Cambodia

If you believed that travelling back in time without a time machine was impossible, you must explore the vast temple complex of Angkor to dispel your myths!

Welcome to Cambodia, where lies the world’s largest religious monument – the Angkor Archaeological Complex – a UNESCO world heritage listed temple complex and an architectural marvel of the 12th century. Almost all itineraries to Cambodia are planned around the Angkor temples and if you leave without visiting this out-of-the-world spiritual site, you are in for a big disappointment. Take your sweet time to explore the vast archaeological site spread over 400 acres, and you will find hidden treasures, ruins overrun with forests, traces of the lost Khmer Empire and plenty of photo opportunities. The town of Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temples and has plenty to offer apart from the temples – amazing food and drink, night markets and the lively nightlife are worth mentioning. If you want to relax and enjoy some stunning scenery, take a ferry from Siem Reap to Battambang, through the Sangker river.

The perfect blending of the modern and ancient world is what makes Cambodia an exciting destination. The capital Phnom Penh is dotted with funky cafes, bars and restaurants alongside a historical palace, ancient Buddhist temples housing national treasures and the city’s beating heart – the central market.

Kampot, a riverside town in the south-western part of the country is an excellent base to explore Bokor Hill Station and National Park (also known as Preah Monivong National Park). The nearby seaside resort town of Kep with its boutique hotels and modern villas is a good place to unwind, whereas Sihanoukville, with its casinos and a rapid construction boom, is more of a jumping-off point for the white-sand beaches and coral reefs of the nearby Koh Rong islands, than a place to relax. Nevertheless, it is a top spot for backpackers and young travelers.

Along the mighty Mekong river lies the mellow riverside town of Kratie – with amazing sunsets and an expansive riverfront. It is a good place to spot Irrawaddy dolphins and admire French colonial architecture. Mondulkiri province, in the south-eastern part of Cambodia, is where the indigenous Bunong people live. Famous for its large elephant population and other wildlife such as bears, leopards, monkeys and a variety of birdlife, this quiet corner of Cambodia is a good place to get away from the crowds.

By the way, did we mention the astounding Prasat Preah Vihear located near the Cambodia-Thailand border in the north? This beautiful Hindu temple, possessing a rich history of more than a thousand years, is dramatrically situated on a 525-metre cliff, with astounding views looking down the plains below. It is Cambodia’s second UNESCO world heritage listed site after the Angkor temples.

Cambodia is a remarkable country with elements from ancient and modern times, and that’s what makes the country interesting and unique.