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Time Travel Turtle

A travel blog with stories beyond the brochure

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CAMBODIA

KINGDOM OF WONDER

I’ve been to Cambodia three times and have spent weeks exploring everything it offers. It has changed a lot since my first visit but it’s still one of my favourite countries in Asia. Let me share with you what I have found.

Michael Turtle – TIME TRAVEL TURTLE

The Khmer Empire once stretched across much of Southeast Asia and was the most powerful of its time. However, in the past century, Cambodia became one of the poorest countries in the region.When you visit, you’ll be confronted with the history of both these periods. The horrific war and genocide that ravaged Cambodia in the 1970s left the country struggling to support its people. Amongst the ruins of great temples, many locals still live in poverty.

But recent decades have seen huge improvements and Cambodia is an incredible destination for travellers. The temples of Angkor is the most popular site and caters well for tourists. In other parts of the country things can be slightly rough but that’s part of the fun. Don’t let it put you off.

I would suggest giving yourself time to see the capital, Phnom Penh, and explore some of the countryside. There are some great beach destinations and smaller cities like Battambang also have things to offer.

BEST TEMPLES AT ANGKOR >> A ONE DAY GUIDE < <

Of course, the highlight of Cambodia is the Angkor temple complex. It’s hard to imagine how vast it is until you get there and start to see it for yourself. To make the most of your time I have put together this guide on the best temples at Angkor to see in one day.

DARK SIDE TO PHNOM PENH >> GENOCIDE TOURISM < <

Cambodia’s capital is often seen as dirty, chaotic and not worth visiting. I disagree (about the not visiting bit – the dirty and chaotic stuff is right) and find the history of the city fascinating… but gruesome. You can see what I mean in my story about ‘genocide tourism’.

IS CAMBODIA SAFE? >> TOURISTS HAVE THEIR SAY < <

Speaking of Phnom Penh being chaotic, it has also gathered a bit of a reputation for being dangerous and I know a lot of travellers are concerned about that before going. I’ve put my thoughts into this post with lots of comments from other travellers.

Travel stories about Cambodia

To explore more of my stories about Cambodia, you can

Use the map to choose by location

Read one of my featured articles

Click through to see all the posts

FEATURED STORIES

The Battambang Battlers

The things to do in Cambodia’s second-largest city aren’t immediately obvious but, with a good guide, you’ll find the best to see.

The ultimate jungle temple experience

You don’t have to go far from Siem Reap to escape the crowds of Angkor – and a trip to Beng Mealea reveals an incredible hidden jungle temple!

Getting back to nature

A Cambodian village is improving the lives of everyone in it but turning their community into an ecotourism destination. But is it working?

Read all my stories >> HERE <<

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