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.
Ancona limousine airport .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareYou are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
India has always been an irresistible tourist destination for people... Read More
Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have... Read More
It has been said that in real estate there are... Read More
The demand for a stay in an ice hotel has... Read More
When it comes to shopping for something on-line, we tend... Read More
I love Sussex County Delaware. I am native born, multigenerational... Read More
For many people, the Bahamas is a dream vacation site,... Read More
A Fabulous Guide to Florida's Best Rentals: Condos for rent,... Read More
Many times, when we plan a vacation, we know where... Read More
Orlando is calling to you and your family to come... Read More
RV rental vacations aren't cheap, but they do contain loads... Read More
Stay a week or stay a lifetime, the Emerald Coast... Read More
Disney Area Lodging DealsThe Orlando area communities of Lake Buena... Read More
When you venture to Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee, Florida, why... Read More
Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner... Read More
Hilton Head Island's mild climate, slow pace, and beautifully forested... Read More
Sea Pines Plantation ? The Pearl of Hilton Head IslandHilton... Read More
Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown.... Read More
After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and... Read More
Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More
Hospitable to all of our visitors, rental agencies on Hilton... Read More
The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More
When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot... Read More
Vacation packages are a great way for travelers to book... Read More
Buffalo Grove cheapest limo ..Vacation packages are a great way for travelers to book... Read More
There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in... Read More
The rental market and Vacation Home sale market is unsustainable.... Read More
The largest barrier island on the Atlantic coast between New... Read More
Shropshire is England's forgotten county, but it is well worth... Read More
Condo hotels, also known as condotels, are a relatively new... Read More
Once you make up your mind to on a vacation,... Read More
Originally founded in the early 1800s as White Oaks, Gatlinburg... Read More
Bahamas house rental or a hotel? Vacation rentals are becoming... Read More
What is the meaning of a "dream vacation"? What is... Read More
An Award Winning Vacation, Golf, Tennis and Beach ResortIf you... Read More
Did you know there are no Smokey Mountain cabins for... Read More
Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More
The typical scenario goes something like this: your casual mention... Read More
Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! ... Read More
Most of the time, when an individual is planning a... Read More
Gatlinburg cabin rental options range from old-fashioned rustic "log cabins"... Read More
Many vacationers on Hilton Head Island have discovered a simple... Read More
If your vacation time is coming up and you are... Read More
Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast... Read More
Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More
No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting the city... Read More
I love Sussex County Delaware. I am native born, multigenerational... Read More
Spent a fantastic trip going down the Oregon Coast to... Read More
If you're thinking about planning a great winter vacation, think... Read More
Vacation Rental |