Discover ancient temples and charming locals
Once you set foot in Cambodia, we guarantee you will never want to leave. This country and its people have a certain effect on travellers that makes them fall in love with the jungles, temples and way of life here. From the bustling backpacker and expat-filled cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to the charm of the countryside and jungles.
Definitely don’t miss the temples of Angkor Wat, and give yourself several days to explore the temple complex as it’s larger than you think and each temple is unique. We’d also recommend exploring Cambodia’s countryside villages, French architecture in Battambang, and wildlife encounters and beautiful nature in the north. In Phnom Penh you’ll notice a fusion of Cambodian and French culture, with the colonial influence strong in the form of French-style bakeries and dessert restaurants.
One thing to bear in mind when you visit Cambodia is its recent history, which you’ll be reminded of as you travel through the country. It’s impossible not to witness the devastation caused under the period of Khmer Rouge rule during the 1970s, one of the worst genocides committed during the twentieth century. It’s the reason much of Cambodia’s population is so young, and the older folk still remember what it was like. You can visit the sobering Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh if you feel up to it. While it’s incredibly confronting, it’s an important part of the country’s history and understanding it will give you a new found appreciation for the hospitality and friendliness of the people, who despite suffering so much are still able to find joy in the small things - a lesson we Westerners could certainly take a lot from.
Talk to our expert travel consultants about planning your holiday to Cambodia and they’ll help you with an itinerary that takes in all the best sights and caters to the kind of travel experience you’re looking for.
