Introduction to Cambodia

It has never been easier for independent travelers to visit the Kingdom of Cambodia, 181,035 square kilometers of land squeezed between PDR Lao and its higher profile neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam.

It is best known as the site of the UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient temples of Angkor and, sadly, for its tragic recent history of involvement in the American/Vietnamese war and the tragic struggle between the republican government and the Khmer Rouge which culminated in the siege, fall and evacuation of its capital city, Phnom Penh, in 1975 and what the world today knows as the “Killing Fields”.

Today Cambodia's population of 13 million is still largely very poor and the government situation is often unsettled but with the help of overseas aid and technology and their own stoic and hardworking characteristics, Cambodians are slowly clawing their way into the 21st century and welcome visitors to enjoy the many simple pleasures and the increasingly international-standard facilities which their country has to offer.

The majority of visitors arrive in Cambodia at one of the international airports in either the capital city of Phnom Penh or the city of Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor Wat. Direct flights into Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Vientiane, Taiwan and major cities in China and Vietnam.

However, there are also land border crossings from all neighbouring countries. The crossing at Moc Bai in Vietnam is the closest to Phnom Penh and the crossing at Poipet, Thailand, is the closest to Siem Reap and the Angkor Temples.

Most nationalities need visas to enter Cambodia but these are available on arrival at both the international airports and at land border crossings – except from PDR Lao. Clearly, if you are travelling into Cambodia from Lao, you should get your visa at the Embassy in Vientiane.

The Provinces

Many tourists limit their stay in Cambodia to visiting the capital city of Phnom Penh and the Temples of Angkor at Siem Reap.

However, there are a number of smaller, regional cities and towns which are in themselves fascinating tourist destinations or simply great places to relax and cool your heals after hectic social nights in Phnom Penh or the rigours of climbing the heights of Angkor Wat.

Please refer to the individual sections in this guide for more details of these destinations, their attractions and how to get there.

The free, 2007 Editions of the on-line Thailand and Vietnam Travel Guides are now available in English. Other Travel Guides will be available in the near future.

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