Emirates will soon be touching down in Cambodia for the first time, with the launch of its new services from Europe and the Middle East into Phnom Penh. As more and more tourists descend on the South-east Asian nation, those who haven’t yet visited will want to do so soon, as the country’s tourism management agencies begin restricting access to the Angkor temple complex.
Here are some reasons why you should get to Cambodia as soon as you can:
The Culture
Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in the world, and yet the people are some of the kindest you’ll find anywhere. Most Cambodians are Buddhist, and the monks are revered, and the majority of the people you meet will be happy to teach you a few words in Khmer and practice their English with you.
Phnom Penh is home to a number of NGOs, and people from around the world are doing great work here. There has been a big reduction in orphanage tourism which is excellent, and tourists are now doing their research before volunteering, learning about some of the important projects that are being done.
The History
If you’re visiting Cambodia, you must visit Siem Reap. This is where you’ll find Angkor, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to some of the most incredible history and architecture in the world. There are so many temples that you may want to do your research before you go (Lonely Planet Cambodia has an in-depth guide to the main temples in the park), and some of the more famous include Angkor Thom, Bayon, and of course, Angkor Wat.
You can easily hire a tuk tuk driver who will drive you from temple to temple, and they’ll also often give you some priceless information about the park.
Cambodian history also includes a long civil war, with the Khmer Rouge killing almost a quarter of the population. You’re likely to notice that you don’t see many people of a certain age in the country, so head to Phnom Penh to pay your respects at the Killing Fields and S21.
The Scenery
From the jungles in the north to the islands in the south, Cambodia is stunning. You’ll find both a wet and dry season here and the streets tend to flood in the wet season. The heat and humidity mean that while it’ll be cheaper to visit during the off season, it’s also a lot more uncomfortable. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do here, including snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, and more.
The Ease
Few countries are as easy to get around as Cambodia. The country is relatively safe, just be sure to keep your bag on the opposite side of the road as the biggest problem is the snatch and grabs as motos drive past tourists.
There are a number of great tours which can take you between the main sites, but Cambodia is also extremely popular with solo travellers as it’s so easy to grab a shuttle between main cities for $12 (you’ll also have wifi, snacks and air conditioning).
If you’ve been meaning to visit Cambodia, keep in mind that it continues to increase in popularity each year. Visit as soon as you can to see the main sites without being photo bombed by too many other tourists.
