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.
to o hare transportation Riverwoods .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWhen I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More
If your vacation time is coming up and you are... Read More
Bahamas vacation resorts are great places to look into if... Read More
Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination for over two... Read More
Love the outdoors, looking for adventure, a romantic getaway, or... Read More
Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast... Read More
Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More
Once you make up your mind to on a vacation,... Read More
Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through... Read More
As beautiful and modern as Cozumel is, visitors must remember... Read More
If you're thinking about planning a great winter vacation, think... Read More
For many decades Gatlinburg has been a favorite resort getaway... Read More
Car rental insurance has to be one of the most... Read More
Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More
The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be... Read More
Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
Choosing a condo in Maui is definitely a great investment.... Read More
Italy is a popular vacation destination for families because it... Read More
Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner... Read More
After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and... Read More
Sea Pines Plantation ? The Pearl of Hilton Head IslandHilton... Read More
The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the... Read More
Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches,... Read More
Of course you are anxious to take a vacation this... Read More
That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More
Cadillac Escalade rental Beaverville ..Orlando is calling to you and your family to come... Read More
Real estate in Gatlinburg is thriving. While the 2000 census... Read More
Following the horrendous events on Boxing Day 2005 The Maldives... Read More
When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot... Read More
Summer vacations - what better topic could there be for... Read More
When it comes to shopping for something on-line, we tend... Read More
There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in... Read More
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure... Read More
Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More
This may seem like a very strange title for an... Read More
Lake Tahoe is a pristine recreational lake area. With high-stake... Read More
Vacation rentals are an option when you plan to go... Read More
Those looking to invest in real estate should not overlook... Read More
The Amazonat Jungle Lodge is offering in addition to her... Read More
The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be... Read More
Of course you are anxious to take a vacation this... Read More
Did you know there are no Smokey Mountain cabins for... Read More
It has been said that in real estate there are... Read More
Did you know that staying in a vacation cabin rental... Read More
People often ask me why we keep returning year after... Read More
Cairns Rainforest Retreat is ideally located for your unique rainforest... Read More
The Bahamas serve as the perfect relaxation destination. With pristine... Read More
"I'm coming home. I've been away too long. Been away... Read More
A chalet is a traditional Swiss style house with a... Read More
Vacation Rental |