One of the least known but most diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Cambodia has it all. From ancient temple ruins and vast jungle landscapes to rustic countryside villages, bustling cities and idyllic islands.
Where:
Cambodia -�Although deservedly most�celebrated for the awe-inspiring and jungle-clad temples of Angkor, a Cambodia holiday offers so much more to the visitor with a little more time to explore. A holiday here might include the teetering stilt villages that line�the great�Tonle Sap Lake, the palaces and�colonial heritage in�the nation’s reborn capital, Phnom Penh or golden beaches, jungle-treks and delightful river cruises.�Topped off with fantastic Khmer cuisine and�wonderful artisan craftwork,�Cambodia is truly a destination worthy of attention.
When:
There are two distinctive seasons in Cambodia, the ‘dry’ and the ‘green’. Generally speaking the country does not experience any rain at all from late November to May, where you can expect glorious blue skies, moderate temperatures and humidity. The ‘green season’ kicks in from June to October, however you should not be put off travelling in this period. Yes, there is the likelihood that you may experience some rain, but this generally come in short, sharp downbursts in the late afternoon and early evening with the remainder of the day being bright and sunny. The countryside is at is greenest, rivers are high, sites are a lot quieter and you can have some amazing deals on hotel prices.
Why:
Temples of Angkor
Rescued from the clinging grip of the enveloping jungle, the vast and ancient temple complex of Angkor is easily one of the most impressive sights in the world. The many jungle-clad temples of Angkor are truly one of the most fantastic man-made sights on the planet, on a par with the Pyramids or Machu Picchu for their sense of sheer jaw-dropping wonder. Seeing the sunrise over the world’s largest religious complex, Angkor Wat; feeling the gaze of countless stone faces watching you at Bayon Temple; clambering around the jungle ruins of Ta Prohm are all magical, unforgettable experiences.
Angkor was once the seat of the ancient Khmer Empire, a huge city home to one million people and at the time the largest inhabited city in the world. The temples themselves were built by the Khmer ‘god-kings’: blending tenets of Hinduism and Buddhism to represent heaven on earth and to be the ultimate expression of creative vision and spiritual devotion.�
Art & architecture
Cambodia was a protectorate of France from 1863 to 1953 and as such a large number of beautifully preserved French Colonial buildings still remain in Phnom Penh, Battambang and Kampot. Phnom Penh and Battambang are also thriving contemporary artistic hubs with literally hundreds of studios and art spaces to explore. From traditional stone sculptors and dance to contemporary artists and performing arts, for anyone that is interested in art the booming artistic culture of these two cities are fascinating to discover.
Local interaction
The people of Cambodia are some of the most genuine and friendliest that you will ever meet on your travels, and has been voted the ‘friendliest nation in the world’ for 2017 by Rough Guides. English is also widely spoken everywhere, from hotels and restaurants to tuk tuk drivers and local families, which makes interacting with the local people extremely easy and very much appreciated. In every destination, whether bustling city or rural village, the opportunities to get to know your hosts are numerous; just make sure you come with a smile and an open heart. Seeing the main sites of any country is always a highlight, however it’s getting beneath the surface and experiencing the local culture and its people that is always the most memorable of any visit.
Stunning beaches and idyllic islands
Cambodia is home to a coastline of over 270 miles, with uncountable stunning beach destinations waiting to be explored. Sihanoukville is perhaps best known as Cambodia’s premier beach destination, with long stretches of blissful fine sandy beaches, beautiful boutique hotels and calm waters, but just off the coast lies a multitude of idyllic islands including Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Most people know, or have a good picture in mind, what Thailand’s islands look like. Koh Rong and its little sister Samloem are exactly the same but if you were transported back in time 20+ years; untouched paradises with fine white sandy beaches, crystal clear and calm turquoise seas, stunning boutique beach resorts and pristine jungle.
Jungles and wildlife
Cambodia is a land little known away from the temples of Angkor, especially to nature enthusiasts. However it is an amazingly diverse destination, home to a huge array of habitats and species, many of which are virtually lost to the rest of Southeast Asia. For a real off-the-beaten-track experience, you can head to the lush northern wildlife reserves of Beng Per and Kulen Promtep, or the dense jungles of Keo Seima and Botum Sakor National parks, where you can truly disconnect and go in search for amazing birdlife, track gibbons through the jungle and seek out sun bears and sambar deer whilst staying in eco lodges and safari tents deep within sanctuaries themselves.
How:
There are no direct flights from the UK into Cambodia. However the nation’s main international airports of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are both very well connected to all the main hubs of the region including Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and can also be reached via the Middle East with Emirates and Qatar Airways. Total flight time vary from approximately 14.5 to 18 hours.
For more details and #HolidayInspirations, ask about InsideAsia Tours at Baldwins Travel Group.
