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Overview |
For many adventurous travellers the allure of an unspoilt and little-explored country is irresistible. Emerging from a violent past of human rights atrocities, war, and political instability, Cambodia is steadily recovering and slowly emerging as a top destination on the Southeast Asian travel trail. The magnificent 'Lost City' of Angkor is undoubtedly one of the most magical tourist attractions in the world and a bucket-list destination for many, drawing hordes of travellers to Cambodia single-handedly.
Modern day Cambodia is the successor kingdom of the powerful Khmer Empire which ruled most of what is today Vietnam, Laos and Thailand from the 9th to 14th centuries. Although the country does not have the same volume of famous attractions as some of its neighbours, the Cambodian people are incredibly friendly, providing a warm welcome for travellers and authentic glimpses into their culture. This friendliness is amazing in and of itself, given the suffering that Cambodians had to endure during the three-and-a-half year reign of Pol Pot, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated two million people. The Khmer Rouge, under Pol Pot's leadership, altered the face of the country. Overnight, cities were emptied and property destroyed, the economy was left in tatters, and so were the lives of countless families. This period between 1975 and 1979 represents a particularly dark one in the nation's history.
The horrors of the Khmer Rouge are commemorated by fascinating museums and sites that are an important part of the Cambodian itinerary. However, those who shy away from exploring the infamous Killing Fields, will find that the country offers many more peaceful and cheerful diversions. Beautiful moments can be had in the snatches of friendly conversations, in the tranquillity ushered in by Buddhist prayer, or in the sounds of workers in the rice paddies. One can also search out the charms of the French-flavoured capital city Phnom Penh, drift past sleepy riverside locations on a traditional boat and best of all, explore the illustrious ancient history of the region at sites like Angkor Wat.
The scenery is breath-taking, shaped by landscapes of lush green forests and jungles, banana plantations, agricultural fields, and mighty rivers. People here live modest and simple lifestyles and the populace is largely rural. It is not a place of fast and efficient transport or luxurious hotels and resort pleasures. Infrastructure is basic and travelling between destinations can be quite an experience - fun for some and frustrating for others. The country's world-class attractions and less-explored reaches, golden beaches, and islands beckon the enterprising traveller, and make Cambodia a unique travel destination.