Travel info : Where to go in Cambodia

Cambodia is amongst the ( fastest growing ~ most up and coming ~ most rapidly growing } traveler destinations in world and South East Asia as a whole is experiencing a real economic boom . Cambodia  is still unfortunately best known for the brutal Khmer Rouge however the country’s wonderful people and culture together with some stunning sites to visit is also leaving a very positive mark on those who visit.

Pol Pot’s brutal regime is still very recent history and many of the older people in Cambodia have physical and mental scars as well as the ongoing problem of clearing mines in certain parts of the country.
The Killing Fields and other Khmer Rouge based tours are popular with visitors and it is right for people to experience this on their trip to Cambodia. The ruling government doesn’t try to hide from the problems of the past and is aware of the importance of opening their history up to visitors.

Phnom Penh is nowadays a vibrant city and has a host of other sites for the traveler . There are some beautiful Buddhist temples and you’ll also see Buddhist monks in the city . For those who like a bit of shopping you have to take a look around the Russian Market to buy some traditional Cambodian scarves known as the Krama and other interesting local souvenirs. Phnom Penh also has a broad range of restaurants ranging from tasty local food to international choices from China, France and other parts of the world. The French colonial influence is also visible in some of the architecture as well as in the food .

When the bustling streets of Phnom Penh get too much for you, then head to the country’s number one tourist attraction of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of many stunning temples in the north of Cambodia built around 1,000 years ago. Some temples have been wonderfully restored whilst others have been taken by the jungle but they are a ‘must-see’ for any visitor . The closest town for access to Angkor Wat is Siam Reap which has a growing tourist industry on the back of the sites. Getting to Siam Reap from the Capital can be done by bus, taxi or boat which will take around 4 – 5 hours, or alternatively you can fly . Angkor Wat is a UNESCO world heritage site and also an important part of the economy in what is still a very poor country.

Other parts of Cambodia worth visiting are the old capital Udong, the coastal resort town of Kep and the island of Koh Tonsay. Bear-in-mind however the further you get away from Phnom Penh and Siam Reap the fewer tourists you’ll see and the less English will be spoken, although it isn’t too difficult to get around. Also do check that any remote parts of the country you intend to visit don’t have problems with unexploded mines.

Cambodia has also benefited from international foundations and charities that have assisted the country recover from its difficult past. Organizations such as Rehab Craft, Khmer Life and Friends International help disadvantaged parents and other workers in poor communities, empowering them to earn a living to support their children . An example of such an organization is Rehab Craft who make recycled wallets and bags from of disused fish feed sacks . The products are well made in comfortable working conditions and the workers are able to earn a fair wage making the industries sustainable and beneficial to local communities . 

If you’re looking to visit Cambodia it can be difficult to get direct flights to Phnom Penh from outside of Asia, although it is better served from larger regional airports like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. The climate is tropical which makes the dry season around December / January is the coolest time and it is advisable to avoid the hot and humid summer months. Many travelers combine it as part of a trip to neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand. It is currently in a state of change transition between its past and growing at a rapid rate so try to get there soon before it changes too much.

---

Find similar topics on twitter here