CAMBODIA
Cambodia is a fascinating country filled with ancient temples, tropical landscapes, and warm hospitality. It combines rich (but also tragic) history with authentic travel experiences.
Cambodian culture is deeply rooted in ancient Khmer traditions, shaped by Hinduism, Buddhism and art for centuries. From stunning temple architecture to flavorful cuisine and warm hospitality, Khmer culture fills the heart and soul of Cambodia.
The official language of Cambodia is called Khmer. It's a non-tonal language using its own alphabet, which is very hard to learn.
But Cambodians will be very happy if you try to learn and speak some Khmer, for example:
Hello — "Suosdey" (at the same time folding your hands in front of you and bow)
How are you? — "Sok sabay te?"
Thank you — "Aw kohn"
There is no single standardized phonetic system for Khmer. Unlike languages such as Chinese with Pinyin, Khmer words can be transliterated in different ways depending on the system or pronunciation style used.
Visiting Cambodia should also include a confronting with the past, when the Khmer Rouge terrorism destroyed almost the whole country. This genocide brought unimaginable suffering to the people, that should be remembered by everyone visiting Cambodia nowadays.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia's capital city
is a unique blend of tradition and modern city life along the Mekong River
Siem Reap
One of South East Asia's most popular travel destinations as you can explore Angkor Wat from here
Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument in the world telling stories from the past and leaving almost every visitor speechless
Phnom Penh
Visiting Phnom Penh felt like traveling in time. Life seemed slower and more relaxed than in other cities I've visited before, but also sad because of the past. What happened in Phnom Penh is unimaginable, yet it's not even long ago.
In the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia, leaving the country and its people devastated.
Almost every Cambodian family lost someone during the genocide.
Visiting places like the S21 prison and the killing fields is something every tourist should do to remember the victims.
Where to stay: I can recommend staying in Mettavary Hotel because of its convenient location and the nice view over Phnom Penh from their rooftop bar.
(This is just my recommendation from personal experience, no paid advertisement).
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was built in the 19th century. It's a complex of traditional Khmer architecture: golden rooftops, gardens and memorial halls like the Silver Pagoda. It is still the official residence of the Cambodian King as Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy.
Independence Monument
Built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia's independence from France in Khmer style, inspired by the architecture of Angkor.
Promenade
The perfect place to watch Mekong Delta sunsets and talk nice walks. Experience Phnom Penh's energy and enjoy some food or coffee along the riverside area.
Central Market
Experience the local life and culture by exploring a big market and eating local food there. I think that going to markets is always a great way to get in touch with local life so you can also visit other smaller markets that are less touristy.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Now a museum, this building served as the Security Prison 21 during the Khmer Rouge Regime. A visit provides a powerful and emotional insight into the country's past and the resilience of the Cambodian people.
Killing Fields
This is a memorial site outside the city to honor the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime and remind every visitor of the importance of peace, humanity and rememberance.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the gate to Angkor Wat. From here you can explore the biggest religious site in the world.
But the city itself is also nice to visit with some cute cafés, restaurants and pagodas.
Siem Reap Homesteading
If you go to Siem Reap, I can highly recommend staying with Rathanak and his family. They build their homestay as a family business and were very welcoming and supportive with anything I needed.
I got to learn about Khmer culture and language there which is so fascinating to me. And also, Rathanak and his wife share the same dream like Tuong and me.
A peaceful garden homestay to share their culture and hospitality and by that, to support their kids to go study.
By visiting them, you support a local family business that is run by their hearts.
Angkor Wat
This is for sure one of the most fascinating places you can visit in your life.
How could they even build all of this back then?
The temple complex was built in the 12th century and became a timeless masterpiece of Khmer architecture that overcame many wars and and confliucts. There are many sites that you can visit, either by tour or on your own (with a rented motorbike), but you will have to buy a ticket to be able to enter the huge area.
Going there for sunrise and sunset is even more magical, but take care in the heat during the day.
I ended up getting a sunstroke because I was so fascinated by all these temples, ruins and statues that I didn't take a rest for a whole day. You can easily spend days or even weeks to discover all of Angkor Wat.
"Angkor" means city, while "Wat" is the Khmer word for temple, so it means "Temple City" as it used to be the seat of the Kings of the Khmer Empire. It was first built as a Hindu temple, then later became an important Buddhist site.
"Exploring Angkor Wat was one of the
most fascinating experiences of my life."
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