There’s a beauty about Cambodia that will take a hold and never let you go. Ascend to the realm of the gods at the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat, a spectacular fusion of symbolism, symmetry and spirituality. Visit Tuol Sleng and come face to face with the Khmer Rouge. Welcome to Cambodia a country where the future is waiting to be shaped.
Just as Angkor is more than its wat, so too is Cambodia more than its temples. The chaotic yet charismatic capital of Phnom Penh is a hub of political intrigue, economic vitality and intellectual debate. All too often overlooked by hit-and-run tourists ticking off Angkor on a regional tour, the revitalised city of Siem Reap is finally earning plaudits in its own right thanks to a gorgeous riverside location, a cultural renaissance, and a dining and drinking scene to rival the best in the region.
Tourism has brought many benefits to Cambodia: it provides opportunity and employment for a new generation of Khmers, has helped to spark a rebirth of the traditional arts, and has given the country a renewed sense of pride and optimism as it recovers from the dark decades of war and genocide. Cambodia is in a great position to benefit from the mistakes of other countries in the region and follow a sustainable road to tourism development. Can Cambodia be all things to all visitors? So far, so good, but a new era is about to begin and the beaches are the next battleground.
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