Nestled on the side of the Gulf of Siam, Cambodia is a fascinating country. You will probably be subdued by the wealth of Angkor temples or the diversity of landscapes, but it's perhaps the Cambodian soul, which is both serious and joyful, which moves you the most. This population expiates its painful history, its bubbling youth, smiling to the world, the Theravada Buddhism shapes society and guides the meaning of life and the Mekong unabatedly continues to enhance each monsoon with the Tonle Sap Lake, the cradle of Khmer civilisation.
Upon arriving to Phnom Penh, you will discover a human-sized, dynamic and noisy capital. The heritage of the French protectorate is still evident across architecture, such as the art-deco style central market, but it's visiting the royal palace which enables you to get your feet wet. The S-21 camp and the genocide museum provide a different atmosphere altogether, giving visitors the chance to descend into the hell of the Khmer Rouge.
Stop off at Kampong Thom, on the road to Siam Reap, to prepare for exploring the enormous city of the Khmer Empire. Take a photo of Angkor Vat during the sunset from Phnom Bakheng, visit Bayon and Ta Phrom but also Beng Mealea or Banteay Srei, a temple dedicated to Shiva.
Moving west, discover Battambang and the NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak, which helps young people to be emancipated by culture and art, get away by visiting Wat Bannan, a very well preserved temple. Stroll around the seaside resort of Sihanoukville or appreciate the authenticity of Kep and the famous pepper of Kampot.
For an end-of-the-world atmosphere, away from tourists, immerse yourself deep into Cambodia by exploring the remote and transforming regions of Môndol Kiri and of Ratanakiri discover the small town of Banlung where a sleeping Buddha temple and the prettiest waterfalls of the country in Bou Sraa await you... There are many wonders to discover!
