Cambodia

Cambodia, nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, is a land of ancient temples, warm smiles, and a resilient spirit that pulses through every street, forest, and riverbank. Most famously home to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the country offers travellers a gateway into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and the quiet beauty of rural life. The city of Siem Reap serves as the entry point to Angkor’s sprawling stone temples, including Bayon with its enigmatic smiling faces and Ta Prohm, where jungle roots entwine with centuries-old ruins. In contrast, Phnom Penh, the bustling capital, tells a sobering yet essential story of Cambodia’s modern history through sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, while also offering riverside cafés, royal palaces, and a growing contemporary art scene. Cambodia’s natural beauty is equally captivating. The floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, the relaxed beaches of Kampot and Kep, and the untouched islands off the coast of Sihanoukville offer escapes into a slower, gentler rhythm of life. In the north, the Cardamom Mountains provide misty trekking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. Rich in culture, Cambodia celebrates a deep Buddhist heritage seen in saffron-robed monks and gleaming pagodas. The traditional Apsara dance, intricate silk weaving, and shadow puppetry reflect a vibrant artistic legacy. Cambodian cuisine, often overlooked, is both delicate and bold — from fish amok and nom banh chok to fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and the famed Khmer curry. The best time to visit is between November and March, when the weather is dry and pleasant. But no matter the season, Cambodia offers a travel experience layered with emotion — a poignant blend of lost kingdoms, living traditions, and quiet resilience that stays with you long after you’ve left.