Cambodia Holiday
Cambodia could be likened to a beautiful butterfly, a country that started out as an ugly caterpillar living in isolation, crawling on the belly of war, but has now emerged as a thriving gorgeous nation that has embedded itself as a must see on the Asian travel itinerary.
The Kingdom of Cambodia has it all, ancient temples, sandy beaches, rivers, forests and tranquillity. A traveller can experience limitless euphoria.
From 1863 until 1953 the country was a protectorate of France, which is why many educated people in the nation speak both the native Khmer and French tongues.
However, the previous war torn image of Cambodia began with not only the Japanese occupation during WWII, but with the United States of America's B52 bombings in 1969. During this period the USA conducted air strikes to destroy communist bases in the country.
In 1970, the Nixon led US army invaded Cambodia and continued bombings until 1973. Up to 500,000 civilians were killed during the attacks.
Following on from the strikes the country became plagued by a horrific civil war, between a hated monarchist regime and an aggressive communist regime led by the Khmer Rouge.
The Khmer Rouge led autogenocide against millions of educated people, and those who opposed Marxism. Many people fled to neighbouring Thailand during this time.
Cambodia only began to gain stability and create a strong infrastructure once the UN sponsored elections in 1993. Prince Sihanouk became king again and a coalition government was formed in 1998.
Nowadays Norodom Sihamoni (Sihanouk's son) sits on the Cambodian throne with executive power held by the prime minister.
The nation is divided into 20 provinces and four municipalities, there are also numerous islands that are included as part of the landscape.
Travel to Cambodia is relatively simple for those already visiting Thailand as the two nations share a border to the north and west. Laos sits to the northeast and Vietnam falls on the eastern border.
Areas of great interest include the Tonle Sap (Great Lake), which measures 24,605 square kilometres during the wet season and is densely populated for wet rice cultivation.
The temperature of the nation is moderate with winter seeing a cool ten degrees and summer a muggy 39 degrees. From May to October tropical monsoons are prevalent and bring quite heavy rains.
The Bonn Om Teuk (Water Festival) is another attraction for travellers with the annual boat rowing contest, hacky sack, cock fighting and soccer. The festival is the biggest Cambodian holiday and is held at the end of the rainy season.
Other popular tourist hot spots include Phnom Penh and Kompong Som which has a popular beach.
Reminders of the atrocities that occurred are also popular with tourists, the Tuol Sleng Museum is the infamous prison of the Khmer Rouge and Choeung Ek is one of the main Killing Fields.
Food is similar to most other south east Asian countries, with the majority focusing around rice and fish. Prahok a Khmer delicacy is often made so fish can be stored for longer periods. Drinking bottled water is recommended and being up to date with most inoculations will also help prevent any unwelcome health problems.
Travelling tips include planning ahead, as the Cambodian transport system was severely damaged during years of war. There are two-rail lines for cross country journeys, boats are also primarily used in villages and the country has six commercial airports.
Custom is also an important part of Cambodian teachings. Travellers should always close doors gently, sit with your legs straight down and not crossed, and always let other people talk more than you. It is also believed that the greater a persons age, the greater the level of respect they should receive.
