Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Following years of colonization, the reign of the infamous Khmer Rouge and external conflicts, Cambodia is finally on the way to healing its scars from the past and has this country developed in the past few years. Bordered by Thailand in the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest, Cambodia boasts a population of over 14.8 million citizens. There is so much to see and do in this incredible place, wonderful Cambodian tours and the people are always willing to chat and you will find them extremely friendly and hospitable.Recent years have seen the roads improve a lot in Cambodia due the influx of tourists to the country. Cambodia is 181,035 square kilometers (69,898 sq miles), so it’s a lot of area to cover, but each area is ever changing. You can either fly into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, or enter via the numerous border crossings from surrounding countries. Transport is relatively cheap and most places are easily accessible from major areas. If you’re on a short trip the best option is to fly internally from point to point. A Tuk Tuk is your best option for getting around for short trips.Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, is a good starting point due to its network of buses which take you to most corners of the country. The city has a lot to offer so try to spend at least 2 days there to see attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Toul Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes should be seen to be believed, but are definitely not for the faint hearted. The riverside area is nice in the evening and a lot of very good restaurants with most cuisines are scattered around town.Located in the southwest of the country on the Gulf of Thailand, you will find lovely beaches and islands with pristine waters and white sand. A lot of locals head to these seaside resort towns on weekends to escape the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Some popular places in the area are: Kep, which is renowned for its famous seafood; the riverside town of Kampot, known worldwide for its incredible pepper; and Sihanoukville, if you like the beach and a BBQ than this is the place for you. Ream National park is also in the same region and has incredible rain forests and other interesting fauna and fauna.Make sure to visit Kratie and take a relaxing cruise while trying to spot the illusive Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. These dolphins are bordering on extinction. Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city and is located near the border with Thailand. Not so long ago, it was within target range of a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and was therefore off-limits to most travelers. Siem Reap is a lovely town located near the centre of the country and on the banks of Tonle Sap Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.The temples of Angkor are sure to be the highlight of your Cambodian tour. The home of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, it is host to a wide array of spectacular temples and ruins. The Main attraction is Angkor Wat. You will be astonished by its sheer size and beauty. Other sites include Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Terrace of Elephants and Leper King, and all the attractions that the Roluos Group and the Grand and Private circuits have to offer. This is just a small amount of the most popular temples, but there are possibly thousands scattering the surrounding area which was thought to be originally 1000 sq kilometers in size.Cambodian cuisine is one of the world’s oldest cuisines, and is regarded by many as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. The main stables in Cambodia are rice and noodles. On the streets you will see countless stalls selling everything from noodle soups, rice with meat and vegetables, and the list just goes on and on. Don’t be afraid to try the local delicacies, but for those who prefer western or different food there are a wide range of western food choices in all tourist attraction areas. Check out the deep fried spiders and other unrecognizable fare around! Drinks are quite cheap too and you can pick up a beer, soft drink or water for between 50c – $1, depending on where you are.Be sure to get to know the Khmer people on your trip. Considering what they have been through in the past, it is never hard to get a smile or a laugh from them. The old people are really nice and most don’t mind talking about their horrific past. The children are adorable and always want to practice their English with you. A home stay is a really good idea on your tour. Live, cook and eat with a Khmer family and get to know their ways and customs to fully understand their unique country.What you have just read is just a fraction of that this wonderful Kingdom has to offer. Make sure if you have free time to go and explore away from the usual tourist places. Contact our helpful staff now with any Cambodian Travel, Tours or Holiday Package enquires. We are here 24/7 to help you and can assist you in creating your own Cambodian Holiday Package to suit your own needs.
