The Cambodian’s Angkor temple complex can be a perfect extension to your South East Asia holiday. You can either fly or travel overland from Bangkok to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and also combine it with a more extensive tour in Cambodia. The country has more to offer than just Angkor Wat for great holidays. Many find the rapidly developing and bustling capital of Phnom Penh a fascinating experience and there are a lot more of Cambodia’s important historical sites and its idyllic, unspoilt beaches for you to explore.
Understanding Cambodia
Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline.
The king placed the country under French protection in 1863 and it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953.
In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced labour or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under Polpot.
A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge
Un-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government but factional fighting continued until the late 1990’s and the remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge only finally surrendered in early 1999. Some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders are still now awaiting trial for crimes against humanity.
In October 2004, King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne and his son, Prince Norodom Sihamoni, succeeded him and the national elections held in July 2008 passed off relatively peacefully.
Some of our suggestions for holidays in Cambodia:
Classic Cambodia Gateway – 8 Days
If you have more time‚ we recommend this wonderful journey to explore Cambodia from north to south. Embark on an 8–day trip starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor complex and explore its great architectural ruins by bicycle. Then make a stop in the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh‚ to see its famous Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda‚ before wrapping up your journey relaxing on beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville. Enquire
Cambodia Highlight – 5 Days
Experience the highlights of Cambodia in just five days with an exciting trip by road connecting between the two main cities of Cambodia‚ allowing you to fully embrace the country’s fascinating culture‚ past and present and its main archaeological sites. Explore the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh‚ enjoy an unforgettable cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake and finally the Angkor complex with its towering monuments to Khmer craftsmanship. Enquire
Angkor Wat & Bantey Chhmar – 5 Days
It’s time to try a new and enriching experience. This five–day journey will take you to see Cambodia from the inside. Begin your journey in Siem Reap and discover the secrets that lay hidden in the first capital of the Khmer Empire. The vast area of the famous Angkor complex will show why it is one of the premier UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then get an insight into Khmer traditions by spending a day in the local village‚ where you will have a chance to experience how an average Cambodian lives. Enquire
Cambodia Odyssey – 12 Days
Cambodia Odyssey is our all–in–one adventure in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The attractions include the famous World Heritage Site the temples of Angkor‚ a visit to the bustling‚ capital city of Phnom Penh and a slice of history at the last Khmer Rouge stronghold. Other attractions include mountain biking‚ sunrise cruising and wildlife watching.
Trip Rating: Moderate – For those wanting Enquire
Angkor and Cardamom Mountain Biking – 9 days
Angkor and Cardamom Mountain Biking is a trip designed for all those who want to combine the splendor of Angkor and bustling Phnom Penh with exploring the Cambodian countryside by bike‚ boat and on foot. This will be nine days of extraordinarily varied memories.
Trip Rating: Moderate – For those wanting a bit more of a challenge Enquire
All our trips are operated by professional guides. We offer our trips not only with English speaking guides but also in German, French, Spanish and many other languages as well. Please mention your preferred language in your enquiry.
Prices for our trips are different depending to the number of persons joining the trip, the dates etc. Please contact us for a personalized quotation.
