Touring in Cambodia

Emerging from a difficult recent past, Cambodia’s story is one of remarkable national renewal. Pol Pot’s regime inflicted terrible things on this friendly and gracious people, and the scars are still clearly visible. But modern Cambodia is one of Asia’s youngest and most optimistic countries, and tourism is finally opening the world’s eyes to everything that this wonderful kingdom has to offer, from jungle-covered temples to idyllic tropical islands.

The jewel in Cambodia’s crown is the incredible temple complex of Angkor. This archaeological treasure trove is a true bucket list destination, and watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat is likely to be the highlight of your tour. Cambodia is no one trick pony, however, and the hinterland rewards exploration, from the stilt houses over the Tonle Sap Lake to the friendly riverside town of Battambang. Cambodia’s coast is also attracting a steady flow of travellers in the know, with a string of beautiful islands to rival neighbouring Thailand. But your most enduring memory of Cambodia is likely to be the incredible people; welcoming, warm and with a smile on their face in spite of everything that was thrown at them during the 20th century.

Touring Highlights of Cambodia

• Cambodia’s most famous temple, Angkor Wat, is also the busiest, so get here for sunrise to avoid the worst of the crowds, and don’t miss other key sites including Angkor Thom and the overgrown ruins of Ta Prohm.
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s youthful capital, is a little rough around the edges, but it’s difficult to understand the country’s recent past and the horror of the Pol Pot regime without visiting the harrowing Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
• Cambodia’s coast offers a less touristy alternative to Thailand, with some stunning islands accessible via the backpacker town of Sihanoukville.
• The floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake are one of Cambodia’s most remarkable sights, where ethnic Vietnamese fishing communities still follow a deeply traditional way of life.
• The sleepy riverside city of Battambang may lack any obvious tourist sights, but it’s a great place to recharge your batteries and become acquainted with the Cambodian countryside.