Cambodia Travel Guide
This south-east Asian nation has Laos to the north, Thailand to the north-west, Vietnam to the east bordered and the Gulf of Thailand to the south-west. Cambodia is a beautiful country of pristine waterfalls, dense jungles and shimmering beaches.
For over 600 years the mighty Khmer Empire flourished and ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The splendor of this empire can be seen in the Temple of Angkor Wat, a World Heritage-listed complex.
The country was a protectorate of France for 100 years until 1953. In the 1970’s the country suffered under the Khmer Rouge who committed genocide on their own people.
Cambodia manages to cross the line between untrodden eastern destination and tourist, haven.
Southern Cambodia
Along Cambodia's southern coast, the land gradually transitions to the sea, creating a landscape of deep inlets, mangroves, and pristine beaches. This region is also home to idyllic islands that offer a paradise escape. Sihanoukville, the original beach hotspot, is now joined by newer coastal retreats on the southern islands. The atmospheric towns of Kep and Kampot also line the coast, providing a charming escape. Inland, a range of forested hills forms a natural boundary, offering excellent opportunities for jungle adventures.Phnom Penh, the capital, sits on the sunbaked plains of southeastern Cambodia. Its wide boulevards and bustling markets embody the vibrant energy of a rapidly growing nation, blending the modern sophistication of its economic ascent with the lively chaos characteristic of Southeast Asian cities.
Northern Cambodia
Northern Cambodia is the country’s largest region, stretching from the Thai border in the west to the Vietnamese frontier in the east. This area is home to both ancient traditions and natural beauty, offering sleepy towns lined with colonial-era architecture and temples tucked away in the countryside. Battambang, the most visited town here, is known for its charming streets and scenic surroundings, while the eastern regions, including Sen Monorom and Ban Lung, provide opportunities for adventures in the wilderness.Adding to Cambodia's allure is the Angkor temple complex, a sprawling collection of ancient structures that rise majestically over the northern plains. Siem Reap, a vibrant town just south of the Angkor temples, serves as both a base for exploring the ruins and a destination in itself, with its lively nightlife, excellent restaurants, and cultural offerings.