Dense jungle, colonial townscapes, secret beaches and tremendous temples, these are some of the 7 things I love about Cambodia.
Cambodia is bursting with antiquity and its heartfelt history is perceptible both physically through its landmarks, and emotionally through its people.
The country is a favourite among travellers taking on the popular circle trail through south east Asia. Backpackers commonly begin in Thailand, travelling eastward through Laos and Vietnam before following the coast down and into Cambodia. Arguably saving the best until last.
Millions visit Cambodia’s Angkor Wat each year, the world’s largest religious land monument, famous for its ancient ruins and giant tree roots.
The 12th Century Buddhist site initially drew me to Cambodia too but I left with many more reasons to love it.
So without further ado, here are the 7 things I love about Cambodia…
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Cambodia, the 7 things I love
The People
Ask any backpacker their favourite thing about Cambodia and I bet your bottom dollar – the country’s second currency – they will say the people. This was my response and the answer I got every time which is why it is top of my list.
Backpacking in south east Asia, I was often greeted with smiles but there was something different about that of the Khmer people. Perhaps they were more genuine, or perhaps they were just a little brighter and a little deeper. It certainly felt so.
Cambodians, by my experience, were also rather talkative and overall positive people. They were quick to help yet seemed to enjoy a laid back approach to life.
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Secret Beaches
Perhaps not so secret now but when I visited Cambodia a few years ago, I was blown away by its unspoilt islands and hidden beaches. Think white sands, rustic resorts and turquoise seas to rival Thailand – but with far less people.
Koh Rong was a place to remember. The tiny island has no roads or transportation besides the colourful wooden boats that take you to its jetty, making it a peaceful paradise.
We stayed in a beautiful log cabin with a sea view terrace and wispy white curtains blowing in the breeze. Spending our days wandering along the beach, we trekked through mini jungle in search of secret bays.
Koh Rong, along with several other islands, is easily accessible by boat from Sihanoukville which offers a great beach scene itself.
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Tangy Food
Cambodia does not disappoint when it comes to tasty food. Like most of south east Asia, Khmer cuisine is rich in exotic fruits and curries. My personal favourite is pineapple – I suppose a combination of the two!
Unsurprisingly, rice is a staple of Cambodian food. Freshwater fish is also a regular choice, thanks to the country’s many rivers and lakes, along with pork and chicken.
Popular spices or flavours include lemongrass, tamarind, turmeric, galangal, kaffir lime and kroeung curry paste. Fresh and Delish!
But food here is generally less spicy than neighbouring countries such as Thailand, with many popular Cambodian curries having a coconut base.
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Terrific Temples
Now there are many impressive temples in this part of the world but I must say Cambodia is home to the greatest showstopper of all.
Angkor Wat offers an iconic display of stone temples engulfed by giant tree roots. You cannot help but imagine yourself as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider as you navigate your way around this ancient 400 acre site.
During my first trip to Cambodia, I stayed at a backpackers’ hostel in Siem Reap and took a tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat for the day. This is a popular option and works well, particularly if you want to enjoy the nightlife on the Siem Reap strip .
But for the more adventurous among us, I recommend finding a homestay or hostel as close to the temple site as possible.
I did this the second time around which meant I could cycle around the temples in the dark and set up for the sunrise – before it officially opened to the public. I felt like the only person in the land before the crowds arrived. A beautiful, intimate moment.
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Heartfelt History
Cambodia is so marked in history, any trip is incomplete without an exploration into its past.
From the French colonial era to the horrifying rule of the Khmer Rouge, the country has been through turmoil. But it’s people are resilient and seem to have turned previous suffering into hope for the future.
The sobering Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh are now tourist attractions and acknowledge the atrocities carried out by the Khmer Rouge.
Angkor Wat also offers a fascinating history. Every temple was built by new rulers in a bid to outdo the last when the Khmer Empire was at its most powerful.
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Cost and Convenience
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in south east Asia, making it one of the 7 things I love about Cambodia.
But costs are rising and it’s always smart to plan your budget, especially if you are planning to move around.
Cambodia’s official currency is the riel (KHR). It is only available inside the country, meaning you won’t be able to convert your money before arriving.
But the country also has an unofficial dual currency – the US dollar. If you want to travel off the beaten track, riel will take you much further. While dollars are used for the vast majority of transactions along the tourist trail.
Visas are available online and even on arrival at the border and pricing starts at just $30. Generally speaking, Cambodia has an easy tourist visa option for visitors staying less than 30 days. But this depends on your home country, of course.
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Simplicity
If you want to feel what Thailand’s beaches and tourist hubs were like a few decades ago, visit Cambodia.
Far less developed than Thai resorts, Sihanoukville has its own unique nightlife thanks to its rickety old beach shacks and sandy terraces lit with fairy lights.
Meanwhile Cambodian cities appear far more authentic than the nearby metropolises of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh offers a delightful mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Khmer embellishments.
But never fear, you can still zip around town by tuk-tuk.
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The 7 things I love about Cambodia
Thank you for stopping by and for wanting to know more about this beautiful part of the world.
Have you been to Cambodia? What are your favourite things?
Until next time,
