How to crash a Cambodian wedding

by rc

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1. Sit next to a friendly restaurant owner on the bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

This adorable girl sat in front of us.

This adorable girl sat in front of us.

2. Exchange contacts (Line app).

3. Message him after volunteer teaching saying you want to dine at his restaurant.

4. Tour his restaurants, let him take you unexpectedly to a wedding.

 

Man Thorng's restaurant is called MANTHORNG.

Man Thorng’s restaurant is called MANTHORNG.

5. Soak it in. It doesn’t matter if you just smile like a fool the whole night. This is what travel is all about!

It's packed!

It’s packed!

The reception when I went through the entrance. Just hold your hands in prayer as the greeting.

The reception when I went through the entrance. Just hold your hands in prayer as the greeting.

Live music the whole night. They opened up the mics to the audience and damn, everyone was so good.

Live music the whole night. They opened up the mics to the audience and damn, everyone was so good.

My table mates. They made sure I ate twice my share.

My table mates. They made sure I ate twice my share.

Note that the men gather to catch the bouquet!

 

Man Thorng is the MAN. This is the keyboard that he took on the bus, and he showed off its abilities that night.

Man Thorng is the MAN. This is the keyboard that he took on the bus, and he showed off its abilities that night.

Man Thorng couldn’t have been a nicer host. He never let me pay for anything and welcomed me unquestioningly into his culture.