Cambodia has modified loads since I visited as an brisk backpacker 20 years in the past, however what I quickly discover is that not all change is nice
Not too long ago I spent per week in Cambodia the place I visited the tropical southern island of Koh Rong, the laid-back city of Kampot, and the vibing capital of Phnom Penh.
It was my first time again within the Kingdom in 20 years.
Naturally, a lot has modified since I used to be a 20-something backpacker searching for out the very best price range experiences my greenback may purchase.
Lots has modified since then – some for the higher, however sadly, some for the more severe
Whereas I’m nonetheless a budget-conscious traveller, today I’m extra constructed for consolation, therefore, the choice to fly into Sihanoukville from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis at appreciable expense in comparison with different choices like “bussing” it through Phnom Penh.
Sihanoukville is the leaping off level to the gorgeous islands only a 30-minute speedboat experience offshore within the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Rong is probably the best-known of the islands dotted alongside the shoreline, and that is the place my journey actually started.
A spotlight is the western facet of the island the place a 5 kilometre stretch of white sand seaside and turquoise waters awaits. Within the video under, you’ll get to see simply how lovely it’s.
We stayed on the island at Treehouse Bungalows excessive up within the treetops and never too removed from the principle ferry terminal, making it a handy place to remain.
After three sun-kissed days spent getting about on a bike, swimming and beachcombing alongside stretches of remoted seaside with nobody else in sight, we set foot again on the mainland for the two-hour rail journey east to Kampot.
Below French-colonial rule within the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, Kampot was Cambodia’s most essential seaport earlier than the institution of Sihanoukville across the time the French left within the Nineteen Fifties.
Lately it’s well-known for its pepper and French-colonial structure, which is behind the city’s push for UNESCO World Heritage itemizing.
We stayed on the enjoyable Bamboo Bungalows on the banks of the gorgeous Praek Tuek Chhu River simply a few kilometres outdoors the city centre not removed from the “Outdated Bridge” constructed by the French and that survived Cambodia’s darkest interval below Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime.
My last vacation spot earlier than flying residence to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was the capital Phnom Penh.
As I discussed earlier, I’d visited right here 20 years in the past when journey was extraordinarily difficult and the impression of the Khmer Rouge was nonetheless uncooked.
Lots has modified since then – some for the higher, however sadly, some for the more severe.
One factor that’s a must-visit in Phnom Penh is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the location when shut to twenty,000 Cambodians had been tortured and executed throughout Pol Pot’s reign of terror.
Whereas profoundly unhappy, the museum is well-curated and organised, and in such a method that even when you don’t pay further for the audio information (US$5), you don’t miss out on the essential points of what passed off right here.
After a morning go to to the museum, the pool at Plantation City Resort & Spa was the best place for some quiet introspection and reflection on the expertise.
The resort is ideally situated close by the Royal Palace making it a superb base to discover town on-foot.
For extra in-depth element of my expertise travelling in Cambodia in 2023, watch the video under.
As regular, when you’d like to achieve out, make sure to remark under, or go to my YouTube channel and remark there.
Observe The Bureau Asia on Instagram @thebureauasia
Observe Matt on Instagram @mattcowanasia
Be part of The Bureau Asia Fb Group
Observe The Bureau Asia Fb Web page
Take heed to The Bureau Asia Podcast
Associated
