Cambodia attracts four to five million visitors every year. The glory of this lovely country is indescribable in mere words. Cambodia hosts magnificent monuments and sparkling beaches to offer its tourists.
The following is a list of factors stating why you should opt for Cambodia as your next travel destination.
Angkor Wat & Other Angkor Temples
Angkor Archaeological Area is truly the national symbol of Cambodia. The massive complex hosts innumerable temples, while Angkor Wat temple being the largest religious monument ever built. This ancient city served as a capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th century. Every temple in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is impressively constructed and intricately carved. Wandering around in the ruins amidst a jungle is a one-of-a-kind experience. The Bayon temple in Angkor Thom based in the centre of the lost city of Angkor consists of 216 giant stone heads staring at the visitors here. When on your visit to Angkor, you could book your stay at Tresor d’Angkor Suite which ranks among the Siem Reap best hotels and is at a close proximity from the temple complex.
History Of Cambodia
Cambodia holds a recent painful history. It was during the ruling of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979 when almost two million people died due to disease, torture, starvation and execution. In your visit to the country, you can witness not only the horrific history but also see the admirable efforts to rebuild. Make sure you visit the museum that occupies the Tuol Sleng prison and the killing fields outside Phnom Penh. One can’t appreciate the present day Cambodia without stepping into the torturous and bloody past of the Khmer Rouge rule.
Authentic Khmer Food
Khmer dishes are the local cuisine in Cambodia. Rice is served as a staple for every meal. Rice may be served along with curries, stews, fried or grilled freshwater fish or maybe fried into a cake. The signature dish of the Khmer cuisine is fish amok, a white fish steamed in a banana leaf and is topped with coconut cream. The famous Kampot Pepper has originated from Cambodia and is used in a lot of delicacies. You can also savor delicious Western food in a lot of good restaurants here.
Lively Day & Night Markets
Lively local markets are found in every city all over the country. The stalls at the markets sell everything from fresh produce to sneakers. Countless products are sold in these markets, stacked on the ground and hung on the walls and ceilings overhead. These markets are bustling with activity through the day. These markets are the best way to experience and get a feel of the daily life of the locals in Cambodia.
The Capital City – Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and one of Asia’s brightest destinations. This cosmopolitan city portrays the contrast between tradition and modernity. Phnom Penh has a lesser population as compared to the other South-East Asian cities. The tragedy under the Khmer Rouge which involved the slaughter of millions of people echoes in the quietness of the city. However, the momentum displayed by the city in recovering and moving forward is inspiring. The waterfront by the Mekong River is a lovely place to take an evening stroll. There are plenty of free activities to do in Phnom Penh.
Pristine Untouched Beaches
The pristine white sand beaches with swaying palms and crystal clear waters create a serene environment for visitors to enjoy. The beaches in Cambodia do not have too many tourists, thereby creating a peaceful atmosphere. The Koh Rong, Koh Tonsay and Otres Beach are a must visit for all beach lovers seeking to simply lie on the sand and enjoy a beer. Visit the beach in the evenings and click lots of memories with the beautiful sunset as the backdrop.
People Of Cambodia
You will always find a bright cheerful smile on the faces of the locals in this country. The people here are hospitable, generous and always have open arms for tourists. 93 percent of the Cambodian population practices Theravada Buddhism. Cambodia is comparatively a poor country in spite of the poverty rate being halved from 2004 to 2011. The devastating effects of recurrent landmines create deep scars in the life of Cambodians. However, their ability to stand back up and move on in life is admirable. Cambodians have so little they possess but are ever so grateful for all that they have. This quality of theirs makes every tourist mindful for everything they take for granted. Cambodians make every person question their way of life.
The above reasons surely tempt every traveler to opt for the lovely Cambodia as their next travel destination. Cambodia is a country like no other and promises every tourist a memorable holiday.
Enjoy your Cambodian holiday!