Courageous Cambodia
The suffering this country endured in the hands of the Khmer Rouge only 40 years ago is simply unimaginable. Two million innocent people were slaughtered by Pol Pot, equating to one fifth of the country’s population. Yet unbelievably, this is a very happy nation and Cambodians always have a smile on their faces. Coupled up with the twinkle in their eyes, I felt instantly welcomed and at ease from the moment I arrived. Ironically, for a country with such a devastating history, I have never felt so much peace.
When to Visit
November to March is the dry season in Cambodia and weather-wise, the best time to visit. This is obviously the peak season though so prices are at a premium and attractions can get very busy. The Southwest monsoons from May to October brings 75% of the County’s annual rain and can see an average monthly rainfall of up to 27cm. Cambodia remains hot all year round with temperatures averaging around 30C.
Getting There
The journey is approximately 14 hours from London, and there are no direct flights into Cambodia. The most popular routes will see you flying via Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong. This gives you the perfect opportunity to have an extra city break and maximise your Asian adventure.
Currency
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel, however the US Dollar is used just as widely. In fact, when we were there the dollar was by far the most preferred payment method with the locals. To be safe, I would take a combination of both.
My Recommended Highlights:
The Temples of Angkor
Located just outside of Siem Reap, the UNESCO-listed Temples of Angkor are the largest religious monuments in the World. The Angkor complex extends over 400 square kilometres and consists of approximately 1000 ancient temples, including the famous Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom and of course, Angkor Wat. I’d definitely recommend spending 2 whole days in Siem Reap to soak up the ambience and give these temples the justice they deserve. Any less and you will be rushing too much, anymore and you risk becoming “templed out”. An even better idea is to use a (pre-arranged) local guide and their tuk-tuk to ensure you get the absolute most out of the experience. The guide will also help with navigating the local hustlers who are ridiculously relentless. Watching the sun set over the crumbling, vine covered Ta Prohm Temple was a truly spellbinding experience and provided me with a firm tick when it comes to my travel bucket list.
Genocide Museums
Genocide is not the most pleasant of topics, especially when in holiday mode but it’s an integral part of Khmer history that just can’t be ignored. It’s important to learn what this nation has endured in order to understand how it has shaped it’s people. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum S-21 is a former school in Phnom Penh which was converted into a barbaric prison and torture centre during the Pol Pot regime. The Killing Fields are where thousands of innocent people were systematically murdered in horrific ways. I will never forget seeing the glass prism with thousands of skulls on display. Definitely not for young children and probably not for the faint hearted either as these ‘attractions’ are a true testament to cruelty. However, it is a very interesting and incredibly moving experience. Made even more poignant for us when we found out that our tour guide lost his father to the regime – simply for wearing spectacles.
Coastal Cambodia
No trip to Cambodia is complete without adjusting to the flip flop state of mind that the idyllic southern islands just off Sihanoukville can offer. Sat in the Gulf of Thailand, this is literally where the pristine white sands are lapped by the turquoise water. Ridiculously laid back, Koh Rong, Koh Russey and Koh Krabey could not be more different from the bustling, over-crowded cities. Not only can you do some world class snorkelling in these crystal-clear waters, it’s also a good base to explore the lush jungle interiors. This is your place to disconnect from the chaos, reconnect with yourself and enjoy the best selection of tropical fruit you will ever come across in your life.
For many years now, Cambodia has been a popular stop along the South East Asia backpacking route but it really needs to be recognised as a holiday destination in it’s own right. This is a county that has so much to offer for anyone looking for a mixture of culture and beach and has local people waiting to welcome you with open arms. It really is no surprise that Cambodia is known as the Kingdom of Wonder.
