Cambodia
Asia
Less visited than it's neighbour Thailand, Cambodia is one of Asia's 'hidden gems'.
Highlights
From towering temples and busy markets to beautiful beaches and isolated islands, Cambodia is both inspiring and mesmerising.
The Temples of Angkor
The Temples of Angkor are a point of pilgrimage for both locals and visitors and are one of the world's greatest architectural showpieces. This breathtaking collection of ancient monuments and temples is spread over 400 sq km between the Tonle Sap Lake and the Kulen Mountains. A Cambodian icon and the most famous of the temples, Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture that was constructed in the mid 12th Century and is surrounded by a vast moat. At the heart of the nearby ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, discover the magical Bayon Buddhist temple, topped with dozens of towers carved with more than 11,000 figures.
The beaches of southern Cambodia
Southern Cambodia offers a distinct contrast to the temples found further north around Siem Reap. Perched on a peninsula, Sihanoukville is a lively coastal town boasting beautiful white beaches and sparkling waters. This is a great place to unwind and play in the warm, shallow waters, or to use as a base for exploring the islands just off the mainland.
Bustling Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has remained relatively unchanged, with open-fronted shops bustling with haggling traders and streets teeming with food vendors and colourful markets. Explore this virtually flat city by bike and discover old colonial villas and the lively riverfront. Nearby, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are home to a stunning collection of Buddha statues and are one of Phnom Penh's key tourist attractions. The National Museum, also close to the riverfront, houses an extensive collection of ancient artefacts and Khmer art.