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.
maid service near Mundelein ..Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, and... Read More
Many vacation spots purport to offer true relaxation, but upon... Read More
Seasoned travelers often tire of the standard routine of airplane,... Read More
The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More
People often ask me why we keep returning year after... Read More
It has been said that in real estate there are... Read More
Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More
Each year, over two million people find their way to... Read More
Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyr?n?es-Atlantiques.Weather:... Read More
Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have... Read More
Making the decision to dive into the world of timeshares... Read More
For most of us, the basis of a car rental... Read More
Rooms for rent! No, not the kind where you are... Read More
A beautiful and inexpensive place without a tourist in sight.... Read More
Originally founded in the early 1800s as White Oaks, Gatlinburg... Read More
Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination for over two... Read More
Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More
A trip to the Bahamas does not have to also... Read More
At the heart of Central Florida lies one of the... Read More
Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many... Read More
Family Vacation in Costa RicaYou will not have any problem... Read More
Summer vacations - what better topic could there be for... Read More
If you're planning a visit to Australia, then you'll be... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..Holiday time is around the corner and its time to... Read More
Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana is located on the north... Read More
That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More
Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot... Read More
A trip to the Bahamas does not have to also... Read More
Many people believe that the first thing you should do... Read More
Many times, when we plan a vacation, we know where... Read More
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Work-rate, health and even personal relationships may be affected if... Read More
The home away from home but a little bit more... Read More
Hotels are a large component of Pigeon Forge lodging. As... Read More
Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! ... Read More
India has always been an irresistible tourist destination for people... Read More
Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More
You've thought and dreamed about it for months, planning each... Read More
Spent a fantastic trip going down the Oregon Coast to... Read More
Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, and... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyr?n?es-Atlantiques.Weather:... Read More
If you're planning a visit to Australia, then you'll be... Read More
Choosing a condo in Maui is definitely a great investment.... Read More
As a family, we have been visiting Orlando since 1998,... Read More
I had always been told that if you wanted to... Read More
Vacation Rental |