Cambodia, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is arguably the jewel of the region. Undiscovered for centuries, its wealth of natural beauty and rich heritage continue to amaze and astound, with Angkor, the world renowned cultural heritage site dating back to the earliest days of cultured civilization, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Towering over the surrounding tropical forests, Angkor Wat exists as one of this planet’s last great, unexplored tourist destinations. Situated amongst one of the world’s great irrigation systems close to the Tonle Sap, itself possibly the most amazing inland expanse of water on Earth, Angkor is simply incomparable.
Not only did the skilled and hardworking Khmers build Angkor Wat and the architecturally different but equally stunning Bayon, Banteay Srei, and Ta Prohm temples, but also more than 100 other impressive monuments and temples in and around the ancient capital. Many of the temples are decorated with intricate carvings detailing the glorious past of this proud and ancient culture including the fascinating solar calendar on Angkor Wat’s eastern wall which had remained undeciphered until only recently.
With much of the hinterland reached by many of the country’s inland waterways including the Mekong river, many visitors take the exhilarating boat trip to Siem Reap, the home province of Angkor Wat, passing on the way the many fishermen and unique floating villages of the Tonle Sap lake. Everywhere one goes in Cambodia beautiful landscapes await from lush green rice paddies to the red earth of Rattanakiri, with ubiquitous sugar palm trees dotted all over the country.
Cambodia’s northeastern province of Rattanakiri is the home of several ancient and indigenous hill-tribes. These intriguing indigenous tribal people with their primitive lifestyles are threatened, though largely untouched by modern society and retain their own particular languages, cultures, rituals, and beliefs.
Cambodia is a must, as all its previous visitors will testify, especially to visit Angkor Wat. Not only does that first spectacular glimpse of Angkor Wat amaze and perpetually remain in the memory, but so too does Cambodia as a whole. Who could possibly forget the other facets of this marvel: the charming smiling faces of the Cambodians, the beautiful unspoiled palm fringed beaches with white sands and turquoise sea; gentle waves lapping on the shore. The beach resort of Kompong Som (Sihanoukville) is one of nature’s paradises. Like Sri Lanka or Thailand before the developers moved in, Kompong Som is home to one of the world’s last natural beach destinations. Looking back to shore one only sees the sea, white sand and green hills in the background. Don’t forget about the delicious fresh fruit and succulent seafood available here, the mountain top views that stretch forever or the vibrant markets burgeoning with exotic produce.
Cambodia assaults the senses leaving memories of a once mighty country that stay in the mind undiminished by the passage of time. The sights and sounds of a unique land with a tragic past captivate more and more people every year and offer a genuine experience for all who are fortunate enough to discover Cambodia.
Without doubt, with its inherited wealth, Cambodia, has enormous potential for tourism, either as a single destination or part of an Indo-Chinese tour, especially for those wishing to escape the tourist traps of the world or discover one of the great cultures of the world that should rank alongside that of Egypt and the other world renowned destinations. Though still in its infancy, the tourism sector is attracting investors both domestic and international who are venturing into this market, evident by the international standard facilities becoming available.
Just as Angkor is more than its wat, so too is Cambodia more than its temples. The chaotic yet charismatic capital of Phnom Penh is a hub of political intrigue, economic vitality and intellectual debate. All too often overlooked by hit-and-run tourists ticking off Angkor on a regional tour, the revitalised city of Siem Reap is finally earning plaudits in its own right thanks to a gorgeous riverside location, a cultural renaissance, and a dining and drinking scene to rival the best in the region. And don’t forget the rest of the country: relax in the sleepy seaside town of Kampot and trek the nearby Bokor National Park; take an elephant ride in the jungles of Mondulkiri Province; ogle the Mekong dolphins at Kratie or simply choose a beach near Sihanoukville.
SIEM REAP is Cambodia's most touristy town, and has sacrificed much of its charm and authenticity as a result. However, Western luxuries are freely available, and there are plenty of English-speaking locals. Arriving in Siem Reap by share taxi or pick-up, you'll probably be dropped at the smart new market, Psar Leu, to the east of the city, a hectic, noisy transport hub; a new transport stop is awaiting use 5km out of town on National Route 6 towards Phnom Penh, but at the time of writing it still wasn't in use due to a local dispute. Boats cruise into the port, around 12km south of Siem Reap (the distance varies with the level of the lake) – the approach is a tranquil introduction to the area, passing hundreds of floating houses, children splashing about in the water, and families going about their daily chores. At the port, guesthouse reps will be keen to offer a free ride into town, so it's a good idea to decide beforehand where you want to stay; otherwise there are motos ($2) and taxis ($5). Guesthouse touts also meet the planes at the airport, 8km west of town; or you can take a moto ($1) or a taxi ($5).
There is a tourist information office (daily 7–9.30am & 2.30–4pm; tel 063/963996), opposite the Grand Hôtel d'Angkor, on Tosamut Boulevard, but you'll find they're only interested in selling you a tour. You'll do better to check out the couple of free town guides: Siem Reap Visitors Guide and the Principal Free Angkor Guide can both be found at shops, bars and guesthouses. At the guesthouses you can also meet up with other travellers to get information. Transport around town is limited to motos (1000–2000r) or to a motorbike-drawn carriage, which the locals call a tuk-tuk (4000r per trip).
