Villa Vie Odyssey Passenger Rejects ‘Scam Town’ Label, Praises Cambodian Hospitality
Villa Vie Odyssey Passenger Rejects ‘Scam Town’ Label, Praises Cambodian Hospitality
Sihanoukville, November 4, 2026 — A passenger aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship has pushed back against the portrayal of Cambodia as a “scam town,” praising the kindness and hospitality he and other passengers have received from Cambodian people and authorities.
Randy Cassingham, who was among the passengers left in Sihanoukville after the cruise ship suspended operations, addressed the controversy in a post on his website, Residential Cruising, following media coverage of their situation.
His comments came after Khaosod English shared a report featuring his remark that he and his wife had expected to travel around the world but instead found themselves “stuck in scam central.” The report cited the Financial Times, which had referred to Sihanoukville as a “scam town.”
Cassingham clarified that he had not used the “scam town” description himself and said he had not heard the term before a reporter mentioned it. He also rejected suggestions that he and his wife felt unsafe in Cambodia.
“The only thing we’ve seen from the Cambodians is hospitality, politeness, care, and concern,” he wrote.
He further praised Cambodian authorities for assisting passengers with transportation, luggage storage and arrangements to ship their belongings. He also mentioned a dinner organised by the provincial governor for around 60 remaining passengers.
“For the record: ALL of the Khmer people I have met have been gracious, hospitable, kind, and helpful to us all,” Cassingham said.
His response offers a personal account that contrasts with the negative portrayal of Sihanoukville in some international media coverage, highlighting the hospitality he says he has experienced during the cruise passengers’ difficult circumstances.
