DESTINATION: Cambodia

Carved faces of King Jayavarman VII on 54 towers in Bayon, Angkor Thom

"We just returned back to Switzerland from our two week Thailand/ Cambodia/Malaysia trip. You have organised our trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap and back. I do not usually write for services I paid for! But this time I feel the urge to express our gratitude for a very smooth and perfectly professional organisation. The guide who accompanied us in Siem Reap..." - Martin Schenker, Switzerland read more

Following U.N. peacekeeping efforts, the somewhat dubious election of Prime Minister Hun Sen and the dismantling of the Khmer Rouge, the country is now enjoying a period of stability and new-found optimism. It's many wonders are now open to visitors.

Phnom Penh: Asia Meets Europe
The capital city of Phnom Penh (pop. 1 million) is a lively place these days. Cars and motorcycles careen through charming streets lined with many French style buildings dating back to its days as a French colony in the first half of this century. The center of city life is the riverfront boulevard, featuring many bars and restaurants with a big emphasis on French-style food.

One attraction worth visiting (though not for the faint-hearted) is the Killing Field Museum (Tuol Sleng), a former school taken over in 1975 by the Khmer Rouge and converted into a torture chamber. The National Museum is less grisly, with an emphasis on Ancient Khmer history.

The Temples of Angkor
The biggest attraction for most visitors are the temple ruins at Angkor, just a few kilometers from the colonial city of Siem Reap. Well preserved stone temple ruins dating back about 1,000 years cover an area of 200 sq. kilometers. Visitors can easily spend several days exploring here, taking in the thousands of exquisite statues and bas relief carvings that adorn the walls of seemingly endless temple buildings and chedis (stone spires). A cruise on the Tonle Sap -- Asia's largest freshwater lake -- is also a memorable experience.

A Word of Warning: Though Cambodia is now more peaceful than at any time in the last 30 years, visitors should still exercise caution - particularly in the capital. Confine tourism activities to the daytime, since the dimly-lit streets can be dangerous at night. In the more rural areas, stick to well-established pathways (or better yet, travel with a qualified guide), since there are still countless landmines left over from the war years. Hazards aside though, a little prudence is all that's required to enjoy a safe and happy holiday in this remarkable country.

Note: Currently, all foreign visitors can obtain the Cambodia visa upon arrival at the following checkpoints: Phnom Penh International Airport; Siem Reap International Airport, Cambodia-Vietnam border checkpoints at Bavet International Checkpoint and Kha Orm Sam Nor International Checkpoint (Chau Duc town on the Mekhong River, Vietnam); Cambodia-Thailand border checkpoints at Cham Yeam International Checkpoint (Hat Lek - Koh Kong), Poi Pet International Checkpoint and O'smach International Checkpoint. Please also note that the Vietnamese visa on arrival is not available at the checkpoints mentioned above. 

Here is the information that will help you get to know Cambodia better. Read our comprehensive travel guides that include Geography and Weather, Health and Vaccination, Currency Exchange, Domestic and International Calls, Mobile Phones, Internet, Mail and Electricity, Foreign Embassy, Visa and People and Religion.

Availability: Daily
Price: From $380 per person
Accommodations: Angkor Village Resort

Exclusive Journey to Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat (4 Days / 3 Nights), An expedition to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in grand style. The program covers majority of historic attractions. An exclusive package includes private tours, transfers, meals and accommodations at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh, and Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor, Siem Reap. From $767 per person.

The Holy Stream of Siem Reap (3 Days / 2 Nights), Travel on the off-beaten tracks of Angkor Wat and other recently open temple ruins such as Kbal Spean and Banteay Kdei. An exclusive tour with your private guide includes tours, admission fees, meals and accommodations., From $306 per person.

World Wonder (Superior Package) (2 Days / 1 Night), A private tour to visit one of the world's most magnificent structures., From $194 per person.

• Angkor Village, Siem Reap
• Steung Siem Reap Hotel, Siem Reap
• La Residence d'Angkor, Siem Reap
• Le Meridien Angkor, Siem Reap
• Princess Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap
• Sokha Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
• Goldiana Hotel, Phnom Penh
• Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh
• Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh
• Cambodiana Hotel, Phnom Penh