A country of stark contrasts, where new luxury hotels for a fresh influx of tourists are beginning to emerge within a land still underdeveloped and impoverished after decades of civil war, but now able to entice visitors with its ancient temples, tropical jungles and lovely beaches with the assurance that for at least the last 15 years it has been at peace, and the Khmer Rouge are safely consigned to history, albeit recent and particularly devastating in its impact on its delightful people.
 |
|
Royal Palace
|
Western-style accommodation is generally only to be found in the major tourist hotspots of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, and beyond these destinations travel is still a big adventure. The attraction of Cambodia is exactly that sense, though, that is still waiting to be discovered. The cities may be raw but they are vibrant and dynamic, full of energy and character. In the capital, Phnom Penh, visit the National Museum to learn of the past glory of the ancient and mighty Khmer Empire, understand the hardships which faced its people under the Khmer Rouge during a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, choose from the heady scents of the many street markets or the style-conscious boutiques of the fashion houses. From a vantage point on the banks of the mighty Mekong, see the glimmering spires of the royal palace and enjoy a delicious meal. Khmer cuisine is excellent, and perhaps better suited to the western palette being not quite as spicy as that of neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. Try the 'amok' coconut milk curry, the 'lok lak' beef stir-fry or the interesting sour soup called 'somlah machou khmae', with its mingling flavours of fish, tomatoes and pineapple.
Siem Reap has long been a favourite stop-off for tourists, functioning as a gateway for the Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodi's top destinations. In fact, a great way to get there is on a river cruise from Phnom Penh, giving you a respite from the heat of the bustling city and a chance to take in the gorgeous green paddy fields and wetlands of the Tonle Sap en route. In the autumn, you may catch the amazing Water Festival held here to mark the changing flow of the lake, featuring a hotly contested race of crowds of brightly coloured boats. There is also the chance to see a permanently settled floating town, the Kompong Luong. Siem Reap also holds traditional Cambodian Apsara dance displays for which the country is famous, with their beguiling colours and movements.
 |
|
|
Other touristic treats are to be found in more remote locations. In the north-east province of Ratanakiri, discover the beauty of the unspoilt national parks as well as gem mines and hill tribes around Banlung. Stop at Kratie on the way, a river town on the Mekong where if you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the endangered river dolphins. For a sense of the impact of the recent political events in Cambodia, visit the former French hill station Bokor, and see its abandoned hotel, casino and former royal residence, or the beach resort at Kep which was destroyed in the 70s.
For a contemporary and steadily developing beach resort, go to the white sands and tropical islands around Sihanoukville on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand which can get busy at times but offer the opportunity for some relaxing sun bathing, snorkelling and scuba-diving.
A country of stark contrasts, where new luxury hotels for a fresh influx of tourists are beginning to emerge within a land still underdeveloped and impoverished after decades of civil war, but now able to entice visitors with its ancient temples, tropical jungles and lovely beaches with the assurance that for at least the last 15 years it has been at peace, and the Khmer Rouge are safely consigned to history, albeit recent and particularly devastating in its impact on its delightful people.
|
|
Royal Palace
|
Western-style accommodation is generally only to be found in the major tourist hotspots of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, and beyond these destinations travel is still a big adventure. The attraction of Cambodia is exactly that sense, though, that is still waiting to be discovered. The cities may be raw but they are vibrant and dynamic, full of energy and character. In the capital, Phnom Penh, visit the National Museum to learn of the past glory of the ancient and mighty Khmer Empire, understand the hardships which faced its people under the Khmer Rouge during a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, choose from the heady scents of the many street markets or the style-conscious boutiques of the fashion houses. From a vantage point on the banks of the mighty Mekong, see the glimmering spires of the royal palace and enjoy a delicious meal. Khmer cuisine is excellent, and perhaps better suited to the western palette being not quite as spicy as that of neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. Try the 'amok' coconut milk curry, the 'lok lak' beef stir-fry or the interesting sour soup called 'somlah machou khmae', with its mingling flavours of fish, tomatoes and pineapple.
Siem Reap has long been a favourite stop-off for tourists, functioning as a gateway for the Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodi's top destinations. In fact, a great way to get there is on a river cruise from Phnom Penh, giving you a respite from the heat of the bustling city and a chance to take in the gorgeous green paddy fields and wetlands of the Tonle Sap en route. In the autumn, you may catch the amazing Water Festival held here to mark the changing flow of the lake, featuring a hotly contested race of crowds of brightly coloured boats. There is also the chance to see a permanently settled floating town, the Kompong Luong. Siem Reap also holds traditional Cambodian Apsara dance displays for which the country is famous, with their beguiling colours and movements.
|
|
|
Other touristic treats are to be found in more remote locations. In the north-east province of Ratanakiri, discover the beauty of the unspoilt national parks as well as gem mines and hill tribes around Banlung. Stop at Kratie on the way, a river town on the Mekong where if you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the endangered river dolphins. For a sense of the impact of the recent political events in Cambodia, visit the former French hill station Bokor, and see its abandoned hotel, casino and former royal residence, or the beach resort at Kep which was destroyed in the 70s.
For a contemporary and steadily developing beach resort, go to the white sands and tropical islands around Sihanoukville on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand which can get busy at times but offer the opportunity for some relaxing sun bathing, snorkelling and scuba-diving.