Cambodia boasts a long history stretching from the era of the early settlers of 5,000 years ago through the days of the Angkor Empire, French colonisation and the takeover of the nation by the Khmer Rouge. Cambodia has recovered from its recent troubles and is now a firm favourite with international tourists. Phnom Penh Airport is the main air gateway to Cambodia and is less than an hour’s flight from Southeast Asian capital cities such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
Don’t MissThe 800-year-old Angkor temples, constructed on a sprawling site measuring 24 km by about 8 km that is home to about 72 structures, are the most visited tourist site in Cambodia. Highlights include the sunrise views over Angkor Wat, originally constructed as a Hindu temple in honour of the god Vishnu and the largest temple complex on Earth; and the stone faces of the Bayon temple, a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in the late 12th century. Nearby Siem Reap is home to other top attractions like the Angkor National Museum, Banteay Srei Temple and Tonle Sap Lake. Phnom Penh is an essential stop on holidays in Cambodia and key attractions are the Royal Palace; the S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, built on the site of a the infamous prison used by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979; and the Choeung Ek Memorial, located 17 km from the capital Phnom Penh and the best known site of the ‘Killing Fields’ containing mass graves filled with bones of those executed by the Khmer Rouge. The seaside resort of Sihanoukville and the river town of Kampot are other premium tourist destinations.
Restaurants and BarsWining and dining choices in Cambodia are excellent. Kuyteav (“noodle soup”), amok (“fish curry”) and French style baguettes are the best known dishes. Pizzas and other Italian dishes, Indian curries, steaks and burgers are available in the main towns. Sihanoukville is the best place for fresh seafood dishes. Angkor beer is served in pubs in almost every corner of the country. Pub Street in Siem Reap is a lively spot for a meal and night out, while Phnom Penh’s Sisowath Quay offers a mix of restaurants and bars.
ActivitiesWhen it comes to activities, Cambodia offers a great selection. Bicycle tours of the Angkor temples are a good option. Cruises on Tonle Sap Lake and on the Preaek Tuek Chhu River in Kampot are popular. Dive tours around Koh Rong near Sihanoukville and hiking the Cardamom Mountains or Ream National Park are adventure options. Festivals are always a pleasure and Cambodia’s Choul Chnam Thmey (New Year) and the Bon Om Touk Water Festival are worth taking in.
ShoppingCambodia offers a collection of cheap but good quality souvenirs. Silk sarongs and blouses, Bayon-head wood-carvings, hand-carved silver boxes and Angkor T-shirts are essential buys. The Angkor Night Market in Siem Reap, the Russian Market, Phsar Thom Thmei (Central Market) in Phnom Penh, Kampot Market and the lanes leading back from the beach-front in Sihanoukville are good shopping locations.