The Kingdom of Cambodia is a South East Asian country whose landscape spans low-lying agricultural fields, the Mekong Delta river system, mountainous hillside and the spectacular Gulf of Thailand coastline. Its hectic capital, is home to the French colonial inspired Central Market, dazzling Royal Palace and the National Museum's historical and archaeological exhibits. Cambodia is also a nation that has had a turbulent recent history, involving European colonial occupation, war and culminating in the rule of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970’s. Approximately two million of her people perished as a direct result of the Khmer Rouge and this was once a country (kingdom) that some 800 years ago constructed some of the largest and most amazing temples; so one really does question how far they have come in the past millennium. With the Khmer Rouge gone, Cambodia once again has its Monarchy in place, and more recently, a form of government ‘loosely’ described as democratic.
The capital Phenom Penh (PP), is like any other city, but it is fair to say it is one of the dirtiest cities I have visited, the rest of the country isn’t much better, which is sad to see. However, there are some worthwhile attractions such as the Royal Palace, The National Museum, The Sisowath Quay, the cities local monkey inhabitants and Wat Phnom. If you’re lucky, and in Phenom Penh during November, you might get to see the spectacular Annual Water Festival which involves boat races on the Tonle Sap River and a carnival atmosphere onshore that attracts millions of people from all over the country.
One of the more chilling attractions is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which is located with central Phenom Penh. This is a former school that was converted into Cambodia's most important prison in 1975 during the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. It is believed that more than 14,000 people were tortured and killed here (or at the Killing Fields); with only 8 prisoners surviving. It is a must-see for everyone interested in Cambodia's horrific recent past. We would also visit the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge, the equivalent of Auschwitz to the Nazi’s, which is located 17km south of the capital. This is the sober site where thousands were murdered and pits dug which would become their mass graves; a somber place indeed.
For all the turbulent history and poor waste management, Cambodia’s southern coast has some brilliant and idyllic beaches! We would venture by local bus from the capital to Sihanoukville and spend a few relaxing days mincing around the town and it’s beaches. There are also some great boats trips to the nearby islands such as Koh Rong Sanloem and Koh Rong. After our time on the southern coast it was time to get back to some serious sightseeing in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
