Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through 1980, the Khmer Rouge ruled the country, fanatics bent on genocide. Millions were killed and the period was put to film in the movie, "The Killing Fields." Fortunately, those days are over and the country is becoming a tourist destination.
Cambodia is a land of incredible contrast. Thick forest, mountains and pristine rivers compliment amazing white beaches. When you get down to it, however, travelers know Cambodia for two things, Angkor Wat and the nastiest roads around. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. The city is a combination of old French beauty and modern condominiums. The city is full of amazing Wats [Buddist monasteries], including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and Wat Moha Montrei. Modern buildings surround these monasteries and it's difficult to avoid a feeling that the old ways are being lost.
Still, the vibrancy of the city is impressive considering the fact that it was completely abandoned for three years in the last 70s. During this period, the Khmer Rouge tried to return the Cambodian people to their agricultural heritage and evacuated all cities. The only exception, of course, is Tuol Sleng, a high school used to torture and kill "enemies of the state." Just beyond the city, one will also find the infamous killing fields where thousands upon thousands were put to death.
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a small, sleepy village on the Southwest edge of Cambodia. Fairly undeveloped, the area is an oasis similar to the beaches of Thailand. The difference, however, is the lack of tourists. Depending on the time of year, the beaches can be more or less empty and privacy assured. Rooms run between $5 and $15 a night and come with private bathrooms. If you are looking to lounge professionally, Sihanoukville is a very good place to do it.
Angkor Wat
Stunning. There is no other word for the temples of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a temple surrounded by hundreds of others. Each is unique and worth a look. The most famous are Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Phrom. Angkor Wat is in the best shape as well as the most known. The Bayon is impressive, but the constant mob of tourist makes it a pain to visit. Ta Phrom is amazing because it has been left to the jungle, which is to say trees and the structure have become one in many areas. If you have seen Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie, you have seen Ta Phrom. Personally, I prefer Angkor Wat to the Pyramids in Egypt.
Roads From Hell
Cambodian roads are evil. There is simply no other way to put it. The country is hit by monsoons every year and is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge. This combination has resulted in roads with huge potholes, missing bridges and pretty much the worst elements of Dante's Hell. Avoid them if at all possible!
Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - preserve the experience with a written journal. Visit http://www.nomadjournals.com to read more travelogues and articles.
emergency cleaning services Glencoe ..Vacation packages are a great way for travelers to book... Read More
The Costa del Sol has long been one of the... Read More
An Award Winning Vacation, Golf, Tennis and Beach ResortIf you... Read More
Margarita Island is one of the lesser known Caribbean islands.... Read More
Stay a week or stay a lifetime, the Emerald Coast... Read More
Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a... Read More
Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FLThere are numerous choices for lodging... Read More
Real estate in Gatlinburg is thriving. While the 2000 census... Read More
Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing... Read More
This may seem like a very strange title for an... Read More
Spent a fantastic trip going down the Oregon Coast to... Read More
Work-rate, health and even personal relationships may be affected if... Read More
Motels became prominent in the United States after the advent... Read More
Rooms for rent! No, not the kind where you are... Read More
No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting the city... Read More
Of course you are anxious to take a vacation this... Read More
Wiltshire is a large English county situated in central southern... Read More
Choosing a condo in Maui is definitely a great investment.... Read More
At the heart of Central Florida lies one of the... Read More
With India being a major world tourist in the world,... Read More
The secret treasure of Davenport's and Kissimmee's townhouses.Though usually Orlando... Read More
Originally founded in the early 1800s as White Oaks, Gatlinburg... Read More
I had always been told that if you wanted to... Read More
Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado... Read More
Disneyland became the very definition of a theme park and... Read More
reliable maid service Highland Park ..Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Of course you are anxious to take a vacation this... Read More
What makes certain styles of pants so popular? One reason... Read More
Disney Area Lodging DealsThe Orlando area communities of Lake Buena... Read More
Once you make up your mind to on a vacation,... Read More
Many vacationers on Hilton Head Island have discovered a simple... Read More
The southern English county of Hampshire is only two hours... Read More
A Fabulous Guide to Florida's Best Rentals: Condos for rent,... Read More
Bahamas house rental or a hotel? Vacation rentals are becoming... Read More
Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in... Read More
For many people, the Bahamas is a dream vacation site,... Read More
I had always been told that if you wanted to... Read More
Italy is a popular vacation destination for families because it... Read More
Disneyland became the very definition of a theme park and... Read More
Maui is one of the islands found in Hawaii. It... Read More
Originally founded in the early 1800s as White Oaks, Gatlinburg... Read More
Those looking to invest in real estate should not overlook... Read More
It has been said that in real estate there are... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
Cheap vacations can still be relaxing, fun and whatever else... Read More
The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More
Most of the time, when an individual is planning a... Read More
It is a common assumption for most Americans that they... Read More
What kind of traveler are you? Do you want everything... Read More
The Bahamas serve as the perfect relaxation destination. With pristine... Read More
Vacation Rental |