Thu 18th Mar 2010
- Cambodia Travel & City Guide
Due to its politically and economically shaky position Cambodia is one of the least known and traveled to destinations in the South East Asia. Since the 1800s, the country has endured French rule, the Lon Nol government, the Khmer Rouge regime and Vietnamese safe. Just remember, the people are very poor here and a living tourist is worth a lot of money.
Cambodia borders on by Thailand, Lao and Vietnam, but it's rough travel to go overland between these countries. The most comfortable way to travel to Cambodia it to fly directly to it's capital Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh had been the home of the Khmer Rouge Regime from 1975 to 1979. Traveling to Cambodia is almost impossible without a visit here. The city is renowned for its beauty, though recent history took its toll here too. Especially the area surrounding the Royal Palace with the magnificent Khmer towers and the French villas overlooking the banks of the Tonle Sap river is worth a visit.
[we travelled Cambodia from Thailand by Bus, to Poipet border. Then by "Taxi" (a truck) to Battambang, then by river-powerboat to SiemReap (Angkhor), then by boat to PhnomPenh. Later by Bus to Vietnam, Saigon. (careful, dont trust "sin cafe travel comp from saigon!) - Cambodian Visa was accessible at the Poipet border for small money, and the Vietnam Visa was "piece of cake" in Battambang: Full Visa!!! for only us$20 in 7 hours!!! :]
Angkor Wat is the key tourist attraction of Cambodia. The nearly 900-year-old temple has been described as the jewel of the country, transporting visitors in time and spirit. Since its rediscovery in the late 19th century it has been competing with monuments like the Taj Mahal to be listed as the eighth world wonder.
Another touristy hotspot is Kampong Som (Sihanoukville) on the South Coast. Here paradise like bays and empty white sand beaches lined with palm trees are waiting for you to relax and sunbathe.
Other major cities are Battambang, the second largest city, Kampong Cham, Kandal, Prey Veng, Takeo, Kampung Thom, Svay Rieng and Kampong Speu.
Cambodia has three seasons. The rainy, monsoon season, lasts from May to October. November to April is the dry season, this is split into cold season from November to January and the hot season is from February to April. Temperatures change can be very slight between each season and can range from between 21 to 35 degrees celcius. For continuing travelers, there are shuttle services between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. The cost is cheap but the ride is extremely long and uncomfortable until you reach the paved roads of Vietnam. There is at least one land crossing betw.een Laos and Cambodia though foriegners may have an unpleasant time making a go of it