I decided to do my usual stuff this New Year again and visited the capital of Cambodia for a spin on the roulette tables. I stayed a week at the NagaWorld and the word I can use to describe it is “awesome”. I rented a Club Suite as I’m used to and really enjoyed it. The wing where my room was situated faced the river, and I could see it from my balcony. Despite my rich experience in casino resorts in Asia, this was my first time in the Mekong territory.
They say the name of the place is derived from Naga, the seven-headed dragon, that lived in the river and guarded the entrance to the town of Phnom Penh. It could only be seen when there was a rainbow. People thought it was a token of good luck to see the mythological creature. The modern-day casino and spa resort of NagaWorld is said to be like the pot of gold you expect to see at one end of the rainbow.
NagaWorld was opened in May 1995 and has made it to the top of Asian and world-class casino complexes. It has public and private gaming halls, various styles of interior and decoration to fit each taste and the integrated hospitality facilities are top level. Over 700 rooms and suites, nearly 20 places where you can have a meal or a drink in different environments and an amazing SPA centre – these are just some of the things with which the place can boast. Of course, I wasn’t able to visit all. I didn’t make it even to half of them. I stayed 4 hours a day in my room and spent all the rest of my time in one of the bars and the casino. The gaming areas also offer snacks and drinks, or I’d have starved. I never see dinners as a priority, so it’s lucky that casinos cater for people like me, too.
What do I recommend? The Garden Casino definitely. It’s one of the Public Halls of NagaWorld and you’ll find plenty to entertain you there. Tables for baccarat, roulette, Sic Bo and blackjack stand next to the Wheel of Fortune and the poker tables, plus, you can play the Asian typicals of Ngau Ham and Bai Buu. I loved it because of the “garden-like” feel to it. Plus, the games go at a normal speed there. You can try the Rapid gaming areas, where the tables offer a combination of live dealers and electronic terminals for faster enjoyment. But that’s not my thing. I love casino routine and the overall luxury of the place was impressive. My favourite roulette tables welcomed me with their usual clink and clank, with the typical smile of the dealer and held me for a total of 5 out of the 7 days I spent at the resort.
Honestly speaking, I prefer to gamble online, just like many others who love to stake large amounts and win big. And yet, it won’t be fair to not admit the quality of live experience I got at NagaWorld. The other 2 days’ aggregate time, when I wasn’t at the tables, I spent in very good company at the Darlin’ Darlin’ Club where the live band was one of kind. Anyway, that part of my holiday will remain totally private right now. I’ll just say that this wasn’t my last visit to this destination.
