Big Trip Destinations: Cambodia

Kampuchea. Khmer Rouge. Killing fields. Tomb Raider.

All of these conjour images of Cambodia, another destination for my upcoming trip. Cambodia is a country with nearly as violent a history as its neighbour Vietnam, yet another ex-francophile country that since the end of French colonialism has been torn by civil war and political upheaval that have left huge scars on the country and its people.

At this stage, I am uncertain as to how and when I shall I enter the country, either way it shall be an adventure in itself, as even today Cambodia has a “frontier” feeling to it, that makes every step you take there most interesting.

The main highlights in Cambodia are:

• Angkor Wat: Simply the most enthralling temple complex I have ever visited, it will be a joy to spend more time wandering the temples and ruins that this UNESCO site has to offer;
• Pnomh Penh: A city hugely influenced by the French in its architecture, as well as the Russians during the communist era. Has a great riverside culture to it yet beneath that is the heart of a city trying hard to move on from it’s bloody past – hard with Tuol Sleng and The Killing Fields in such close proximity to the city;
• Sihanoukville & Kampot: Beaches, islands and hillstations.

There is much more, but I have not yet fully read up cambodia, I’d like it to be a surprise, as I havent really ventured beyond the above in the past…

Travelpod

I have started a travelblog over on Travelpod, mainly because I like the little widget you can see to the side of these posts.

It will show my route as it happens and any images I link to the blog over there.  Do not be alarmed though, the majority of my posts will still be made here!

Follow this link to my Travelpod blog and marvel at it’s emptiness – however I do have a great image of Angkor Wat as my blogs image on that site