Let's Travel To Cambodia

As I have written, I am planning on giving into my wanderlust and traveling the world.

But where to go?

Cambodia has really grabbed my attention. Damn near everything I have read about travel to Cambodia is positive. Certainly a person has to have their wits about them no matter where they travel in the world.

So what are some of the reasons a person would travel to Cambodia?

The People

The people of Cambodia are kind and industrious, generous, hospitable and open-minded, and an estimated 93 percent of Cambodians practice Theravada Buddhism. While the poverty rate halved from 2004 and 2011, Cambodia is still a very poor country.

"Despite impressive reduction in poverty, these hard won gains are fragile. Many people who have escaped poverty are still at high risk of falling back into poverty,” said Neak Samsen, Poverty Analyst of the World Bank in Cambodia and the co-author of the Poverty Assessment Report. Visit Cambodia and listen to people's stories. Don't travel to this beautiful country without getting to know those who live there.




                        Cambodia Phnom Penh crowded street on market day



                                                   Always smiling and curious children

The History

Cambodia has a very recent painful history, and learning about it isn't only responsible, it's a way to help the country, and indeed the world, move on. Almost two million people died from starvation, disease, torture and execution under the Khmer Rouge, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979.


                                                                   Khmer Rouge



                                                              Cambodian genocide victims

The Beaches

Turn your attention to the less-traveled beaches of Cambodia. Visitors say islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are what Thailand used to be like 20 years ago.


                                                    Beautiful Beaches of Cambodia


                                                                 Beautiful Cambodia



                                                                Cambodia beaches

The Temples

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument ever built. The massive temple is simply breathtaking. While Angkor Wat is certainly the most iconic temple in Cambodia, you don't just go to see Angkor Wat. 


                                                                          Angkor Wat



                                                               Bayon temple Cambodia

The Food

Rice is a staple, served at pretty much every meal. It may come alone, fried into a cake or with curries, stews and freshwater fish. Beef and pork are commonly served with rice or noodles, typically with herbs and some kind of curry.


 
                 Cambodian cuisine

                                                               The food of Cambodia

The Markets

Like in most city markets you will find everything you could ever want in the markets of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. They are an assault on the senses and experiencing them is one of the best and certainly one of the most riveting ways to get a sense of daily life.


                                                               Market in Phnom Penh




                                         Russian Market of Phnom Penh



Have you traveled to or lived in Cambodia? Is it on your list of places to visit?



"Quit your job. Travel. Die Happy."