Cambodia

Exasperated, I thumbed through my guide book and realised that I hadn’t scheduled nearly enough time in Cambodia – a place so rich in fascinating history and culture. Never one to back-down from a challenge, I resolved to make the most of my holiday in Cambodia and see everything that I could in the short amount of time that I had.  Here are my highlights:

1 – Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

I will never forget travelling through the streets of Siem Reap just as the first rays of sun were starting to show over the horizon. Our driver dropped us outside Angkor Wat, the largest religious temple in the World and I had to catch my breath as I took in the scene of monks beginning their morning chores and the sun gradually showing its face over the majestic turrets of the temple. You could spend days exploring the temples of this 12^th century city but highlights for me were watching the sunset at Bakheng Hill, the eerie faces of King Jayavarman VII carved into every wall of Angkor Thom and feeling like Indiana Jones as I followed Lara Croft’s footsteps through the vines which hold up the crumbling Ta Prohm Temple.

2 – S21 – Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

To truly understand a country, it is important to pay respect to its past. You simply must take the time to visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S21). This high-school was converted into a torture and interrogation facility during the rule of the Khmer Rouge and thousands of men, women and children were imprisoned and tortured here. Explore the haunting corridors and rooms of the facility – many of which have been left exactly how they were found after the Khmer Rouge fled in 1979. A thought-provoking but vital experience during your time in Cambodia.

3 – The Killing Fields

The violent history of Cambodia is something that is all too easy to put to the back of your mind as you look at the smiling faces of the people. Pay your respects to the genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge between 1975-1979 by visiting the Killing Fields. This memorial to the victims is just a short drive out of Phnom Penh and is the final resting place for close to 17,000 Cambodians.

4 – Sihanoukville

If you want to lounge on the beach, sip a cocktail (or seven) and party until the sun comes up then Sihanoukville is the place- just don’t schedule your onward journey for too early in the morning or you may end up missing it just like me. While away the day by taking a water taxi to one of the nearby islands to snorkel or don your scuba gear and explore the Vietnam war ship wrecks off nearby Koh Tang.

5 – A Trip down the Mekong

Take a boat trip down the Mekong to witness some of Cambodia’s breathtaking countryside. There are many tours to choose from but I selected to stop off at some traditional villages to sample their food, watch them work and to soak up the atmosphere of a real Cambodian tribe.

Images by aseiff