TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
CAMBODIA
Breathtaking monuments, delicious (and affordable!) food, and a shocking past that happened only a short time ago. Cambodia will leave you with numerous highs and lows but it's beauty will last a lifetime in your memory.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world covering an area of more than 500 acres. This enormous site will take a lot longer to explore than you may think. If you have the time, spread out your exploration over two or three days. There is no better way to begin a day of exploring, than to watch the sunrise over this magnificent monument. Arrive early to stake out your front row seat, because you won’t be alone for long. The sunset over Angkor Wat attracts thousands of tourists and they all seem to flock to the same view point (although you can find alternate viewing areas as well).
Siem Reap
This tourist hub and common starting point for those heading to see Angkor Wat, offers plenty of activities to keep you busy for days. Spend some time wandering the streets, enjoy a cooking classes, shop at the night market, or relax with a massage. You may even decide to try out a fish pedicure (yes, fish!). These garra rufa fish, also known as “doctor fish,” nibble the dead skin from your feet. When the sun sets, this city offers no shortage of entertainment and cheap food options.
Killing Fields
Cambodia has an extremely traumatic past and although tragic, this eye-opening experience is a must-see. During the Khmer Rouge rule from 1975 – 1978, roughly two million people were killed (one-fifth of the population). Anyone who was perceived as being educated, wealthy or in disagreement with the government was tortured and killed. The alternative was slave labor in rural camps. These remnants are now known as the “Killing Fields”.
Battambang Caves
Scattered caves are found amongst this mountain, as well as skeleton remains from the tragic Khmer Rouge era. Temples and monks make their home on the mountain. Be sure to come down from the mountain by 5pm so you can watch the thousands of bats make their nightly exit from the caves.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
This former school not only served as a base for the Khmer Rouge, it was also turned into the largest torture and detention center in Cambodia (there were 196 prisons operated by the Khmer Rouge in total). Approximately 20,000 people passed through this prison and only 7 adults survived. The prisoners were eventually taken to the Killing Fields, where they were executed and buried in mass graves.
Try Some Local Delicacies
Cambodians daily diet normally consists of fish, rice, and vegetables however why not try out another delicacy? Cambodians are known for cooking up crickets, ants and even tarantulas to snack on.
