Most people when they hear of Cambodia instantly think about the infamous killing fields and the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Once you go there though, you discover that there is much more to Cambodia than just that tragic period. Cambodia has a cultural heritage going back thousands of years, some of the most pristine and stunning beaches of the region, and beautiful nature reserves perfect for hiking. More than that, the Cambodian people bear witness to how a population can move beyond horrors of the past to face the future with a smile. With only 2 million tourists per year, buy a flight ticket, get your travel insurance for Cambdodia in order, and explore the 'kingdom of wonders'.
The main reason most people travel to Cambodia is Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor is of huge archaeological importance. The Angkor Archaeological Park covers some 400 square kilometers and contains the remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire. Contained within this huge area are the famous temples of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. While Angkor Wat is a beautifully preserved example of a Hindu temple-mountain, Bayon Temple was built after the conversion to Buddhism and is thus a more Buddhist structure.
To explore this park, you will need to stay at the city of Siem Riep. While obviously serving as the entrance and base for exploring Angkor, the city itself is pleasant and offers more than just a trip to the temples. You can go visit a local silk farm, enjoy some cooking classes, try your hand at pottery, and wander around town to explore some of the smaller temples. After your busy days, head to Pub Street for a huge variety of restaurants, bars and clubs – the name says it all really. You can also get a cheap massage or a fish foot spa which is a unique experience where hundreds of small fish nibble on your feet.
A short but beautiful boat trip from Siem Riep lies the city of Battambang, home to many more Buddhist shrines, temples and also the bamboo railway. Established as a trading city in the 18th century, Battambang is a charming mix between modern and colonial architecture. There are a lot of temples in the area and you can also explore some of the countries’ history under Khmer Rouge reign by visiting Phnom Sampeu, a hill containing the Killing Caves.
South of Battambang, but still part of Cardamom and Elephant Mountains Region, lie the coastal cities of Sihanoukville, Kep and Kampot. Not only do these towns themselves offer beautiful, untouched beaches, but from here you can also rent a boat to enjoy a bit of island hopping.
Heading northwest from Kampot, you find the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh is a bit rough around the edges, it’s a little seedy so be alert and you can expect bad driving, noise, poverty and quite a lot of beggars of all ages. The Royal Palace with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is definitely worth visiting, as is the National Museum of Cambodia with its many artifacts from the golden age of Angkor.
Phnom Penh is also the place to explore some of Cambodia's past under the Khmer Rouge regime. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a must for anyone passing through Cambodia. This school was converted into the most important prison/interrogation station of the Khmer Rouge regime, with more than 14,000 being tortured here. Of all the prisoners brought to Tuol Sleng, only 8 survived. About 17 km south of the city are the infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where the regime killed several thousand people. Today a Buddhist stupa commemorates the victims and there is a small museum here. Neither Tuol Sleng nor the Killing Fields are for the faint of heart, but they form an important part of Cambodian History and should be visited by travellers.
Cambodia is a fairly safe country. In bigger cities you do have to ensure not to fall victim to purse-snatchers and pickpockets. The biggest problem comes in the form of poverty, and there is a large amount of beggars in most places. Before heading to Cambodia, do make sure to have travel insurance that includes health coverage. Cambodia is not the best place to go to hospital, so in case of any medical problems rather head to neighboring Thailand. So get your Cambodia travel insurance in order!
The food is generally simple, cheap and very filling. While neighboring countries love chili, Cambodians prefer black pepper, making their food a lot milder than Thailand's. However, Cambodians really enjoy sour tastes and the flavor of the locally used fish paste can take a bit of getting used to. For travellers with adventurous appetites, Cambodia offers a plethora of indulgences: you can try pregnant duck eggs, barbecued bat or frog, and a selection of various water beetles and spiders!
While Thailand, Vietnam and Laos are highly popular tourist destinations, Cambodia is still quiet, and offers an excellent opportunity for travellers wanting to explore. From rich cultural heritage to beautiful beaches, Cambodia offers a wide range of great travel experiences.
