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AFTER 21 YEARS... I'D STILL CHOOSE CAMBODIA 🇰🇭

Life in Cambodia – The Expat Chronicles

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I moved permanently to Cambodia in June 2005.

At the time, I did not know if it would be temporary.

A few years, maybe.

Instead, Cambodia became home.

In this video, I reflect on the last 21 years — the changes I've witnessed, the lessons I've learned, the people I've met, and why, knowing everything I know now, I'd still make the same decision.

This isn't a travel guide.

It's a personal story about belonging, identity, resilience, and a country that has become a huge part of my life.

🇰🇭 After 21 years... I'd still choose Cambodia.

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If you've ever lived abroad, moved countries, or found a place that felt like home, I'd love to hear your story in the comments.

#cambodia #phnompenh #lifeincambodia #expatlife

Historical footage featured in this video includes material from the documentary film Don't Think I've Forgotten: Cambodia's Lost Rock and Roll. The film provides an excellent look at Cambodia's golden era of music and the artists who shaped it.

Additional archival footage and images have been used for historical and educational commentary purposes. If any material has not been properly credited, please contact me and I will be happy to update the description.

Copyright Notice: The brief excerpts of music used in this video are included because they are an important part of my personal story and Cambodia's story. The music of Sinn Sisamouth and Ros Serey Sothea represents a cultural legacy that was nearly lost during the Khmer Rouge era. These excerpts are used for commentary, reflection, and educational purposes. All rights belong to their respective copyright holders.

20 Comments

@ExpatChroniclesCambodia Creator 3 months ago (edited) Pinned

This video is my attempt to explain why, after 21 years, I'd still choose Cambodia.

I'm not a historian, and I'm certainly not a political commentator. This video isn't intended to be a history lesson, a political statement, or an expert analysis of Cambodia's past. It's simply a reflection on how I feel after spending 21 years living in Cambodia.

Over the years I've come to realise that many people outside Cambodia know very little about what this country has been through, or how remarkable its recovery has been.

The more I learned about Cambodia's history, culture, music and people, the more respect I developed for the country and those who rebuilt it.

Thank you for watching. 🇰🇭

@KhmerMinnesnowta 3 months ago

Phnom Penh City reminded me of my childhood as grew up in the 50s through 70s and I had to live through the horrific wars and genocide. I was in my last year of high school when Pol Pot forces took over the country on April 17, 1975, and turned everything to hell on earth. Both of my educated parent and ten children, only two of us have survived today with only memory lives on.

My first returning trip to the country was back in 1995 when they first officially open it to the world. I tried to search for my living family members and I found my only sister who currently still lives in Phnom Penh. I've been visiting here every year since my retirement from the US to heal the past. We can't blame the others completely, but with good leadership leads to prosperity and poor leadership leads to suffering and deaths. Hopefully, the history will not repeat itself!

Cambodia has come a long way since the war and genocide ended not long ago and they started to develop the country within the last 20 years. The whole country infrastructure was destroyed and families were torn apart. People are moving on with their daily lives as usual as life is short to do the things we don't always love doing but life is very precious. Peace out from a war and genocide survivor!

@cambodiyeah 3 months ago

This is far more enlightening, heartfelt, and comprehensive than collections of documentaries. Thank you for this. You express so much of why I also love Cambodia.

@FounLy 3 months ago

You make my heart break into a thousand pieces as I born there and could not put into words like you do, please keep it up you sound like historical professor

@KhmerSamAImusicchannel777 3 months ago

Your knowledge of Cambodia and its history is truly remarkable. I appreciate your willingness to speak honestly about the truth—whether it involves America's role in Cambodia's past, the tragic Khmer Rouge era, or the current situation with Thailand. Cambodians are incredibly resilient people who have endured tremendous hardships throughout history.

As someone who personally survived the Khmer Rouge regime and now lives in the United States, I deeply understand the strength and perseverance of the Cambodian people. Despite the challenges and suffering our nation has faced, Cambodia remains close to my heart. I am proud of my heritage and will always carry a deep love for my homeland, no matter where life takes me. Thanks for a great video, sir!

@kosmo1001 3 months ago (edited)

A brilliant and a much needed video. We need more of these types. Thank you🙏

@KhmerColumbus 3 months ago

Wow, it’s a great summary of Cambodia with historical facts. This is what most Westerners often failed to understand when visiting Cambodia.

@dv8inpp 3 months ago

Thailand constantly lashes out every time they have internal conflicts, which occurs on a regular basis. Their economy is in the shit, their government as stable as jelly

@hiddencambo 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing your journey. As a Cambodian, it’s heartwarming to hear someone speak so genuinely about finding a home here. Wishing you many more wonderful years in Cambodia. 🇰🇭 🇰🇭❤️❤

@StargazerTLC 3 months ago (edited)

I feel very ignorant after watching this video. I had no idea that the Vietnam war killed between 150 and 600,000 Cambodians. That makes my heart hurt and yet to this day they are so welcoming of Americans. Thank you for the history lesson and when I do travel there, I will be very humble and thankful for their kindness.

@vannakkh964 3 months ago

The video starts with Ros Serysothea song, so i could remember the interview of a brave lady who told she was ready to defend her country against Vietnam, it makes me cry again.

@lariko-Tbilisi 3 months ago

Thank you for your heartfelt and honest video. I watch it and cry. I'm planning to move to Siem Reap in three months. I'm falling more and more in love with magical Cambodia! Sending you warm greetings from Georgia!

@hammeramsterdam9510 3 months ago (edited)

The best Vlogger in Cambodia, very nice the old photo and video shots

@jakxuan 3 months ago

Watching old archival footage of Cambodia from the 1960s and early 1970s made me feel very nostalgic. To be honest, it was quite emotional.
I first returned to Cambodia in 2006 with my wife. We visited the Killing Fields museum, and she broke down in tears. It reminded her of what her parents endured in China during the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. After visiting the Killing Fields, it felt like Cambodia’s tragedy was even more overwhelming.
Thank you for sharing these archival videos—they truly bring history to life.

@CambodiaDave 3 months ago

Excellent video. It's so refreshing to see videos with real context with great insight. So many videos out there that are absolute rubbish exploiting the Khmer people and Cambodia for clicks and likes for narcissistic personal financial gains.
🙏🕊️❤️🇰🇭

@lindabun2843 3 months ago

Thanks you so much mr. For tell the whole world to know about Cambodia historical how the country has been through …. All the khmer people will be appreciated so much and khmer blood will stay strong as so the country together we will survives through the tough times from the past , present and the future … we will protects and fight against the invaders they always trying to take our country when ever they get a chance ….💪✌️🙏🇰🇭❤️cambodain wants peace’s …..✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭

@OunNa 3 months ago

I am working hard now so I can retire in Cambodia someday

@ellesocal6121 3 months ago

What an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing your experiences in Cambodia and for providing such meaningful historical context about this remarkable country. 🇰🇭

Understanding Cambodia’s history is essential to appreciating the extraordinary resilience, strength, and spirit of its people. The nation has endured immense challenges, yet its progress and transformation in recent years have been truly remarkable.

I am grateful for the opportunity to witness Cambodia’s continued growth and bright future. The country's resurgence is a testament to the perseverance of its people and the enduring hope that drives them forward. Your story drives me to visit Cambodia sooner than later! Thank you for your videos!