conversations are meaningful to me because they connect closely with my work and my interest in information, communication and communities.
After the forum, instead of leaving immediately, I took some time to explore the surroundings of the hotel.
The Garden Restaurant in the evening was my favourite part of the visit.
As the evening arrived, the garden became calm and relaxing. The greenery and evening lights created a lovely atmosphere, which felt very different from the busy discussions inside the forum.
I enjoyed walking around, taking a few photos and simply enjoying the moment. After spending hours attending and covering an event, it was nice to have a quiet place where I could slow down and appreciate the surroundings.
This is one reason I enjoy being a local guide. A visit doesn’t always have to be about finding the most famous place or the most popular dish. Sometimes, it is about noticing the atmosphere, meeting people, learning something new and remembering the small moments.
Have you visited Hotel Cambodiana before? What was your favourite part of the experience? 
