Angkor Wat Temple
A Cambodia holiday is one of great exploration, allowing you to discover remnants of a historic era that has long since passed, alongside picturesque landscapes and stunning beaches.
Tucked between the thriving south-east Asian countries of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia is a country famous for its culture, conflict and magnificent Khmer architecture.
Since the abolition of the Khmer Rouge regime, a dark past that is often associated with the country, Cambodia has been steadily recovering; its increased popularity and rising economy a sign that the country has attractions in abundance.
Heavily influenced by Indian culture and religion, predominantly Hinduism and Buddhism, the area of Angkor is home to the country’s best preserved temple; Angkor Wat. Rich in territorial history, it has become a symbol of Cambodia, attracting thousands of visitors each year and features on the country’s national flag. Ruins of the thousands of temples that once encompassed the country, as well as many parts of Thailand and Laos during the reign of the Khmer Empire, can still be discovered throughout the region. One of the most mysterious destinations in Beng Mealea, located to the north-east of Siem Reap. Here you will discover mass ruins and abandoned stones consumed by jungle wilderness.
Many more of the country’s treasures can be found in the capital city of Phnom Penh, which is home to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and a variety of museums. Among the colonial French mansions and traditional temples, there are also several marketplaces, and the city is rapidly attracting new businesses, hotels and restaurants where you can sample Cambodia’s finest cuisine.
After immersing yourself in the historical and culinary elements of this beautiful country, why not relax by the famous Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake where boat rowing contests take place annually? From Phnom Penh you can take a river boat to Kratie to view the Mekong dolphins, a rare and endangered species. From wetland creatures to dry land, Cambodia has a variety of wildlife parks and sanctuaries. There are several surrounding the area of Siem Reap but the most notable is the Bokor National Park on the south coast, which is inhabited by Indian elephants, leopards and over 300 different species of bird.
Finally, at the foot of Cambodia you’ll find its three main beaches; Sihanoukville, Kep and Koh Kong, as well as several islands off the coast. Sihanoukville is the largest and most reputed of the three resorts, with its white sand and warm Gulf of Thailand waters.
Cheap car hire, albeit with a driver, is easily available in Cambodia, enabling you to travel throughout the country from one adventurous destination to the next. It’s an excellent way to explore the country while benefitting from the knowledge of a local.
Getting to Cambodia needn’t break the bank. With many great value flight deals operating from the UK’s major airports to Cambodia, you’ll be left with more to spend on discovering this mysterious and exciting kingdom.